MAM
Hutch, Fastmobile bring ‘push2talk’ mobile service to India
MUMBAI: Reiterating its leadership in providing innovative services, Hutch has now launched ‘push2talk’ mobile service that combines a walkie-talkie experience with instant messaging, Short Messaging Service (SMS), Multi-media Messaging Service (MMS) and voice messaging.
The push2talk service was first introduced in the US last year, by Nextel Communications.
Hutch has partnered with international technology partner Fastmobile for the service and will be available to all Hutch and Orange users nationally.
Hutchison Essar director Asim Ghosh said, “Push2Talk further expands the utility of the mobile phone. It opens up a new channel of communication. Push2Talk benefits the value-conscious consumer as much as the enterprise user. It is unique since it uses existing infrastructure to deliver a unique, new user experience. “Over 150,000 Hutch and Orange users will be immediately able to use the service in India.
Fastmobile senior vice president Adam Sewall said, “Bringing fastchat to one of the world’s fastest growing mobile phone market represents a significant step for the company. We’re very pleased to achieve this milestone with our partner Hutchison Essar. Hutch is one of the leading brand names in India and also has the vision of expanded VAS to both its consumer and enterprise customers.”
Hutch has been running trials of this service over the last three months. The push2talk service will be available at a price of Rs 99 per month. Users will also be able to send unlimited push2talk messages.
Brands
Hyundai launches updated Ioniq 5 with 84 kWh battery, 690 km range
Priced at Rs 55.7 lakh, adds design, tech and safety upgrades.
MUMBAI: Charge it up, stretch it out, Hyundai’s latest electric upgrade is going the distance, quite literally. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has introduced an updated version of its Ioniq 5, packing in a larger 84.0 kWh battery that delivers a claimed range of up to 690 km (ARAI-certified), marking a significant leap in everyday usability for its flagship electric SUV.
Built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the refreshed IONIQ 5 aims to balance performance with practicality, reducing range anxiety while making long-distance electric travel more viable. The upgrade builds on a model that has already secured global recognition, including the World Car of the Year title.
The changes aren’t just under the skin. On the outside, the SUV gets a sharper, more futuristic look with redesigned front and rear bumpers, new skid plates, sporty alloy wheels, a revised rear spoiler and updated V-garnish lighting, all while retaining its signature Parametric Pixel design.
Inside, Hyundai has focused on making the experience more intuitive. The cabin now features a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel with illuminated pixel elements, dual 12.3-inch displays, and a reworked wireless charging pad integrated with physical controls for seat functions small tweaks that aim to improve day-to-day usability.
On the tech front, the IONIQ 5 gets Hyundai’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), Controller Over-the-Air (C-OTA) updates, and now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. New additions such as Active Sound Design and in-car payment integration for EV charging reflect a push towards a more seamless, connected ownership experience. Remote immobilisation via Bluelink has also been introduced as an added security layer.
Safety sees incremental upgrades too, with features like Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (Rear) and side parking distance warnings enhancing manoeuvrability in tight urban spaces.
The updated IONIQ 5 is available in four colour options Gravity Gold Matte, Midnight Black Pearl, Titan Grey and Optic White with an Obsidian Black interior theme.
Priced at Rs 55.7 lakh (ex-showroom), the new IONIQ 5 positions itself as a more rounded offering, less about futuristic promise, and more about making electric mobility fit seamlessly into everyday life.
