MAM
Thomson looks to capitalise on Asia media space
MUMBAI: French Electronics and media services company Thomson has outlined a strategic growth map for the next two years.
As far as the media and entertainment sector is concerned the company is looking to broaden the offering to existing clients and expand client base including Asia.
The company is looking to double the number of clients with whom it generates over E25 million in sales. It is also looking to add at least five new revenue-generating activities to its portfolio.
One major change is that the company will no longer manufacture television sets. It will sell its tubes and display business. Instead the group will focus on media technologies like technology for set top boxes. It plans to raise its profile in technology-related debates and industry choices.
It is looking to double revenues in technology from the current E150 million. The core research budget will go up by 50 per cent in 2005 and 2006.
Thomson chairman and CEO Frank Dangeard said, “Our two-year plan is driven by the way in which we see our core markets and client base evolving through 2010. Based on this long-term view, we have defined our 2006 strategic priorities and, in each case, we have clear roadmaps and targets.
“The group has new momentum, reflected in a simple and flexible organisation. By 2006 we will be fully focussed on the media and entertainment industries, have a more diversified spread of activities and a broader client base, and will be uniquely positioned to benefit from the rapid pace of technology change in these industries.”
In the framework of its two year plan, Thomson has significant revenue generating business units which will remain “locomotives” for growth. This includes physical media in the form of film and DVDs.
Digital
India leads global adoption of ChatGPT Images 2.0 in first week
From anime avatars to fantasy covers, users turn AI visuals into culture
NEW DELHI: India has emerged as the largest user base for ChatGPT Images 2.0, just a week after its launch by OpenAI, underlining the country’s growing influence on global internet trends.
While the tool was introduced as an advanced image-generation upgrade within ChatGPT, Indian users are quickly reshaping its purpose. Instead of sticking to productivity-led use cases, many are embracing it as a creative playground for self-expression, storytelling and online identity.
From anime-style portraits and cinematic headshots to tarot-inspired visuals and fictional newspaper front pages, the model is being used to create highly stylised, shareable content. Features such as accurate text rendering, multilingual prompts and the ability to generate detailed visuals with minimal input have helped drive rapid adoption.
What sets the latest model apart is its ability to “think” through prompts, generating multiple outputs and adapting to context, including real-time web inputs. But the bigger story lies in how users are engaging with it.
In India, trends are already taking shape. Popular formats include dramatic studio-style lighting edits, LinkedIn-ready headshots, manga-inspired avatars, soft pastel “spring” aesthetics, AI-led fashion moodboards, paparazzi-style visuals and fantasy newspaper covers. Users are also restoring old photographs, creating tarot-style imagery and experimenting with futuristic design concepts.
Local flavour is adding another layer. Prompts such as cinematic portrait collages and Y2K-inspired romantic edits are gaining traction, blending global aesthetics with distinctly Indian internet culture.
The surge reflects a broader shift in how AI tools are being used in the country, moving beyond utility to creativity. As younger users, creators and social media enthusiasts experiment with new visual formats, AI-generated imagery is increasingly becoming part of everyday digital expression.
If early trends hold, ChatGPT Images 2.0 may not just be a tech upgrade but a cultural moment, giving millions a new visual language to play with online.
