MAM
Viacom’s consumer products division to create ‘Star Trek’ themed mobile device
MUMBAI: This is an initiative that seeks to extend a cult television and film brand to the mobile. Sona Mobile and Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products have announced a partnership in the US. The two parties will develop a rich content enabled mobile device.
Themed after Star Trek communicator
devices popularised by characters on the science fiction television and movie series, the special edition Star Trek Communicator Phone offers fans of mobile technology the ability to play a multi-player, online Star Trek game, stream real-time video, and surf the Internet as well as access ring tones, wallpapers, news, information and Star Trek fan activities.
The Star Trek Communicator Phone is powered by Sona Mobile’s Sona Wireless Platform (SWP). This offers multi-threading capability for running several applications concurrently. The SWP makes it possible for end-users to stream video clips while simultaneously text messaging a friend or accessing information on the Internet, without negatively impacting device performance.
Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products VP interactive Sandi Isaacs remarked, “There is a tremendous opportunity to tap into Star Trek fans around the world and offer them a device to interact, connect and download Star Trek entertainment. This not only promotes the Star Trek spirit but creates a new paradigm for the wireless community.”
Brands
Madhu Soman joins Crestoria Global advisory board role
Former WION, Zee Business executive pivots to mentorship platform
MUMBAI: Madhu Soman, former chief business officer at WION and Zee Business, has joined the board of advisors at Crestoria Global, marking a shift from newsroom leadership to mentorship and education.
Soman, who brings close to three decades of experience across journalism and media management, said the move reflects a growing focus on shaping the next generation through guidance and real-world insight. His career spans leadership roles at organisations including Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters and Reuters, covering markets from India to Asia-Pacific.
“Across 28 years in the news business, one idea kept resurfacing as a meaningful off-ramp, teaching, mentorship, and helping shape the next generation,” said Soman. “Crestoria sits right at that intersection.”
Crestoria Global, which positions itself as a long-term education and career advisory platform, focuses on helping students navigate global opportunities through structured guidance, research-led insights and personalised mentorship. The company said its approach goes beyond university admissions to focus on long-term career positioning.
Soman added that the platform’s philosophy of designing success with intent, rather than leaving it to chance, resonated with his own outlook on impact and influence.
The advisory board brings together professionals from diverse fields, including academia, media and corporate leadership, aimed at offering students a broader perspective on career pathways in an increasingly complex global landscape.
As he steps into this new role, Soman’s move signals a wider trend of seasoned industry leaders turning towards mentorship, where experience is not just shared, but scaled for the next generation.
