iWorld
5G revolution in India strikes the Indian Smart TV market
Mumbai: The fifth generation (5G) of cellular networks has given rise to a new era of high-performing connectivity in India. This telecommunications milestone is already revolutionizing several industries and how they function. Agriculture, education, manufacturing, farming, and healthcare have all been engulfed in the wave of innovations ushered by 5G.
As the 5G wave begins to reshape the digital landscape in India, entertainment, and media are not far behind. 5G has enabled high-quality, buffer-free streaming and interactive experiences like 360-degree live sports events. 5G-powered VR experiences have become commonplace, and this technology has truly widened the scope of entertainment. The consumer electronics sector, especially the modern household staple Smart TVs, has been influenced to a tremendous degree by this seismic advancement in connectivity.
Smart TVs have already transformed at-home viewing by merging streaming, apps, and internet browsing – all into one single platform. This advancement was achieved on the backs of 4G networks, where speeds peak at 100 to 200 Mbps. 5G changes the game completely, with a hundredfold increase in speeds reaching up to about 10 Gbps. It provides improved latency and an increased range for holding up to 100 times more traffic. This further transforms Smart TVs and expands the scope of seamless entertainment. How fast the pace of this transformation would be now depends on the level of accessibility an average consumer has to this network.
5G’s rapid yet developing expansion not only meets the high-data demands of urban consumers but also manages to tap into the demands of rural and semi-urban consumers that previously faced connectivity challenges. As per Ericsson’s Mobility Report, 5G subscriptions in India are projected to increase from 119 million at the end of 2023 (representing 10% of all mobile subscriptions) to a staggering 840 million by the end of 2029, constituting 65 per cent of the total subscriptions. With leading Indian telecom players contributing to the country’s connectivity ecosystem, the deployment of 5G and its observed response has established India as a pivotal nation in the global telecom landscape.
Expanding the scope of smart TVs
With the advent of 5G, Smart TVs have become a Swiss Knife of sorts when it comes to entertainment. Think of it as technology on steroids. The new available high-speed connectivity allows Smart TVs in India to stream Ultra-HD and even 8K content without buffering. Global OTT platforms that offer services in India are already optimizing their services for 8K. The low-latency connections offered by 5G enable more efficient cloud gaming directly on Smart TVs without gaming consoles including multiplayer AR/VR games. During the last 2023 World Cup, the mix of 5G connectivity and Smart TVs made it possible for viewers to enjoy buffer-free live sports streaming, with features like multi-angle viewing and instant replay.
Integration of AI and IoT devices into Smart TVs has been possible because of 5G. This allows for tailored recommendations based on consumers’ viewing habits. 5G-enabled Smart TVs use AI-driven personalized content suggestions, and a large segment of viewers prefer to engage with personalized content recommendations on streaming platforms, increasing watch time.
Beyond entertainment, 5G-enabled Smart TVs have transformed homes into hubs for connectivity where users can control home appliances, lighting, and security cameras from their TV interface.
Expansion of IoT-driven electronics
India also proves to be an emerging IoT (Internet of Things) market for multiple industries primarily due to the rise in integration and creation of IoT-enabled products and services. The arrival of 5G comes at a time when its implementation delivers remarkable response times when coupled with IoT applications. Thus, making smart devices even smarter and more efficient by enhancing their performance in real-time.
As per iLounge’s article on The Impact of 5G on IoT Adoption and Implementation, “The improved features of 5G can also empower the creation and activation of more advanced IoT devices. Such devices will run faster, respond quicker, have longer battery life, and carry more complex tasks. This not only will enhance the efficiency and reliability of current IoT devices but will also create new possibilities for use cases and business models.” For instance, 5G networks reduce response times in IoT applications from 50 milliseconds to 1 millisecond, a boost particularly beneficial for real-time applications like autonomous vehicles and remote healthcare. This growth not only expands IoT’s reach but also reinforces India’s position as a leading market for IoT innovation for the years ahead.
The convergence of 5G connectivity and Smart TV will be the backbone of intelligent entertainment systems. The day is already upon us when TV isn’t just a device for viewing, but a portal to more immersive experiences that cater to our needs in real time. This future is fast, incredible where innovations are endless, and the best part is that this amazing new journey has just begun.
iWorld
Prime Video unveils biggest India originals slate yet
Nearly 55 titles across languages signal deeper push into films, series
MUMBAI: Prime Video is turning up the volume on Indian storytelling, unveiling its largest-ever Originals slate at the ‘Prime Video Presents’ showcase, with close to 55 series and films spanning languages, genres and formats.
The new lineup, which stretches across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, signals a clear intent: go bigger, go wider, and meet audiences wherever they are watching, whether on streaming screens or in cinemas. Alongside Originals, the platform also announced a fresh theatrical slate under Amazon MGM Studios, marking a deeper step into the big-screen business.
Among the headline acts is The Revolutionaries, a large-scale drama from Nikkhil Advani starring Bhuvan Bam and Rohit Saraf. The slate also features Matka King with Vijay Varma, Raakh starring Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, and Lukkhe, which marks rapper King’s acting debut. Adding a genre twist is Vansh – The Kalyug Warriors, positioned as India’s first homegrown Hindi superhero series for streaming.
Familiar favourites are also making a return, with new seasons of Farzi, Panchayat, Call Me Bae, Dupahiya, Dahaad and The Traitors in the pipeline, reinforcing the platform’s bet on established franchises.
Regional storytelling gets a notable push. Highlights include a Telugu adaptation of The Traitors hosted by Teja Sajja, the drama Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat, and Tamil titles such as Exam and returning seasons of Vadhandhi and Inspector Rishi.
The slate also opens new creative partnerships. Hrithik Roshan’s HRX Films steps into streaming with Storm and Mess, while Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions backs Don’t Be Shy. Production houses including Excel Entertainment, Tiger Baby Films and The Viral Fever further deepen the creative bench.
On the theatrical front, the platform is lining up five films, including Raftaar starring Rajkummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh, VIBE directed by Kunal Kemmu, Dilkashi with music by A. R. Rahman, Nayyi Navelli featuring Yami Gautam, and Kuku Ki Kundli starring Wamiqa Gabbi.
According to Prime Video India director and head of Svod business Shilangi Mukherji, India remains central to the platform’s global growth, ranking among its top markets for new subscribers. She noted that nearly two-thirds of users watch content in more than four languages, underlining a growing appetite for diverse storytelling.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok, said the new slate reflects a continued push towards bold, culturally rooted narratives with global appeal.
In short, Prime Video is not just adding titles, it is widening the lens. From small-town dramas to superhero sagas and cinema-ready spectacles, the message is simple: more stories, more voices, and far more ways to watch them.
