eNews
Spelling B: ‘Batman’ to help you study
MUMBAI: Now, the caped crusader will help you in your studies. Spelling, adding, problem solving, among other activities, will be more fun for kids, in the six to eight year age group, with Batman.
Because American electronics company VTech, which creates Electronic Learning Products (ELP), is coming to Gotham City with a new VSmile game Smartridge.
This is based on The Batman, the animated series, from Warner Bros Animation.
VTech signed a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Comics to feature the Caped Crusader in a VSmile Smartridge for use with VTech’s award-winning VSmile TV Learning System and VSmile Pocket.
With Batman as their guide, children will engage in various fun, developmental activities that immerse them in a complete video game experience, while practicing the subjects they’re learning in school, including spelling, reading, math and problem solving.
VTech Electronics North America president William To says, “VTech is committed to creating electronic learning products that engage, educate and entertain children. Batman is a character that kids aspire to be. He is a self-made super hero whose attributes are a perfect fit with our product features and goals.”
VTech’s product puts kids in the middle of the action in Gotham City as Batman uses his unique combination of intelligence, technology and gadgetry to fight crime.
The VSmile TV Learning System combines a video game platform and educational content in a system that connects directly to the TV. Children navigate each game by using a handheld joystick with oversized buttons.
Building on last year’s successful debut of the award-winning VSmile TV Learning System, VTech recently announced the addition of the VSmile Pocket and 15 new Smartridges to the VSmile library for 2005.
VSmile Pocket, a handheld educational video game system for children aged 5+, offers high definition video gaming in an easy-to-hold, portable system.
The VSmile Smartridge library, has 25 titles and is compatible with both the VSmile TV Learning System and the VSmile Pocket.
eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
