Author: Neel Achary

X Half Digital Camera Debuts in India with Lightweight 2-in-1 Vertical Design

New Delhi, 12th June 2025: FUJIFILM India – a leader in imaging technology is pleased to announce the launch of the “X half” compact digital camera (Model name: FUJIFILM X-HF1) as the newest model in the X Series, which uses FUJIFILM’s unique color reproduction technology to produce exceptional images with a compact, lightweight camera. Inspired by half-frame cameras, the X half offers new creative expressions and enchanting photographic experiences.

Sharing his excitement about the new launch, Mr. Koji Wada – Managing Director, FUJIFILM India said, “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products and solutions that embody our Group purpose of ‘Giving Our World More Smiles.’ By blending diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people, we aim to create solutions that bring joy and smiles to the world. This isn’t just a product launch; it’s a celebration of visual storytelling in a format that feels familiar yet forward-looking. We believe the “X half” will ignite a new wave of photographic curiosity across generations.”

Mr. Arun Babu, Associate Director & Head of Digital Camera, instax™ & Optical Devices Business, FUJIFILM India added, “The “X half” is more than a camera, it’s a tool for self-expression. With intuitive design, iconic film simulations, and playful modes like 2-in-1 compositions and Film Camera Mode, it empowers users to slow down, shoot with intention, and enjoy the creative process. This product brings Fujifilm’s signature color science to a new audience who values both aesthetics and authenticity in their content.”

The “X half” features a rear LCD monitor ideal for vertical composition, allowing vertical shooting and movie recording at a 3:4 aspect ratio. The “2-in-1” 2 feature allows users to combine two still images or movies into one composition in-camera, providing richer storytelling capabilities than single images.

The optical viewfinder evokes the feel of film cameras, recreating and improving upon distinctive rendering capabilities. The camera features our popular “Film Simulation” and “Grain Effect”, which reproduces the unique grain texture of film photos, along with new filters such as light leak and halation, to provide users with a wide range of creative expressions.

Our lightweight design and aesthetics evoke the appeal of classic cameras in a compact 240 g body. The compact size and easy-to-use touch controls on the rear LCD of the X half mean that you are ready to shoot anywhere, anytime.

The new dedicated “X half app” will also enhance the joy of viewing, sharing, and printing. Pairing the camera with Bluetooth mobile devices allows you to transfer still images and movies to smartphones, enjoy various viewing formats, and send images to instax™ Link series smartphone printers 3.

We are also introducing a “Film Camera Mode” to simulate the thrilling experience of film photography. Rediscover the magic and excitement of film photography as you view subjects through the optical viewfinder, pull the frame advance lever on the camera’s top plate after each shot, and digitally develop images through the dedicated “X half app”.

The “X half” offers the joy of photography to everyone.

1. The weight includes a battery and a memory card.

2. A composition created by dividing a 3:2 screen in the center and placing 3:4 vertical still images/movies on both the left and right sides to create a photo composition or movie composite.

3. Compatible models: instax mini Link2™, instax mini Link3™, instax SQUARE Link™, instax Link Wide™

１． Product Features

(1) New Photographic Expressions with X half

・The X half features a 3:4 aspect ratio rear LCD monitor and optical viewfinder for vertical composition. It can take vertical still images and movies commonly taken with smartphones.

・The X half features a 1-inch back-illuminated sensor and a 32mm F2.8 (35mm equivalent) prime lens, providing clear image quality in a compact lightweight design. The focal length is identical to One-Time-Use camera「QuickSnap」, allowing “QuickSnap” enthusiasts to enjoy shooting with a familiar angle of view.

・You can easily create 2-in-1 images in-camera by combining vertical still images and movies with a winding up of the “frame advance lever”. You can also create 2-in-1 images *4 with your favorite still image combinations through the dedicated “X half” app. The app enables simple and intuitive editing, including changing dividing line colors and sizes or swapping left and right images.

・The “X half” is equipped with 13 Film Simulations*5 that provides many different color expressions, including “REALA ACE” to combine faithful color reproduction with dynamic tonal expression. Select different photo films for different subjects and scenes.

4 Creating 2-in-1 images that include movies is only available in-camera, not with the app.

5 X half does not provide PRO Neg. Std, PRO Neg. Hi, ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS, MONOCHROME, or MONOCHROME Ye/R/G.

(2) New Shooting Experiences and Joy inspired by Film Photography

・The “X half” incorporates three new filters inspired by film photography: “Light Leak”, “Halation”, and “Expired Film”. You can enjoy film camera’s unique expression in digital camera, as well as an additional eight popular filters from the instax™ series.

・The “X half” features the “Grain Effect” that adds natural grain to the entire image to create film-like textures. Various film grain textures can be applied to change the texture of still images and movies.

・The “X half” is also equipped with a new “Date Stamp” function, making it possible to imprint dates in the bottom right of images and movies like film photos.

・The “X half” features a “Film Camera Mode.” This mode recreates film photography in digital era, by selecting a film simulation and number of shots at the start, you cannot review images until all shots are taken *6. Winding up the frame advance lever on the camera’s top plate after each shot enables the next shutter release. After taking the selected number of shots, transfer the image data to the new dedicated “X half app” to digitally develop, view, edit, and share the photos you have taken. Contact sheets are also saved after digital development.

・The new dedicated “X half app” will allow users to view still images and movies as if appreciating a gallery or album, directly upload images to social media, print to an instax™ Link series *7, and order photo products *8. The “X half” offers the joys of shooting, viewing, sharing, printing, and creating.

6 The Film Camera Mode can be canceled at any time by double-tapping the sub LCD monitor. When canceled, obtain images captured up to that point by transferring image data to the X half app.

7 Images taken in Film Camera Mode cannot be printed directly through the X half to an instax™ Link series.

8 This service will launch in Japan and expand globally.

(3) Compact and Authentic Product Design

・The “X half” features a lightweight 240 g body that doesn’t require extra lenses, offering a convenient size and weight perfect for everyday use.

・The product design maintains the high quality of the X Series while ensuring operability. It reproduces the appeal of classic cameras, providing an aperture ring, frame advance lever, and other controls to deliver a satisfying tactile response that captures the essence of traditional analog photography.

・The “X half” has a new interface operated by swiping and flicking on the two rear LCD monitors. Smooth touch operations allow the user to intuitively change shooting settings and film simulations, providing comfortable operability in a compact body.

・The camera’s optical viewfinder captures scenes exactly as you see them. With the optical viewfinder, you can shoot up to 880 frames and immerse yourself in photography all day without worrying about battery life.

NeoSOFT Accelerates Growth with Strategic Office Expansions Across India to Power AI Innovation & NeoNXT Platforms

Mumbai, 12th June, 2025: NeoSOFT, a global digital engineering and IT solutions provider, has declared a significant expansion of its footprint with the launch of new office campuses in Mumbai, Airoli (Navi Mumbai), and Pune. The company will also hire 1,100 professionals to work out of these offices. This follows the company’s overall plan to accelerate the build-out of NeoNXT, its next-generation platform, while at the same time bolstering its strength in the domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud infrastructure.

The new facilities are a strategic investment to strengthen operational capacity, drive innovation, and attract high-quality technological talent. Spread across three locations, NeoSOFT will add 400 more seats to its existing Mumbai office, its Airoli office will house 400 employees, and Pune will have a 300-seat capacity.

The offices are poised to be up and running at full capacity by June 2025 so that the company can onboard 1,100+ new engineers dedicated to high-priority growth initiatives, such as platform development, AI/ML, and enterprise solutions.

“This expansion is both a strategic and cultural milestone for NeoSOFT. It reflects our ambition to not only scale rapidly but also to invest in future-forward capabilities that will shape the next era of digital transformation. These spaces will foster innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning”, said Nishant Rathi, Co-Founder and Director, NeoSOFT.

The office expansion will also serve as the foundation for multiple Centers of Excellence (CoEs), where cross-functional teams will collaborate on building intelligent solutions in areas such as Gen AI, machine learning, data analytics, and automation. Additionally, the new locations will host Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to support NeoSOFT’s growing portfolio of international enterprise clients, providing agile delivery and deep domain expertise.

“As we scale our presence across India, we’re committed to fostering an environment that supports both creativity and talent. These offices will serve as platforms for innovative solutions in AI, cloud, and digital transformation, empowering our dedicated teams to shape what’s next in tech for our clients in India and abroad”, said Nikhil Rathi, Co-Founder, NeoSOFT. 

BITS Pilani Alumni Raju Reddy donate Dollar1 Million to establish Kakatiya Rural Innovation, Technology and Implementation Centre

National, 12 June 2025: BITS Pilani, an institute of eminence, has announced the establishment of the Kakatiya Rural Innovation, Technology and Implementation (KRITI) Centre, a visionary initiative aimed at inspiring and enabling students and alumni to create meaningful social impact across India. KRITI which in Sanskrit means Creation or Work of significance is a pioneering centre that has been made possible by a generous endowment contribution of $1 million from distinguished BITS Pilani alumnus Raju Reddy and his wife Neerja Reddy, both accomplished change makers and deeply involved in rural development initiatives Raju Reddy is a visionary entrepreneur, angel investor, board member, and former Chairperson of BITSAA International. Phanindra Sama former ceo and founder of redBus and an alumnus, is also helping shape the vision and strategy for the centre. He and Sarika, his wife will also join Raju & Neeraja as founding donors for the centre.

KRITI is poised to significantly expand BITS Pilani’s engagement in the social impact sphere, building upon the legacy of successful alumni-led initiatives such as Sattva, Nirmaan, Thinkerbell Labs, and Ashoka Changemakers. By harnessing the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of BITS students and alumni, the Centre will develop sustainable and scalable solutions to pressing rural and social challenges.

“The establishment of KRITI marks a pivotal moment in BITS Pilani’s journey,” stated Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani. “It reinforces our unwavering commitment not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing socially responsible innovators who can transform the future of rural India. This Centre will serve as a vital launchpad for a new generation of change makers dedicated to building an inclusive growth . We are profoundly grateful to Neeraja and Raju Reddy for their visionary support; their commitment is a powerful testament to their belief in the ability of BITS students and alumni to drive meaningful change.”

Speaking on the development, Raju Reddy, Former Chairperson of BITSAA International, added, “For India to become an economic superpower, we believe that the districts of India have to become the engines of economic growth. We hope KRITI will help power the ideas and entrepreneur spirit of BITS students, its alumni and other talented innovators across the nation to make meaningful impact at scale in rural India.

The Centre’s core objectives include cultivating value-based leadership for social transformation, supporting the incubation of high-impact ventures, creating robust pathways for engagement with non-profits, social enterprises, grassroots innovators, and fostering empathy, volunteerism, and responsible citizenship. KRITI also aims to cultivate a vibrant community of faculty and alumni who will collaboratively develop and implement technology driven solutions for rural development.

To achieve these ambitious goals, KRITI will initiate a comprehensive range of activities. These include launching a dedicated Rural and Social Impact Club across all BITS campuses, designing specialized incubation and acceleration programs for non-profit and social ventures, and organizing an annual national showcase of student-led social innovations. The Centre will also offer fellowships to cultivate a new cadre of rural and social impact leaders. Furthermore, it will integrate socially relevant projects into academic curricula, establish a central knowledge hub for the BITS community, and actively raise funds from alumni, corporates, and government bodies to support long-term, sustainable initiatives. Crucially, KRITI will play a vital role in deploying BITS-developed technologies to address critical grassroots challenges.

Gartner Predicts that Guardian Agents will Capture 10-15% of the Agentic AI Market by 2030

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD, June 12, 2025 — By 2030, guardian agent technologies will account for at least 10 to 15% of agentic AI markets, according to Gartner, Inc.

Guardian agents are AI-based technologies designed to support trustworthy and secure interactions with AI. They function as both AI assistants, supporting users with tasks like content review, monitoring and analysis, and as evolving semi-autonomous or fully autonomous agents, capable of formulating and executing action plans as well as redirecting or blocking actions to align with predefined agent goals.

Guardrails Are Needed as Agentic AI Usage Continues to Grow

According to a Gartner May 19, 2025 webinar poll of 147 CIOs and IT function leaders, 24% of respondents had already deployed a few AI agents (less than a dozen) and another 4% had deployed over a dozen.

The same poll question found that 50% of respondents said they were researching and experimenting with the technology, while another 17% of respondents said that they had not done so, but planned to deploy the technology by the end of 2026 at the latest. Automated trust, risk and security controls are needed to keep these agents aligned and safe, accelerating the need for and rise of Guardian Agents.

“Agentic AI will lead to unwanted outcomes if it is not controlled with the right guardrails,”

said Avivah Litan, VP Distinguished Analyst at Gartner. “Guardian agents leverage a broad spectrum of agentic AI capabilities and AI-based, deterministic evaluations to oversee and manage the full range of agent capabilities, balancing runtime decision making with risk management.”

Risks Increase as Agent Power Increases and Spreads

Fifty-two percent of 125 respondents from the same webinar poll identified that their AI agents are or will primarily focus on use cases related to internal administration functions such as IT, HR, and accounting, while 23% are focused on external customer facing functions.

As use cases for AI agents continue to grow, there are several threat categories impacting them, including input manipulation and data poisoning, where agents rely on manipulated or misinterpreted data. Examples include:

• Credential hijacking and abuse leading to unauthorized control and data theft.
• Agents interacting with fake or criminal websites and sources that can result in poisoned actions.
• Agent deviation and unintended behavior due to internal flaws or external triggers that can cause reputational damage and operational disruption.

“The rapid acceleration and increasing agency of AI agents necessitates a shift beyond traditional human oversight,” said Litan. “As enterprises move towards complex multi-agent systems that communicate at breakneck speed, humans cannot keep up with the potential for errors and malicious activities. This escalating threat landscape underscores the urgent need for guardian agents, which provide automated oversight, control, and security for AI applications and agents.”

CIOs and security and AI leaders should focus on three primary usage types of guardian agents to contribute towards safeguarding and protecting AI interactions:

• Reviewers: Identifying and reviewing AI-generated output and content for accuracy and acceptable use.
• Monitors: Observing and tracking AI and agentic actions for human- or AI-based follow-up
• Protectors: Adjusting or blocking AI and agentic actions and permissions using automated actions during operations.

Guardian agents will manage interactions and anomalies no matter the usage type. This is a key pillar of their integration, since Gartner predicts that 70% of AI apps will use multi-agent systems by 2028.

Gartner clients can read more in Guardians of the Future: How CIOs Can Leverage Guardian Agents for Trustworthy and Secure AI. Additional details can also be found in the complimentary Gartner webinar CIOs, Leverage Guardian Agents for Trustworthy and Secure AI.

Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo

At Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, CIOs and IT executives will learn how to execute current technology priorities while preparing for an AI-augmented future, and enable growth today and imagine new sources of value tomorrow. Follow news and updates from the conferences on X using #GartnerSYM, and on the Gartner Newsroom.

ASBL’s Broadway Eyes Rs1000 Cr Sales During Pre-Launch Dispels Hyderabad Realty’s Muted Growth Narrative

Hyderabad, June 12, 2025 – ASBL, a well-renowned and established builder in Hyderabad’s real estate sector, is all set to launch the much-anticipated Broadway, a premium residential gated community, on June 14. The project, spread over five acres in Financial District’s prime area, has recently garnered the coveted Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) approval. It will feature three towers with G+50 floors, 885 luxurious 3 BHK flats ranging from 2035 to 2650 sq. ft., and will be handed over by December 2029.

Innovative design elements to create a unique living experience for residents

While ASBL’s new series is inspired by Manhattan, a borough of New York City, the project is designed by keeping various sensibilities of Indian families in mind and will provide futuristic homes for several generations to come. The project offers a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring expansive balconies framed by three-sided glass railings, which provide uninterrupted views of the city and create the perfect space to relax and unwind. This outdoor living concept offers a rare urban space that blends indoor comfort with outdoor freedom.

In addition, the project’s curtain wall design, with full floor-to-ceiling windows, offers observatory-like views of the Financial District. This feature adds a touch of luxury while enhancing the sense of space and seamlessly connecting the indoors with the outdoors. The innovative design elements work together to create a unique living experience that combines modern luxury with practicality.

West Hyderabad’s appeal stronger than ever for real estate investment in India

Despite the slight overall real estate market slowdown in India in the recent times, Hyderabad has been contributing significantly to India’s total residential sales, highlighting its significance in real estate sector. As per ANAROCK Q1, 2025 report, Hyderabad saw 10,300 new units being launched and 10,100 units were also sold during the same period. Also, according to Cushman & Wakefield, the West Hyderabad region in particular accounted for 51% of total new residential launches in Hyderabad in Q1 2025, reinforcing its position as the market leader in the city.

With its advanced infrastructure and a range of ongoing and upcoming residential projects, West Hyderabad continues to remain as one of the most lucrative areas for investment, not just within the state, but the entire country as well. The buyer’s interest remains particularly strong in the premium and high-end segments (especially in West Hyderabad) that ASBL’s Broadway is strategically targeting. Not surprisingly, the project has been receiving a remarkable response from the prospective buyers, even in the current pre-launch phase.

Ajitesh Korupolu, Founder & CEO of ASBL, excited about the forthcoming project, remarked “Since 2015, Mercer, the globally reputed consulting firm, has consistently ranked Hyderabad as India’s most liveable city for six times. This speaks volumes about the tranquillity, safety, cosmopolitan outlook, freedom, and quality of life that this great city has been offering for several years now, and will likely continue to do so. With ASBL Broadway, we aim to unlock the potential of the city even further, especially that of West Hyderabad, as it is a location with excellent infrastructure and connectivity with leading hospitals, schools, and major business hubs, making it an ideal choice for homebuyers. In short, Broadway is a community designed specifically for those who seek limitless living, comfort, and luxury.”

Clove Oral Care Toothpaste and Toothbrush goes live on Amazon, Flipkart, and other e-commerce portals

New Delhi, June 12, 2025 – Clove Oral Care announces its strategic foray into the consumer oral care segment with the launch of its own line of clinically tested and customized toothpaste and toothbrushes. This launch marks a significant milestone in Clove Oral Care mission to elevate preventive care and oral health education in India by offering dentist-perfected, problem-specific solutions that address real-world dental issues experienced by millions. The products are available online at Clove Oral Care website, at select modern trade and e-portals like Amazon and Flipkart.

The new Clove Oral Care range is built on the insight gathered from over a decade of dental practice across India. Clove’s experts observed a clear need for targeted products tailored to Indian oral care needs, especially those that go beyond cosmetic promises to actually address conditions like sensitivity, enamel erosion, dry mouth, and paediatric oral hygiene. Backed by clinical research and crafted by dentists, this new product line aims to bring professional-grade care into Indian households.

The toothpaste range includes five specialized variants: Hydrate, a first of its kind product developed to relieve dry mouth using Optaflow® technology that stimulates saliva production; Revive, a remineralizing formula that repairs and strengthens tooth enamel; Sensitive, enriched with Potassium Nitrate to offer instant relief from hypersensitivity; Kidz, a color-changing, gentle formula created especially for children with age-appropriate fluoride content; and Ultimate, a comprehensive everyday solution that promotes gum health, prevents decay, and strengthens enamel. All products are infused with fragrance, taste, and moisturizing technologies developed with Symrise, Germany, featuring patented innovations like OptaFresh® and Optaflow® that support oral flora and boost emotional well-being through sensory appeal.

Clove’s toothbrushes complement the toothpaste range with ergonomically designed, dentist-approved models that come with densely packed DuPont Tynex round headed, ultrasoft bristles with Superior Flexibility & Bend Recovery properties, giving long life and promoting correct brushing techniques and minimizing plaque build-up. Unlike generic brushes and pastes available in the market, Clove Oral Care’s line is deeply rooted in clinical understanding, bridging the gap between in-clinic care and at-home hygiene.

Mr. Amarinder Singh, Founder and CEO of Clove Oral Care, said, “We’ve been very deliberate in how we’ve priced this range. Oral care that is scientifically backed and professionally developed shouldn’t be restricted to niche markets or luxury price tags. By positioning our products in the mid-premium segment, we’re ensuring that high-quality, dentist-approved solutions are within reach for a much wider audience. It’s about delivering real value products that meet clinical standards yet remain practical for everyday use across Indian households.”

The formulation journey brought together multiple expert collaborators. The toothpaste formulas were ideated and perfected by the Clove team of experienced dentists, while R&D and formulation were executed in collaboration with Dabur’s innovation team. Key raw materials were sourced from Symrise in Germany, ensuring global-quality standards, and the packaging was carefully designed to offer multi-use functionality with vibrant appeal and sustainable intent.

Clove Oral Care is the first company that has taken a comprehensive approach towards ensuring everyone’s dental health. It has launched a ‘product + service’ model that offers every Clove Oral Care customer a ‘complementary dental consultation’ valid at 600+ Clove Dental clinics that spread across 26 cities.

Celebrate the Spirit of Fatherhood at Raffles Udaipur

National, June 2025 – This Father’s Day, Raffles Udaipur invites guests to honour the profound bond of fatherhood with an afternoon of heartfelt celebration set against the tranquil backdrop of Udai Sagar Lake. On Saturday, 15th June 2025, families are welcomed to the island resort for a thoughtfully curated experience that blends culinary finesse, wellness rituals, and cherished family moments.

The celebration will take place at The Dining Room, where a set-menu brunch awaits, artfully crafted to reflect Raffles’ signature approach to dining—elegant, generous, and evocative of place. From 12:30 PM onwards, guests will experience an afternoon that speaks to the heart, honouring fathers through every detail.

This year’s gathering features a series of wellness-led activations, designed in harmony with Raffles’ philosophy of mindful living. Fathers can enjoy a scalp diagnosis and personalised haircare consultation, guided by trained experts and accompanied by tailored recommendations and a bespoke self-care card. Guests may also take part in Hand Yoga sessions, conducted hourly by certified trainers—20-minute workshops that encourage relaxation and holistic wellbeing.

A creative Kids’ Corner adds to the spirit of celebration, where young guests can design heartfelt cards for their fathers. These handcrafted notes will be presented in envelopes during brunch, becoming keepsakes of love and memory. Fathers will also receive thoughtful takeaway gifts, adding a personal and enduring touch to the experience.

Event Highlights:

Date: Saturday, 15th June 2025

Time: From 12:30 PM onwards

Venue: The Dining Room, Raffles Udaipur

Special Offer: Fathers dine complimentary when accompanied by family

“At Raffles Udaipur, we believe in creating experiences that resonate emotionally—where moments of joy, reflection, and connection come together seamlessly. This Father’s Day, we are pleased to offer a celebration that not only honours the bond of fatherhood but also nurtures the wellbeing of fathers through thoughtfully designed wellness touchpoints,” said Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur.

With its blend of culinary artistry, wellness, and warmth, Father’s Day at Raffles Udaipur promises an afternoon of elegance and connection—where the joy of being together becomes the most meaningful celebration of all.