12, Jun 2025
From Streets to Streams: Pocket FM’s Desi Ear Cleanse Gets a Global Glow-Up

India, June 12, 2025 – What happens when the world gets too noisy? When advice, opinions, and content come at you from every direction, and your ears can’t take it anymore?

Pocket FM decided to tackle that question in the most unexpected (and uniquely Indian) way. The brand roped in a bunch of global influencers, who took to the Indian streets, and got their ears cleaned by street-side ear-cleaners who have been doing this for generations.

Part street-side quirk, part social commentary, and all heart, this unique activation is the latest addition to Pocket FM’s ongoing larger campaign – India, Kuch Acha Suno! It is a call to block out the noise and listen to something truly worth your time. With a mix of humour, nostalgia, and cultural insight, the campaign turns ear-cleaning into a powerful metaphor: sometimes, you need to hit reset before you can hear clearly.

“We live in probably the noisiest times. We are exposed to unsolicited advice, opinions, and noise from every direction,” said Vineet Singh, Head of Brand Marketing and Communications at Pocket Entertainment. “The ‘roadside ear cleaners’ concept both metaphorically and literally holds a mirror to our lives, filled with noise we never signed up for. It takes forward our brand ideology and adds a quirky and global twist to it. It further reinforces our message – Block out the chaos and listen to something that actually makes us feel better.”

Designed as a series with multiple videos, the phygital campaign features popular content creators like Brown Wanderers, Kyle Paul, Andy Evans aka The Aussie Bhai, Joshua Barnes, and Praveen, immersed in the bustling chaos of Indian streets.

They turn to an age-old Indian tradition: the street-side ear cleaner for a free ear-cleaning experience that also cleanses their mind, soul and playlist.

Shot on real locations with real reactions, the videos hilariously document their journey from information overload to inner peace, ending with each of them slipping in their earphones, blocking out the madness, and tuning into Pocket FM.

The campaign struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Within the first week of launch, it garnered over a million engagement, including 900k video views across platforms. Pocket FM also saw a significant uptick in app engagement, with 37% increase in search trends in the month.

In an era where digital overload is real and influencers themselves are calling out the pressure to constantly perform or preach, this campaign flips the script. It taps into a cultural truth, both Indian and global, that we are surrounded by noise, and it’s okay to walk away from it.

12, Jun 2025
KLAY Preschools & Daycare launches heartfelt Father’s Day celebrating dads who are imperfect but all in

12th June 2025— This Father’s Day, KLAY Preschools and Daycare- one of India’s most trusted early education and childcare providers, pays tribute to the often-unsung, everyday efforts of fathers with a heartfelt new digital campaign titled “Fathers of today. All in. All heart”

Told through the innocent, observant eyes of a child, the film captures the beautiful messiness of a dad’s morning, mismatched socks, clumsy ponytails, slightly burnt toast and the unwavering love that runs through it all. Each frame is a celebration of the quiet devotion with which fathers juggle work meetings, school runs, and bedtime stories, showing up in big and small ways, every single day.

In a world where the narrative around parenting is still largely mother-. centric, this campaign gently shifts the spotlight to dads, not perfect ones, but the real ones. The ones who try. Who forget the water bottle but never the hug. Who signal “one sec” during Zoom calls but never fail to notice a child’s hand-drawn rocket.

The film culminates in a tender Father’s Day moment, where the little girl gifts her dad a crayon-made card that simply reads: “Happy Father’s Day to the best Appa ever.” It’s a small gesture, but one that encapsulates everything, the joy of being seen, loved, and appreciated just as you are. The final montage reinforces KLAY’s central promise: to support parents who show up, so their children can shine.

Commenting on the campaign, Shireen Sultana, Senior Vice President – Marketing, KLAY Pre-School and Daycare, said, “Parenting has never been a one-person job and today, more than ever, fathers are stepping into roles that go beyond convention. With this campaign, we wanted to honour not perfection, but presence. At KLAY, we believe that every hug, every rushed breakfast, every school drop matters, and we are here to support every parent who chooses to show up, wholeheartedly and every day.”

Backed by the same emotionally resonant storytelling that marked its recent Mother’s Day campaign, KLAY continues to celebrate and support the support systems that raise confident, joyful children

12, Jun 2025
INOX India Limited Launches India’s First Ultra-High-Purity Ammonia ISO Tank Container

Vadodara/ Mumbai, 12th June, 2025: INOX India Limited, one of the world’s leading cryogenic technology solutions providers, has announced the launch of India’s first ultra-high-purity (UHP) ammonia T-50 ISO tank container. This ground-breaking innovation is a significant contribution by INOX India towards strengthening the semiconductor and solar panels ecosystem globally. The ultramodern tank container, designed, engineered and manufactured by INOX India, features an impressive capacity and is engineered to withstand high pressures levels. Built to meet the highest international standards including ASME Sec VIII, Div-1 with U-designated construction, the ISO tank incorporates innovative technology specifically designed for ultra-high-purity ammonia applications.

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The state-of-the-art ISO tank is engineered for unparalleled product integrity. Its core feature is a high-precision internal finish with a surface roughness below 0.3 RA, a standard extended to all piping elements with orbital-welded joints to guarantee the highest level of purity for ammonia. This commitment to quality is matched by advanced rock wool insulation with polished stainless-steel cladding for superior thermal and acoustic protection. Additionally, for providing a fail-safe protection, the ISO tank comes with a spring-actuated emergency shut-off mechanism, facilitating valve closing remotely.

Commenting on the milestone, Deepak Acharya, Chief Executive Officer – INOX India Limited said, “This breakthrough product represents our unwavering commitment to innovation and engineering excellence. By developing India’s first UHP ammonia ISO tank container with world-class specifications, we are not just creating a product, but enabling an entire ecosystem that will accelerate semiconductor and solar panel manufacturing capabilities across the world, and reduce our dependence on imports for critical industrial equipment. We are sure that our ultra-high-purity ammonia tank container addresses a critical supply-chain need in the global market and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the growth of semiconductor manufacturing across the world.”

The ISO tank has successfully undergone all required tests and received a full suite of certifications, including UN Portable Tank T-50, ADR, RID, ISO 1496-3, CSC, US-DOT, and IMDG. These certifications make the tank export-ready and capable for adding strength to the global UHP gas supply chain as well, besides ensuring versatile transportation via rail, road, and ocean, offering customers maximum logistical flexibility.

12, Jun 2025
LPU Launches India’s First Globally Aligned Child and Elderly Care Programs – A Game-Changer in Allied Health Sciences

New Delhi, 12th June, 2025: In a bold and visionary move, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has launched India’s most future-forward healthcare programs; B.Sc. and Diploma courses in Child and Elderly Care; marking a significant milestone in Allied Health Sciences education. As the world faces an unprecedented surge in demand for skilled caregivers, LPU’s pioneering initiative opens up exceptional global career pathways for students. These programs are more than just academic offerings; they are life-changing opportunities to become part of one of the fastest-growing professions across countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US. With limited seats and soaring interest, missing this wave now could mean missing out on a future-proof career in global healthcare.

lpu

This strategic expansion reinforces LPU’s leadership in Allied Health Sciences, where the university already offers a strong portfolio including B.Sc. Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physiotherapy, and Respiratory Therapy. The newly launched programs, available as a 2-year Diploma and a 3-year B.Sc. degree, are tailored to address critical workforce shortages in child and elderly care; two of the most rapidly growing healthcare domains worldwide.

“Caregiving is no longer seen as auxiliary—it is a frontline profession requiring both empathy and evidence-based knowledge,” said Dr. Monica Gulati, Registrar of LPU and Senior Dean, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences. “At LPU, we have developed these programs with strong global relevance, integrating simulation-based clinical training, psychological preparedness, and interdisciplinary healthcare learning.”

These programs equip students with hands-on competencies in caregiving, health and wellness management, psychosocial support, and safety protocols for vulnerable age groups such as infants, children, and the elderly. The curriculum is aligned with international caregiving standards, ensuring that graduates are ready for direct placement in countries where the demand for professional caregivers is surging due to aging populations and evolving family structures.

From Geriatric Care Assistants and Home Care Coordinators to careers in Palliative Care, Elderly Wellness Coaching, and even entrepreneurial roles like running day care centres or senior living homes; students are positioned to enter high-impact, high-respect professions. Opportunities also exist in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, private care agencies, and global caregiving networks.

Delivered under LPU’s transformative EduRevolution framework, these programs emphasize experiential learning, cross-disciplinary integration, and outcome-based training. Students learn in state-of-the-art simulation labs and receive structured clinical exposure from day one, thanks to LPU’s collaborations with leading hospitals and diagnostic centres.

Moreover, students gain access to national and international conferences, workshops, and guest lectures by top professionals and global researchers in healthcare, giving them a holistic view of modern caregiving and its evolving role in global public health.

“These programs are not just a course of study; they are a gateway to global careers, dignified service, and long-term job security,” said Dr. Gulati. “This is the moment to invest in a career path where human connection meets healthcare innovation.”

12, Jun 2025
Two Students of Ashoka University Awarded Prestigious Inlaks Scholarships for 2025

New Delhi, June 12, 2025 – Ashoka University is proud to announce that two students from its current Ashoka Scholars Programme (ASP) 2025 cohort have been awarded the highly competitive Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship. The Inlaks Scholarships are among India’s most prestigious awards which support exceptional young Indian graduates in pursuing postgraduate studies at leading institutions across the UK, Europe, and the United States. The scholarship enables recipients to study a wide array of subjects and empowers them to advance their academic and professional aspirations on a global stage.

ashoka

This year, seven students across India received the Inlaks Scholarship, with two awardees from Ashoka University—a noteworthy achievement for the institution. In the 2025 selection cycle, eleven students from Ashoka, including alumni, were shortlisted for the first-round interviews. Of these, two secured the scholarship. Ashoka University is the only institution in India with more than two finalists, highlighting its continued commitment to academic excellence.

Speaking on the achievement, Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor, Ashoka University, said, “I was one of the first Inlaks Scholars so I am really elated that students of Ashoka are getting the same scholarship. This recognition reflects the spirit of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility that we strive to instill in our students. The Inlaks Scholarship is a testament to their hard work and to Ashoka University’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and changemakers. Over the years, Ashoka University has steadily emerged as a strong academic ecosystem for students aspiring to pursue global careers and graduate education. This achievement builds on the University’s growing record of international recognition and prestigious scholarships.”

“At Ashoka University, the journey from graduation and beyond is not just a destination but a transformative experience that prepares students to become leaders and change-makers of tomorrow and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. The recent success of our students winning the Inlaks Scholarship is a testament to their hard work and the broad, rigorous academic environment we foster. It’s gratifying to see our scholars gain recognition on national and international platforms, reflecting the quality and depth of education Ashoka provides.” added Priyanka Chandhok, Vice President, Career Development Office and Office of Post-Graduate Studies, Ashoka University.

Two students from Ashoka University were also awarded the prestigious Inlaks Scholarship last year, a testament to their academic caliber and Ashoka’s commitment to providing the resources and mentorship to help students thrive and create meaningful impact in their fields. Notably, both Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor, and Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University, along with several faculty members, are former Inlaks scholars.

12, Jun 2025
Surging ahead: Skoda Auto outlines framework to strengthen India growth plan 2025 to become the ‘Biggest Year’ for Skoda Auto India

Mumbai, June 12, 2025 – The year 2025 marks an important milestone for Škoda Auto worldwide, celebrating 130 years of rich history and 25 exciting years in India. Building on the strategy of getting closer to customers, Škoda Auto India has outlined a slew of key brand, product, network, and customer-centric initiatives to drive momentum in the Indian market.

SKODA

Speaking at the occasion, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “India is the most important growth market for Škoda Auto outside Europe. We are focused on building a strong, future-ready brand with strength of purpose, clarity of vision, and agility of execution. Our product offensive strategy is in tune with evolving consumer needs and aspirations, fuelling our journey of progress. We are getting closer to customers, strategically expanding our network, and reinforcing our legacy of quality, safety, and value. With the wheels in motion across all our business imperatives, 2025 will be the year where we significantly strengthen the brand and surge ahead in India.”

Product Offensive

Škoda Auto India’s product offensive strategy includes an ‘SUV for Everyone’ and enhancing its sedan heritage. With the Kylaq, Kushaq, and Kodiaq catering to every SUV aspiration and price point, Škoda Auto India will also build its sedan legacy driven by the Slavia and a soon-to-be-launched ‘global icon’.

No alternative text description for this imageExpanding to newer markets

Škoda Auto India continues with its vision of expanding to tier II and tier III markets. From over 165 cities today, the brand targets being present in over 200 cities this year. The company has already grown from 120 customer touchpoints in 2021 to over 290 today, with an aim for 350 touchpoints by the end of 2025.

Exploring new business avenues

Škoda Auto India has a clear intent to further strengthen business complementors like its certified pre-owned business to power its growth. While it already caters to government agencies and other fleets, the brand will focus on renewed actions at garnering further growth from these avenues, while enhancing corporate and rural channels.

Enhance customer experience

A group of men in overalls cleaning a car

Description automatically generatedTogether with expanding the quantity of customer touchpoints, Škoda Auto India is also focusing on the quality of the purchase and ownership experience by increasing loyalty and building trust. With Škoda Supercare as standard across all its cars, the brand now ensures customers pay for their routine service only at the end of their second year of ownership or after completing 30,000kms (whichever earlier). There are also warranty packages and other service offerings, ensuring complete peace of mind while owning a Škoda car.

12, Jun 2025
Strategic Investment set to strengthen Kayess Square’s Advanced Taxation Offerings
Bengaluru, June 12, 2025: Kayess Square Consulting Pvt Ltd., (“Kayess”) a leading financial services and consulting Company, with a focus on Virtual CFO services, risk advisory, investment banking and secretarial/legal services today announced the strategic acquisition of the Tax Compliance & Tax Advisory Division of Consark Advisory Services LLP (“Consark”).  This strategic investment marks a significant milestone in Kayess Square’s growth strategy, now equipped to expand its tax Compliance and tax Advisory capabilities. Kayess Square will enhance its competencies in advanced taxation domains (both Domestic and international) and now serve large enterprises alongside its existing small and medium business clients.
Kayess Square is known for its superior services, including Accounting, Legal, Secretarial, Valuation, virtual CFO Services, Risk advisory, Due diligence, Investment Banking and transaction advisory. “We are delighted to welcome Consark’s tax compliance & tax advisory division into our family. This integration is a strategic move of Kayess to offer a full spectrum of advisory and compliance services including high-value tax services, all under one roof,” said Sathya Pramod, CEO and Co-founder, Kayess Square Consulting Private Ltd. “With the integration of tax and IT-enabled delivery model, we now have the capabilities to serve our customers with complex requirements in tax-related services that have growing relevance in today’s businesses.”
Kayess, since its inception, has been acting as a bridge between Finance, Investors, and Management teams, and the addition of advanced tax advisory expertise compliments its existing offerings and a strong base of enterprise customers.
“We are happy to witness our Tax Compliance and Advisory Division becoming an integral part of a customer-centric organization such as Kayess Square.  Our team of taxation experts have the opportunity to continue their excellent performance and add value to Kayess’ fast-growing business clientele,” remarked Padam Mehta, of Consark Advisory Services LLP.
This acquisition gives a fillip to Kayess’ ongoing growth journey while bringing about not only synergies in their service offerings but also providing all complementary services within a cohesive framework.  Existing and future customers of Kayess will benefit tremendously from this transaction with a one-stop solution for all their compliance and advisory needs, with more streamlined and efficient services, supported by the rich experience of both organizations.

Kayess will continue to invest in new technology, people, and innovation to establish a future-ready finance, tax and compliance practice, while ensuring client satisfaction at all times.

12, Jun 2025
NMIMS School of Business Management Inaugurates MBA Batch of 2025–2027 at Mumbai Campus

nmims

Mumbai, SVKM’s NMIMS School of Business Management (SBM), Mumbai, hosted the inauguration ceremony for its new cohort of the MBA, MBA (Human Resources), and MBA (Pharmaceutical Management) programs for the academic year 2025–2027.

 The ceremony marked the beginning of an exciting journey for the incoming batch and was followed by a comprehensive foundation program aimed at familiarising students with NMIMS’s academic culture, institutional values, and dynamic learning environment.

 The inauguration began with a ceremonial Saraswati Vandana, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp and the NMIMS anthem. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Justin Paul, Dean, School of Business Management and Provost – Management Education, NMIMS, who set the tone for the program. Senior leadership from SBM also addressed the students, including Dr. Chandrima Sikdar (Vice Dean – Programs and Student Learning Experience), Dr. Veena Vohra (Vice Dean – Accreditation, Ranking, Industry, and Alumni), and Dr. Mayank Joshipura (Vice Dean – Research and Ph.D. Program).

 The ceremony was further enriched by an inspiring address from the Chief Guest, Ms. Preeti Parameshwaran, Managing Director, Barclays India, and a distinguished alumna of SBM. Sharing her journey and professional insights, Ms. Parameshwaran encouraged students to:

 “Step out of your comfort zones, think globally, and build your dream destinations and designations. Success, much like the Japanese Kaizen philosophy, is rooted in continuous improvement, embracing diverse perspectives, and building networks that shape not just careers but the future of society.”

 Program Chairpersons Prof. Papiya De (MBA), Dr. Hema Bajaj (MBA HR), and Dr. Hari Iyer (MBA Pharmaceutical Management) also addressed the gathering, offering academic guidance and outlining the vision for their respective programs.

 Following the inauguration, students embarked on the Foundation Program —a well-structured series of seminars, panel discussions, and preparatory modules in areas such as finance, marketing, and data analytics. Students also engaged in:
● Mindfulness and emotional resilience sessions
● Career advisory interactions
● Campus orientation and faculty interactions
● The program will conclude with a Mumbai Darshan, offering the students a chance to explore the vibrant city and build meaningful connections with peers.

 Speaking at the event, Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, NMIMS, remarked:
“The business world today seeks leaders who can balance analytical rigor with emotional intelligence—leaders who build people as they drive performance. At NMIMS, we are committed to nurturing such leaders—those who are thoughtful, capable, and value-driven.”

 With a legacy spanning over four decades, NMIMS is a leading university recognised for its academic rigor, global partnerships, and cutting-edge infrastructure. The institution adopts a One NMIMS – One MBA approach, ensuring consistency and excellence in education across all its MBA programs and campuses. This standardisation gives recruiters confidence that every NMIMS MBA graduate is equipped with the same high-quality, industry-relevant training.

12, Jun 2025
Rare Brain Bypass Surgery Gives Pune Software Engineer a New Lease on Life

Pune, 12th June 2025: Neurosurgeons at Manipal Hospitals, Baner, were able to successfully perform a superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass (commonly known as brain bypass surgery) on a 32-year-old software engineer from Pune with rare condition. The patient had repeated ischemic episodes and had lost vision in one eye after a stroke. After surgery, the patient has recovered well, able to regain vision in his affected eye, which was an unexpected outcome. His recurrent strokes are expected to improve over a period of time.

For six months, the patient had several episodes of left-sided weakness, each lasting a few minutes, under the influence of minor stressors like low blood pressure or dehydration. The right middle cerebral artery (MCA) appeared to be completely blocked, leading doctors to suspect Moya Moya disease, a rare progressive intracranial arteriopathy that is more prevalent in Asian populations and more common in young people and teens. Since there was no visible distal blood flow and the blocked channel was not stentable, no conventional therapeutic options were taken into consideration.

Amit

While speaking about this case, Dr. Amit Dhakoji, HOD & Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital, Baner said, “We decided to do a STA-MCA bypass because the case was so complex. This technique involved rerouting and anastomosing the superficial temporal artery, a healthy artery on the head, to a viable segment of the middle cerebral artery that was distant to the occlusion. This rerouting made it possible to restore the blood flow to the damaged brain region. The patient recovered exceptionally well after the operation. The frequent, brief ischemia episodes immediately ended, and the doctors were even surprised to see that the formerly blind eye’s vision had partially returned.”

Mr. Anand Mote, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune said, “We at Manipal Hospitals continuously deliver exceptional medical treatment, even in uncommon and complex circumstances. This instance shows the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, cutting-edge technology, and extensive clinical knowledge. Being a facility that can offer cutting-edge neurosurgical solutions with accuracy and empathy makes us proud.”

12, Jun 2025
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.

bkp

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.