Sennheiser Launches MD 421 Kompakt Microphone

National, 3 October 2024 – Sennheiser, the global pioneer in audio technology and solutions is thrilled to announce the launch of the MD 421 Kompakt Microphone. The versatile microphone offers a comprehensive solution for live sound and recording applications. Featuring a cardioid pickup pattern and exceptional dynamic range, the MD 421 Kompakt delivers pristine audio reproduction. Its innovative mounting clip ensures secure and flexible placement.

They say that if you’ve heard music, you are most likely to have heard the MD 421, a Sennheiser microphone featured in countless award-winning performances and productions over the past six decades. Now Sennheiser launches the MD 421 Kompakt, an incredibly versatile microphone that delivers the same legendary performance, but in a truly multipurpose package — including a completely redesigned mounting clip. The MD 421 Kompakt features a cardioid pick-up pattern and remarkable dynamic range, delivering crystal-clear sound reproduction in live sound and recording applications.

“The MD 421 is an incredibly versatile microphone. Since its inception in 1960, it excelled as a studio and a vocal microphone, but was also used a lot in broadcasting, where it appeared with many celebrities of the time. Today, its successor, the MD 421-II, which launched in 1998, is an all-rounder for multipurpose miking and well known to be used on drums, guitar cabs and horns,” says Mr. Vipin Pungalia, Country Manager & Director- Sales Pro Audio, Sennheiser India. “It works on anything, capturing the sound source with precision, detail, and rich sound.”

“With the MD 421 Kompakt, we’re offering the same legendary sound and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, but with an incredibly compact form factor,” he added

Compact design, same great sound
​To give the MD 421 microphone its compact dimensions all while retaining the large-diaphragm capsule and the pristine sound of the much bigger MD 421-II, the bass roll-off switch was eliminated. “While this feature made total sense when the MD 421 was designed, and was carried over to the MD 421-II, this functionality has long since been taken over by mixing desks and DAWs,” says Mr. Pungalia. “Omitting the switch allowed us to create a relatively small microphone body, making the Kompakt an ideal tom mic, but also a versatile tool for any recording or live application.”

Sound-wise, the MD 421 Kompakt delivers the same detailed and authentic reproduction of the sound source that the MD 421 and MD 421-II have become famous for. The microphone’s frequency response of 30 Hz to 17 kHz faithfully reproduces both high and low frequencies, with a bass tube ensuring an accurate and extended low-end response. The sound is rich and full-bodied, and incredibly clear and detailed at the same time.

The MD 421 Kompakt also provides effective feedback rejection and is able to handle exceptionally high sound pressure levels even in demanding environments.

New clip
​The clip of the MD 421 Kompakt has been entirely redesigned and is now part of the microphone housing for easy, worry-free mounting. “The clip is the one thing that users have always criticised,” remarks Landry. “The new clip is an integral part of the mic, and the optional drum clamp securely screws into this clip, ensuring fail-safe mounting on drums.”

Rugged all around
​The MD 421 Kompakt is designed to withstand the rigours of touring and heavy studio use. It features a rugged frame with a stainless-steel basket, and a gold-plated XLR-3 connector. A protective inner chassis enclosure reduces the exposure to dust and humidity.

Tamara Leisure Experiences appoints Bonnieface Frank as Hotel Manager for Lilac Bangalore property

03rd October 2024, National: Tamara Leisure Experiences is pleased to announce the appointment of Bonnieface Frank as Hotel Manager for Lilac Bangalore. In his new role, Frank will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s operations, enhancing guest experiences, and driving overall performance.

With a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, Frank brings a wealth of experience from renowned institutions such as the Taj Group of Hotels, HMS Host, SRM Group of Hotels, and Punnamada Resorts & Houseboats. His expertise in orchestrating major banqueting events, including the prestigious President of India fleet review and numerous high-profile luncheons and dinners for heads of state, demonstrates his ability to manage significant events with precision.

Commenting on the appointment, Shruti Shibulal,CEO and Director, Tamara Leisure Experiences, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Bonnieface Frank to our team. His extensive experience in hotel management and proven track record in delivering exceptional guest experiences align perfectly with our commitment to excellence. We are confident that his leadership will contribute significantly to the success of Lilac Bangalore.”

On joining Lilac Bangalore, part of Tamara Leisure Experiences, Frank shared, “I am excited to join the Tamara Leisure Experiences family and lead the team at Lilac Bangalore. I look forward to leveraging my experience in pre-opening hotels and developing food and beverage outlets to enhance our offerings to create memorable experiences for our guests. The philosophy of Tamara deeply resonates with my personal and professional goals, and I look forward to long innings with the very accomplished team”

Frank holds a degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology. His diverse skill set includes strong leadership, excellent communication, and a keen financial acumen, all coupled with a profound understanding of customer service. His ability to manage staff, oversee budgets, and implement effective marketing strategies showcases his comprehensive grasp of the hospitality industry.

Facial Recognition: Building a Robust Smart Transportation Ecosystem

The modern digital world relies deeply on the Internet of Things (IoT) and the technologies that come with it. As a prominent result of this rapid transformation, global economies are heavily investing in smart city initiatives to further automate day-to-day operations, specifically transportation. It includes integrated transport networks, centralized traffic control, vehicle movement trajectories, and commuters’ database management, extending to the security and convenience of a unified ecosystem. According to recent reports, the global smart transportation market size is expected to amount to USD 340 billion by 2032, indicating the reformative role of security technologies to streamline transport operations and ensure commuter convenience.

 In order to maintain the stability of one of the most critical infrastructures for a state, the footprint of AI and advanced technologies is rising to further strengthen the security operations. Facial recognition is one such technology that has sought a center stage in the smart city landscape, unveiling tremendous opportunities for operational unification and fast-paced digitization.

 Enhanced Smart Parking Security
Facial recognition technology in smart parking systems offers advanced security, revolutionizing how we access parking facilities. By registering facial data while entering a smart parking space, routine commuters can enjoy seamless entry and exit, as the system quickly verifies their identity and links their profile with the details of the vehicle. This not only eliminates the need for physical tickets or cards; it also streamlines the parking experience and reduces the cases of vehicle theft. Facial recognition-enabled access cameras vigilantly identify the individual behind the wheels and raise alarms when a potential breach is committed. The concerned person as well as the security staff are notified, allowing rapid response. The potential for enhanced user convenience and the efficiency of automated parking solutions make facial recognition a compelling technology.

 Elevate Security at Smart Transport Terminals
Smart terminals and ports endorse interactions with cloud-based services, allowing access to public transport resources, but remain vulnerable to security threats. In most instances, threats to property, resources, and lives could be prevented if the concerned person was identified at the entry point itself. AI-powered Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) enhance the capabilities of the existing video management system to enable real-time monitoring and accurate identification using face images. It helps deter security infringements and uphold security protocols. By mapping the entire facility into the FRS, specific zones and locations can be monitored by switching between screens.

 Robust Support in Security Operations
FRS allows security personnel to categorize people’s profiles into classified lists, like stop-list, VIP, daily commuters, repeated offenders, etc. It identifies when a person of concern enters the protected transport terminal’s perimeter, so the security staff are able to timely deploy countermeasures. Moreover, any unidentified suspected individual can be kept under constant supervision using watch lists. As and when a breach is committed, the security operator receives alerts, facilitating them to prevent issues from escalating.

 Convenient Travel
Facial biometrics-powered solutions not only allow live monitoring but are also exceptionally instrumental in enhancing the commuter experience. Interactions at transport terminals improve as a result of stringent security measures. Additionally, the system translates commuter data into comprehensive reports. So, the visitor statistics for various criteria like gender, age, and healthcare protocols can be easily inferred, enabling data-driven decision-making. This also promotes inclusivity by preparing for the convenience of commuters with special needs, particularly during peak hours.

 Chong Nonsi Metro Station: RecFaces’ Id-Guard for Secure Travels
Following a critical security incident at the Chong Nonsi Metro Station in Bangkok, the authorities sought an advanced, AI-powered solution to mitigate security risks and accelerate investigations. In response, RecFaces deployed the ready-to-use Id-Guard solution within the Video Management System (VMS) at the station.

 • Id-Guard is a facial biometric solution that performs real-time monitoring of visitors and identification of stop-listed people through their face image
• It enabled searching for an unwanted person from the archived biometric data and speeding up the investigation process
• By equipping the video management system with facial biometrics, tourists and residents of Bangkok using Chong-Nonsi station for travel can feel safe

 The successful implementation of the facial recognition system in one of Bangkok’s busiest metro stations is a classic example of how this new-age technology can enhance security in smart transportation.

 Smart Transportation: Unveiling Exponential Growth
Technology is constantly permeating our lives and transforming even routine activities, including how we travel. Rigorous testing is being conducted to ascertain the feasibility of automatic ticketing systems and contactless payment systems using facial recognition technology. The ticket holder can be guided across the terminal, ensuring entry authorisation by ticket class and reducing cases of fraudulent ticketing. With pilot projects already implemented in Spain, Brazil, and South Korea, biometrics offer promising prospects for enriching commuter interactions, making them more secure and convenient. It augments the transport system to build a more inclusive and accessible service ecosystem.

 According to Eugenia Marina, Business Development Director, RecFaces, “Smart city initiatives call for reliable technology solutions that are here to stay. And facial recognition systems have unprecedented potential in reinforcing security and convenience within the smart transportation ecosystem.”

How to ensure your fitness in and outside gym this Monsoon

We are in the midst of the Monsoon season, constantly battling humid conditions and health concerns. If you’re someone who cannot miss out ever on their workout and gym sessions irrespective of the sweltering heat in the atmosphere, it means you sweat an extra lot and require handy companions to ease your needs. We have put together a list of five easy ways how you can keep yourself hydrated and fit both in and outside your gym. Take a look.

Sweat it out indoors

You should carry out your exercises and workouts in an indoor gym or workout studio, and make sure that they offer the workout of your choice, with state-of-the-art & well-maintained equipments. Remember, it’s essential that workout you indulge in is what you like doing, for it will simultaneously work well for your mental health as well as compliance and consistency. If performing sets is not your thing, try to go for indoor sports options like badminton, squash, swimming etc.

Zero scope for dehydration

The humidity in the weather means one would sweat extra during any workout whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Hence, it is sacrosanct that adequate measures are taken to ensure proper hydration during any physical activity. While drinking a lot of water is a no brainer, we recommend you tag along a portable blender like BlendJet2. First and foremost it is extremely portable, completely mobile and comes with the patented TurboJet technology to whip any healthy smoothies or shakes in a jiffy. You can even blend through frozen fruit, ice, or pulverize vegetables in as little as 20 seconds. Once charged it gives at least 15 full blends, making it your ideal partner for your gym, workout studio or whenever you’re on the go.

Work on improving immunity

The best way to go about it is resorting to an immunity-boosting diet plan, which includes the goodness of items like milk with turmeric, coriander, garlic, ginger ale etc. This is important because the Monsoon season impacts our immunity a great deal. You may even include in your daily intake some Chyawanprash, which is a proven immunity enhancer since the ancient times. We also recommend eating seasonal fruits while ensuring complete hygiene. Speaking about immunity, it is wise to avoid street-side food during Monsoon.

Avoid AC when drenched

If you are drenched in the sweat from your workout or more importantly got drenched while commuting to and from the gym, make sure you don’t enter an air conditioned room before following few steps. Entering the room with damp clothes or wet hair is a strict no, for you are bound to catch some or the other infection resulting in conditions like cough, cold and fever. Use a dry and clean towel to dry yourself, and if drenched completely, a warm shower would not harm.

SISL Infotech Earns Microsoft Migration Specialization, Boosting Cloud Solutions

New Delhi, 3rd October 2024:
SISL Infotech, a leading IT solutions provider, proudly announces its achievement as a Microsoft Specialized Partner for Infra and Database Migration to Microsoft Azure Cloud Platform under Azure Migrate and Modernize Partner-Led Program (AMMP). This specialization highlights SISL’s expertise in helping customers transition seamlessly to the cloud, modernize their applications, and drive digital transformation.

As a specialized Migration certified partner (AMMP) , SISL Infotech is positioned to provide strategic guidance, technical expertise, and comprehensive cloud migration solutions across industries. With a proven track record of successful cloud migrations and modernization efforts, SISL is well-positioned to empower organizations to optimize their cloud strategies.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as a Microsoft Specialized Partner for the Infra and DB Migrations (under) . This specialization allows us to bring best-in-class cloud migration and modernization services to our customers,” said Shobhit Kapoor, Sales Head, SISL Infotech. “Our collaboration with Microsoft ensures that our clients benefit from cutting-edge Azure solutions, reducing complexity and unlocking new efficiencies.”

Key benefits of working with SISL Infotech as a Microsoft Specialized Partner for Cloud Migration :

– Expertise You Can Trust: Proven expertise in migrating and modernizing IT infrastructure on Microsoft Azure.

– Certified Resources: Specialists who have undergone rigorous certification processes, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of excellence.

– Proven Track Record: A history of success with complex cloud migration projects, ensuring a smooth transition.

– Innovative Azure Solutions: Access to the latest Azure tools and features for a forward-thinking digital strategy.

– Efficient Migration: Managed and secure transitions to the cloud with minimized risk.

– Tailored Modernization: Custom strategies to maximize performance and scalability for specific business needs.

– Top-Tier Support: Specialized and dedicated support for complex cloud infrastructure challenges.

– Cost Optimization: Streamlined migration processes that lead to greater cost-efficiency and ROI.

This achievement strengthens SISL Infotech’s role in driving digital transformation for businesses across the public sector, enabling them to take full advantage of the cloud’s potential while remaining agile and competitive in today’s market.

The Third Edition of Netflix and Kommune’s Voices of Tomorrow Shapes the Future of Dubbing

1st October, 2024; Mumbai: Kommune and Netflix India have launched the third edition of Voices of Tomorrow (VOT), part of the Voice Equity Project. As India’s only professional initiative of its kind, VOT aims to diversify the dubbing industry by training and promoting voice talent from two underrepresented groups: adults over 45 and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The program offers comprehensive dubbing training, promotes voice acting as a viable career, and creates a safe, inclusive environment for participants. VOT seeks to enrich mainstream media voices, break down barriers, and spark conversations about inclusivity in the entertainment sector. Through this initiative, Netflix India and Kommune are working towards a more diverse and representative future for the dubbing industry.

The 5-month program is set to take place from September 2024 to January 2025 in collaboration with multiple Queer collectives and NGOs that work with senior citizens, along with Mumbai-based artist organisations and talent agencies. Through this partnership, it aims to test the voices of approximately 500 individuals, ultimately shortlisting 300 of them for in-person auditions.

According to the latest FICCI and EY media and entertainment industry report, OTT platforms continue to flourish and achieve scale through dubbing and subtitling as the share of vernacular content is projected to rise to 55% of all content produced. Additionally, the global e-learning market is projected to reach USD 325 billion by 2025, new opportunities are emerging for aspiring voice-over artists. However, dubbing as a profession is currently lesser known than other fields, with limited pathways for aspiring artists. VOT aims to change the status quo by bringing more representation to the Indian media space to bring out a change in the pre-existing system through diversity and inclusion. With ‘Authenticity of Voice’ as the core motto of Voice of Tomorrow, the program aims to offer a safe space for the participants from the queer community to introduce more trained LGBTQIA+ artists into the dubbing talent pool, along with providing a second chance to the senior participants to follow their passion and bring in real voices from the acting, theatre and other performance arts communities.

Tapping into the market need for diverse voices and projecting the growth of the industry, in the first edition, the initiative selected individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community and children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Owing to the success of the previous edition, the second edition focused on senior adults and LGBTQIA+ individuals. A total of 21 participants were chosen in

the first year, followed by 25 in the second, each receiving professional training to launch their careers as dubbing artists. Following the training, multiple participants from the previous two editions have kickstarted their careers in dubbing through various voice projects, including dubbing for movies, series, audiobooks, ads, etc. in Hindi and their regional languages. Additionally, the training has also empowered the participants to succeed in other allied fields like podcasting, theatre, and translating, among others. This success of the initiative over the past two years has led Kommune and Netflix India to come back with another edition of this exciting opportunity to discover new talent.

Speaking on the third edition of the initiative, Roshan Abbas, Founder, Kommune India, said, “We’re thrilled to have Netflix’s support for the third edition of ‘Voices of Tomorrow’ an initiative that amplifies the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community and senior talents. Their backing is crucial in nurturing a diverse range of voices and experiences, offering a platform for stories that resonate with everyone. This partnership is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in creating a more inclusive media landscape.”

Adding to this, Ashwini Kulkarni, Country Manager, International Dubbing, Netflix, said, “At Netflix Dubbing, we connect our members with stories from around the world. Bringing alive stories with local voices, creating dubbed and descriptive audio that is immersive and authentic to the original creative intent has played an important part in helping stories find a new audience. Voices of Tomorrow is a step towards fostering diversity in the talent pipeline. We are proud to support Kommune as they create & hold space for the dubbing community to ensure that our voices truly sound like its people.”

Who Can Apply

• Voices of Tomorrow aims to enhance the passion of eligible participants for providing voice acting for characters in movies or television shows.
• Self-declared members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are of legal age, i.e., 18 years and older
• Individuals who are 45 years old and older
• The candidates must be citizens of India while residing in Mumbai, as the training will be held in the city itself
• As an additional requirement, the applicants must have the ability to understand and communicate in Hindi

 Commenting on their experience, Sanket Mhatre, Trainer, Voices of Tomorrow, said, “As a Voice Artist, I’m excited to return for the 2024 run of our Dubbing and Vocal training initiative. I’m thankful to Netflix and Kommune for their continued support and for welcoming me back. This initiative remains dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community and senior citizens, focusing on enhancing dubbing skills while fostering inclusivity, breaking stereotypes, and amplifying unheard voices. Together, we’re creating a safe space for everyone- regardless of age or identity- to explore dubbing and express their authentic voices in this beautiful craft.”

Adding to the same, Hetal Varia, Trainer, Voices of Tomorrow, said, “Voices of Tomorrow is a brilliant, one-of-a-kind initiative by Kommune and Netflix. This groundbreaking program celebrates diverse voices and talents, breaking stereotypes and redefining the voice talent landscape. I had the privilege of mentoring two exceptional cohorts—Senior Voices and Queer Voices—on a transformative journey of self-discovery, skill expansion, and stereotype-breaking. The journey has been full of aha moments. In our last run, the participants unlocked their unique vocal identities, explored and expanded skills across voice, speech, accents, and dialects, uncovering a remarkable aptitude for vocal versatility among many participants. This experience was truly magical, and I’m thrilled to be a part of yet another Voices of Tomorrow.”

This year’s initiative aims to identify and train raw voice talent through an 8-week intensive dubbing training program. The project will be executed in partnership with various queer collectives and NGOs supporting senior citizens, alongside Mumbai-based artist organizations and talent agencies, to shortlist 25 participants. These individuals will receive hands-on training from renowned voice coach Hetal Varia and popular dubbing artist Sanket Mhatre. The program has already shown great success, as exemplified by last year’s senior batch participant, Sundiep Arya, who is currently working on seven projects, including several regional titles. This year, a total of 13 projects featuring participants from the Voices of Tomorrow initiative are in the pipeline, set to be released over the next year. The selected individuals will also gain valuable knowledge from guest lecturers from Netflix partner studios and will receive an opportunity to record multiple voice samples, building their profile for Netflix partners and other studios, helping them enter the casting stream. Additionally, the VOT team provides continuous support by tracking participants’ progress, assisting with opportunities, and addressing any questions or concerns they may have, ensuring a comprehensive journey into the dubbing field.

BFSI sector sees a significant surge in hiring as festive season approaches, reports Teamlease Services

Bengaluru, October 1, 2024: With the onset of the festive season, the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector in India is gearing up to manage increased customer activity and transactions. To manage this, financial institutions are focusing on building a skilled workforce capable of delivering efficient customer service and enhancing digital banking operations during this busy period. According to Teamlease Services, a leading staffing conglomerate, the BFSI sector is witnessing a significant rise in job opportunities, especially in retail lending, microfinance institutions(MFI) and payment services.

Demand for personal and vehicle loans, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers, has risen by 12% in the last four months. It is driven by the festive shopping season, which started with Ganesh Chaturthi in September and will continue until November. It will directly impact job openings in the retail lending and MFI space, which are expected to increase from 12,000 to 19,000 between July and November 2024. The demand for MFI services will grow by 25%, showcasing the sector’s focus on financial inclusion and small-scale lending.

Additionally, hiring in payment services will increase by 41%, while the credit card segment is projected to witness a 32% increase in job openings. This surge is led by the expanding use of digital payment solutions and credit offerings during the festive season. Financial institutions are not only expanding their workforce but are also focusing on upskilling current employees to meet the high market demands during this busy season.

Mr. Krishnendu Chatterjee, VP and Business Head, TeamLease Services, said, “The festive season is always a high-pressure time for the BFSI sector, but this year, we are seeing exceptional growth in demand for skilled employees. From retail lending to payment services, the sector is evolving rapidly, and our data shows that companies are responding by expanding their workforce and focusing on upskilling initiatives to deliver seamless services during this crucial period.”

TeamLease Services’ data highlights how the BFSI sector adapts to market shifts and customer expectations. With a strong focus on digital innovation and customer-centric services, financial institutions are prepared to meet increased activity and deliver exceptional service through a well-prepared workforce.

AXIS Object Analytics runs multiple scenarios simultaneously for more effective monitoring

India, 1st October 2024: Axis Communications, the market leader in network video, announces the latest release of AXIS Object Analytics, a suite of AI-based analytics that transforms video into actionable insights. It helps solve numerous use cases for security, safety, and operational efficiency by delivering real-time intelligence for immediate action.

Preinstalled on compatible Axis network cameras at no extra cost, AXIS Object Analytics ensures cost-effective operations. Using intelligent AI-based algorithms, this smart analytics application can detect, classify, track, and count humans, vehicles, and types of vehicles, and there’s no complex configuration required. It will send notifications of real-time events making it possible to focus only on objects of interest and events that need attention. This ensures more effective monitoring while at the same time, it helps optimize business with automated processes and valuable insights into trends.

Scenarios are easily set up and tailored to specific monitoring needs. With just a few clicks directly inside the browser, users can customize various detection scenarios and set up triggers for events based on specific needs. Scenarios can also be run simultaneously. For instance, it’s possible to track dwell time and count number of visitors at the same time, in the same scene, with the same camera. In addition, data can be exported and visualized in a dashboard or spreadsheet to gain valuable insights.

Key features include:

• Detect, classify, track, and count humans and vehicles
• For security, safety, and operational efficiency
• Run multiple scenarios simultaneously on the edge
• Flexible and easy configuration
• Preinstalled at no extra cost

This scalable, edge-based analytics processes and analyzes live video directly on the camera, eliminating the need for costly servers and ensuring more efficient data processing, minimized storage and bandwidth requirements, and improved scalability. Furthermore, using the camera’s event management system, this powerful application offers easy integration with AXIS Camera Station and all other major video management systems.