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Nokia Expands Patent Dispute, Sues Acer, Asus, and Hisense in U.S. Over Video Coding Technology

April 9, 2025 — Finnish technology company Nokia has filed lawsuits in the United States against Taiwanese tech firms Acer and Asus, as well as China-based electronics manufacturer Hisense, intensifying ongoing patent disputes involving video streaming technology.

The complaints, submitted on Monday in federal courts across California, Georgia, and Texas, allege that Acer and Asus computers and Hisense televisions infringe on five Nokia patents tied to international standards designed to enhance video streaming efficiency and quality.

The legal actions follow similar complaints filed by Nokia last week in Europe against the same companies. In a related development, Nokia also recently resolved a streaming-video patent dispute with Amazon.

Spokespersons for Acer, Asus, and Hisense have yet to comment on the lawsuits. In a statement, Nokia expressed hope that the companies would agree to licensing terms, stating, “We hope they will soon accept a license on fair terms, just like many of their competitors have done.”

Once a leading mobile phone manufacturer, Nokia has since pivoted to focus primarily on research and development. According to the filings, the company holds over 20,000 patents globally and has been attempting to negotiate licensing agreements with Acer, Asus, and Hisense for years.

The patents in question are classified as standard-essential, meaning they are crucial for compliance with international technologies like 4G, Wi-Fi, and USB. Nokia is seeking unspecified monetary damages in the lawsuits.

The cases are:

  • Nokia Technologies Oy v. Acer Inc., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, No. 1:25-cv-00523
  • Nokia Technologies Oy v. ASUSTek Computer Inc., U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, No. 2:25-cv-03053
  • Nokia Technologies Oy v. Hisense Co., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

Government Launches New Aadhaar App to Enable Seamless, Paperless Identity Verification

In a major push towards digital identity management, the Government of India has launched a new Aadhaar mobile application that allows citizens to verify their identity digitally without the need for physical Aadhaar cards or photocopies. Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, introduced the app via a video on social media platform X, highlighting its modern features such as facial recognition authentication and secure, consent-based data sharing.

Currently released in its beta phase, the app aims to simplify Aadhaar verification while enhancing user privacy and protection against misuse. It features a redesigned, user-friendly interface and several advanced functionalities that improve upon the previous version. Among the most notable additions is the facial recognition feature, which allows users to verify their Aadhaar identity directly through their smartphone, removing the need for physical documentation and reducing risks associated with carrying paper copies.

The new app offers a range of digital-first benefits. It enables users to share only the required information with authorized parties, ensuring personal data is controlled and safeguarded. Aadhaar verification can now be performed by scanning QR codes—similar to UPI payments—making the process faster and more secure. The app completely removes the need for printed Aadhaar cards in situations like hotel check-ins, travel checkpoints, or official identity verification.

UIDAI is currently offering the app as an early-access version to a select group of users, including participants from the Aadhaar Samvaad event. This limited rollout will help gather user feedback and insights from partners to improve the application before a full-scale public release. UIDAI has stated that the final version of the app will be made available soon after incorporating feedback to ensure maximum reliability and efficiency.

One of the most innovative features of the app is its QR code integration for identity verification. Just like UPI QR codes are now common across retail and services, Aadhaar verification QR codes will soon be introduced at major points such as airports, hotels, and railway stations. When prompted for identification, users will simply scan the QR code with the app, and their identity will be verified in real-time using facial recognition, allowing secure Aadhaar data transfer directly from their phone.

The shift to paperless verification also brings significant security advantages. Digital Aadhaar sharing eliminates the possibility of document loss, theft, or tampering. Face ID-based biometric authentication adds an extra layer of security, ensuring only the rightful owner can authorize access to their Aadhaar details. This new approach to verification is not only more secure but also highly efficient, making it a key step in India’s journey towards a fully digital, privacy-focused ecosystem for identity management.

Apple Shifts iPhone Production to India Amid Escalating U.S.-China Trade War

Apple is accelerating its move to shift iPhone production to India in a strategic bid to bypass the soaring tariffs imposed on Chinese goods by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to reports. The move could mark a significant pivot in global manufacturing and deliver a double blow to China—financially and symbolically—as tensions between the world’s two largest economies intensify.

Apple’s decision comes in the wake of Trump’s sweeping trade measures, including a 34% reciprocal tariff on Chinese imports, followed by a threat to hike it further to 104% if Beijing doesn’t withdraw its counter-tariff on U.S. products. These tariffs have already taken a toll on Apple, with its shares suffering their worst three-day slump in 25 years.

The escalating tariffs could add as much as $300 to the cost of producing an iPhone 16 Pro, potentially pushing the base model’s cost up from $550 to over $600. In contrast, India, currently subjected to a comparatively lower 26% tariff, would increase production costs by roughly $150, making it a more cost-effective alternative for Apple’s manufacturing needs.

India’s rising appeal comes not only from its lower tariffs but also as part of Apple’s long-term strategy to diversify its supply chain beyond China. The company is expected to manufacture 25 million iPhones in India in 2025, with nearly 10 million earmarked for the local market. The rest could supply up to half of the U.S. market, should Apple fully redirect Indian output to meet American demand.

In a short-term bid to cushion the impact of the tariffs, Apple recently flew five planeloads of iPhones and other devices from both China and India to U.S. warehouses. Meanwhile, CEO Tim Cook is reportedly attempting to negotiate a tariff exemption for Apple, as he successfully did during Trump’s first term.

Despite rising costs and political challenges, Apple’s transition to India is already underway. Approximately 14% of the company’s flagship devices were produced in India in 2024, as per Bloomberg. The company’s manufacturing partner, Foxconn, has also faced increasing operational costs in China, further pushing Apple to diversify its production hubs.

Beyond economic implications, the shift also plays into broader geopolitical dynamics. India and China remain locked in a longstanding rivalry, marked by territorial disputes, regional power competition, and strategic mistrust. India’s strengthening ties with the U.S. through platforms like the Quad further accentuate the growing divide.

For China, the potential loss of Apple—a marquee name in its manufacturing empire—could be a major setback, especially if its arch-rival India reaps the benefits. As Trump doubles down on tariffs and global supply chains realign, Apple’s India pivot signals a new chapter in the global tech and trade landscape.

Tags: AppleiPhone

Ingram Micro India Appoints Ankesh Kumar as Director and Chief Marketing Officer to Drive Strategic Growth

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its marketing leadership, Ingram Micro India has appointed Ankesh Kumar as its new Director and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Bringing a wealth of experience from his previous role at Schneider Electric, Kumar is set to lead the company’s marketing initiatives with a strong focus on innovation, digital transformation, and business growth.

Kumar, known for his bold vision and transformative marketing strategies, played a pivotal role at Schneider Electric in enhancing brand awareness and demand generation across multiple business segments. His leadership significantly improved customer journeys and aligned marketing efforts with key commercial and industrial business priorities.

Announcing his new role on LinkedIn, Kumar shared, “I’m happy and excited to share that I’m joining Ingram Micro’s India Executive Leadership team as Director & Chief Of Marketing! In this role, I will lead the Corporate Marketing, Ingram Micro Agency, and Digital Platform Marketing strategy, driving the company’s vision to be the IT industry’s most desired business partner.”

At Ingram Micro, Kumar will spearhead a high-performance marketing team as part of the Executive Leadership Team. His mandate includes driving multi-billion-dollar revenue growth, advancing the company’s go-to-market strategy, and elevating Ingram Micro’s brand in the competitive tech landscape.

A key component of his role will involve leading the company’s digital transformation journey through the Xvantage platform, aimed at enhancing customer and partner experiences. He will oversee ROI-focused marketing initiatives, leverage data-driven campaigns, and implement modern marketing methodologies such as consultative selling, digital innovation, and customer-centric strategies.

Kumar’s cross-functional approach will see him collaborating closely with sales, product teams, and ecosystem partners to enhance acquisition, retention, upselling, and customer advocacy. He will also lead global marketing strategies via integrated campaigns that align with Ingram Micro’s broader business goals.

Recognized as a leader in technology distribution, Ingram Micro India is poised to accelerate its growth trajectory with Kumar at the marketing helm, further solidifying its position in the evolving IT channel ecosystem.

Digital Threat Report 2024: India’s First Sector-Wide Cybersecurity Initiative for BFSI Unveiled

In a landmark move to strengthen cybersecurity across the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), CSIRT-Fin, and global cybersecurity firm SISA have jointly launched the Digital Threat Report 2024. This comprehensive report offers critical insights into the evolving cyber threat landscape and emerging defense strategies tailored for the BFSI ecosystem.

The report was officially unveiled by Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, and Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT, alongside Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, and Dharshan Shanthamurthy, Founder and CEO of SISA.

A United Front in Cybersecurity

During the launch, Shri S. Krishnan emphasized the growing cyber risks accompanying the BFSI sector’s rapid digital transformation. He stated that the interconnected nature of financial systems means a single breach could trigger systemic impacts across multiple entities. Highlighting the collaborative nature of the report, he noted that partnerships between CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin, and industry stakeholders like SISA are vital to developing timely and coordinated cyber defense mechanisms.

Cybersecurity: The Foundation of Economic Trust

Underscoring the economic importance of cybersecurity, Shri M. Nagaraju remarked that safeguarding digital transactions is not only a regulatory requirement but an economic necessity. He called the report a “strategic blueprint” that will help financial institutions anticipate vulnerabilities and fortify cyber defenses in an increasingly complex threat environment.

A Holistic View of the Threat Landscape

The Digital Threat Report 2024 offers a panoramic analysis of sector-specific vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and evolving adversarial tactics. It integrates intelligence from SISA’s forensic investigations, CERT-In’s oversight, and CSIRT-Fin’s incident response capabilities. With digital payments projected to generate $3.1 trillion by 2028, the report arrives at a critical time as cybercriminals expand their focus on the rapidly growing digital financial space.

Dr. Sanjay Bahl reiterated the need for a collaborative and intelligence-driven approach, emphasizing that cybersecurity in today’s digital era must extend beyond individual organizations to encompass the entire financial ecosystem.

Actionable Intelligence for Resilience

SISA’s CEO Dharshan Shanthamurthy highlighted that the report is not just an analysis but a call to action. “By bringing together forensic intelligence, regulatory insights, and real-world incidents, we’re empowering financial institutions to pre-empt threats and build enduring cyber resilience,” he said.

The Digital Threat Report 2024 sets the stage for a proactive, sector-wide cybersecurity strategy. It provides BFSI players with practical recommendations across people, processes, and technology—equipping them to counter sophisticated threats and navigate an increasingly digital financial landscape with confidence.

Mumbai Steps Up Cybersecurity: CM Fadnavis Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Nirbhaya Cyber Labs Across the City

In a significant boost to Mumbai’s cybersecurity infrastructure, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday inaugurated three Nirbhaya Cyber Labs at D.B. Marg, Worli, and Govandi police stations. Speaking at the event held at D.B. Marg Police Station, Fadnavis emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the cyber lab network to curb the growing threat of cybercrime.

The Chief Minister also virtually launched several new initiatives by Mumbai Police, including advanced forensic vans, high-tech motorcycles, and the newly built Park Site Police Station. He highlighted the integration of globally advanced technology in these cyber labs, which will enhance capabilities to tackle complex cyber threats such as financial fraud, online scams, and bank account hacking.

“These state-of-the-art labs will revolutionize cybercrime investigations,” Fadnavis stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the labs are equipped to handle cases involving crimes against women, data tampering, and hacking. Each lab includes 30 workstations manned by specially trained personnel, and advanced software tools for analyzing audio, video, and image evidence. The labs also feature robust data extraction systems to examine call and internet protocol records with precision.

Established under the Nirbhaya Scheme, the cyber labs are designed to bolster investigations into cyber offenses and support swift, evidence-backed justice. Mumbai Police officials noted that these facilities will significantly aid in the recovery of deleted data from digital devices, thanks to the deployment of advanced forensic tools.

During the event, Fadnavis also flagged off Nirbhaya squad vans, interceptor vehicles, and forensic vans alongside Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam. The CM lauded the Mumbai Police’s performance under the state’s 100-day transformation program and emphasized the importance of citizen-friendly policing and women-centric reforms.

All 87 police stations in the city now have Women and Child Help Desks, video conferencing facilities have been set up at 216 locations, and the historic Utkarsh Hall at Azad Maidan Police Station has been renovated. Fadnavis also inaugurated the Mumbai Police’s official handle on X and launched the ‘Mission Karmyogi’ training booklet to promote ongoing professional development.

Calling digital literacy a priority, Fadnavis warned of the rising threat of digital scams—even among educated individuals—and advocated for widespread awareness campaigns. He acknowledged actor Ayushmann Khurrana and producer Sahit Krishnan for their contribution to public outreach initiatives.

The Chief Minister also praised recent legal reforms that enable greater use of technology in investigations and emphasized that the rise in reported crimes against women indicates growing confidence among female victims to come forward. He reiterated the government’s resolve to expand the cyber lab network statewide and build a more inclusive and responsive law enforcement system.

Present at the event were top officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of Home Iqbal Singh Chahal, Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, Joint CP Deven Bharti, and several senior officers.

Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar Bids Adieu to UGC: A Reformist’s Legacy in Higher Education

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially bid farewell to its Chairman, Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, who retired upon reaching the age of 65. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the UGC lauded Kumar’s “visionary leadership and student-first approach,” acknowledging the sweeping reforms and institutional changes he introduced during his tenure.

Appointed in February 2022, Kumar’s term as UGC Chairman was marked by a strong focus on student-centric policies and systemic transformation in India’s higher education landscape. One of his key initiatives was the implementation of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, aimed at streamlining university admissions nationwide.

He also championed the integration of digital learning platforms such as SWAYAM and Open and Distance Learning (ODL), aligning the UGC’s efforts with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and fostering broader access to quality education.

Born in Mamidala village in Telangana’s Nalgonda district, Kumar holds an MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Prior to leading the UGC, he served as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from 2016 to 2022. At IIT Delhi, he held prestigious roles including the NXP Chair Professorship and coordinated VLSI Design programs.

An accomplished academic, Prof. Kumar has contributed extensively to research in nanoelectronics, device modeling, and semiconductor design, with over 250 publications, several patents, and multiple accolades, including the 2013 Award for Excellence in Teaching from IIT Delhi.

In its tribute, the UGC emphasized his ability to connect with stakeholders across academia and beyond, praising his commitment to progressive reforms. As the Commission prepares for a leadership transition, the higher education sector looks back at Kumar’s tenure as a period of significant evolution and awaits the next chapter for the UGC.

Cyber Police Bust Major Online Fraud Racket in Kashmir, 7,200 Mule Accounts Identified

In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Cyber Police Station of Kashmir Zone, Srinagar, has uncovered a large-scale online fraud operation involving the use of thousands of mule bank accounts to launder illegal money.

Since January 2025, authorities have identified a staggering 7,200 mule accounts operating in the Kashmir Valley. These accounts were used to transfer massive sums of money generated through cyber scams, including fake investment schemes, betting platforms, and bogus stock trading portals.

As part of four active investigations, the police have arrested 21 individuals so far, including 19 from Srinagar. Mule accounts—bank accounts used to receive and forward illicit funds—are often created under the names of individuals, shell companies, or small firms. These are typically sourced via social media platforms such as Telegram and Facebook.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imtiyaz Hussain, cybercriminals—often operating from outside Jammu and Kashmir or even abroad—remotely gain access to these accounts after local handlers recruit individuals, often from economically weaker sections, by offering small commissions.

Once under their control, these accounts are linked to illegal payment gateways, used to siphon money from unsuspecting victims. The funds are swiftly routed through multiple accounts or converted into cryptocurrency to avoid detection. In some cases, scammers have exploited the bulk payment features provided by banks to move large sums rapidly.

“These accounts are typically active for only a few days before they’re flagged, but even in that short window, transactions worth crores of rupees can occur,” said SSP Hussain.

The Cyber Police were assisted by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (i4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, which provided a list of the mule accounts active in the region.

The police have also pinpointed several hotspots where such accounts are being created, including areas in Srinagar such as Mehjoor Nagar, Natipora, Nowgam, Lasjan, Padshahibagh, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Soura, Batmaloo, Noorbagh, Qamarwari, Parimpora, Mujgund, and Bemina. Similar incidents have been reported in districts like Ganderbal, Kangan, Sumbal, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian.

Authorities continue to investigate and have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing bank account access with unknown individuals or entities.

Google Unveils Sec-Gemini v1, an Experimental AI Model to Reinvent Cybersecurity Defense

In a major stride toward enhancing cybersecurity, Google has announced the launch of Sec-Gemini v1, an experimental AI model aimed at empowering cyber defenders to combat increasingly complex digital threats. Developed by Elie Bursztein and Marianna Tishchenko from Google’s Sec-Gemini team, the model leverages cutting-edge AI to shift the balance in favor of security professionals.

The announcement, made via an official blog post, underscores the longstanding challenge in cybersecurity: while defenders must guard against a multitude of potential attack vectors, threat actors need only exploit a single vulnerability. Sec-Gemini v1 aims to counteract this imbalance by streamlining cybersecurity workflows with AI-enhanced capabilities.

Built on Google’s powerful Gemini AI foundation, Sec-Gemini v1 integrates near real-time threat intelligence with advanced reasoning abilities. It utilizes a wide array of data sources—including Google Threat Intelligence, the Open Source Vulnerabilities (OSV) database, and Mandiant Threat Intelligence—to perform advanced tasks such as incident root cause analysis, threat actor profiling, and vulnerability impact assessments.

The model has already shown impressive results, outperforming competitors by over 11% on the CTI-MCQ benchmark and by more than 10.5% on the CTI-Root Cause Mapping benchmark. In one notable case, Sec-Gemini v1 successfully identified and analyzed the threat actor “Salt Typhoon,” providing a detailed assessment enriched with intelligence from Mandiant and OSV.

Highlighting its real-world utility, Google emphasized how this depth of analysis could dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of threat assessments, ultimately reducing the burden on cybersecurity teams.

To encourage collaboration and advancement in the field, Google will offer early access to Sec-Gemini v1 for select researchers, professionals, institutions, and NGOs. Interested parties can apply through a dedicated form.

With the introduction of Sec-Gemini v1, Google is positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven cybersecurity, offering a promising tool to help defenders outpace adversaries in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Gen AI in B2B Marketing: Delivering on Expectations at Scale

Introduction

In July 2023, an Indian startup CEO made headlines for replacing 90% of his customer support team with an AI chatbot, claiming it was 100 times cheaper and handled queries more efficiently. While this move sparked debates about AI replacing jobs, it also underscored AI’s expanding role in business—including marketing. But does this mean AI will take over marketing jobs too? In today’s AI-driven world, this question is more relevant than ever.

B2B marketing has always been about precision—understanding the audience and delivering the right message at the right time. But with digital transformation accelerating, marketers must produce more content, personalize outreach, engage meaningfully, and show clear ROI—all within tight budgets and timelines.

Enter Generative AI (GenAI)—a game-changer for scaling marketing efforts efficiently. But how exactly does it align with B2B marketing goals? Let’s break it down.

  1. Faster Content Production

A strong B2B marketing strategy demands high-quality content—blogs, reports, emails, and ads. Traditionally, this required significant time and effort. GenAI accelerates content creation, ensuring consistency in tone and messaging while reducing production timelines.

Platforms like HubSpot use AI-driven tools to generate blog drafts, email subject lines, and social media posts—helping marketers focus on strategy rather than starting from scratch.

  1. Hyper-Personalization at Scale

Personalization isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s an expectation. In email outreach, personalization is now so expected that some marketers intentionally use placeholders like “{name}” or incorrect names to grab attention.

This reflects how deeply personalization has become the norm. But crafting tailored messages for every prospect is time-consuming. GenAI makes this scalable by analyzing customer responses and dynamically adjusting messaging based on behavior and preferences.

  1. AI-Generated Visuals & Videos

B2B marketing isn’t just about words—visuals and videos are essential for engagement. However, producing high-quality assets is expensive and time-intensive. GenAI simplifies this by generating compelling visuals, explainer videos, and product demos with ease.

AI tools like DALL·E enable marketers to generate unique campaign graphics and infographics effortlessly, eliminating the need for design expertise. The latest trend of Ghibli-style AI-generated images further enhances storytelling, making visual content more engaging and immersive.

  1. Data-Driven Decision Making

Modern marketing thrives on data, but analyzing vast datasets manually is inefficient. GenAI helps process data in real-time, identifying trends and optimizing campaigns.

Google’s AI-powered Performance Max campaigns adjust ad budgets dynamically based on real-time data, ensuring optimal ROI. Likewise, AI-driven insight tools help marketers analyze customer feedback and competitor trends, refining strategies faster.

Conclusion

Generative AI isn’t replacing marketers—it’s enhancing their capabilities. From automating content creation to optimizing campaigns and personalizing customer interactions, AI enables B2B teams to meet growing expectations efficiently. Leading organizations like LinkedIn, HubSpot, and IBM are already leveraging AI to drive results.

However, as GenAI becomes integral to marketing, data privacy concerns are growing. While AI-powered platforms offer efficiency, questions about who has access to uploaded data remain critical. Businesses must carefully evaluate their AI usage to ensure data security and regulatory compliance. With privacy becoming a major talking point, marketing teams must strike a balance between leveraging AI’s power and protecting sensitive information.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of ObserveNow Media. The author is solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and validity of the information presented, encouraging readers to independently verify and seek professional advice if needed.

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