I was SOOO glad to hear that Bajaj was planning to launch a 400cc version of the Avenger or a CS400 by Mid 2016. But it sounded more like a knee-jerk reaction to a market development where they were caught with their pants down. It was a launch that should have happened at least a year back. It seemed like they were trying to stop the fence-sitters from going ahead and booking a Royal Enfield Himalayan
To put this view into perspective, lets put some data in terms of volumes. Royal Enfield sold more than a Lakh motorcycles in 2014, and Volumes have doubled in 2015. All the models that Royal Enfield sells are more than Rs.1 lakh on-road. In-comparison, Bajaj has sold 21,000 Dukes in India in Fy15. Dukes are the Only models that Bajaj sells/manufactures that cost more than one Lakh.
So it's easy to see that Royal Enfield is the real king of premium motorcycles in India. Something that Rajiv Bajaj expressly wants to become, because that is where the margins are. But Bajaj did nothing to actually bolster that image till recently launching Avenger Street and Cruise 150.
Why is it that RE is able to sell more expensive motorcycles than Bajaj even though Bajaj is the one with deeper pockets, bigger marketing and R&D budgets, and better ability to sell motorcycles through the length and breath of the county.
I think the lacuna in Bajaj's strategy is (was?) its total dependence on Sport-oriented motorcycles in the premium category (read Pulsars, Duke and RCs). May be it failed to realise that teenagers don't make money.. and are dependent on parents for their spending power. The 25-30 year olds with their own income and big borrowing power, quickly grow out of going faster and are looking for a comfortable two-wheeler for themselves and probably their wives as pillion. I see so many office-goers preferring the Activa as a two-wheeler, after buying a car, even though they have the money. Someone with a greater inclination for adventure might even choose a motorcycle provided that its comfortable for the rider and the pillion. Right now, there isn't a single product from Bajaj that actually fits the bill. If you are a 30 year old executive who wants a comfortable motorcycle for two people there simply aren't any options in the 1-2.5Lakh bracket other than the Royal Enfields.
Another BIG lacuna that I find the Bajaj scheme of things is the Experience. RE is all about riding clubs, touring, brotherhood, jackets, apparel, accessories. Bajaj started well with the KTM branded showrooms but lost it along the way. It make too much cash from motorcycles (4000Cr EBITDA) to concentrate on smaller things like apparel and rider gear. But these accessories provides more opportunities for the target audience to interact with the brand and look at new products. Pulsar brand is diluted now, since the Japanese got into the sporty 150s segment with the Gixxers, R15s and FZs. 200NS was a marketing failure. Bajaj could have easily priced it 10k higher than the P220 and that money should have been used to provide it with better quality components. You hear complaints from user saying that the tyres are not grippy enough, the wheels breaking on impact and the paint on the engine chips off easily. Bajaj cannot keep the Pulsar brand in the 'cheap motorcycle' category, if the same brand has to compete with Gixxer and FZs of the world. Or it has to invest in a new brand and a new dealership network.
Coming to the dealers, I am not sure if being a Bajaj dealer is profitable enough today. The two dealers whom I brought my motorcycles from, closed within 3 years of me buying the bike. Compared to that Hero dealer in the area who is almost a land mark now and the Honda dealer we bought the Activa from in 2009 is still going strong.
Given that the volume growth for Bajaj is flat to negative, I think many urban motorcyclists have moved beyond the Pulsar 150 they owned once, but Bajaj hasn't been able to do the same. There isn't a viable upgrade for them in the Bajaj stable. Nothing premium. Maybe its time for Bajaj to think of opening up new segments like the V15 and the Street 150. Maybe a Maxi scooter with 200cc Engine?
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Flipkart's IPO may be 1-2years away
Flipkart.com was at one point of time represented the boom in online shopping. One of the first who used financial muscle to spend heavily on advertising and marketing. Price warrior on most fronts.
But it seems of late that they no longer want to be the cheapest. It seems they happy just letting the image they have created to let people come and buy stuff from them.
Evidence of this can be found on price comparison sites like 91mobilles.com, mysmartprice.com and pricedealsindia.com. You can search for any category of goods and you'll find it cheaper on some other website.
The other problem is that the website is no long a seller but a marketplace where all kinds of seller come to sell similar to amazon. Since Amazon launched its Indian site, it is becoming more and more unlikely that it will acquire an existing platform, forcing the e-retailer to be profitable rather than guzzle cash given to it by its VC firms.
The recent round of funding might actually be funding to help it sustain operations for a year or two and finally come with Ipo-able numbers, also increasing VC stake before valuations rise (after turning profitable).
One firm lesson: - buyers should compare prices before buying anything on flipkart.
Second: Flipkart isn't what it used to be. The marketplace makes the website a vulnerable place for buyers who would trust flipkart blindly because of all the marketing hype. Its more important than ever to read the fine-print. On every website. Or simply go out and enjoy buying from your favourite Croma/Mobile Store.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
But it seems of late that they no longer want to be the cheapest. It seems they happy just letting the image they have created to let people come and buy stuff from them.
Evidence of this can be found on price comparison sites like 91mobilles.com, mysmartprice.com and pricedealsindia.com. You can search for any category of goods and you'll find it cheaper on some other website.
The other problem is that the website is no long a seller but a marketplace where all kinds of seller come to sell similar to amazon. Since Amazon launched its Indian site, it is becoming more and more unlikely that it will acquire an existing platform, forcing the e-retailer to be profitable rather than guzzle cash given to it by its VC firms.
The recent round of funding might actually be funding to help it sustain operations for a year or two and finally come with Ipo-able numbers, also increasing VC stake before valuations rise (after turning profitable).
One firm lesson: - buyers should compare prices before buying anything on flipkart.
Second: Flipkart isn't what it used to be. The marketplace makes the website a vulnerable place for buyers who would trust flipkart blindly because of all the marketing hype. Its more important than ever to read the fine-print. On every website. Or simply go out and enjoy buying from your favourite Croma/Mobile Store.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
Monday, October 7, 2013
Multi Cast for any Blackberry with BB7.1
Blackberry launched the 9720 with an app called the Multicast which allows you to post to multiple social networks. But this app is currently available only on 9720 and not as an app or update on the other OS 7.1 phones.
Well actually there is a feature that lets you do a "multicast" right from the day the OS 7.1 was released and its called "social feeds". Social feeds is where you can consolidate your social network feeds from Facebook BBM and Twitter. It can also be used to a multicast. Simply click on "New Post" the BB Menu. It will allow you do select the network you want to post to and get done with it.
Only one limitation exists in social feeds app that multicast solved and that is the ability to attach pictures. I think there will be eventually an update for the older devices which will provide "Multicast" app.
Well actually there is a feature that lets you do a "multicast" right from the day the OS 7.1 was released and its called "social feeds". Social feeds is where you can consolidate your social network feeds from Facebook BBM and Twitter. It can also be used to a multicast. Simply click on "New Post" the BB Menu. It will allow you do select the network you want to post to and get done with it.
Only one limitation exists in social feeds app that multicast solved and that is the ability to attach pictures. I think there will be eventually an update for the older devices which will provide "Multicast" app.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
How to use Whatsapp
Whatsapp is a messaging app based on the phone numbers in your contact list. It does not use sms or mms but uses internet data, so that you don't need to spend on sms. It works on all smartphone platforms (except obscure ones) including Blackberry (it runs fine without BIS too sometimes), Android, iPhone, Window Phone, Nokia Symbian, and also Nokia s40 (that includes all asha phones, individual model no.s can be found on the Whatsapp website)
1. Install the app from http://www.whatsapp.com/download/ on your mobile phone.
2. Give it required permissions to access internet via cellular (EDGE, 3G) data, wifi and to contacts on your phone.
3. While installing, it will send a local sms to the phone number that you are registering with, to make sure that the number is being used in the handset that Whatsapp is being registered on. So you need to make sure you can send and receive sms on the phone that you are installing it in. It will automatically read the incoming message - that message has a code that Whatsapp will use to register.
4. Once registered, you will see the app interface in the top row which shows current 'chats' (which should be empty if you are using it for the first time), 'favourites' which is essentially all of your contacts who are using whatsapp too, 'all contacts' is the contacts in your phone's addressbook, "Status" where you can set you status message - you can have custom status messages too, and Settings where you can decide how the app behaves.
5. To start chatting, press the 'new chat' button, select the contact you want to say hi to, and type 'hi' and press send. Another way to start is to select your contact from the favourites menu and start chatting. If you do not find that contact in the favourite menu, try the search function (in the blackberry, simply start typing the name of the contact in the favourites menu). If you still don't find them it means that they do not use whatsapp, or they have registered a different number (which is not present in your addressbook). You have the option of searching them up in 'all contacts' and inviting them via normal/standard SMS.
6. You can also form groups in whatsapp, Simply start a 'new group chat', select the contacts you want to add to the group and you are good to go. You can also add new members to the group later on.
Using whatsapp with a different number:
Once installed and registered, You can change the sim card in the phone to keep using whatsapp with the old number, provided you don't need to re-register on whatsapp. You can use this while roaming internationally and use the local sim to make call while still being accessible on whatsapp using your old number.
If you are changing your number permanently, you can still continue the same conversations on your new number by going to 'settings' and then 'account' and then look for an option to 'change my number'. This will make sure that your group chats and other conversations continue. But for the contacts whom you have not initiated chats with, they will see your number as an unknown number unless they have it their phonebook. So best to send them a message saying that this is your new number.
Voice messaging:
You can send voice notes to your contacts too. It might be fun thing to do or you can use it if your hands are not free or you don't have time. In touchscreen phones, there will be a voice chat icon next to the chat box or if you are using a qwerty it can be activated by pressing and holding the spacebar, recording you message and releasing the spacebar to send the message.
I'll be posting a 'how to" for BBM once it releases on iOS and Android.
1. Install the app from http://www.whatsapp.com/download/ on your mobile phone.
2. Give it required permissions to access internet via cellular (EDGE, 3G) data, wifi and to contacts on your phone.
3. While installing, it will send a local sms to the phone number that you are registering with, to make sure that the number is being used in the handset that Whatsapp is being registered on. So you need to make sure you can send and receive sms on the phone that you are installing it in. It will automatically read the incoming message - that message has a code that Whatsapp will use to register.
4. Once registered, you will see the app interface in the top row which shows current 'chats' (which should be empty if you are using it for the first time), 'favourites' which is essentially all of your contacts who are using whatsapp too, 'all contacts' is the contacts in your phone's addressbook, "Status" where you can set you status message - you can have custom status messages too, and Settings where you can decide how the app behaves.
5. To start chatting, press the 'new chat' button, select the contact you want to say hi to, and type 'hi' and press send. Another way to start is to select your contact from the favourites menu and start chatting. If you do not find that contact in the favourite menu, try the search function (in the blackberry, simply start typing the name of the contact in the favourites menu). If you still don't find them it means that they do not use whatsapp, or they have registered a different number (which is not present in your addressbook). You have the option of searching them up in 'all contacts' and inviting them via normal/standard SMS.
6. You can also form groups in whatsapp, Simply start a 'new group chat', select the contacts you want to add to the group and you are good to go. You can also add new members to the group later on.
Using whatsapp with a different number:
Once installed and registered, You can change the sim card in the phone to keep using whatsapp with the old number, provided you don't need to re-register on whatsapp. You can use this while roaming internationally and use the local sim to make call while still being accessible on whatsapp using your old number.
If you are changing your number permanently, you can still continue the same conversations on your new number by going to 'settings' and then 'account' and then look for an option to 'change my number'. This will make sure that your group chats and other conversations continue. But for the contacts whom you have not initiated chats with, they will see your number as an unknown number unless they have it their phonebook. So best to send them a message saying that this is your new number.
Voice messaging:
You can send voice notes to your contacts too. It might be fun thing to do or you can use it if your hands are not free or you don't have time. In touchscreen phones, there will be a voice chat icon next to the chat box or if you are using a qwerty it can be activated by pressing and holding the spacebar, recording you message and releasing the spacebar to send the message.
I'll be posting a 'how to" for BBM once it releases on iOS and Android.
Friday, August 23, 2013
How to get a torch light on your blackberry for free?
Note: This will only work with blackberries which have a flash. I'm sure this one works on a 7.1 OS device but it should work on 6.x and 5.x device as well.
Well I had been searching for a flashlight/torch app that I could use with my blackberry 9320. Many of them were trial versions and some I was afraid were collecting too much information or needed permission to access the internet.
Finally I found an app that does a lot of things and a flashlight feature built in. Its called Advanced OS and LED. Its a nice app. But while using the app I found that you don't need one to use the torch. There is a setting by which I can not only use the flashlight but assign one of the side keys to launch it too.
Here's the secret that the flashlight app makers don't want u to know. Just open the "video camera" and go to "options". It will have the setting for "video light". Check the box. Now everytime you open the video camera you'll have the flash turn on. Close it to go off.
Now if you want to assign a side button just assign it for video camera and you'll get a handy torch light
Don't want to use the side button? You can always go to the media menu (in OS 7.x) or shift the video camera to the home menu (4.x and 5.x). OR in 6.x and 7.x you can use the universal search feature and just type "video" or "camera" to get to the app.
Let me know if it works for you.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
Well I had been searching for a flashlight/torch app that I could use with my blackberry 9320. Many of them were trial versions and some I was afraid were collecting too much information or needed permission to access the internet.
Finally I found an app that does a lot of things and a flashlight feature built in. Its called Advanced OS and LED. Its a nice app. But while using the app I found that you don't need one to use the torch. There is a setting by which I can not only use the flashlight but assign one of the side keys to launch it too.
Here's the secret that the flashlight app makers don't want u to know. Just open the "video camera" and go to "options". It will have the setting for "video light". Check the box. Now everytime you open the video camera you'll have the flash turn on. Close it to go off.
Now if you want to assign a side button just assign it for video camera and you'll get a handy torch light
Don't want to use the side button? You can always go to the media menu (in OS 7.x) or shift the video camera to the home menu (4.x and 5.x). OR in 6.x and 7.x you can use the universal search feature and just type "video" or "camera" to get to the app.
Let me know if it works for you.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Voice Recorder for blackberry
When you are in a class sometimes you find a really good professor who opens up so many new horizons for you that you really enjoy his class. At other times your grades depend on being able to remember what was taught in class. Or when you are just too slow to take detailed notes or listen to the prof. I was trying to find a substitute for taking class notes because I couldn't pay attention to everything being taught if I was occupied with taking notes.
I decided to try record the audio of one class. I used the voice notes feature built into blackberry. The results were pretty bad in terms of sound quality but I could make out what was being spoken, which helped me elaborate my notes. I was happy with the result so I decided to experiment further. The main problem I faced with BB's recorder was it was limited to 60 mins in length my lecture were 75 mins long sometimes stretching to 90 mins. So started searching for a voice recorder app. In blackberry app world, I came across a few, most of them were useless or too expensive. I needed something simple. Then I found VR+ on app world.
Its a paid app with a trial period of 30 days. Most of the premium features weren't something I needed. But once the trial was over, the app would work as a lite version which was free to use.
Over its a good app. It can record in the background. It can encode it in the AMR format which is lite, just 5mb for 60 mins. It can also email the recording and you can choose the default save location. Problems: It takes a lot of processing power which makes the phone slow and drains the battery almost at the same rate as calling (may be slightly better). The lite version also puts a small self-introduction in the file before the actual recording.
But it gets the job done. And I'm happy with it so far. It has features that I haven't used even once. And its free.
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone
I decided to try record the audio of one class. I used the voice notes feature built into blackberry. The results were pretty bad in terms of sound quality but I could make out what was being spoken, which helped me elaborate my notes. I was happy with the result so I decided to experiment further. The main problem I faced with BB's recorder was it was limited to 60 mins in length my lecture were 75 mins long sometimes stretching to 90 mins. So started searching for a voice recorder app. In blackberry app world, I came across a few, most of them were useless or too expensive. I needed something simple. Then I found VR+ on app world.
Its a paid app with a trial period of 30 days. Most of the premium features weren't something I needed. But once the trial was over, the app would work as a lite version which was free to use.
Over its a good app. It can record in the background. It can encode it in the AMR format which is lite, just 5mb for 60 mins. It can also email the recording and you can choose the default save location. Problems: It takes a lot of processing power which makes the phone slow and drains the battery almost at the same rate as calling (may be slightly better). The lite version also puts a small self-introduction in the file before the actual recording.
But it gets the job done. And I'm happy with it so far. It has features that I haven't used even once. And its free.
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Aliens Vs Predators
I have been reading some stuff off my alexa toolbar. Most of the news relates to politics, sports, movies or recently reddit pages. There is a lot being said about TSA. There was this particular post about a photographer having posted about not going to a US anymore, because of the harrasment he has faced during airport checks. Small town police and residents being overly cautious of him when he is photographing on the streets (he was street photographer). As you can image, it had a long list of comments (i spent 45mins reading and i wasn't even halfway through.) Surprisingly there was very little flaming. I have read comments to yahoo news articles, and it makes me want to shake my head in..... frustration? dispair? hopelessness.. yes that's appropriate. Everyone on the reddit page seemed to be pretty much on the same page (metaphorically) as far as what they felt about US.
I was thinking, 'When I go to US, I'll stay away from airports. I'll hire a car, drive for 18-20 hours, rather than endure the TSA"
Then I read this today - America's Worst Speed Traps
I was wondering if government in the US was taking capitalism to ITS heart. To an outsider like me, this was more like "gaming", as if the authorities were playing their version of 'angry birds' or some arcade game. "Ok, now this guy is going to come out from here at 70, so lets put a 55 limit on this section and a speed trap. That should take care of state department's electricity bills this year"
They are playing more aggressively than large Corporations. May be because they are the 'monopoly', there's only one government.
So there goes my option of driving cross country into the bin. Makes me think if I should even be going. I'm free in my country, REALLY.
Another point to notice, US is caving in under the weight of its own regulations. For so long China has been portrayed as a heavily policed and censored state. Seems like US is importing these things as well from China.
PS: A special note to my sisters in the US: Come back. Grass is greener on this side, for a change.
I was thinking, 'When I go to US, I'll stay away from airports. I'll hire a car, drive for 18-20 hours, rather than endure the TSA"
Then I read this today - America's Worst Speed Traps
I was wondering if government in the US was taking capitalism to ITS heart. To an outsider like me, this was more like "gaming", as if the authorities were playing their version of 'angry birds' or some arcade game. "Ok, now this guy is going to come out from here at 70, so lets put a 55 limit on this section and a speed trap. That should take care of state department's electricity bills this year"
They are playing more aggressively than large Corporations. May be because they are the 'monopoly', there's only one government.
So there goes my option of driving cross country into the bin. Makes me think if I should even be going. I'm free in my country, REALLY.
Another point to notice, US is caving in under the weight of its own regulations. For so long China has been portrayed as a heavily policed and censored state. Seems like US is importing these things as well from China.
PS: A special note to my sisters in the US: Come back. Grass is greener on this side, for a change.
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