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Tag: unveiled

  • Lawson’s Bold Expansion: 10,000 Stores Unveiled for India by 2050

    Lawson’s Bold Expansion: 10,000 Stores Unveiled for India by 2050

    Lawson, a convenience store chain co-owned by Mitsubishi Corp and KDDI, has announced its ambitious expansion plan into India. The company aims to establish a network of 10,000 stores across the country by 2050. This strategic shift towards India is driven by the saturation of Lawson’s domestic market and the desire for additional growth avenues.

    Initial Steps in India

    Lawson plans to establish its presence in India by initially launching five directly operated stores in Mumbai in the coming year. This is set to be followed by a more extensive roll-out through franchise and licensing agreements. With a goal of 100 stores by 2030, Lawson is keen to position India as a major contributor to its earnings, similar to its operations in China.

    Subsidiary Establishment and Product Localization

    To manage the site selection, supply chain development, and merchandising for its India operations, Lawson intends to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India this year. The company will outsource production and distribution to local partners in a bid to streamline operations.

    In response to local consumer preferences, Lawson will offer a specially curated product range. The retailer plans to accommodate dietary and religious practices with an expanded selection of meat-free and egg-free products. The stores will feature Lawson’s signature Japanese convenience items like onigiri rice balls and ready meals, along with locally popular items such as freshly brewed coffee and hot dishes.

    Global Expansion Plan

    Currently, Lawson operates over 7,000 stores in five countries including China, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. The company is set on doubling its international footprint to around 14,000 stores by as early as 2030.

    Entering the Indian market is a natural progression after Lawson’s efforts to speed up its expansion in Southeast Asia last year. This included signing franchise agreements with local retail partners and increasing the number of directly managed stores.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Lawson’s expansion plan in India?
    Lawson aims to establish a 10,000-store network across India by 2050, with the first five outlets launching in Mumbai in the coming year.

    How will Lawson cater to the Indian market?
    Lawson plans to tailor its product range to local tastes, offering an expanded selection of meat-free and egg-free products in line with dietary and religious practices.

    What is Lawson’s global expansion strategy?
    Lawson is planning to double its number of overseas stores to around 14,000 by 2030. This includes its recent expansion into Southeast Asia and the upcoming foray into the Indian market.

  • Revamp Unveiled: Discover the New Features in Google’s Updated Voice Search UI on Android

    Revamp Unveiled: Discover the New Features in Google’s Updated Voice Search UI on Android

    The user interface (UI) of Google’s Android voice search feature has recently undergone a transformation that might be refreshing to those who were not fond of the previous version. Earlier, when the microphone icon was tapped on the Google app, it led users to a page featuring a disembodied face. Since this voice search feature responded orally to user queries, the face’s mouth was designed to move in sync with Google’s vocal reply, which unsettled some users.

    A Digital Assistant Makeover

    In recent updates, the presence of Gemini, the new digital assistant, seemed to have replaced the unusual disembodied face. During the initial few weeks after introducing Gemini, the face disappeared. Despite Gemini performing all tasks previously assigned to Google Assistant, such as answering inquiries and setting alarms and timers, the face made a brief comeback in the new UI.

    Accessing Voice Search

    There is a multitude of ways for an Android user to access the voice search feature. The overhauled voice search UI now places the Google logo at the top center of the page, with a back button on the left and a three-dot overflow icon on the right. Users need to tap this icon to access the Voice settings. From here, the feature of Spoken Results can be activated, which will read out search results audibly. Users can also select from four distinct voices – Cosmo, Neso, Terra, or Cassini – to read out the results. Furthermore, they can select the preferred language for the voice search from a wide range of options. The dark theme too has witnessed an upgrade.

    Google’s voice search can be accessed by tapping the microphone icon within the Google Search widget on the home screen, by using the persistent Pixel Launcher search bar located at the bottom of the display on Pixel phones, or by saying “Hey Google,” if enabled.

    Revised Search Bar and Microphone Icon

    The use of the search bar and microphone icon for accessing voice search displays the previously mentioned disembodied face along with the word “Listening,” topped with a four-color arc. The new, enlarged “Search a song” button appears below the arc. This button opens a song search UI that prompts whether the user wants to “Play, Sing, Hum.” To top it all, there’s a shortcut to the Song Search history in the top right corner.

    Questions & Answers

    What changes have been brought to the Google’s Android voice search UI?
    The new UI has replaced the disembodied face with the Google logo, placed at the top center. The voice search settings can be accessed via the three-dot overflow icon on the right.

    How can Android users access the voice search feature?
    Users can access the voice search feature by tapping the microphone icon within the Google Search widget on the home screen, by using the persistent Pixel Launcher search bar, or by saying “Hey Google,” if this feature is enabled.

    What is the functionality of the “Search a song” button in the new UI?
    The “Search a song” button opens a song search UI that prompts whether the user wants to “Play, Sing, Hum.” It is also accompanied by a shortcut to the Song Search history.

  • Ferrari Unveils SC40 Supercar: A Modern Tribute To The Iconic F40

    Ferrari Unveils SC40 Supercar: A Modern Tribute To The Iconic F40

    The esteemed Italian automobile manufacturer, Ferrari, has recently unveiled its latest creation, the SC40 supercar, in Maranello. This unique model is the latest addition to the Special Projects Program and draws its inspiration from the iconic F40 supercar. An exclusive client specifically commissioned the SC40, which is modeled after the mid-rear-engined 296 GTB. It shares its structural design, rear-wheel drive chassis, and V6 turbo-hybrid powertrain with the 296 GTB.

    The Power Behind the SC40

    The Ferrari SC40 employs the same powertrain and chassis as the 296 GTB. This indicates that the SC40 is equipped with a potent 3.0-liter V6 engine, capable of generating up to 830 horsepower in its hybrid configuration.

    While the SC40 and the 296 GTB share the same power unit, the SC40 stands out with distinct visual features that pay homage to the F40 supercar. These include smoked Lexan louvres and an open-mesh rear face that serves to cool the turbocharged engine. In addition, the SC40 insignia is etched in relief on the side of the rear wing. The side profile is marked by triangular carbon-fiber accents and large intercooler air intakes, which are modern reinterpretations of the classic NACA ducts and louvres that defined the F40’s design.

    Modern Design Meets Classic Aesthetics

    Directed by Flavio Manzoni at the Ferrari Styling Center, the SC40 is a harmonious blend of classic design elements and contemporary aesthetics. Although the SC40 is inspired by the F40, Ferrari asserts that it has a number of unique distinguishing features. These include vertical lines that shape the front wings, door cuts, and engine cover. The front of the SC40 is characterized by headlights positioned at the outer corners of the bonnet, a full-width lower air intake, and rectangular brake intakes. The car is finished in a bespoke Bianco SC40 paint, which completes the exterior transformation.

    The F40 was one of the first cars to utilize carbon-Kevlar, and this material has made a return in the SC40, being used in areas such as the footwells, behind the seats, and on the steering wheel and dashboard. The interior also boasts charcoal Alcantara and red Jacquard fabric, imparting a sporty feel with a high-end, race-inspired touch.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the power output of the Ferrari SC40?
    The Ferrari SC40 features a 3.0-liter V6 engine capable of generating up to 830 horsepower in its hybrid configuration.

    What are some unique features of the Ferrari SC40?
    The SC40 stands out with distinct visual features that pay homage to the F40 supercar. These include smoked Lexan louvres, an open-mesh rear face, triangular carbon-fiber accents, large intercooler air intakes, and a bespoke Bianco SC40 paint finish.

    What materials are used in the interior of the Ferrari SC40?
    The SC40’s interior uses carbon-Kevlar in areas such as the footwells, behind the seats, and on the steering wheel and dashboard. The cabin also features charcoal Alcantara and red Jacquard fabric.