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• Weekly News Digest: Amazon IRCTC offer, Galaxy S20 FE, Paytm Mini App Store and More [9th October]

Welcome to our weekly news digest! Every Friday, we bring the top news stories from the world of e-commerce. Last week, we reported on the launch Digital Suraksha Insurance by Flipkart. We also reported on the launch of new products of Xiaomi and Amazon in the last edition. 

Here is a roundup of this week's headlines from the launch of IRCTC train booking facility on the Amazon app to Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE. Meanwhile, the festival shopping fever is all set to start as e-commerce companies have started to roll out festive sales. JioMart is also expanding to other categories ahead of the festive season. Let us take a look at the top headlines of the week. 

1. Amazon Partners with IRCTC For Train Ticket Bookings

Amazon India has partnered with IRCTC to provide train ticket booking facility on its platform. As an introductory offer, Amazon has waived off service and payment gateway charges. Customers will also be able to check seat and quota availability in the Amazon app.

To book train tickets go to the Amazon Pay tab and then select trains/travel category. Customers need to put the destination and travel dates to check the available options. Customers using Amazon Pay Balance will get an instant refund for ticket cancellations and booking failure.  

Last year, Amazon introduced flight and bus ticket booking. With the introduction of train ticket booking, Amazon enables travel across different modes. Train ticket booking facility is available on Amazon app for Android and iOS. 

2. JioMart Forays into Fashion before Festive Season

JioMart has expanded beyond grocery. JioMart has included the fashion category to its website and app. JioMart fashion is available for men, women, kids, and infants. It is offering a 30-day return policy on fashion. The platform has also added subscription service for delivery for essentials such as milk, bread etc. The service will give Jiomart an edge over the rivals. 

At the 43rd Annual General Meeting in July, Mukesh Ambani had said that JioMart would soon evolve into a full-fledged e-commerce platform. The platform is expected to expand presence in fashion and consumer electronics among others. 

3. Paytm Launches Mini App Store 

In the battle against Google Play store, Paytm has launched its Mini App Store. Paytm Mini App store allows users to use the listed apps without the need to download. The mini app store is hosting links to progressive Web apps that can run within a web browser. 

The app store has been designed to help Indian developers set up low-cost and easy-to-build apps. According to the company's press release, over 300 app-based service providers such as Decathlon, Ola, Park+, Rapido, Netmeds, 1MG, Domino’s Pizza, FreshMenu have already joined the programme. 

The Mini App store is accessible on your Paytm app. On the home page, click on Show More to see the menu. The portal allows the use of the listed apps without the need of download or installs. 

The development comes shortly after the Indian Startup founders discussed the possibility of having an Indian app store to challenge Google. From the user point of view, it is an option to use different apps from a single platform. There is no need to download or install various apps. 

4. iPhone 12 to Debut on October 13

Apple has sent invites for an event on October 13 amid expectations of the launch of iPhone 12. Earlier, Apple hosted an event in September which unveiled a host of new products and services but no new smartphone. 

This year, Apple is expected to launch four new iPhone models including iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Max, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro. The company may also launch an affordable version iPhone 12 Mini. All models are said to come with the new A14 Processor. The devices will also come with support for 5G. 

The event will also see the release of a smaller HomePod smart speaker, over-ear headphones, all-new Apple TV streaming box, and a tile-like location tracking device. 

The virtail event starts at 10:30 pm IST. 

5. Airtel Brings Back Rs. 399 Postpaid Plan

Airtel has brought back its Rs. 399 postpaid plan. This move comes days after the launch of Jio's new postpaid plus plans. Airtel Rs. 399 postpaid was earlier available for select circles only but now it has rolled out this plan for all users in India. 

Airtel's Rs. 399 postpaid plan comes with 40GB data alongside unlimited calling and 100 SMS per day. Subscribers also get access to Airtel Xstream Premium and Wynk Music. Airtel is also providing free Hello Tunes and Rs. 150 cashback on FASTag transactions. 

For more details on Airtel Postpaid plans click here

6. Amazon Launches Credit Card Bill Payment Feature

Amazon has introduced a credit card bill payment feature on its platform. With this launch, Amazon joins the likes of PhonePe, Paytm and cred who already provide credit card bill payment on their apps. The feature allows making payment using internet banking or UPI.

Credit Card Bill Payment is available under recharge and bill payments tab in Amazon Pay. It supports bill payment for VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and RuPay credit cards.

Amazon introduced its digital wallet 'Amazon Pay' four years ago in India. Since the digital wallet has expanded to offer a variety of features. Earlier, Amazon launched Gold Vault in August, enabling users to buy Digital Gold for as low as Rs. 1. 

 

7. Amazon Fire TV Gets Support for Live TV streaming in India

Amazon has introduced the Live TV feature for Fire TV users in India. With the new feature, it will be easier for users to find, browse, and access live content from their favourite content providers. A new 'Live' tab has been introduced on the navigation panel. Also an 'On Now' row has been added on the Fire TV home screen. Customers can also access live channels through Alexa.

The live TV feature has started to roll out for existing users while the new customers should see the feature in the coming weeks. 

With the launch of Live Tab, users don't need to head to separate apps for watching TV channels. The customers will see the row based on their app downloads and subscription status. 

The initial set of content providers include SonyLIV, Voot, Discovery+, and NexGTV. Zee5 will soon join the list. 

 

8. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Launched in India

Samsung has launched its much-anticipated Galaxy S20 Fan Edition in India. The smartphone costs Rs. 49,999 and is available with exciting launch offers. Customers can avail special benefits worth Rs. 8000 via upgrade bonus and cashback. 

Galaxy S20 FE has 8GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage. It comes in five colour variants - Cloud Red, Cloud Mint, Cloud Navy, Cloud White, and Cloud Lavender. It has a 6.5-inch Infinity O Super AMOLED Display with 120 Hz refresh rate.

The device is powered by Exynos 990 Chipset. Galaxy S20 Fe features a triple rear camera set up (12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Wide-angle and 8MP Telephoto camera) and a 32MP selfie camera. The 4500mAh battery supports 25W fast charging. 

Pre-booking for Galaxy S20 FE starts October 9; while the device will go on sale starting 16th October. 

For more details on Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Click Here

9. Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2020 to Kick start on 17th October

Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale is all set to start from October 17. While Flipkart's Big Billion Days Sale will start on October 16. Amazon will offer 24-hour early access to Prime Members. There will be a 10 per cent Instant discount using HDFC Bank Cards and EMI transactions. Amazon has already some of the deals of its upcoming sale. 
Amazon is offering discounts, cashback, and rewards across all categories like laptops, printers, smartphones, appliances and more from top brands. Customers can also win daily rewards worth up to Rs. 500 using Amazon Pay UPI. There is no-Cost EMI and Debit Card EMI available as well. For more details on Amazon Great Indian Sale offers click here

10. Upcoming Smartphones Flash Sales in India

Mobile Phone	Sale Date	Price	Website
Infinix Hot 10	16th October, 12 PM	Rs. 9,999 Onwards	Flipkart
Realme Narzo 20 Pro	9th October, 12 PM	Rs. 14,999	Flipkart
Redmi 9 Prime	9th October, 12 PM	Rs. 9,999 Onwards	Amazon
Poco C3	16th October, 12 PM	Rs. 7,499 Onwards	Flipkart
Samsung Galaxy F41	16th October	Rs. 15,499	Flipkart

 

These were some of the latest happenings of the week from around the web. The biggest highlight of the week is the announcement of festive sales by e-commerce giants. There have also been a lot of products launched this week. JioMart is also foraying into new categories ahead of the festive season. For more updates, offers, and product launches stay tuned!

 

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