National, 04 July 2025: The next generation of Huawei wearables has finally entered the Indian market with the launch of the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 and HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Pro. Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s active and connected lifestyle, the new smartwatches bring together powerful health tracking, extended battery life, and stylish versatility—making them ideal companions for fitness, wellness, and everyday productivity. 

Both smartwatches feature a stunning 1.82-inch AMOLED display, 24/7 health monitoring, 100+ workout modes, emotional wellbeing assistance, Bluetooth calling, and up to 10 days of battery life. Real-time tracking of heart rate, SpO₂, sleep quality, stress levels, and menstrual cycle insights are supported by Huawei’s intelligent algorithms. The devices also include smart features like quick message replies, voice note-taking, activity rings, and remote shutter control. Compatible with both Android and iOS, the watches also offer 5ATM water resistance, enhanced GPS positioning, and integration with Huawei Health+ for deeper wellness insights and coaching. 

The WATCH FIT 4 Pro is engineered for performance seekers who demand more from their wearable. With premium materials including a titanium alloy bezel and aluminum alloy case, it offers dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5) for ultra-precise location tracking and wireless charging. It also includes a rotating crown for intuitive navigation and boasts 3000-nit peak brightness for excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. With IP6X dust resistance and support for free diving up to 40 metres (EN13319 certified), the Pro is ideal for extreme outdoor adventures and aquatic sports. 

In contrast, the WATCH FIT 4 is designed for users who prefer a sleek, lightweight smartwatch, weighing only 27g and measuring 9.5mm in thickness. It features a minimalist square design with a bezel-less HD screen and comes in four versatile strap options: Black, White, Purple, and Gray. The FIT 4 focuses on everyday functionality with intuitive health and fitness tracking, making it a stylish and practical choice for daily wear. 

The WATCH FIT 4 Pro is available in Green Nylon, Blue Fluoroelastomer, and Black Fluoroelastomer straps, catering to both rugged and refined style preferences.

HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 is priced at INR 12,999, while the WATCH FIT 4 Pro is available at INR 20,999. Both smartwatches are now available for purchase on Amazon, Flipkart and rtcindia.net. 

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I don’t remember how old I was when I received my first Casio G-Shock watch, but I reckon it was just before the millennium, placing me squarely in my pre-teen era. Ever since, I’ve been hooked on the brand’s playful, rugged design and rock-solid performance.

In the realm of non-smartwatches, in 2025, G-Shock remains one of the best bang-for-the-buck brands, up there with Seiko and Timex. That said, not all G-Shock watches are ‘dumb’.

The G-Shock Move line has been around for five years, and as the name suggests, these watches offer fitness-tracking features despite looking no different than an ordinary G-Shock.

With smartwatch design in 2025 being anything but exciting — would you prefer a square or a circular-shaped piece of glass affixed to your wrist? — the Move series remains a breath of fresh air.

Imagine sitting in Mumbai during the 2019 Cricket World Cup, your phone buzzing with notifications as Virat Kohli hits a six. Millions across India aren’t just watching—they’re experiencing it live through their screens, thanks to Hotstar Streaming Innovations. This platform didn’t just enter the market; it rewrote the rules of digital entertainment. With a staggering 400 million monthly active users at its peak, Hotstar (now Disney+ Hotstar) became synonymous with accessible, high-quality streaming in India and beyond. Its Hotstar market position is unmatched, blending cutting-edge technology with hyper-localized content that resonates deeply with diverse audiences. The brand’s reputation for innovation and reliability has made it a household name, setting benchmarks in an industry it helped define.

Hotstar Streaming Innovations: Brand Overview and Market Leadership

Hotstar Streaming Innovations emerged as a game-changer in 2015 under Star India, targeting India’s mobile-first users with free sports and TV content. By 2017, it dominated India’s OTT landscape with a 70% market share, leveraging live cricket to drive unprecedented engagement. Disney’s acquisition in 2019 amplified its global recognition, transforming it into Disney+ Hotstar while retaining its local appeal. The platform’s genius lies in its hybrid model: premium tiers for exclusive content alongside free ad-supported access, democratizing entertainment in price-sensitive markets. Its Hotstar market position thrives on three pillars:

• Scalability: Handling 25.3 million concurrent viewers during the 2023 IPL final.
• Localization: Offering content in 17+ Indian languages.
• Tech Agility: Adaptive streaming that works on 2G networks.
  This trifecta cemented consumer trust, making it Asia’s largest streaming service by subscribers. For context on India’s digital transformation, explore our analysis of India’s internet economy growth.

A Deep Dive into Hotstar’s Origins and Growth

Hotstar’s history is a masterclass in strategic evolution. Launched just before the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, it capitalized on India’s cricket mania to attract 41 million downloads in four months. Key milestones include:

• 2016: Introduction of Hotstar Premium with HBO content.
• 2019: Disney merger, integrating Marvel and Star Wars franchises.
• 2020: Record 28 million concurrent viewers for IPL amid pandemic lockdowns.
  The platform’s evolution mirrored India’s digital boom. When Jio’s affordable 4G revolutionized internet access in 2016, Hotstar’s mobile-optimized design captured millions of new users. By 2023, it had expanded into Southeast Asia and partnered with telecom giants like Airtel for bundled subscriptions. This growth wasn’t accidental—it stemmed from data-driven decisions. For example, its AI-driven recommendation engine boosted viewer retention by 35% by analyzing regional preferences.

Key Products and Services Shaping the Industry

Hotstar’s product offerings redefined consumer expectations:

1. Live Sports Integration: Real-time stats during cricket/football matches.
2. Multi-Language Dubbing: Regional adaptations for global shows like Game of Thrones.
3. Hotstar Specials: Originals like Criminal Justice that rival Netflix productions.
   These innovations shaped industry trends, pushing competitors to adopt similar features. Its freemium model became a blueprint for emerging markets, proving ad-supported tiers could coexist with subscriptions. The platform’s focus on mobile-first design—like vertical video previews—set new UX standards, influencing apps like MX Player and ZEE5.

Innovation, Technology, and Hotstar’s Role in Shaping the Future

Hotstar’s technology stack is its crown jewel. Its proprietary Hotstar Streaming Innovations include:

• AI-Powered CDN: Dynamically routes traffic to prevent buffering during peak events.
• Video Compression Tech: Reduces data usage by 40% without quality loss.
• Interactive Features: Polls and quizzes during live shows.
  The brand holds 12+ patents, including for its “bandwidth detection” algorithm. Partnerships with IIT Bombay and MIT Media Lab fuel its R&D, focusing on AR/VR integrations. A recent collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (external link: itu.int) explores 5G-enabled streaming solutions for rural areas, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive innovation.

Global Influence and Strategic Market Expansion

Hotstar’s worldwide presence expanded strategically:

• Southeast Asia: Launched in Indonesia (2020) and Thailand (2021) with localized content.
• North America: Targeted diaspora communities with cricket and Bollywood packages.
  Acquisitions like Novi Digital Entertainment strengthened its cricket broadcasting rights, while Disney’s backing enabled licensing deals for global franchises. Its market expansion philosophy prioritizes “glocalization”—global content with local nuances, such as Indonesian-dubbed Disney+ originals.

Building Consumer Loyalty and Brand Trust

Hotstar customer loyalty stems from relentless UX optimization. Features like “Watch Parties” and offline downloads address regional needs like limited bandwidth. The platform boasts a 4.7/5 rating on India’s Google Play Store, with reviews praising its cricket coverage and affordable pricing. Awards like “Streaming Service of the Year” (2023) at the India Today Conclave validate its brand reputation.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

Hotstar’s sustainability initiatives include:

• Green Streaming: Partnering with data centers using renewable energy.
• Eco-Friendly Productions: Carbon-neutral sets for originals like Out of Love.
  Its CSR arm, “Hotstar for Education,” streams free curriculum content to 20,000 rural schools. During COVID-19, it offered free health advisories via its app, reaching 150 million users.

Guide: How to Apply for Scholarships in USA from India

Future Prospects: What’s Next for Hotstar?

The Hotstar future roadmap includes:

• AI Personalization: Deeper viewer habit analysis using generative AI.
• Web3 Integration: NFT collectibles for sports fans.
• Hyperlocal Originals: 50+ new regional-language series by 2025.
  With JioCinema challenging its sports dominance, Hotstar’s counterstrategy involves exclusive IPL rights until 2027 and investing $200M in Tamil/Telugu content. Its innovation roadmap aims to make streaming accessible to India’s next 300 million internet users.

Hotstar Streaming Innovations prove that technology, when rooted in cultural understanding, doesn’t just entertain—it transforms societies. By bridging global content with local hearts, it remains India’s digital storyteller and a case study for streaming platforms worldwide.

FAQs

1. How did Hotstar Streaming Innovations impact India’s OTT market?
Hotstar pioneered mobile-first streaming in India, normalizing freemium models and live sports integration. It forced competitors to improve localization and affordability, expanding the market from 50 million users in 2015 to over 500 million today.

2. What makes Hotstar’s technology unique?
Its patented adaptive bitrate streaming ensures smooth playback even on low-bandwidth networks. During events like IPL, its AI-driven content delivery network handles traffic spikes seamlessly, setting industry benchmarks.

3. How does Hotstar approach global expansion?
It prioritizes markets with high cricket viewership or diaspora populations. Content is localized through dubbing and regional partnerships, as seen in its Indonesian launch with local telco XL Axiata.

4. What are Hotstar’s key sustainability practices?
The platform uses energy-efficient data centers and promotes eco-conscious productions. Its CSR initiatives include educational content partnerships with NGOs like Pratham Education Foundation.

5. Will Hotstar introduce VR/AR features?
Yes. Trials for VR cricket viewing and AR filters during shows are underway. These aim to launch by 2025, enhancing interactive experiences.

6. How does Hotstar maintain its sports dominance?
Through long-term rights deals (e.g., IPL until 2027) and tech enhancements like multi-camera angles and real-time stats. Learn more about cricket’s digital revolution in our sports tech analysis.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Content accuracy is checked to the best of our ability but is subject to change. Always verify directly with official sources.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RITFIT, a leading global home fitness brand, has made a groundbreaking announcement at the HomeGymCon 2025, revealing its ambitious 25-year vision to evolve from its reputation as the ‘affordable home fitness specialist’ into a premium ‘customized training partner.’ The brand showcased its revolutionary product lineup that embodies this strategic transformation, marking a new era in personalized home workout experiences.

Drawing on its extensive technical expertise and insights gathered from years of focus on the fitness industry, RITFIT has introduced a diverse range of new products. These cutting-edge innovations cater to the varied fitness needs of modern households, offering users smarter and more personalized home fitness experiences. By addressing specific requirements such as those of female users and families residing in compact spaces, RITFIT provides tailored solutions that make professional-grade fitness accessible to every home. This customer-centric approach propels the fitness industry toward greater customization and a more human-centered design.

Among the new products that have been showcased at the expo is the RITFIT M2, the world’s first all-in-one training machine that can be optionally equipped with a 3D Smith Module, elevating home fitness to the standards of a professional gym.  The M2 features a Smith machine and a cable pulley system, while its enhanced load capacity and optional 3D Smith Module and Cable-Actuated Jammer Arm make it ideal for users seeking both stability and versatility. Despite its powerful capabilities, the M2 boasts a compact footprint of just 64.5″ x 68.75″, addressing the common issue of professional equipment occupying excessive space. This innovative space-saving design enables even smaller households to create a professional training environment, making the M2 a top choice for those striving for professional training results.

The RITFIT Buffalo Wild stands out as a top-of-the-line all-in-one training machine crafted from heavy-duty 12-gauge steel. With a 2″x 3″ thick tube structure providing a 1500-pound load capacity, users can engage in high-intensity with confidence and training . The revolutionary interchangeable cable ratio system (1:1/2:1) caters to personalized training needs ranging from strength to functional exercises, all in one unit. Additionally, features such as quick-release weight storage pins, a multi-grip pull-up bar, a 573 lb-rated Smith frame, 800 lb-rated dip bar handles, and dual 420 lb cable stacks facilitate efficient multi-scenario training. Together they revolutionize home equipment standards with commercial-grade performance.

In addition, RITFIT showcased other two new products respectively for leg extension/curl and chest/shoulder press.  The RITFIT Plate-Loaded Leg Extension/Curl Combo Machine allows the users to fine-tune resistance without the hassle of adding or removing plates. Equipped with a sliding carriage system for a quick-release handle and smooth linear bearings, weight adjustments are effortless-even when the machine is loaded . The RITFIT Plate-Loaded Chest/Shoulder Press is engineered with it owned rotary adjustment handle and 8-gauge travel sector plate, allowing to customize the range of motion to ensure optimal performance and comfort in every session. Both of the machines can bring comfort, flexible and efficient training experience to users.

RITFIT’s meticulously designed Dream Home Gym Showroom provides fitness enthusiasts an immersive product experience. Visitors can explore a wide range of star products, including Smith machines and strength training equipment, to witness their exceptional performance firsthand. The showroom features a user-friendly product comparison test area to highlight technical differences and features. A team of professional fitness consultants is on hand to offer personalized advice, recommending the best fitness solutions based on individual training needs and space limitations.

“Our name is derived from the fusion of ‘Right’ and ‘Fitness.’ RITFIT originated from a belief in the right to steer one’s fitness journey and choose high-quality equipment,” explained RITFIT Founder Yann Lin. “Since2015, we have remained dedicated to seamlessly blending the outstanding performance of professional gyms with the convenience of home use. Today, through strategic enhancements and product innovations, our goal is to offer truly personalized fitness solutions for each member of the family. We are confident that the perfect integration of smart technology and user-centric design will establish RITFIT as an essential professional fitness partner in your home, heralding a new era of healthy living.”

For more information, please visit www.ritfitsports.com and showroom: https://www.ritfitsports.com/pages/ritfit-showroom, or follow RITFIT on Instagram (@ritfit.sports), YouTube (@RitFit.Sports), and TikTok (@ritfit.sports).

SOURCE RITFIT LLC

Published on 04 July 2025

In a fortnight which saw the eyes of the world tune into Wimbledon in clockwork fashion, Al-Hilal triumph over Manchester City with a last minute winner in the Club World Cup 2025, and the sad passing of Liverpool and Portuguese striker Diogo Jota, we bring you news on a radical shakeup in the world of county cricket, insights into Royal Ascot’s latest attendance successes, and a look at Tottenham Hotspurs’ legal spat with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group.

Lions Whoop at latest partnership with wearable tech brand

The British and Irish Lions have entered into a strategic partnership with Whoop, a wearable tech brand operating in the health and fitness space. As part of the partnership, Lions players and staff will sport the latest in Whoop’s range of wearable technology, the Whoop 5.0, which provides acute insights into: key health metrics; recovery optimisation; and even mitigating the impacts of jet lag. Whoop is an Official Supplier to the Lions for their British & Irish Tour to Australia 2025, the highly popular international rugby event. The latest arrangement presents the Lions and the Whoop team with an excellent opportunity to gather a substantial amount of data on the effects of long haul travel on athletic performance. Keep an eye on this space to see what they find out.

UK-backed consortium crosses the pond in search of the Lakers

Mark Walter, the CEO of UK-backed consortium TWG Global, has added NBA giants the Los Angeles Lakers to his business portfolio following a deal to take majority ownership of the team from previous owners the Buss family. The $10 billion deal sees the Lakers break the record for the highest valued sports team ever. Walter, who already holds a controlling interest in baseball team the LA Dodgers as well as part ownership of Chelsea FC, hopes to inspire the Lakers to continued glory under his stewardship (the team having won an astonishing 17 championships to date, although none since 2020). His predecessor Jeanie Buss, who has served as governor of the team since 2017, will retain her role with the side as well as a 15% ownership stake. 

Counties take a bat to fixture list with plans to scale back domestic cricket

Cricket looks set for a radical shake up as the eighteen first-class counties (who make up the top-level of domestic county cricket) finalise plans to cut the County Championship and Twenty20 Blast series to twelve matches apiece from next season. The proposals, which have long been the aim of the England and Wales Cricket Board, are reported to have met reluctant acceptance from the counties following an increase in the volume of global franchise cricket fixtures and the demand to accommodate them in players’ already busy schedules. Although a final decision is yet to be made, it is understood the counties are likely to agree to the plans, which would see two games removed from each competition. Whilst fans of the county game may lose out, the restructure is likely to be a welcome change by players who have expressed concerns over their heavy calendars, as reported in a survey published by the Professional Cricketers’ Association in May.

Royal Flush: Ascot plays a strong hand to underpin continued success

Royal Ascot can thank memorable races, flawless weather and an aggressive marketing campaign for securing a second year of rising attendances across all five days of this year’s event, which peaked at an impressive 71,073 attendees on the final Saturday race day. In contrast to concerns over turnouts at Cheltenham and Epsom, the royal seal of approval looks to have kept Ascot afloat (although it is not only the regal touch that has contributed to the event’s continued success). As commented on by the Guardian, Ascot is reaping the rewards of innovative marketing schemes as well as efforts to expand its global reach, such as by being the first course to exploit the Asian betting market via the Hong Kong-based World Pool betting operation, which has brought substantial value as well as an additional raft high-calibre attendees to Ascot in recent years. The success of this year’s races will come at great relief to stakeholders in the sport, which comes at a time of great uncertainty; on the eve of the event, a parliamentary report was published which proposed to levy increased duties on sports betting, a move described by some as “an existential threat” to horseracing.

Tottenham Hotspur takes a shot at INEOS Automotive in new legal action

Tottenham Hotspur has commenced legal action against INEOS Automotive, a division of the INEOS Group owned by Manchester United part owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Spurs seeks more than £11 million following the breakdown of a high-profile sponsorship deal between the parties, which saw INEOS become official vehicle partner of the London-based side. The arrangement came to an abrupt halt in December 2024 – three years earlier than planned – after INEOS allegedly failed to pay Tottenham its annual instalment fee. It’s not the first time that INEOS has been accused of reneging on a major sports sponsorship in recent times. As discussed in Sports Ticker #125, INEOS also parted ways with the All Blacks in some fiery circumstances, which eventually saw the parties enter into a private settlement. It’s unclear where things will head this time around, although INEOS insists it had the right to terminate the deal. Will Spurs secure a second triumph of the season over a Ratcliffe-backed business (following their victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final earlier this year), or will it be victory for the seasoned businessman this time round? Stay tuned. 

Extra time…

…and finally, over 50% of the population thinks Team GB athletes should receive more funding, pushing athletes like Keeley Hodgkinson to receive more than the national average of £22,500. At around £13,000 less than the average employee’s annual earnings, it’s no surprise that many athletes have to rely on additional sources of income to supplement their careers – one has recently gone so far as opening an OnlyFans account, leading to his suspension from Paddle UK. “The tension we’ve seen across public funding models for support… opens up a crucial conversation about how we diversify funding” notes Professor of Applied Sport Finance, Rob Wilson. Wilson and others argue that it is high time that sports funding evolved past reliance on standard funded models, be that through an updated National Lottery system, private investment or enhanced commercial partnerships. 

Swiss sportswear brand On has officially launched the world’s first fully automated production facility using its proprietary LightSpray technology.

Located at the company’s headquarters in Zurich, the new factory brings advanced robotic manufacturing of performance running shoes back to Switzerland.

The LightSpray Factory, unveiled in a ceremony attended by 100 VIPs across business, science, sports, and media, houses four industrial robots capable of producing ultra-light shoe uppers in a single automated process.

The innovation marks a significant shift away from traditional shoe manufacturing methods, which typically require up to 200 manual steps and a global supply chain.

Caspar Coppetti, co-founder of On, says: “It’s innovations like this that have fueled our global success. LightSpray represents Swiss-made innovation at its best – now scaled for the world.”

From lab to factory floor

The LightSpray technology was first introduced during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and has since been refined into a scalable, industrial process.

Using a robotic arm and 1.5 km of filament, the system builds a seamless, one-piece upper in just three minutes – reducing both waste and emissions.

Compared to conventional methods, the process cuts CO₂ emissions by 75 percent and simplifies recycling by minimizing the variety of materials used.

The resulting shoe, worn by On-sponsored athletes during the Olympics, weighs just 170 grams and slips on like a sock, without laces or seams.

On partnered with industrial automation firm ABB to develop the robotic platform. According to Coppetti, the system replaces the work of up to 300 factory workers, enabling local, efficient production in a compact footprint.

From prototype to production

The Zurich LightSpray Factory is the result of four years of development by a team of 20 On employees.

The company employs more than 1,100 people at its Zurich headquarters, with over 300 in research and development focused on product innovation, materials science, and sports design.

ETH Zurich president Professor Joël Mesot said in a keynote speech: “Swiss innovation doesn’t just happen. It takes collaboration, education, investment, and a willingness to be bold.”

The company plans to expand LightSpray production to other locations worldwide, though for now, only one shoe model using the technology is available – priced at CHF 360 (approximately $450).

Opening doors to the public

To mark the launch, On is hosting open days at its Zurich headquarters from July 3 to 6. Visitors can explore the LightSpray robots, test the shoes, and attend innovation workshops and panel discussions. The On Labs will be open daily from 11:00 to 18:00 at Förrlibuckstrasse 190.