Tech – Creative Brands Mag https://creativebrandsmag.com Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:54:08 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://creativebrandsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cropped-Aasewsset-8@4x-8-1-32x32.png Tech – Creative Brands Mag https://creativebrandsmag.com 32 32 56838106 VALLIBEL FINANCE AND TOYOTA LANKA UNVEIL SRI LANKA’S FIRST INTEGRATED AUTO–FINANCE CONCEPT CENTRE https://creativebrandsmag.com/vallibel-finance-and-toyota-lanka-unveil-sri-lankas-first-integrated-auto-finance-concept-centre/ https://creativebrandsmag.com/vallibel-finance-and-toyota-lanka-unveil-sri-lankas-first-integrated-auto-finance-concept-centre/#respond Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:54:04 +0000 https://creativebrandsmag.com/?p=34428 Vallibel Finance PLC and Toyota Lanka have launched Sri Lanka’s first integrated auto–finance Concept Centre in Borella. The facility offers a seamless, one-stop solution for purchasing and financing vehicles, reflecting a joint commitment to innovation, convenience, and enhanced accessibility amid a stabilising economic landscape.

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Vallibel Finance PLC and Toyota Lanka have launched Sri Lanka’s first integrated auto–finance Concept Centre in Borella. The facility offers a seamless, one-stop solution for purchasing and financing vehicles, reflecting a joint commitment to innovation, convenience, and enhanced accessibility amid a stabilising economic landscape.

Vallibel Finance PLC, in partnership with Toyota Lanka (Private) Limited, has introduced Sri Lanka’s first integrated auto and finance Concept Centre, signalling a notable shift in how consumers approach vehicle ownership. The facility, launched on 7 April at Vallibel Finance’s Borella branch, brings together automotive retail and financial services under a single roof.

Designed as a one-stop destination, the Concept Centre enables customers to explore a range of Toyota vehicles while simultaneously accessing flexible and tailored financing solutions. By integrating these traditionally separate processes, the initiative aims to remove friction from the vehicle purchasing journey, offering a more cohesive and efficient experience.

The collaboration between Vallibel Finance and Toyota Lanka reflects the convergence of two established industry players seeking to respond to evolving consumer expectations. In a market where convenience and speed are increasingly valued, the centre provides an environment where customers can make informed decisions, complete transactions, and secure financing without navigating multiple institutions.

The opening ceremony was attended by key figures including Jayantha Rangamuwa, Masaaki Kawabata, and Manohara Atukorala, underscoring the significance of the initiative for both the financial and automotive sectors.

Set against the backdrop of a stabilising economic environment in Sri Lanka, the Concept Centre is expected to improve accessibility to vehicle ownership while aligning with shifting consumer priorities. By combining product access with customised financial support, the model introduces a more customer-centric approach that could influence future industry practices.

Ultimately, the launch represents more than a new retail format; it signals a broader commitment to innovation and long-term value creation. As the lines between financial services and consumer retail continue to blur, the integrated auto–finance concept pioneered by Vallibel Finance and Toyota Lanka may well redefine the landscape of vehicle ownership in Sri Lanka.

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THE GREAT INDIAN GARAGE: A REVOLUTION IN MOTION ACROSS THE WORLD’S THIRD LARGEST AUTOMOBILE MARKET https://creativebrandsmag.com/the-great-indian-garage-a-revolution-in-motion-across-the-worlds-third-largest-automobile-market/ https://creativebrandsmag.com/the-great-indian-garage-a-revolution-in-motion-across-the-worlds-third-largest-automobile-market/#respond Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:43:04 +0000 https://creativebrandsmag.com/?p=34402 In 2026, India’s automobile sector will undergo a seismic shift, prioritising safety, electric mobility, and premium features. From Maruti Suzuki’s electric debut to Tata’s dominance in the EV sphere and the rise of "Born Electric" SUVs from Mahindra, this report explores the leadership, offerings, and evolving behaviours of the Indian consumer.

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In 2026, India’s automobile sector will undergo a seismic shift, prioritising safety, electric mobility, and premium features. From Maruti Suzuki’s electric debut to Tata’s dominance in the EV sphere and the rise of “Born Electric” SUVs from Mahindra, this report explores the leadership, offerings, and evolving behaviours of the Indian consumer.

The dust has finally settled on the old highways of the subcontinent, replaced by the quiet hum of electric motors and the sophisticated chime of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. As we traverse through 2026, the Indian automobile industry has not merely grown; it has matured into a sophisticated, multi-layered ecosystem that reflects the aspirations of a billion people. No longer just the world’s back-office, India has solidified its position as the third-largest automobile market globally, serving as a high-stakes battlefield where domestic champions and global titans clash for the loyalty of an increasingly discerning middle class.

At the heart of this transformation is a radical shift in the Indian psyche. The age-old question of “Kitna deti hai?” (How much mileage does it give?) has been replaced by “How many stars does it have?” and “What is the software interface like?” This evolution is driven by a cohort of visionary leaders who are navigating the delicate balance between traditional internal combustion engines and the relentless march of electrification.

Leading the charge is the perennial market leader, Maruti Suzuki India Limited. Under the operational guidance of Hisashi Takeuchi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, and the strategic chairmanship of the venerable R.C. Bhargava, Maruti Suzuki has finally broken its “EV silence.” For decades, the brand was synonymous with fuel-efficient hatchbacks, but the 2026 landscape sees them pivoting toward a more premium, high-tech identity. Their new flagship, the e Vitara—the production iteration of the long-awaited eVX—has become the symbol of this transition. It represents a bold step into the mid-SUV electric segment, designed to retain their massive customer base that is now looking for greener alternatives.

The company continues to bridge the gap with its Strong Hybrid technology, seen in the runaway success of the Grand Vitara and the premium Invicto. On their official portal, the company emphasises its commitment to the consumer experience, stating, “Accelerate into the world of Arena with the latest updates… An all-new loyalty program where customers are treated like family.” This focus on “family” remains the bedrock of their strategy, even as they modernise their fleet to include 4×4 capabilities and advanced safety suites across their “Nexa” and “Arena” outlets.

Across the metaphorical aisle stands Tata Motors, a company that has redefined itself as the pioneer of the Indian EV revolution. Led by Shailesh Chandra, the Managing Director of Passenger Vehicles and Electric Mobility, and under the chairmanship of Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Tata Motors has captured the imagination of the youth. Their 2026 portfolio is a masterclass in “Desi” ruggedness blended with global aesthetics. The Sierra EV, a nostalgic yet futuristic revival of a classic brand, and the Harrier EV, equipped with all-wheel-drive capabilities, have set new benchmarks for what an Indian car can achieve. Tata’s strategy has been to democratise electric mobility, and their website reflects a transparent, performance-driven culture, urging stakeholders to “Connect with our investor relations team and stay updated on our financial performance.” The Tata success story is rooted in the “Vocal for Local” movement, where safety ratings—consistently hitting the five-star mark in Bharat NCAP tests—have become their primary competitive advantage.

Mahindra & Mahindra, the “SUV specialists,” have taken a different but equally ambitious path. Under the leadership of CEO and MD Anish Shah and the charismatic Chairman Anand Mahindra, the company has launched its “Born Electric” range. The BE.05 and the XEV 9e are not just cars; they are digital entities on wheels, boasting some of the most radical designs seen in the Indian market. The company’s philosophy has always been about more than just machinery; as their official site notes, “Our Purpose: Drive positive change in the lives of our communities.” This community-centric approach, coupled with the cult-like following of the Thar and Scorpio-N, has allowed Mahindra to command a premium in the market. 

The global players are not sitting idly by. Hyundai Motor India made history recently by appointing Tarun Garg as its first Indian Managing Director and CEO, a move that signals the importance of local leadership in understanding the nuances of the Indian buyer. Garg, as described on the company’s platform, “is a firm believer of People First leadership, underscoring empathy, collaboration and empowerment as the cornerstones of organisational success.” Hyundai’s 2026 lineup is headlined by the Creta EV, a vehicle that has the potential to become the highest-selling electric SUV in the country, given the legendary status of its internal combustion predecessor. 

Similarly, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, led by Masakazu Yoshimura, has doubled down on its “Hybrid First” strategy. By focusing on the Innova Hycross and the Urban Cruiser Taisor, Toyota has tapped into the segment of buyers who want the efficiency of an EV without the range anxiety. Their website highlights their success in “Securing new customers, new technology agreements, and significant order booking,” a sentiment echoed by their customer-first approach.

Honda Cars India, under the leadership of President and CEO Takashi Nakajima, is navigating a path of resurgence. While the Elevate remains their mainstay, the push toward an Elevate EV and a new sub-compact SUV shows a brand that is listening to the market’s demand for high-riding vehicles. Meanwhile, the luxury segment is being redefined by Mercedes-Benz India. Managed by MD and CEO Santosh Iyer, the brand has successfully brought “Top End Luxury” to India with the EQS SUV and the new long-wheelbase E-Class. 

The two-wheeler market, the true lifeline of Indian mobility, is experiencing its own radical transformation. Bajaj Auto, led by the outspoken Rajiv Bajaj, has stunned the world with the Freedom 125, the world’s first mass-produced CNG motorcycle. This innovation addresses the rising cost of fuel for the common man while their Chetak electric scooters cater to the urban elite.

Hero MotoCorp, with Niranjan Gupta as CEO and Pawan Munjal as Chairman, has pivoted toward premium motorcycles like the Mavrick 440 and the expansion of their Vida EV brand.

Not to be outdone, TVS Motor Company, led by K.N. Radhakrishnan, has become the “performance” choice for the youth. The Apache RTR 310 and the iQube ST variants are dominant forces.

In the commercial and niche sectors, Ashok Leyland and Force Motors are driving the nation’s infrastructure and specialised transport. Ashok Leyland, under Shenu Agarwal and Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja, is leading the green hydrogen and electric bus revolution through their Switch Mobility arm.

Force Motors, led by Prasan Firodia and Chairman Abhay Firodia, has found immense success with the 5-door Gurkha and their near-monopoly in the ambulance and school bus segments with the Traveller. 

What connects all these disparate companies is the evolving Indian consumer. In 2026, the buyer is younger, more tech-savvy, and remarkably less brand-loyal than previous generations. They are influenced by digital reviews, social media presence, and the availability of “smart” features like ventilated seats, 360-degree cameras, and large infotainment screens. There is a palpable shift toward “Premiumisation.” Even entry-level buyers are willing to stretch their budgets for better safety kits and sunroofs. The success of Bharat NCAP has created a culture where a car’s structural integrity is a point of pride, moving the conversation away from just aesthetics to genuine engineering quality.

Furthermore, the “SUV-ification” of the Indian road is complete. Over half of all passenger vehicles sold in 2026 fall into the SUV or Crossover category. This preference is driven by India’s diverse topography—where high ground clearance is a practical necessity—and a psychological desire for a “commanding” driving position. The rise of rural wealth has also expanded the market for brands like Mahindra and Maruti, as the hinterlands demand vehicles that are both rugged and status-symbolic.


As we look toward the latter half of the decade, the infrastructure for electric vehicles is finally catching up with the ambition of the manufacturers. Thousands of fast-chargers now dot the national highways, making inter-city EV travel a reality rather than a risk. The government’s continued support through production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes has encouraged local manufacturing of battery cells, which is expected to bring down the cost of EVs even further in the coming years.

The Indian automobile industry in 2026 is a testament to resilience and rapid adaptation. Whether it is the hydrogen-powered ambitions of Ashok Leyland, the CNG innovations of Bajaj, or the luxury electric glitz of Mercedes-Benz, the message is clear: India is no longer following global trends; it is setting them. The leaders mentioned—from Hisashi Takeuchi to Anish Shah—are not just selling cars; they are selling a new Indian dream that is safe, sustainable, and undeniably high-tech. For the investor, the enthusiast, or the daily commuter, the road ahead has never looked more promising, or more electric.

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PHILIPS ONECHEF: INDIA RETHINKING ITS KITCHENS AMID LPG DISRUPTIONS https://creativebrandsmag.com/philips-onechef-india-rethinking-its-kitchens-amid-lpg-disruptions/ https://creativebrandsmag.com/philips-onechef-india-rethinking-its-kitchens-amid-lpg-disruptions/#respond Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:49 +0000 https://creativebrandsmag.com/?p=33922 Philips has launched its OneChef appliance in India as LPG shortages disrupt household cooking. Triggered by geopolitical tensions and supply chain constraints, the crisis is pushing consumers towards electric alternatives. The launch highlights a broader shift in cooking habits, with multifunctional electric appliances emerging as practical solutions in uncertain energy conditions.

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Philips has launched its OneChef appliance in India as LPG shortages disrupt household cooking. Triggered by geopolitical tensions and supply chain constraints, the crisis is pushing consumers towards electric alternatives. The launch highlights a broader shift in cooking habits, with multifunctional electric appliances emerging as practical solutions in uncertain energy conditions.

As Indian households confront an increasingly uncertain supply of cooking gas, Philips has introduced its latest all-in-one kitchen appliance, OneChef, positioning it as a future-ready solution for a rapidly changing domestic landscape. The company maintains that the launch is not linked to current events, yet the timing has inevitably drawn attention as the country navigates a deepening LPG crisis.

The disruption stems largely from escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The geopolitical fallout has severely impacted the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical maritime corridor through which nearly 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports typically pass. With blockades and heightened security risks constraining shipping movements, India’s energy supply chains have come under visible strain.

For millions of Indian households reliant on subsidised LPG cylinders, the consequences have been immediate and tangible. Delays in cylinder deliveries have become commonplace, while refill costs have climbed due to the need for alternative sourcing from more distant and expensive markets. In response, the government has prioritised domestic consumption and initiated rationing measures, attempting to cushion the impact on vulnerable households while managing limited supplies.

Against this backdrop, the introduction of OneChef appears to align closely with an emerging consumer need. Electric cooking solutions, once seen as supplementary or aspirational, are now gaining traction as practical alternatives. Induction cooktops, electric pressure cookers, and multifunctional appliances are witnessing renewed interest, driven not just by convenience but by necessity.

Philips’ OneChef enters this evolving ecosystem as a device designed to consolidate multiple cooking functions into a single unit. By reducing dependence on LPG and offering versatility across cooking styles, such appliances cater to urban consumers seeking efficiency as well as to households exploring backup solutions in the face of supply disruptions. The company’s messaging around “future-ready kitchens” resonates more strongly in the current climate, where energy reliability has become a central concern.

Industry observers suggest that crises of this nature often act as inflection points for behavioural change. Much like earlier shifts towards digital payments or renewable energy adoption, the present LPG shortage could accelerate a transition towards electric cooking infrastructure in India. While affordability, electricity access, and cultural cooking preferences remain factors influencing adoption, the urgency created by supply instability is likely to reshape consumer attitudes.

Retail trends are already beginning to reflect this shift. Appliance stores and e-commerce platforms have reported increased enquiries for electric cooking devices, with consumers seeking both standalone induction units and integrated solutions like OneChef. The appeal lies not only in reducing dependence on LPG but also in the promise of consistent availability and predictable operating costs.

However, the transition is not without its challenges. Electricity tariffs, power reliability in semi-urban and rural regions, and the initial cost of appliances could limit widespread adoption in the short term. Moreover, traditional cooking practices in India, deeply rooted in the use of flame-based methods, may slow the pace of change despite the current pressures.

Even so, the convergence of geopolitical instability and domestic energy demand is forcing a reassessment of long-held habits. What was once a gradual shift towards modern kitchen technologies is now being accelerated by necessity. In this context, Philips’ OneChef is less a standalone product launch and more a reflection of a broader transition underway in Indian kitchens.

Whether the LPG crisis proves temporary or signals a longer-term structural challenge, its immediate impact is already visible in how consumers are thinking about cooking. As households adapt to uncertainty, the rise of electric kitchens may move from possibility to inevitability, reshaping not just appliances but the very rhythms of daily life.

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HEYGEN’S AVATAR V: THE DIGITAL TWIN THAT REDEFINES AI VIDEO https://creativebrandsmag.com/heygens-avatar-v-the-digital-twin-that-redefines-ai-video/ https://creativebrandsmag.com/heygens-avatar-v-the-digital-twin-that-redefines-ai-video/#respond Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:59:14 +0000 https://creativebrandsmag.com/?p=33402 HeyGen’s Avatar V is a breakthrough AI avatar generator that creates lifelike digital twins from a 15-second webcam recording. With unmatched character consistency, natural gestures, and lip-sync accuracy across 175+ languages, it enables scalable video production for business, education, and marketing—transforming how humans communicate and create in the digital era.

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HeyGen’s Avatar V is a breakthrough AI avatar generator that creates lifelike digital twins from a 15-second webcam recording. With unmatched character consistency, natural gestures, and lip-sync accuracy across 175+ languages, it enables scalable video production for business, education, and marketing—transforming how humans communicate and create in the digital era.

In the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence, HeyGen’s launch of Avatar V signals a decisive leap forward in how humans can replicate themselves digitally. Unlike earlier avatar models that relied on static photos or limited video training, Avatar V introduces a system capable of capturing not just appearance but the subtleties of motion, gesture, and micro-expression. The result is a digital twin that moves, sounds, and performs with uncanny realism, erasing the boundary between human and machine-generated video.

At its core, Avatar V is built on the principle of character consistency. This means that once trained, the avatar maintains a coherent identity across every video, regardless of length, background, or angle. Whether delivering a 30-second sales pitch or a 10-minute training module, the avatar preserves the same facial expressions, lip-sync accuracy, and natural gestures. This consistency solves the long-standing problem of “identity drift,” where avatars gradually lose resemblance to their source over extended use.

The process is remarkably simple. A user records a 15-second clip on a standard webcam, with no need for professional lighting or studio equipment. From this short input, Avatar V constructs a temporally grounded identity embedding, trained on over 10 million data points. This embedding captures lip geometry, facial silhouette, and expression transitions, ensuring that the avatar remains stable across diverse scenarios. Once trained, the avatar can be deployed in any setting—an office, a studio, or even a virtual outdoor space—without further recording.

The implications are profound. For businesses, Avatar V offers scalable solutions in training and onboarding, allowing companies to build entire libraries of instructional videos without repeated filming. In sales enablement, a single recording can be personalised for countless prospects, maintaining credibility and presence. For global communication, the model supports over 175 languages and dialects, with phoneme-level lip-sync accuracy ensuring that messages resonate authentically across cultures. Executives can deliver updates, product launches, or investor briefings without being tethered to recording schedules, while thought leaders can publish content consistently without the friction of studio production.

Technically, Avatar V represents a leap from its predecessor, Avatar IV. While Avatar IV produced recognisable but imperfect outputs, Avatar V achieves indistinguishable realism. The difference lies in its architecture: instead of conditioning on a single frame, Avatar V processes full video context, extracting richer identity signals and eliminating drift. This enables stable performance even in long-form videos exceeding 30 minutes, a feat that earlier models struggled to achieve.

The training pipeline itself is a three-stage process. First, the model learns to replicate facial appearance within the same scene. Next, it undergoes cross-scene fine-tuning, bridging gaps between different backgrounds and lighting conditions. Finally, reinforcement learning with human-centric reward signals maximises identity similarity, ensuring that the avatar mirrors the real person as closely as possible. This layered approach guarantees robustness across diverse environments and use cases.

Beyond technical sophistication, Avatar V embodies a cultural shift in how humans engage with digital media. It democratises professional-grade video production, removing barriers of cost, equipment, and expertise. A single webcam recording can now yield unlimited content, empowering individuals and organisations to communicate at scale. For educators, this means creating entire course modules with consistent delivery. For marketers, it means transforming written campaigns into video-first messaging. For creatives, it opens avenues for storytelling where the line between reality and simulation blurs.

Yet, the innovation also raises questions. As avatars become indistinguishable from their human counterparts, issues of authenticity, consent, and representation will demand careful navigation. The ability to replicate oneself across languages and contexts is powerful, but it also necessitates safeguards to prevent misuse. HeyGen positions Avatar V as a tool for empowerment, but its societal impact will depend on how responsibly it is adopted.

In essence, Avatar V is not just another AI product—it is a redefinition of identity in the digital age. By capturing the nuances of human presence and translating them into endlessly adaptable avatars, HeyGen has created a platform that could reshape industries from education to marketing, from corporate communication to creative storytelling. The promise is clear: one recording, infinite possibilities. The challenge lies in ensuring that this new frontier of digital selfhood enhances human connection rather than diluting it.

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SAMSUNG BETS ON IMAGINATION OVER HARDWARE IN NEW GALAXY CAMPAIGN https://creativebrandsmag.com/samsung-bets-on-imagination-over-hardware-in-new-galaxy-campaign/ https://creativebrandsmag.com/samsung-bets-on-imagination-over-hardware-in-new-galaxy-campaign/#respond Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:49:57 +0000 https://creativebrandsmag.com/?p=32068 Samsung’s new ‘Life opens up with Galaxy’ campaign for its S26 Series places storytelling ahead of product visibility. Directed by Tom Hooper, the three-minute film celebrates friendship and imagination, positioning Galaxy as a companion to human connection, even as its length and predictable narrative challenge fast-paced digital viewing habits. Samsung has unveiled a new global […]

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Samsung’s new ‘Life opens up with Galaxy’ campaign for its S26 Series places storytelling ahead of product visibility. Directed by Tom Hooper, the three-minute film celebrates friendship and imagination, positioning Galaxy as a companion to human connection, even as its length and predictable narrative challenge fast-paced digital viewing habits.

Samsung has unveiled a new global campaign, ‘Life opens up with Galaxy’, to promote its S26 Series, opting for an unconventional storytelling approach that places human emotion and imagination at the forefront while relegating the device itself to a fleeting on-screen presence.

Conceptualised by Cheil Korea, the campaign centres on a three-minute ad film that premiered during the opening of the Galaxy Unpacked in San Francisco on 25 February. Rather than showcasing product features, the film leans into the brand’s philosophy by highlighting the emotional and imaginative possibilities that technology can enable.

Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Tom Hooper, the narrative follows two inseparable young friends, Mia and Paige. Faced with the prospect of separation when Paige moves away, Mia channels her creativity into transforming an empty Galaxy box into a fantastical device that allows the pair to remain connected. Through playful imagination, the cardboard creation evolves into a symbolic spaceship, ultimately reuniting the friends and turning a moment of loss into one of joy and possibility.

The film underscores a broader message that the power of connection stems not from technology alone but from human creativity and emotion. In doing so, Samsung positions the Galaxy not merely as a smartphone, but as a companion that supports and amplifies life’s meaningful experiences.

Tal Shub, global executive creative director at Cheil Korea, described the project as a rare opportunity to express the brand’s philosophy in its purest form. He noted that Galaxy has long represented openness, and the campaign seeks to elevate that idea through imagination and storytelling. Hooper, reflecting on the collaboration, said he was drawn to the narrative’s focus on children’s creativity, particularly at a time when conversations around generative artificial intelligence dominate the cultural landscape. He emphasised that the story foregrounds the enduring primacy of human inventiveness, with Mia’s imagined creation surpassing the limits of real-world technology.

The campaign’s creative direction signals a deliberate departure from conventional product-led advertising. By keeping the device almost invisible, Samsung reinforces its ambition to reposition the Galaxy ecosystem as an enabler of relationships and personal expression rather than a mere piece of hardware.

However, the approach is not without its risks. The film’s three-minute runtime and familiar emotional arc may test the patience of audiences accustomed to shorter, faster-paced digital content. Yet its cinematic quality and heartfelt tone could also help it stand out in a crowded advertising landscape increasingly dominated by brevity and spectacle.

Set to run globally over the course of a year across television, cinema, digital and social platforms, the campaign represents a bold attempt by Samsung to redefine how technology brands communicate value—shifting the focus from specifications to storytelling, and from devices to the human connections they aspire to nurture.

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Port City Colombo Partners with OREL IT to Strengthen Technology Infrastructure https://creativebrandsmag.com/port-city-colombo-partners-with-orel-it-to-strengthen-technology-infrastructure/ https://creativebrandsmag.com/port-city-colombo-partners-with-orel-it-to-strengthen-technology-infrastructure/#respond Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:54:02 +0000 https://creativebrandsmag.com/?p=32022 Port City Colombo has entered a strategic partnership with OREL IT to strengthen its technology services ecosystem. The collaboration will provide customised digital solutions to businesses within the special economic zone, reinforcing the project’s ambition to position Colombo as a globally competitive financial and technology-driven services hub.

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Port City Colombo has entered a strategic partnership with OREL IT to strengthen its technology services ecosystem. The collaboration will provide customised digital solutions to businesses within the special economic zone, reinforcing the project’s ambition to position Colombo as a globally competitive financial and technology-driven services hub.

Port City Colombo has signed a strategic partnership agreement with OREL IT to enhance the technology services ecosystem supporting businesses operating within the ambitious waterfront development, marking another step in the project’s efforts to position itself as a globally competitive financial and technology-driven services hub.

Under the agreement, OREL IT will deliver customised technology solutions and services to support the development and operations of Port City Colombo, as well as companies registered under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission. The collaboration is expected to strengthen the digital backbone required to support the special economic zone’s growing community of investors and enterprises.

Officials say the partnership reflects the increasing importance of advanced digital infrastructure in attracting global businesses and supporting large-scale economic developments. As Port City Colombo continues to evolve into an international business destination, robust and reliable technology services are seen as a key pillar of its long-term strategy.

Mr Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd, said building a strong technology foundation is critical as the project advances. He noted that the partnership with OREL IT strengthens the support ecosystem available to companies within the special economic zone and enhances the project’s ability to provide high-quality digital and IT services to investors.

As the preferred ecosystem partner, OREL IT will play a strategic role in delivering and supporting technology services across the Port City Colombo ecosystem. The company brings expertise in areas including data centre solutions, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and managed services, which are expected to broaden the range of digital capabilities available to businesses operating within the zone.

Dr Upendra Pieris, Chief Executive Officer of OREL IT, described Port City Colombo as a timely initiative that could reinforce Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive destination for global business. He said the partnership would allow the company to deliver enterprise-grade technology services tailored to the needs of firms establishing operations within the special economic zone.

The agreement underscores a broader push to build a modern technology ecosystem capable of supporting international investors and innovation-driven enterprises as Port City Colombo continues its development as a regional hub for finance, trade and digital services.

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HEYGEN’S AI AVATARS ARE SCRIPTING A NEW REALITY FOR VIDEO  https://creativebrandsmag.com/heygens-ai-avatars-are-scripting-a-new-reality-for-video/ https://creativebrandsmag.com/heygens-ai-avatars-are-scripting-a-new-reality-for-video/#respond Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:33:46 +0000 https://creativebrandsmag.com/?p=31704 HeyGen is revolutionising video production by using AI to generate realistic avatars and voiceovers from text. By eliminating the need for expensive equipment and studios, it enables businesses and creators to scale content effortlessly. With features like voice cloning and real-time translation, HeyGen is making professional-grade global communication accessible to everyone. The traditional film set […]

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HeyGen is revolutionising video production by using AI to generate realistic avatars and voiceovers from text. By eliminating the need for expensive equipment and studios, it enables businesses and creators to scale content effortlessly. With features like voice cloning and real-time translation, HeyGen is making professional-grade global communication accessible to everyone.

The traditional film set is a place of organized chaos—tangled cables, blinding lights, and the constant, expensive ticking of the clock. For decades, the barrier to high-quality video production was defined by hardware and human endurance. But in a quiet revolution led by a new generation of artificial intelligence, that physical landscape is evaporating. Leading this charge is HeyGen, an AI-powered video generation platform that has turned the complex art of cinematography into a simple act of composition. Founded in 2020 by Joshua Xu and Wayne Liang, HeyGen has rapidly ascended from a niche startup to a cornerstone of the creator economy, offering a glimpse into a future where the distance between an idea and a finished film is only as long as a text prompt.

The magic of the platform lies in its ability to decouple the human image from the human presence. At the heart of the service are over 700 diverse, lifelike AI avatars. These are not the stiff, uncanny animations of the previous decade; they are fluid, expressive digital entities capable of delivering scripts with natural gestures and nuanced facial expressions. For the modern marketer or educator, this means the end of “production day.” There is no need to book a studio, hire a camera crew, or worry about a spokesperson flubbing a line. By simply typing a script into the interface, users can generate studio-quality video in minutes, effectively democratizing the power of professional broadcasting.

Beyond mere avatars, HeyGen has pioneered the concept of the “Digital Twin.” This feature allows a user to upload a brief recording of themselves, which the AI then analyzes to create a high-fidelity clone. This digital version of the user can speak any script in any language, maintaining the original creator’s likeness and vocal cadence. This level of personalization has profound implications for global communication. Through its advanced video translation and dubbing tools, the platform can take a video recorded in English and instantly output it in over 175 languages and dialects. Crucially, the AI adjusts the lip-syncing of the video to match the new language, ensuring that the “translated” version looks as authentic as the original. This breaks down the final frontier of global marketing, allowing a CEO in New York to speak directly and fluently to an audience in Tokyo or Rio de Janeiro without ever stepping foot in a recording booth.

The technical sophistication of the platform extends into the realm of total automation through its “Video Agent” feature. This AI assistant acts as a director, scriptwriter, and editor rolled into one. From a single prompt, the agent can generate a full narrative arc, select appropriate B-roll footage, and storyboard a complete production. This level of efficiency is why businesses are flocking to the service for high-volume tasks. In the world of sales and marketing, the ability to produce hundreds of personalized outreach videos at scale is a competitive necessity. Similarly, in corporate training and onboarding, companies can now create engaging, localized modules that can be updated in seconds if a policy changes, avoiding the prohibitive costs of reshooting traditional video content.

However, the rise of such powerful technology brings with it a shift in the labor dynamics of the creative industry. As “faceless” YouTube channels and AI-driven explainer videos become the norm, the role of the traditional voice actor and presenter is being challenged. HeyGen’s ultra-realistic Text-to-Speech (TTS) and voice cloning capabilities mean that a single individual can now perform the work of an entire production department. While this provides unprecedented agility for small startups and solo creators, it also forces a conversation about the value of human performance in an age of perfect digital replication.

The platform’s accessibility is bolstered by its strategic integrations. By embedding its tools within popular ecosystems like Canva, HubSpot, and Zapier, HeyGen has ensured that AI video is not a standalone novelty but a seamless part of the existing professional workflow. Whether it is a social media manager designing a post or a salesperson automating a lead-nurture campaign, the “video-first” strategy is now accessible to those who have never touched a piece of editing software.

As the technology moves toward “Interactive Avatars,” the boundary between recorded content and live engagement is beginning to blur. These AI-powered presenters are now capable of two-way, real-time conversations, opening the door for virtual customer service agents and digital educators who can react to a student’s questions on the fly. This evolution marks a transition from video as a passive medium to video as a dynamic, responsive interface.

The financial model of HeyGen reflects this broad appeal, offering a tiered structure that accommodates everyone from the curious hobbyist to the enterprise-level corporation. While a free plan allows for experimentation with watermarked, lower-resolution videos, the professional tiers—ranging from $29 to over $149 per month—unlock 4K resolution and faster processing. This “SaaS-ification” of video production ensures that high-end visual storytelling is no longer the exclusive domain of those with five-figure production budgets.

Ultimately, HeyGen is more than just a tool for making videos; it is a catalyst for a broader cultural shift. We are entering an era where the visual truth is synthesized rather than captured. Joshua Xu and Wayne Liang’s vision has turned the camera lens inward, into the realm of data and algorithms. As the platform continues to refine its avatars and expand its linguistic reach, the definition of a “creator” will continue to expand. In this new world, the only limit to content production is the imagination of the person behind the keyboard. The studio of the future doesn’t require a soundstage or a lighting rig—it only requires a prompt.

The post HEYGEN’S AI AVATARS ARE SCRIPTING A NEW REALITY FOR VIDEO  appeared first on Creative Brands Mag.

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