Apple to cut new iPhone SE production; HCL Tech lands Novo Nordisk contract; Chalo acquires Vogo

Apple plans to make about 20 percent fewer iPhone SEs next quarter than originally planned, in one of the first signs that the Ukraine war and looming inflation have started to dent consumer electronics demand, Nikkei Asia reports. HCL Technologies has been selected to provide global service desk and on-site support to Danish pharma company Novo Nordisk. Plus, Chalo, a bus-ride app provider, has acquired Vogo, a bike-rental provider. ========= Notes: Apple plans to make about 20 percent fewer iPhone SEs next quarter than originally planned, Nikkei Asia reports. Apple launched the iPhone SE as its first 5G-capable budget phone less than three weeks ago but is now telling multiple suppliers that it aims to lower production orders by about 2 million to 3 million units for the quarter. Apple also reduced orders for its AirPods earphones by more than 10 million units for all of 2022, according to the report. HCL Technologies, India’s third-biggest IT services company, has been selected to provide global service desk and on-site support to Danish pharma company Novo Nordisk, according to a press release. Through the partnership, HCL will help Novo Nordisk transform its IT operations and create world-class end-user experiences and drive efficiency across its workforce. Genpact, a professional services provider focused on delivering digital transformation, has been recognised as one of the most ethical companies in 2022, by Ethisphere, a leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, according to a press release. This is the fourth year that Ethisphere has recognised Genpact. Amazon India will host the third edition of ‘Amazon Smbhav’ on May 18 and 19 this year. The two-day virtual summit will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, solution providers, startups and Amazon executives to discuss ways to bring online small local stores and businesses across India. Loco, a game streaming platform, has secured Rs. 330 crore ($42 Million) in series A investment led by Hashed, with participation from Makers Fund, Catamaran Ventures, and Korea Investment Partners. All the investors from the company’s seed round including Krafton, Lumikai, and Hiro Capital also participated in this round. Loco will use the money to develop its tech and content further. Chalo, a bus transport app provider, has acquired Vogo, a tech-enabled shared mobility startup that offered bike rides booked over a mobile app. Vogo will augment Chalo’s bus technology services by facilitating first and the last mile rides at major bus stops and other public places. This will help bus users to easily travel to and from bus stops, and further boost bus ridership as it becomes more convenient to take a bus. Postman, an API platform provider, plans to open an API Lab at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, the alma mater of the company’s founders, to promote API literacy amongst students and aspiring developers as APIs become more critical in today’s digital world. The lab is set to open in December. Paperplane, a Bangalore-based digital clinic, backed by 100X.VC, has raised nearly $400,000 in a follow-on funding round that was led by Cornerstone Venture Partners, while the rest included LV Angel Fund and other seed investors. Paperplane helps doctors and patients connect online more effectively, according to a press release. Theme music courtesy Free Music & Sounds: https://soundcloud.com/freemusicandsounds