Micromax launches world’s slimmest, lightest 4G phone

Homegrown handset firm Micromax on Thursday launched its latest flagship smartphone which it claims to be the world’s slimmest and lightest 4G device.

With a thickness of 5.1 mm (end-to-end) and weighing 97 gm, the phone is priced at Rs 17,999 and will be available from June-end across the country.

Micromax Informatics CEO Vineet Taneja said they try to align the devices with the evolving needs of new-age users and the latest smartphone is <g data-gr-id="45">testimony</g> to this vision.

“The Canvas Sliver 5 brings together the elements of unmatched design, style and performance in one device as a result of diligent efforts of our R&D team to find the perfect balance,” Taneja said.

The phone comes with a seven-day doorstep service policy. The company also announced <g data-gr-id="41">association</g> with Hollywood star Hugh Jackman for the smartphone. The association comes as an extension of Micromax?s partnership with Jackman for the Canvas series.

The phone comes with a free 4G SIM and double data offer from Airtel which doubles the 4G data amount for any consumer activating the 4G SIM. Meanwhile, US technology giant Cisco today said that it is <g data-gr-id="50">committed towards</g> manufacturing in India and will invest $2 billion in the country this year. The company, which pumps in $1.7 billion every year will invest additional $60 million in India on training and facility expansion.

“We are investing big in India. We are committing manufacturing in India. We need to skill people here for the jobs. We plan to directly and indirectly invest up to $20 million to train additional 1,20,000 students by 2020,” Cisco Systems Chairman and CEO John T Chambers said here.

Talking about India manufacturing, Chambers said that to accelerate the development of India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem, Cisco will organise a conclave of 75 of its key suppliers in Bengaluru in February, to drive collaboration on product development here.

“...will start manufacturing in India within <g data-gr-id="43">two quarters</g> from regulatory issues and tax related corrections are put in place,” he said.

Chambers, however, did not explain regulatory and tax structure-related changes that company expects <g data-gr-id="37">government</g> should put in place.

Cisco’s CEO Designate Chuck Robbins said that <g data-gr-id="40">company</g> invests $1.7 billion every year, which includes $250 million on R&D in India.

A company spokesperson said that while $20 million investment on training is spread over five years, the $40 million investments on <g data-gr-id="35">expansion</g> of <g data-gr-id="36">facility</g> is going on at the moment.