B2B Marketing UnBoxed 2026: Date, Speakers, and What to Expect from Bengaluru's AI-Focused Conference

Mavens has scheduled the second edition of its B2B Marketing UnBoxed conference for July 24, 2026, in Bengaluru. The one-day event, themed "Marketing, Disrupted: Own It or Be Outpaced By It," aims to tackle how AI and shifting go-to-market strategies are reshaping B2B marketing leadership.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Parminder Singh, CEO of Reliance Enterprise Intelligences, and Aneesh Reddy, co-founder and managing director of Capillary Technologies. Both are prominent figures in India's tech and marketing landscape. Singh previously served as CMO of Twitter for India and APAC, while Reddy led Capillary through multiple funding rounds totaling roughly $200 million.

The 2025 edition drew over 400 marketing professionals, including more than 250 CMOs and senior leaders, according to Mavens. The organiser has not provided independent verification of those attendance numbers, but the speaker lineup suggests credible draw power for a first-year event.

The 2026 edition has a notable roster of partners: George P. Johnson, CIO Association, Zoho, LinkedIn, Adroit, NeonTrumpet, Wizikey, Xoxoday, Enki Studios, Wozku, and Bmax. This broad sponsorship base — spanning AV, media, gift vouchers, and SaaS platforms — is typical for an event still establishing its identity, though it also risks a fragmented attendee experience if not tightly coordinated.

Context: Where This Fits in India's B2B Event Landscape

India's B2B SaaS sector has grown over 30% year on year, creating demand for events that offer concrete GTM strategies rather than generic MarTech pitches. B2B Marketing UnBoxed enters a field with established players such as the pan-Asia MarTech Summit, which draws 400–600 delegates and has run an AI track since 2024, and the more academic B2B Marketing Leaders' Forum hosted by industry bodies. Digital Marketing Unplugged targets tactical execution while avoiding strategic C-suite framing.

The event's "own it or be outpaced" positioning directly taps frustration among Indian CMOs who, according to a 2025 McKinsey survey, rank AI as a top-three priority. But the conference will need to deliver specific case studies and actionable insights to differentiate from these alternatives and justify the urgency of its theme.

What We Still Don't Know

Mavens has not disclosed registration fees, ticket pricing, or the full agenda. While two high-profile keynotes are confirmed, the session schedule, panel topics, and list of all speakers remain unspecified. The event's website — https://www.b2bmarketingunboxed.com/# — offers no further details as of the July 8 announcement.

Without a detailed program, potential attendees cannot assess whether the content leans toward visionary talks or practical, deployment-based learning. The organisers have not indicated if sessions will focus on AI in marketing execution, GTM restructuring, customer experience case studies, or all three.

Analysis

B2B Marketing UnBoxed 2026 has the right ingredients — timely theme, credible speakers, and a growing Indian SaaS audience — but faces a credibility gap. Mavens itself has minimal public track record; its 2025 inaugural edition was its only prior event. The heavy reliance on 13 partners suggests cost-sharing rather than organic scale. If the agenda remains mostly generic platform pitches dressed as vision talks, the conference risks being seen as a sponsored meetup rather than a substantive industry forum.

A key test will be whether Parminder Singh and Aneesh Reddy share specific, data-backed results from their own AI or GTM transformations, rather than leadership platitudes. For Indian B2B marketers looking to move beyond vendor pitches, the value of this event will depend on how much actual deployment knowledge attendees take home — not just inspiration.

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WZATCO launches Legend GT and Blaze Max projectors on Amazon India Prime Day, starting at ₹24,990

WZATCO, a relatively new name in the Indian projector market, launched two smart projectors on July 8, 2026: the Legend GT and the Blaze Max. Both are available through the WZATCO website and Amazon India during the Prime Day sale. The company is positioning them as affordable options for home entertainment enthusiasts, promising official Google TV, Wi-Fi 6, and auto-focus at competitive prices.

What you get for the price

The Blaze Max is priced at ₹24,990, while the flagship Legend GT costs ₹30,990. Both are introductory offers — the exact duration of the Prime Day pricing isn't specified, but it's described as a limited-time deal. WZATCO says the bundle includes accessories worth ₹3,998, though the company has not detailed what those accessories are. Warranty details and service center locations were not disclosed either, which is a potential concern given WZATCO's limited brand presence in India.

Common features across both models

• Official Google TV with Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
• Google Quick Setup, auto focus, and automatic keystone correction

Legend GT specifics: high brightness, large screen

The Legend GT is the more powerful of the two, claiming 2500 ANSI lumens and the ability to cast an image up to 250 inches. It includes 20W dual stereo speakers, intelligent auto focus, automatic keystone correction, auto screen fit, and what WZATCO calls a "Premium Sealed Optical Engine" for dust protection.

That brightness figure — 2500 ANSI lumens at ₹30,990 — stands out. For comparison, Xiaomi's Mi Smart Projector 2 Pro offers roughly 800-1200 ANSI lumens at a similar or higher price point, and Epson's EF-100 laser projector reaches 2000+ lumens but costs ₹60,000 or more. WZATCO either found a way to offer unusual value, or the measurement may be non-standard. Without independent benchmarks, it's hard to verify.

Blaze Max specifics: convenience-focused

The Blaze Max includes dedicated shortcut buttons for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+, along with multiple picture and sound modes. Connectivity options include HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm audio output. It also has a removable side cover for dust cleaning — a small but practical touch for the Indian environment. The Blaze Max's brightness is not specified in the brief, so it's likely lower than the Legend GT.

How it compares to the competition

WZATCO is entering a market dominated by established brands like Xiaomi, BenQ, and Epson. The Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 series offers similar smart features and a trusted service network, but generally at lower brightness. BenQ's GV30 and GS50 prioritize color accuracy and brand reliability, but their 300-500 ANSI lumens are far lower and prices are higher. Epson's laser projectors deliver high brightness but cost two to three times more and lack Google TV. That puts WZATCO in an interesting spot: it's undercutting the premium options while promising specs that beat mid-range ones. But the lack of a proven track record and service infrastructure is a real drawback.

What we still don't know

Several details were left out of the announcement:

• Processor model, RAM, and storage (key for Google TV performance)
• Exact brightness of the Blaze Max
• Lamp life and warranty terms
• Service center locations in India
• What's actually in the ₹3,998 accessory bundle

These are important bits of information for anyone considering a purchase, especially from a new brand. WZATCO's founder and CEO, Komaldeep Sodhi, said in the announcement that the projectors are "built for the Indian consumer, combining premium features with affordability." That's a marketing statement — the specs do look compelling on paper, but real-world performance and support remain unknown.

Analysis

The Legend GT's 2500 ANSI lumens claim at ₹30,990 is the headline figure, and it deserves skepticism. High-lumen projectors in this price range usually come from brands with little reputation, and the measurement can be misleading (peak versus average, or different testing standards). It's entirely possible the projector will look dimmer in practice than the number suggests, especially with ambient light.

Beyond brightness, the bigger risk is software support. Google TV on third-party devices often stops receiving updates after two or three years, which could leave buyers stuck with an unpatched OS and broken app compatibility. WZATCO hasn't mentioned any update commitment.

Amazon Prime Day is a powerful sales channel, but it also means returns and refunds fall on Amazon's policies, not a local service center. For early adopters willing to take a chance, the price is tempting. For anyone who wants peace of mind, waiting for professional reviews and checking warranty terms before buying is the safer move.

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Netradyne brings Driver•i AI fleet safety to aviation fuelling fleets at three major Indian airports

Netradyne, the San Diego–headquartered fleet safety company with an R&D hub in Bengaluru, has signed a deal to deploy its Driver•i AI platform across aviation fuelling fleets operated by Bharat Stars Services Private Limited (BSSPL) at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports. The announcement was made on July 7, 2026, in Bengaluru.

BSSPL is a joint venture between Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and ST Airport Services Pte Ltd, Singapore. It was incorporated in September 2007 and began operations in May 2008. The company handles fuel servicing for aircraft at some of India's busiest airports.

The Driver•i platform uses computer vision and edge AI to provide what Netradyne describes as 100% drive-time analysis. The system is designed to run entirely on-device, which means it does not require a constant internet connection — a significant consideration for airside environments where cellular coverage can be patchy or restricted.

The key safety features include driver fatigue and drowsiness detection, in-cab audible alerts for hazards, and collision warnings. The platform also employs Netradyne's GreenZone® scoring framework, which the company says rewards positive driving behavior rather than just flagging risks.

The deployment covers aviation fuelling fleets — vehicles that carry jet fuel and operate in close proximity to aircraft. These are considered high-risk operations because of the combination of heavy vehicles, flammable fuel, and aircraft on the ground.

Netradyne was founded in 2015 and has offices in San Francisco, Nashville, the UK, the Netherlands, and Bangalore, in addition to its global headquarters in San Diego. The company has raised around $200 million to date, with its Series D round in 2023 led by Qualcomm Ventures and Point72. It has deployed roughly 50,000 units globally across last-mile delivery, trucking, and school bus fleets.

This is not Netradyne's first step into aviation. In 2024, it announced a partnership with the KR Group in Germany for airport ground support vehicles, though no public results have been reported from that deployment yet. The company also acquired Moove Connected Mobility in Europe in 2025 and has partnered with Geosecure in Australia and NHEV for India's e-highways.

The partnership with BSSPL is Netradyne’s first aviation-specific fleet win in India. Competitors like Samsara, Lytx, and Seeing Machines offer similar video-based safety systems, but Netradyne's edge AI architecture — where processing happens locally on the device rather than in the cloud — is a differentiator for airside logistics where network connectivity is often unreliable. Lytx, for example, uses a managed service model that involves human review of footage, while Seeing Machines sells aftermarket driver-monitoring hardware. Netradyne's system combines a driver-facing camera and a road-facing camera in a single unit, reducing installation complexity.

Analysis

This is a credible but early-stage partnership. Netradyne's underlying technology is proven in thousands of vehicles, but aviation fuelling fleets are a new environment — with tighter regulatory oversight, unionized workforces, and physical constraints around equipment certification near fuel pits. The press release does not disclose fleet size, deployment timeline, or financial terms, all of which would help gauge the scale of the commitment. Those details may emerge as the rollout proceeds.

The bigger picture is that ground support equipment safety at airports is increasingly in focus. India's aviation market has grown rapidly, and with it, the number of ground vehicle incidents. AI-based driver monitoring is becoming a requirement in new tenders from ground handlers and fuel operators. Netradyne's edge AI approach makes sense for this setting, but the real test will be whether the system stands up to the realities of airside operations — and whether BSSPL can get it through airport security and regulatory approvals without months of delays.

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Sony’s July 2026 PS Plus Essential Lineup: Call of Duty, For the King II, and CrossCode Amid Rumored Price Hike

Sony has revealed the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup for July 2026. From July 7 to August 3, subscribers can claim Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, For the King II, and CrossCode. The games are available on both PS5 and PS4.

The announcement comes at a sensitive time for Sony’s subscription service. The company is reportedly preparing a price hike for PS Plus Essential in India – from ₹499 to ₹599 per month. Sony has not confirmed this change. Separately, the company is expected to end production of disc-based PS5 consoles, pushing users toward digital purchases and making the subscription even more central for multiplayer access.

What’s in the July Lineup?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, originally released in November 2023, is the headliner. It is not a day-one addition – it joins the service nearly two-and-a-half years after launch. The other two titles are smaller indie games: For the King II, a strategy RPG from 2023, and CrossCode, an action RPG originally released in 2018. For Indian gamers, this means paying for a subscription that offers one older AAA title and two older indie games per month.

Comparison with Competitors

Xbox Game Pass Core, Microsoft’s direct competitor, costs ₹349 per month in India (as of mid-2025). It offers a rotating catalog of 25+ games, including titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite. Notably, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is not available day-one on Xbox Game Pass Core – that requires the ₹549/month Ultimate tier. If Sony raises its Essential price to ₹599, it would cost about 72% more than Xbox Core, while offering only three games per month versus a larger, albeit rotating, library.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs ₹1,099 per year in India, but it focuses on retro and classic games. It is not a direct substitute for players who need online multiplayer for AAA titles. PlayStation Plus Extra (₹649/month) and Premium (₹799/month) offer hundreds of catalog games, cloud streaming, and classic titles. The Essential tier, in contrast, functions largely as a multiplayer gatekeeping subscription.

Market Context and Risks

This lineup arrives during a period of global subscription slowdown. Industry data from Newzoo shows gaming subscription growth slowed to 8% year-over-year in 2025, down from 25% in 2023. In price-sensitive markets like India, even a ₹100 monthly increase could push some users to ditch the subscription and rely on free-to-play multiplayer games like Fortnite or Valorant.

Sony has 35 million PS Plus subscribers globally. India accounts for an estimated 2–4 million of those. The company has raised prices before – in September 2023, the Essential tier jumped from ₹299 to ₹499, a 67% increase that sparked backlash on Indian gaming forums but did not cause a detectable drop in subscriber numbers.

The rumored price hike and disc-production phase-out would be a test of user tolerance. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is not a fresh draw – it is widely available at retail discounts. The inclusion of two older indie games suggests Sony is keeping its content spend low. If the price hike goes through, the Essential tier offers little unique value compared to Xbox Core, especially for multiplayer-focused Indian gamers.

What We Don’t Know

Several key details remain unconfirmed. Sony has not announced a price hike for India; the ₹599 figure is based on reports and industry speculation. The exact date for the end of PS5 disc production is also unclear. It is unknown whether the rumored increase would affect only the Essential tier or the Extra and Premium tiers as well. Finally, Microsoft may adjust Xbox Game Pass Core pricing by July 2026, which would change the competitive picture.

Analysis

This July lineup looks like a low-effort filler month from Sony. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a recognizable name but an old title. For the King II and CrossCode are solid games, but they don’t build a strong value case on their own.

The bigger story is what Sony is testing. If the price hike goes through, the Essential tier becomes far more expensive than Xbox Core while offering far fewer games per month. The disc-drive phase-out will lock more users into the digital ecosystem, making it harder to quit the subscription. For Indian gamers, especially those outside major cities with limited fast broadband, the all-digital push adds data cost and download time that Xbox’s cloud streaming could partly address.

There is a real risk of churn. Users who subscribe only for online multiplayer may decide that free-to-play options like Fortnite or Apex Legends are good enough without a paid sub. Others might shift to Xbox Core for the larger library. This lineup does little to stop that shift.

Sony is betting that Call of Duty’s pull and the pain of losing game libraries will keep subscribers loyal. That bet looks shaky if the price hike goes through without a corresponding improvement in month-to-month game quality.

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PlayStation Plus Essential July 2026 Games Include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III — Is Sony Buying Time Before a Price Hike?

In a move that feels less like a celebration and more like a calculated strategy, Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup for July 2026. Starting July 7, subscribers can download Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (cross-gen), For the King II, and CrossCode — titles available until August 3. While the headline grabber is a major AAA franchise, the timing reveals a deeper story: Sony may be using this high-value offer to soften the blow of a rumored price hike and the company's accelerating push toward a digital-only future.

The Games

The selection is a mix of blockbuster shooter, cooperative strategy, and indie action-RPG.

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (PS5 & PS4) — This is the big draw. However, critics gave the game a Metacritic score of 56, calling it a rushed, incremental update to the 2022 reboot. Early reports suggest it was developed in roughly 16 months, leading to a campaign that feels recycled. In other words, this isn't a subscriber-growth play; it's inventory clearing. Sony likely paid a premium to Activision to include it, absorbing the cost to boost retention.
• For the King II (PS5 & PS4) — A turn-based strategy RPG that supports up to four players. It's a solid co-op title but niche compared to the other two offerings. Independent reviews peg it as a worthy sequel, though not a system seller.
• CrossCode (PS5 & PS4) — A critically acclaimed indie action-RPG with a vibrant 16-bit aesthetic and deep combat. It's been praised for its puzzle design and story, making it a pleasant surprise in the lineup.

All three games are cross-gen (PS5 and PS4), matching Sony's current strategy of supporting last-gen consoles while pushing PS5 sales.

Strategic Context: Why Now?

Sony has recently confirmed it has ceased production of PS5 discs, a move that signals the end of physical media for its flagship console. This follows a broader industry trend: globally, digital sales now account for approximately 88% of game revenue, and in India, that figure is around 70%. For Indian gamers who rely on physical discs for affordability, this shift is significant — India's disc market will likely virtually disappear within 12 months.

Then there's the rumored price increase. Industry reports suggest Sony is considering raising PS Plus Essential from ₹499/month to ₹599/month — a 20% hike. With an estimated 35 million PS Plus Essential subscribers worldwide, even a small drop in loyalty would hurt. So offering a high-profile title like Modern Warfare III (even a poorly received one) is a classic retention tactic: give subscribers something that feels valuable now, before asking for more money later.

What This Means for India

Indian gamers are in a unique bind. The shift to digital-only means losing the ability to buy used discs or trade games — a common cost-saving practice here. While PlayStation Plus remains the primary way to access a library without buying individual games, the value equation changes if the price goes up. At ₹499/month (₹5,988/year), PS Plus Essential is already a significant expense for many. At ₹599, it becomes nearly ₹7,200 annually — that's a third or more of a new PS5 game's cost.

Sony's move here is a delicate balancing act: offering Modern Warfare III temporarily distracts from the looming price increase, but it doesn't solve the underlying affordability issue for Indian gamers. Microsoft could counter by keeping Game Pass Core at its current price or even bundling a future Call of Duty title (following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard) into a lower-tier subscription. That would put Sony under pressure in a market where price sensitivity is high.

Competitive Landscape

Microsoft's Game Pass Core (at ₹459/month in India) already undercuts PS Plus Essential on price. And with the Activision Blizzard deal finalized, Microsoft has the option to add future CoD titles to Game Pass at no extra cost. So far, it hasn't done so for older titles, but even the threat changes the conversation. Sony's July lineup suggests it's trying to buy time before any price hike, but the math is clear: if Sony raises prices without offering comparable value, it could see a significant churn in price-sensitive markets like India.

What's Missing?

Sony has not commented on the rumored price increase, nor has it publicly detailed its digital-only strategy beyond the disc production halt. The company also hasn't disclosed subscriber numbers for PS Plus Essential in India specifically, so we can't gauge local loyalty. The inclusion of Modern Warfare III — a game with a 56 Metacritic — raises questions: Is Sony paying top dollar for a critically panned title? Or did it get a discount? Either way, it's not a move that builds excitement; it's a tactical move to stop the bleeding.

Analysis

Let's be honest: Offering Modern Warfare III on PS Plus Essential isn't a generosity play — it's a damage-control move. The game's poor reception means Sony likely got it at a bargain price, and offering it now lets the company claim a "AAA" win while avoiding the cost of a truly premium title. The real risk for Sony is that this strategy backfires. If subscribers feel the July lineup is filler (For the King II and CrossCode, while good, aren't system-sellers), the goodwill evaporates quickly. And in India, where every rupee matters, a ₹100 monthly increase could push players toward cheaper alternatives like Game Pass or even free-to-play PC gaming. Sony's digital-only pivot is inevitable, but the path to getting there is bumpy — and July's lineup suggests Sony is still trying to find the right balance.

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