Personally Tech With News in Shorts CEO Azhar Iqubal

Every week, our Personally Tech stories stories look at the apps and gadgets that the people who run your favourite companies are using. This week, we caught up with Azhar Iqubal, the co-founder and CEO of News in Shorts. This company summarises news stories in 60 words or less, to help people catch up with the news on their mobile phones, and recently raised $20 million (approximately Rs. 126 crore) in funding.

Iqubal tells us about his favourite apps and gadgets, and why he thinks technology has changed his life. Read on to now more.

Describe your technology setup - what computer/ phone/ tablet/ camera/ gaming console/ other gadgets do you use?
Azhar Iqubal: I am a self-confessed gadget freak, so I constantly like to keep myself updated with the latest innovations. The gadgets I use are an 11-inch MacBook Air and an iMac. I use the Air because it is user friendly and incredibly thin, making it easy to carry it in bag. In smartphones section I have the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and the iPhone 5s. In wearable's Moto 360 smartwatch is the best, and for listening music Bose SoundDock 10 and Sennheiser HD 280 PRO.

What are three apps (mobile/ tablet or PC/ Mac) you couldn't live without?
Azhar Iqubal: I think communication and information are vital to day to day living hence the three apps which I can't live without are News in Shorts, WhatsApp, and Gmail.

What is the one gadget (other than your phone) you never travel without?
Azhar Iqubal: Though most of the time I carry my MacBook Air with me, but at times I manage without this. My phone suffices in those cases.

What is your dream gadget/ technology setup?
Azhar Iqubal: I guess I never thought of a dream setup, because I always get the gadgets immediately if I feel excited about them.

How has technology changed the way in which you work?
Azhar Iqubal: I think technology has now become an inherent part of day to day life. The nature of our business entails that we are in tandem with the average smartphone user so as a team we look to better that experience constantly. For me, my smartphone has certainly had a deep impact; it's like carrying my entire office in my hand. Apart from providing freedom and flexibility, I think working out of my smartphone has really made us more productive as a team.

To see more about the apps and gadgets that people love, check out our older Personally Tech stories.