PCR March 2017

24 VR market Has it been a runaway success, or is VR still waiting to breakout?

27 Peak Development Building a VR headset everyone can buy

28 VR-ready PCs The channel talks about whether many people can actually run VR

No. 162 • MARCH 2017 COMPUTER & IT RESELLERS

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THE VIVE DIFFERENCE

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PCR speaks to the team behind Vive to find out what sets it apart…

“The fact that you can behave properly and act like you really would in true life opens up more and more possibilities and generates the whole ecosystem.”

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MEET THE TEAM

CONTENTS & COMMENT

CONTENTS REGULARS

Jonathan Easton Editor

04 Analysis: 08 Number Crunching

jeaston@nbmedia.com @jonman247

10 Appointments 10 Events 12 Opinion

Gurpreet Purewal Group Sales Manager gpurewal@nbmedia.com

30 Retailer of the month: Black Bear Computers 31 Reseller Profile: Medatech 37 Forward features

Sarah Goldhawk Account Manager

FEATURES

sgoldhawk@nbmedia.com @sarzgoldhawk

17 The big interview: Vive 23 PCR Awards countdown 24 VR market 27 Peak development

Dan Bennett Designer

28 VR ready PCs

dbennett@nbmedia.com

PRODUCTS 33 New products 38 VR headsets Jason Dowie Production Executive jdowie@nbmedia.com

41 Speakers, docks and headphones

OUT OF OFFICE 44 In The Hot Seat: Andrew Wooden Interactive Entertainment Content Director awooden@nbmedia.com @pcr_online

Editorial: 0207 354 6002 Advertising: 0207 354 6000

Centerprise’s Jon Atherton 46 Team of the month: Synology

Incorporating

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ISSN: 1742-8440

COMMENT

Format wars are a thing of the past AT WHAT POINT does ‘emerging technology’ just become technology? Is it when it’s been on the market for x amount of time? Is it when it’s been bought by y amount of people?

Equally, when do we stop saying that a technology is emerging, and that it’s simply a dud?

We find ourselves at an unusual, somewhat unprecedented, point in tech time. Where we previously had seen different formats vying for space in people’s homes – Betamax vs VHS, Blu-ray vs HD-DVD – we now live in a time where most tech can pretty much coexist in the way that games consoles have for years; competing with one another for market supremacy, but by no means seeking the destruction of the other.

Whether it’s because of budget, target audience or specific function, it would seem that virtual reality headsets can occupy the same market, while all having their own unique selling points and faults.

“There’s no reason why an Oculus Rift can’t sit on a store shelf next to a Google Daydream or a PlayStation VR” The HTC Vive combines the immersiveness of VR with the freedom of movement, but also requires an amount of space that is impractical for most people to set aside for gaming, along with a top-end price tag and need for an expensive PC. On the other end of the spectrum, Google cardboard-based headsets provide a great entry point into VR using tech that most people carry around in their pockets every day, but lack the complexity, nuance and sophistication of pricier options.

And then sitting somewhere in the middle is PlayStation VR. Building on an already established install base of over 40 million users worldwide, PSVR gives users something closer to the premium experiences of Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, without relying on expensive and often temperamental PCs at a fraction of the cost.

What this means is that unlike the format wars of old, there’s no reason why an Oculus Rift can’t sit on a store shelf next to a Google Daydream or a PlayStation VR – and retailers would be wise to keep their options open. The market is volatile and unpredictable, and while it’s predicted to be a $50 billion industry by 2021, this ‘emerging technology’ will have consumers coming at it from all sorts of angles and all sorts of budgets.

Jonathan Easton, Editor jeaston@nbmedia.com

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ANALYSIS

Processing power We were flooded with news about processors in February. Jonathan Easton breaks down all the news, rumours and speculation, and discusses what it means for the channel…

February was a pretty mad month for processor news – with the majority spelling out good news for buyers.

The biggest developments came out of AMD and Intel.

On February 6th, a Chinese site published details of 17 new Ryzen processors in three subdivisions: the high-end R7 range, the mid-spec R5 range, and the entry level R3. These, according to the report, range from 8C/16T down to 4C/4T chips, with varying clock speeds and differentiation.

If this wasn’t all exciting enough on its own, the processors look to be in direct competition with Intel’s Kaby Lake, with CEO Dr Lisa Su confirming that at least some of the chips will launch in March. As a result, Intel is apparently planning a “lastresort solution that represents a confession of indisputable weakness,” according to French computer publication Canard PC. This ‘last-resort’ came to light less than 24 hours after the leaked AMD processors were reported on, and includes price adjustments of Intel’s Kaby Lake processors, along with the introduction of two new chips: Intel Core i7-7740K, and Intel Core i57640K – the latter including support for Hyper-Threading, a first for Core i5 processors.

This flies in the face of the assertion that Intel had finished up its Kaby Lake launches at CES when it announced a full range of socketed destop processors, quad-core laptop chips for gaming laptops and mobile workstations, and a few additional laptop chips with higher clock speeds and better integrated GPUs. Should there turn out to be truth in these rumours, it would only spell good news for buyers as both firms

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News Bytes SYNAXON SEALS DEAL WITH F-SECURE Leading channel services dealer group has announced a ‘first of its kind’ partnership with security vendor F-secure.

Resellers and retailers will be able to order and download F-Secure product via Synaxon’s online procurement and order management platform, EGIS.

NVIDIA CLOSES PROMO LOOPHOLE

would presumably be looking to undercut each other in terms of cost, while upping the stakes for power. There may be concerns regarding reliability should Intel be rushing these two products to market though.

This wasn’t the only news to come out of Intel this

“Moore’s Law has been arguably difficult to follow as it becomes physically impossible to cram more features on smaller chips ” month, as it announced it is planning to keep up with Moore’s Law by establishing a 7-nm pilot plant this year to explore the upcoming manufacturing process.

Moore’s Law – which dictates that chips will get simultaneously smaller and more powerful – has been arguably difficult to follow

as it becomes physically impossible to cram more features on smaller chips.

Intel says that this pilot plant will test and look to solve any problems in the 7-nm chip manufacturing process. “The pilot line is about figuring out how to make billions of chips,” said Dean McCarron, principal analyst at Mercury Research.

It might have a limited production, but the pilot plant sets Intel up with the ability to invest billions in larger factories to make smaller 7-nm chips. McCarron continued: “Once they have the process locked down, it’s replicated in the other plants.”

Elsewhere there was even more chip speculation, as Bloomberg reported that Apple is looking at designing its own chips to make the iPhone maker less reliant on Intel. According to sources who spoke to the site, the chip went into development last year and is similar to one used in the latest MacBook Pro to power the keyboard’s much touted Touch Bar. The new chip – codenamed T310 – will supposedly handle some of the computer’s lowpower mode functionality.

It is built using ARM tech

and will work with an Intel Processor.

This wouldn’t be Apple’s first foray into chip manufacturing. Iit has used its own A-series processors in iPhones and iPads since 2010, and introduced an ARM-based chip – the T1 – in last October’s MacBook Pro update. The T1 powers the keyboard’s Touch Bar and some security features such as the enclave that stores payment and biometric data tied to the computer’s fingerprint reader.

By introducing its own chips, Apple would be able to more tightly integrate its hardware and software functions, and have more autonomy over the costs of components for its devices.

These are savings that could well make their way to consumers, some of whom have been disgruntled with Apple since the company raised prices across the board after the Brexit vote last Summer.

All in all then, an exciting time for processor fans (fans of processors, not processor cooling units). This is mostly speculation at this point, but it is all positive for consumers and OEMs alike.

Nvidia has changed its terms and conditions, meaning that free game codes provided in promotions will be tied to hardware.

This means shoppers will no longer be able to sell on free games, as has been the case in the past.

CI DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS WITH ASROCK Basingstoke-based distributor Ci Distribution has announced a partnership with ASRock.

This deal will see the firm ship out a wide range of products including the small-form Beebox PC, Mainboards and G10 gaming router.

OCULUS PAYS OUT After a protracted court case, Oculus was ordered to pay $500 million in damages to games publisher Zenimax.

It was found that the firm had unlawfully used code, and that company founder Palmer Luckey had breached a nondisclosure agreement.

MOZILLA EXTINGUISHES FIREFOX OS Non-profit organisation Mozilla has laid off a team that was working on Firefox OS and will now focus on “research and advanced development”.

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ANALYSIS

Will AR affect VR’s long-term prospects?

Can virtual reality live with augmented reality? Jonathan Easton asks the channel for its opinions on the two techs…

VIRTUAL REALITY HAS long been heralded as the ‘next big thing’, but in the time that it’s taken VR to hit the mainstream, augmented reality (AR) crept into most people’s lives and phones in the form of Pokémon Go. Now, in spite of big marketing campaigns from the likes of Samsung and Sony, it’s likely that more people have been exposed to AR than VR. So, we asked the channel a simple question: are people more excited about AR than VR? “Pokémon Go provided a breakthrough AR application of course,” says Ed Daly, MD

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of digital arts studio seeper.

“Though regarding headmounted AR or ‘mixed reality’ then, no, fewer are interested because not as many people know about HoloLens type products.”

While it might be easy to portray the two technologies as similar things, vying for the same market, Gekko managing director Dan Todaro views the two as different and contrasting.

“VR and AR may be similar in name and function, but belong to two different categories. Where VR is overhauling how we play

the latest AAA title, AR has applications in industry and business beyond gaming.”

Gaming seems to be a big differentiation between AR and VR for many, with the general consensus being that AR has more of a focus on enterprise use. “They are two different experiences driven by very different devices, and as yet Augmented Reality in its true form is not very consumer facing,” states SNY UK’s Charlie Stringer.

Ultimately there might be a solution in a combination of the two, says Wearable Technology Show COO, John

Weir. “The new buzzword is mixed reality, where a blend of augmented and virtual reality – Microsoft Hololens for example – offer the opportunity to blend the experiences for users.”

This idea of mixed reality, the merging of VR and AR, is an idea that many in the channel believes is an exciting prospect. “The future of VR has never been an isolated technology solution, the emergence of Mixed Reality” says Digital Jam founder and CEO Tanya Laird. “Whilst the excitement for AR has been less public, the general

consensus within the industry is that the future of VR will be fused with other technologies including AR, AI, Volumetric Holographic, Smart Cities to name a few.”

It is safe to say that there exists a bright future for all of the realities in tech, be it virtual, augmented or mixed.

What remains to be seen over the coming months and years is how they all develop, and how consumers and businesses respond. So can VR and AR exist with each other?

According to the channel, it looks like they’re going to get on quite nicely.

PCR March 2017 | 5

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ANALYSIS

Microsoft becomes latest to be bitten by Brexit price increases ON FEBRUARY 16th, Microsoft announced that it has become the latest company to raise its prices as a result of currency valuation changes that have come after the Brexit vote.

This is not an unprecedented move as the likes of Sonos, Apple and HP have all raised prices of computers, speakers and apps by as much as 25 per cent. Apple in particular made somewhat controversial moves by upping the price of the over three year old Mac Pro by £500, from £2,499 to £2,999. Microsoft itself made a similar move last October when it increased the cost of its enterprise software and cloud services.

A Microsoft spokesperson said: “In response to a recent review we are adjusting the British pound prices of

some of our hardware and consumer software in order to align to market dynamics.

For indirect sales where our products and services are

sold through partners, final prices will continue to be determined by them.”

On Microsoft’s online store, the

Surface Book now starts life at £1,449 – up £150 (11.5 per cent) from £1,299 a week

time where online shopping wasn’t the ubiquitous concept that it is today and arguably became the biggest name around.

Likewise, it wasn’t the first company to bring out an ereader, but the Kindle became the iconic figure in a space that was crying out for a defining device. Same can be said for its foray into video streaming where it currently is contesting with the likes of Netflix and Hulu for viewership.

With Chime though, Amazon is entering into a space that is already dominated by companies such as Skype, Cisco and GoToMeeting.

And the launch of the service came with fighting talk from vice president of enterprise applications at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Gene Farrell: “It’s pretty hard to find people who actually like the technology they use for meetings today.

Most meeting applications

ago. The the top-specced Surface Book now is £400 more expensive than before.

The Surface Pro 4 surprisingly remains unchanged at £749, but some models in the range are up to £160 more expensive. It is expected that Microsoft will release a new version of the Surface Pro in the near future, and there will be a great deal of interest on the company’s pricing strategy.

The company made no secret of its desire for Britain to stay in the EU, and currently employs over 5,000 people in the country while working in partnership with over 25,000 UK businesses.

What remains now is to ask is not if any more companies will also make this move, but which will be next.

Amazon changes tact with Chime AMAZON MADE another announcement in February – the launch of its Ciscoand Skype-rivalling web conferencing service, Chime.

Telecomms isn’t PCR’s area of expertise, but the company’s entry into yet another market (and an unexpected one at that) shows its bold strategy that branches across all of its areas of business.

Over the past 12 months, Amazon has launched Video Direct and Amazon Music Unlimited; unveiled Amazon

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Go; rolled the Echo speaker, Amazon Fresh and Dash button service outside of the States; and has lended its Alexa voice activated assistant to countless third parties.

Now we can add to that list a screen sharing video chat service for businesses.

Chime however marks a big departure from the company’s previous ventures as it goes from early innovator to late disruptor. Amazon wasn’t the first online retailer in town, but it emerged at a

or services are hard to use, deliver bad audio and video, require constant switching between multiple tools to do everything they want, and are way too expensive.”

If we can learn anything from this statement of intent it is that Amazon isn’t scared to criticise established players and market leaders. The company will hope that the good fortune it has seen with Alexa can be carried over, and that it doesn’t have another Fire phone situation.

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ANALYSIS

Tecchies have IT factor in the British job market Jonathan Easton takes a look at 2016’s job listings to find that IT professionals are more in demand than ever before…

THERE MAY be a whole load of uncertainty when it comes to where UK tech is headed after Brexit, but new research has revealed that organisations across the UK spent 2016 seeking more IT staff than ever before, with job postings in the sector increasing by 10 per cent on the previous year.

The analysis, coming from global IT industry body CompTIA and using stats from Burning Glass Labour Insights and the ONS, found that more than 1.3 million IT jobs were posted in 2016. That equates to more than 1 in 10 of all UK job adverts. This is part of an ongoing upwards momentum which has seen the UK tech workforce grow by over 100,000 since 2012.

What also can be seen from the results is just how important tech roles have become across the country.

Breaking the listings down further, we can see that 13 per cent of all postings were IT based in the fourth quarter of 2016, demonstrating the need for qualified technological staff across the working environment.

Many people had been concerned that the UK’s decision to leave the EU may affect the decisions of companies looking to hire, with high profile personnel such as the chief executive of the London Stock Exchange warning that Brexit could lead to the loss of 230,000 jobs.

However, these employment figures will come as welcome news to both the government and the tech workforce. Of the top 10 UK employers with the most IT job postings in the fourth quarter of 2016, nine were private sector

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Photo by Jim Holmes for AusAID

organisations, with over half being companies based outside the UK. Graham Hunter, VP certifications, Europe and Middle East at CompTIA, said that the figures are the result of the continued technological innovation businesses are undertaking and highlight the high quality of the UK’s technical capabilities: “Businesses in the UK continue to become ever more reliant on technology and these results highlight that firms are looking for staff to help them meet IT demands in the 21st century.

Most organisations now need tech savvy employees across the workplace and not simply in the IT department, which goes in part to explaining the continued increase in demand.

“It is also positive to see that Brexit fears are not

“We now need to ensure that the nation is producing enough talent with all the skills and capabilities to fill these rolls” Graham Hunter, CompTIA

deterring organisations from the UK market. Recent announcements, such as Snapchat basing its international headquarters in the UK, and Google saying it will create 3,000 new jobs and a new London headquarters, highlight that the UK is seen by companies as a place of technological excellence. This will ensure that demand for tech-focussed staff continues and will help maintain this impressive growth span in jobs that we are seeing.

“We now need to ensure that the nation is producing enough talent with all the skills and capabilities to fill these rolls, in order to continue this trend and demonstrate the UK’s stance as a tech leader,” he said.

Kristian Wright, managing director of Network Operations Centre Inbay and executive council member

at CompTIA, added: “The extent to which technology skills underpin today’s business environment comes as no surprise, with the ever-increasing demand for qualified IT staff endorsing CompTIA’s focus on IT education and certification.

“The flip side, however, is that given the wealth of job opportunities out there, SMBs in particular are finding it more difficult to retain skilled staff and attract the new people they need to deliver today’s indemand services – business continuity and security, for example. This makes it even more important for SMBs to develop current staff using the training and certification programs available through CompTIA, and by ensuring their development, makes it less likely that they will lose highly skilled resources.”

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STATS

Number

crunching 50%

A round-up of the most important stats and facts in the tech channel…

£530m

The Italian division of BT was responsible for “historical accounting errors” amounting to £530m (KPMG)

Online sales will eliminate half of the high street by 2030 (ParcelHero)

15bn

The Internet of Things (IoT) is set to hit a consumer install base of over 15 billion units by 2021 (Juniper)

1.36bn

The global smartphone production volume for 2016 grew 4.7 per cent annually to reach 1.36 billion in total (Trendforce)

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£10 Amazon offered all of its customers £10 off orders over £50 on January 20th as a way to thank them for putting them top of the Institute of Customer Service’s UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) for customer satisfaction.

(Amazon)

$24.5bn 586,430 586,430 Britons have used drones for commercial purposes (Drones Direct)

The virtual reality software market is estimated to reach $24.5bn by 2020 (Statista)

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

Channel movers and shakers INSTRUI: Instrui, a specialist provider of technology user adoption and training services, has appointed Jamie Bugler as commercial director, responsible for leading the company’s growth.

Bugler joins from LG Electronics, where he held various roles since 2012, including general manager of CSC: Azlan, the enterprise value added distribution business of Tech Data, has appointed Alan Taylor as VMware business development manager, moving across from his previous role of reseller account manager. He will be working closely with partners on programmes and initiatives to drive growth of SIX DEGREES: Hosting provider Six Degrees has appointed David Howson as its new CEO as founder Alastair Mills steps back to the role of chairman.

Howson was previously CEO of US communications firm Zayo Group – a portfolio company of Charlesbank Capital Partners, which SENNHEISER: Headphone and speakerphone maker Sennheiser has announced appointments in three positions to strengthen its “commitment to continued growth in the Contact Centre and Office market and its burgeoning reseller base”.

These come in the form of industry veterans Tracie TDSI: Integrated security manufacturer TDSi has announced the appointment of the company’s new Distribution Channel Manager, Andy Cross.

Andy is excited to be joining the TDSi team and has clear objectives in mind for his new role: “As distribution channel manager my goal is

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EVENTS The UK’s channel calendar is full of important events. Here are some highlights for upcoming dates…

Jamie Bugler

B2B Sales, for UK and Ireland.

Instrui founder and director Pip Thomas said: “Jamie started his career in AV with one of my previous training businesses and gone on to build a unique blend of expertise and experience in AV technologies, the channel and business development that make him an ideal hire.”

Rebecca Clarke

non-core VMware solutions, such as NSX, vSAN and AirWatch.

Azlan has also appointed Rebecca Clarke as business development manager for Virtualisation covering the northern region of the UK. She brings more than three years in enterprise distribution sales to the role.

David Howson

bought Six Degrees in 2015.

Howson said that he has been following the company: “I’m looking forward to moving back to the UK and helping Six Degrees establish itself as the market leader for mission-critical technology managed services and to drive growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

CLOUD EXPO EUROPE

Tracie Marina,Imre Csuri and Richie Rankin

Marina, Richie Rankin and Imre Csuri.

Jane Craven, director of sales for Sennheiser UK and Ireland said that “each has demonstrated a track record of dedication and success through their careers. Their skills and expertise will play a major role in future expansion”.

INTERNET OF RETAIL

Andy Cross

to further strengthen TDSi’s working relationship with our partners. This will include the provision of more product training and extensive sales support, both for sales teams and Integrators.”

Andy joins from HID Global having previously worked in business development at Norbain SD Ltd.

PCR AWARDS 2017 The Brewery, London MARCH 8TH Some of the most highly regarded presences in the Channel will gather to celebrate its collective achievements over the past 12 months.

Winners will be selected from five categories and 21 awards will be handed out. An essential night to attend for the UK IT Channel.

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY SHOW 2017 ExCel, London MARCH 7TH – 8TH With over 200 speakers across 2 days, experts in the many sectors across healthcare, performance sports, smart textiles, smart homes, disruption and the IoT will share insight into new products and the future of how we incorporate wearable technologies.

A FOCUS ON WOMEN: ACTION NOW FOR TOMORROW’S TECH SUCCESS Here East, Press Centre Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Off Waterden Road, London, E20 3BS MARCH 9TH Following the success of Diversity in Tech, Tech London Advocates is showcasing a working session from TLA Women in Tech to explore diversity and workplace innovation.

ExCel London MARCH 15TH - 16TH Europe’s biggest, multi award-winning cloud and digital transformation show is even better for 2017.

This year, alongside Smart IoT, Cloud Security, Data Centre World and Big Data World, the show hosts 500 leading international technology exhibitors and 600 speakers.

DoubleTree Docklands Riverside, 265 Rotherhithe Street, London, SE16 5HW 21ST MARCH - 22ND MARCH This 2nd Annual Internet of Retail event will present case studies from some of the world’s leading retailers who have overcome implementation pitfalls and are successfully harnessing IoT to heighten the customer journey.

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OPINION

Is VR ready for the Selling VR has Mass Market? to be unique Virtual reality still has a long way to go before it can hit the mainstream, but that can change. Gfk senior account manager Kit Lewin give his thoughts on what can be done to make VR vital to customers… content is becoming available as VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) is still a market media providers such as Sky, Netflix in its infancy, and while the new tech and BT increase the creation and has received widespread media availability of such content. UK attention lauding the possibilities it consumers believe that after gaming, could bring, significant barriers still watching video and education are the exist in UK consumers’ minds that biggest potential uses for VR. The have stopped VR reaching a wider move towards mainstream content audience. Barriers to purchase relate can be seen in the USA, where Fox to concerns around cost of the Sports made the Super Bowl available devices, lack of VR ready devices, to subscriber in VR using the Fox limited availability of VR media and Sports VR app. limited awareness of potential uses.

The biggest concerns UK Will 2017 be the year VR can consumers have about VR technology overcome these barriers and become continue to be the cost of the devices a mainstream market? themselves with 73 per cent agreeing This year we can expect to see or agreeing to some extent that ‘VR gaming to continue to be the major headsets are too focus in terms of use expensive’. In addition for VR technology. to this, consumer cost More than 65 per cent concerns extend to of the UK population “In order to the price of associated link VR technology to become hardware where 64 being useful for per cent agree or gaming and this figure mainstream, a agree to some extent rises to 70 per cent for that this is a key those who are likely to wider base of purchase such applications will barrier for them.

2017 promises to be technology within the be needed for VR”. another exciting year year. With Desk PC Kit Lewin, for VR. However, a Gaming set to build Gfk couple of issues on 54 per cent yearremain with gaming still representing on-year volume growth in 2017, and the major use for this technology in the increasing availability of VR UK consumers’ minds, and cost acting compatible hardware within the as a key barrier for all but keenest marketplace, it is inevitable that sales gamers. If VR is to really take off in of VR headsets will increase in 2017.

2017, consumers will need to be The increased focus these devices educated and understand more have received was demonstrated at widespread and everyday uses.

CES with Windows OEMs having now Increasing content availability that announced Windows 10 compatible can engage a wider audience such as VR Headsets that are expected for social media platforms and online release this year. streaming platforms with VR content In order to become mainstream will help to drive usage for the technology, a wider base of technology and pave a pathway to a applications will be needed for VR. more mainstream market in 2017.

Ever increasing amounts of VR ready Kit Lewin is a senior account manager at Gfk www.gfk.com

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There are multiple factors in selling that have held virtual reality back, but Richard Alford, managing director of Black Bear network, thinks that this will all change in the next year…

least developers believe VR will be a VIRTUAL REALITY made an impact in money maker in 2017!

2016, but for the majority it is still Outside of gaming we’ve taken not understood and people are yet our Vive into schools, where kids to see the benefit. As with all new have explored ancient civilisations, technology the early adopters have far off places, and travelled to the grabbed this and I’ve yet to see edges of the solar system and the anyone who isn’t impressed. depths of the oceans. I believe this is However, we found that people where the true benefits of VR exist, need convincing to buy, they want to educate and to allow us to explore to “need it” but you can see that the ‘where no man has gone before’. cost worries them.

Estate agents are already I think this will change in 2017 as embracing VR by offering virtual new vendors bring their own VR tours of houses they are selling, headsets and price is driven down. while IKEA gives virtual tours of However this might not be good for kitchens. Building a show home and VR, if large numbers are sold at some artists impressions of new budget prices to ill-informed homes will soon be customers, then the past, just visit people’s first VR your local VR location experiences might to “walk” round your be negative. This is “Vendors need to new home. a concern of HTC, My store sells to as it is unwilling to encourage the different groups of let independent support of customers, maybe the retailers demo the retailers and next move is the Vive for fear the virtual store, where experience resellers to test you take Job Simulator customers get VR. to the real world and might not show the Richard Alford, shop in VR. Chose Vive to its full Black Bear what you want from potential. the virtual shelves and take it to the With maybe the exception of the virtual till. The shop can stock Playstation VR, buying a VR headset everything you ever need and is is only part of the cost. A good spec much more immersive than PC, with the latest graphics card is browsing an online store. needed, meaning the cost to enter The VR market is just emerging VR will still be well over £1000, even and I don’t believe we can predict with cheaper headsets. where the future applications will We’ve had a HTC Vive for come from. The IT industry needs to customer demos since it launched drive VR and showcase it, vendors and there is no doubt that the need to encourage the support of games market has seen a lot of new titles. The range of titles was narrow, retailers and resellers to test it, demo it and sell it. VR can’t be sold but now AAA titles are been made from pictures or web pages, you with VR in mind. No developer will need to try it to understand it. invest unless they see a return, so at Richard Alford is the managing director of Black Bear network www.blackbearcomputers.co.uk

www.pcr-online.biz

17/02/2017 09:54

OPINION

Investment, content, and consumer education Virtual reality is something that many of us are already very used to. However, more needs to be done in order to ensure VR’s mainstream success believes Context UK and Ireland country manager Jonathan Wagstaff… smartphones compared to gaming AT THIS YEAR’s CES in Las Vegas, PCs, but we have not yet seen the Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang killer app to drive sales; VR is still announced in his keynote speech to waiting for its Pokémon Go!. Until the assembled press that they would mobile GPUs are on par with those of be building an AI-driven car with Audi high-end PCs, app developers must to go on general sale in 2020. He rely on ingenious and addicting explained that the catalyst for all of gameplay. In this way one can draw their technological GPU innovations parallels to the early days of Atari: VR had been gaming. Indeed, PC gaming app developers are creating an was identified as perhaps the most entertainment genre from scratch. processor-heavy activity any home PC Several things need to happen in is asked to perform. Jen-Hsun 2017 to improve VR consumer sales in declared that “...all gaming is virtual addition to driving down the initial reality”, in that most games required costs of adoption. Currently, app the creation of a virtual world in stores for many VR devices are which a player would inhabit. With a flooded with cheap and poor-quality few notable exceptions, CES 2017 was VR content with little the year of the AI car. guide towards best-ofAs for the VR breed. For most category itself, my perception of this “My perception of devices with the exception of the Rift, year’s CES was one of this year’s CES the PC VR developer an industry asking landscape is “what next?” Last year was one of an dominated by indie witnessed the release industry asking studios of varying of three major highquality. This, end consumer what next?” headsets (Rift, Vive, Jonathan Wagstaff, combined with a PSVR) and aggressive Context confusing and overpopulated software marketing of the Gear market, is reminiscent VR from Samsung, but of the conditions which caused the CES 2017 offered few VR revelations collapse of the video game industry in short of more HMDs from new players 1983. Facebook and Oculus have to and add-ons to existing hardware be singled out for their investment in products. 2016 did not see VR mass Oculus Studios and the support of adoption, and this came as no AAA titles. surprise to Context. The first major In 2017 we need more vendors issue is the additional cost of VR in the taking the leap and investing in AAA form of a powerful – and therefore VR content regardless of initial returns. expensive – PC or a PlayStation 4.

After all, the high-end gaming-PC Moreover, the experience of VR on market is helping to revitalise the mobile devices is still vastly inferior in mature PC industry. If there is any terms of 3D rendering compared to message the consumer VR industry tethered headsets. Mobile VR would needs for 2017, it’s investment, seem like the natural home of the content, and consumer education. technology given the proliferation of Jonathan Wagstaff is the UK and Ireland country manager for Context www.contextworld.com

www.pcr-online.biz

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The evolution of VR in 2017 Virtual reality really hit the mainstream in 2016. Tactus CEO Scott Brenchley gives his thoughts on what’s next for the emerging market…

2017 will also see a rise in VR VIRTUAL REALITY is slowly creeping peripherals and accessories as users into the mainstream and is now look to enhance their immersive more accessible and affordable than experience and bring it closer to real ever before. The emergence of world experiences.

Google’s entry level cardboard We will see further improvements devices has allowed users to to the capabilities of head mounted experience VR using just their displays (HMDs). The next iterations smartphone at a basic level. Sony of these devices will have 4K LCD have just released Playstation VR, as displays with enhanced optics for they attempt to integrate VR into better viewing angles, improved the home game console market and wireless connectivity, richer Facebook bought Oculus for $2 graphics and the overall build Billion Dollars in 2014 - if you quality will be better as VR headsets haven’t noticed yet, brands are become lighter and more investing big in VR. Reports suggest comfortable to wear. Sales of HMDs that 2017 could see virtual reality will continue to grow and are have its first billion-dollar year. predicted to hit 26.5 million units in So with 2017 all set be a huge 2017, and 40 million year for the VR by 2018. Companies industry, how is this look to innovative rapidly maturing “Companies that that will emerge as leaders market going to look to innovative in this evolving develop? landscape.

One of the first will emerge as The growth of VR major leaders in this hardware will cause a developments we greater need for will see is increased evolving content and the final adoption of landscape.” piece of the jigsaw is desktop grade PC Scott Brenchley, set to be 360-degree VR backpacks. On a recent trip to China Tactus content. 360 degree videos may become the new selfie, I had a chance to experience the but as 360 video cameras become latest iteration of this hardware and more affordable and accessible, I was blown away by how far these anyone will be able to create great devices have come in the last few 360 content and share their own years. They are much lighter to experiences at the touch of a record carry, the battery life is much button. improved and the graphics have to Many assumed that the latest be experienced to be believed. generation of virtual reality devices Currently, these devices are geared would be a passing fad but it has towards the gaming market, but the now become the next big frontier improved performance levels plus that businesses want to embrace. the ability to experience VR without With some of the biggest brands in being tethered will increase sales as the world now investing in it, 2017 early adopters look to embrace the will be the year that VR comes of age. new tech.

Scott Brenchley is CEO and Founder of Tactus Ltd www.tactus.com

PCR March 2017 | 13

17/02/2017 11:20

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Address the topics that really matter in 2017

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19/01/2017 11:20

BIG INTERVIEW

Viva

la Vive Virtual reality hit it big in 2016, and in terms of specs the HTC Vive sits on top of the pile. Jonathan Easton speaks to Vive senior manager of product management Graham Breen about the future of the platform, content delivery and shaking up interactivity‌

www.pcr-online.biz

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PCR March 2017 | 17

16/02/2017 20:55

INTERVIEW

H

ow’s the Vive doing?

Is it meeting expectations?

Yeah, it is. It’s been a pretty exciting rollercoaster since we went public in the news, and actually started selling it.

That was the really exciting part, actually seeing the first customers ordering last year and then in April when the first ones got their deliveries.

Since then, we’ve seen a few exciting things.

There’s been uplift in general demand and also uplift in where people can buy it from as well. Initially we started selling on our own website, but now it’s available across a range of retail stores, whether that’s Currys PC World or Game. It’s also available at online retailers – Overclockers UK and Scan for example.

That’s all a response to increased demand we’ve had from the market – it’s been a really exciting 12 months since we first went live with pre-orders last year.

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As a result of Brexit and the “recent currency valuation changes”, as HTC called it, the Vive increased in price from £689 to £759. Is that a permanent change, or is HTC monitoring that with a view to adjust?

I think I could probably say a lot more if I could give you a massive outlook picture of what’s going to happen in the macro environment.

I think what’s important is that we’re making sure that Vive is competitive, is well priced for customers, and sits properly within the market environment.

So at the moment, like you say, we’re priced at £759 and that’s something pretty well received among consumers, it’s something we’re comfortable with. You have to remember what’s in there and this is what’s also important for people buying Vive. It’s the sheer amazing experience they’re getting for that £759.

“At the moment we’re priced at £759 and that’s something pretty well received. We think it’s actually a very competitive price for what we’ve got now.”

Graham Breen, Vive

So yes it’s the HMD – the VR headset – but it’s also the fact that they’ve got the two handheld controllers as well.

They’ve got the full package there and of course the two base stations to allow them to move around. So we think it’s actually a very competitive price for what we’ve got now.

Are you seeing many consumers upgrading their PCs or buying new ones so that they can run Vive?

The PC market’s really interesting as there’s always a natural upgrade cycle and there are always certain things that drive that. Probably the most interesting thing in the last 12 months is that the key card manufacturers have launched cards that are being marketed as ‘VR ready’ – one of the key drivers for that upgrade cycle now is VR. We are seeing demand for Vive and VRready PCs increasing, which is good news for us and good news for the PC industry.

What do you think is the main reason that a large portion of consumers are gravitating towards Vive rather than the other options on the market?

For me – and I’m talking somewhat personally here – it’s the fact that it lets you behave as you really do in real life. You see here I’m waving my hands around while talking to you, I’ve got two hands! We move around, we interact with the world around us. That’s what Vive lets you do, and it lets you do it on a human scale. If you want to interact you’ve got the hand controllers there, you can work in any direction you like, you’ve got the full 360 experience.

It’s important because that really opens up the whole ecosystem to developers as well. When people can start to behave as they do in normal life then it opens it up for them to build experiences for that. That all follows on to having great content that,

www.pcr-online.biz

16/02/2017 20:55

INTERVIEW

drives the whole adoption cycle so it’s all a part of the same story. The fact that you can behave properly and act like you really would in true life opens up more and more possibilities and generates the whole ecosystem. Does that make sense?

Yeah totally, then you can see from that ethos the launch of Vive accessories at CES. Talk us through the mentality and the thinking behind the trackers and the Deluxe headset.

Something that we’ve been asked continually from developers over the past year is “this is brilliant, now how can I build a VR accesory?

How can I build a gun for this shooter game? How can I build a sword?” That type of thing. So we noticed demand out there and we’ve even seen a couple of people build in independent projects, say, our existing controllers into objects that they can track in VR. Our thinking www.pcr-online.biz

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is to enable them to open up the ecosystem because the innovation comes from various developers. It’s important to give them that opportunity.

What we’ve done as a result with the tracker is given the ability to track any object you like in VR. You can attach the tracker to something as long as it’s coded into the game or experience, then you can track anything. We showed various examples at CES such as a couple of guns and we had a company show the Tracker attached to a baseball bat where you can face any major league pitcher that your team’s going to be playing against. Another was an object that became a camera when you’re in VR. So it turned what just looked visually like a sort of square tablet shaped thing into an actual VR camera so you could capture photos in the virtual world. These are just a few ideas that people had in the short term.

“We really are focusing on what we’ve got there at the moment, making sure that’s the best experience, and making sure that we’re enabling the best ecosystem of both hardware and software around it”.

Graham Breen, Vive

One of the more interesting ones for me out of CES was what a firefighting trainer somebody was showing from a university in Australia. They put the headset on you and then they attached the tracker to the end of a fire hose. You stood there seeing the fire blazing around you and you had the fire hose, because of course you don’t really want to train people on the job in that stress situation.

The other item we released of course at CES was the Deluxe Head Strap. Some people who want a more premium solution with integrated headphones and we’re giving them that. For me that’s really exciting. it’s about making it a very comfortable experience because the exciting thing this year of course is that we’re seeing more and more software coming online that will hold you in VR for a long time. It’s giving people a

bit of flexibility if they want that integrated headphone experience they can, and enabling the developers the ecosystem so that we’re going to be seeing more cool stuff. It’s always quite amazing when we meet up with them and we see some of the innovations that they’ve got and I’m looking forward to seeing that this year.

Are these new peripherals an indication that we’re not going to be seeing a new Vive for a while?

Obviously I’m not able to go into any roadmap details, but I think it’s important to say that we really are focusing on what we’ve got there at the moment, making sure that’s the best experience, and making sure that we’re enabling the best ecosystem of both hardware and software around it.

We’re going to be seeing some partners that are going to be taking the tracker to build their own solutions PCR March 2017 | 19

16/02/2017 20:55

INTERVIEW

that they can sell to market, enabling Vive owners to have a fuller experience with more options, and making sure that that’s as strong an experience as possible.

Gamers have been the main target market from the inception of the Vive, but how does HTC view the business/enterprise space in relation to Vive?

It’s not either/or, there’s really something in there for both of them. In terms of gaming, it opens up opportunities and possibilities that you just never had in the standard world of 2D. In terms of enterprise, it gives opportunities that just didn’t exist previously.

There are quite a few focus areas we’re looking at where we’ve had partners building things. Also with us at CES we had Oxford University, and they were demoing software to train midwives in Kenya on the process steps to take once a baby’s born.

All of a sudden you’ve taken something that was maybe seen as a fun object for some people and you can actually change lives with it. That was quite a humbling moment for me when I first did that experience and saved the young baby’s life by getting it breathing again. It starts to open your mind to some of

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the possibilities that we’ve got there.

Across other industrial areas a lot of companies are using Vive. So I mentioned the healthcare side, but in generic training it allows you to replicate either stress situations or experiences that are just not possible in real life, a bit like the firefighter.

In healthcare it allows people to visualise situations that otherwise you just can’t – whether that’s walking around a brain scan, or seeing close ups of the various organs in the body.

There are a few industries that have been at the forefront of that leading it. One of which is the automotive industry. We’ve worked with quite a few partners over the past 18 months, and it’s interesting to see how they are using it as well. There are lots of parts of their business where it really works and that ranges from everything from design and prototyping right through to showrooms and everything in between. Some elements of it make for a more interesting retail experience, and other elements of it really make for a far more cost efficient and quicker design approval process.

This is just what we’ve seen in the first year or two. What we’re finding is that more

what ideas other people are coming up with; things that we possibly haven’t even thought of.

quite a lot of growth in it over the coming years, but I think VR offers something pretty unique from that as well.

The fact that you can achieve the full immersion means you are creating a different style of experience. I referenced the training once or twice and it’s probably the easiest and best example where you can really place someone in the situation and they can learn something that they otherwise can’t.

While both technologies have a future, we really believe that VR allows you to be transported to places where you’re physically not and that’s probably what’s really special about VR, it’s that ability to go where you’re not. We’re making sure that the VR market’s growing, we can support the development community in any way we can, and that we’re listening to what people say. There’s so many things that can happen in the future, but now VR is the strong focus.

At the same time as VR is growing in the enterprise space we’re also seeing the growth of augmented reality. Do you have any plans to bring the Vive brand into AR, or are you very much focused on VR? AR is very exciting. and I think we’re going to be seeing

One other thing that you launched last year was Viveport, and at CES you announced ‘the world’s first content subscription platform’ for VR. Do you have any more details you can share with us on that?

I think the best analogy is the Spotify model. Where, rather

and more ideas are coming and that’s why we’re making sure that we’re giving away enough of these trackers to developers, 1,000 of them.

We’re giving enough of these to developers to let some of these ideas blossom.

We’re giving them the tools but the innovation actually comes from all around the VR community. We’ve got some, but it’s exciting seeing

“It’s exciting seeing what ideas others are coming up with; things that we haven’t even thought of.”

Graham Breen, Vive

than paying for individual items and then going in and paying for the next individual item, we give people the chance to go in and try a lot of things.

We’re trying to improve things like discoverability.

For example if somebody is interested in – let’s take a specific example – travel.

Then there’s support for discoverability in the subscription model for them to look for apps and experiences that are able to take them elsewhere. What we are still working through, but we’ll be coming back shortly with, are the actual metrics around how that works. So I’m talking pricing and so on.

It’s really about giving people a) choice; and b) the flexibility to be exposed to a lot of various content elements without having to take a risk by paying for it. Whether they choose to buy something some time afterwards is up to them, but giving them the exposure and the chance to try a lot things – and that’s the beauty of subscription – is that you can actually try a lot of things that are risk-free for the consumer.

Like I said, the details are going to follow in the coming weeks and months. But it’s an exciting way of allowing people to experience VR.

www.pcr-online.biz

16/02/2017 20:55

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15/02/2017 10:38 15/02/2017 14:00:47

PCR AWARDS

Wedneday 8th Wednesday 8thMarch March2017 2017 - - The TheBrewery, Brewery,London London

Countdown to the PCR Awards

The 2017 PCR Awards are rapidly approaching. Find out all you need to know ahead of the night…

D

EPENDING ON when you’re reading this it will either be before or after the 2017 PCR Awards. If it’s before, then good luck to all of the nominees shortlisted; if after, congratulations to the winners. Let’s just assume for now that it’s before the awards and let me give you a bit more detail on the night and why you should be there.

For starters we have our host.

She is a comic that is instantly recognisable from her countless appearances on TV panel shows such as Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week and Never Mind The Buzzcocks: the venerable comic Jo Caulfield.

Jo is a stand-up comedian, host, and comedy writer who (along with the aforementioned shows) has appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The One Show, The World Stands Up

and The Politics Show. On Radio 4, Jo has her own acclaimed shows, Its That Jo Caulfield Again and Jo Caulfield Won’t Shut Up, as well as regularly appearing on shows including The News Quiz, The Now Show, and The Unbelievable Truth.

She has written for Ruby Wax, Joan Rivers, Ant and Dec, and Graham Norton, who said of Jo, “I never knew I could like a woman so much”.

But there’s much more to the PCR Awards 2017 than our esteemed host for the night. It will also be a great opportunity to get together with new and old colleagues to celebrate all of the Channel’s achievements from the past 12 months. What more could you want?

If you’re really keen on the awards and want to get involved from a sponsorship perspective you can do that too. There are a

wide range of partner packages available for PCR Awards 2017. To find out more and to discuss the partnership opportunities available, please contact Sarah Goldhawk at sgoldhawk@nbmedia. com (0207 354 6024).

Confirmed partners so far include Entatech as Headline partner, Intel as Drinks Reception sponsor, Exertis as After Party host, CI Distribution as Entertainment sponsor, Hanns G as Photo Booth sponsor, CMS Distribution as Retailer Category sponsor, BullGuard as Reseller Category sponsor, AOC as Distribution Category sponsor, ASUS as Red Carpet sponsor, and Nvidia and Smithie as event partners.

If you’re not too bothered about sponsorship but are still eager to attend (and why wouldn’t you be?), you can book tickets right now by contacting Maeve

Nicholson at mnicholson@ nbmedia.com or by calling 0203 871 7483. Entry is available through single seats or tables of ten, and we recommend that you get your tickets as soon as possible as the PCR Awards is always a popular event.

There are 20 awards being dished out across five categories, along with the prestigious PCR Company of the Year 2017 award that honours a company or brand that has had an outstanding past 12 months with an exceptional contribution to the channel. We have had some really strong entries across all the awards and I can’t wait to see which firms walk away as winners on the night.

The 2017 PCR Awards are taking place at the Brewery in Central London on Wednesday March 8th and I look forward to seeing you all there on the night.

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17/02/2017 11:32

BIG FEATURE

V

IRTUAL REALITY HAS always been seen as ‘future tech’. It’s been the stuff of science fiction, of the ‘what will the future look like?’ questions, and – to some – a concerning prospect for a generation already addicted to its devices.

But here we sit in 2017.

VR devices are readily available to suit any budget.

From cardboard headsets that can be found in pound shops, to the premium head mounted displays (HMDs) produced by the likes of HTC and

The market realities of VR Virtual reality has been out in the wild for well over a year at this point but how is the market shaping up? Has it been the runaway success that some predicted, or is there more that needs to be done in order to break the tech into the mainstream? Jonathan Easton asks the channel about where VR currently stands in the real world…

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Oculus for hundreds of pounds, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to get your hands on VR. The average shopper however isn’t so aware of VR’s ubiquity, says Wearable Technology Show COO John Weir. “I would say that the average person in the street doesn’t see VR as a necessity in their daily lives – it’s still the stuff of science fiction.”

I think it’s still a nascent technology which is gaining traction in gaming but remains sluggish – this is going to be a long slog.”

Weir isn’t alone in his belief that VR is taking its time to gain traction. Kamal Hitari of online retailer Hitari holds a similar belief that “consumers are aware of VR as an entertainment and gaming device but its potential is massive and we are only scratching the surface with its uses.”

Likewise, Tanya Laird, founder and chief exec of Digital Jam, thinks that average consumers “have heard of VR however the reality of the penetration is somewhat smaller than the perception.

“The reality is, for most people within the VR industry their bias is still very much

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16/02/2017 21:18

BIG FEATURE out of proportion to the general population. Hands-on experience is still limited to early adopters and hardcore gamers/enthusiasts.”

And this isn’t just conjecture, the stats back it up states Jonathan Wagstaff, UK and Ireland country manager at Context: “When we conducted our VR survey of EU consumers last summer a quarter of those sampled still had not heard anything about virtual reality.”

However, he goes on to say that the advertising push from the likes of Samsung with its Gear VR and Sony with PlayStation VR over the Christmas period means that “awareness will definitely have grown”.

An enthusiast’s market It seems that even though awareness is rising outside of a core audience of enthusiastic, early-adopting gamers, there is a problem when it comes to exposure.

“The challenge is getting people to experience the different levels of entertainment,” says SNR UK category manager, Charlie Stringer.

“How we bring these experiences to life in store is something we’re talking to all of our suppliers and strategic partners such as Intel and Microsoft about. This is a massive opportunity for us as the biggest retailer of consumer electronics.”

Similarly, Chillblast sales director Ben Miles shares a similar concern about how to show off VR to a new audience, and that cheaper VR experiences have a detrimental effect.

“It’s our thoughts that entry level VR experiences like the Samsung gear VR and Google cardboard do more harm than good when it comes to giving people a taste of VR.” “Far too many of these experiences are generally poor quality, lacking immersion and are poorly executed. If someone can try VR for the first time on a smartphone device and it gives them the inspiration to try something more

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“premium” then so much the better, but many people we encounter say they “don’t like VR” because they have founded an opinion based just on a piece of kit that came free with a mobile phone.”

In terms of the sales figures though, it is those cheaper VR setups for mobiles that are winning. The three main mobile VR headset types – Google Cardboard, Google Daydream, and Samsung Gear VR – account for 98 per cent of the nearly 89 million headsets sold in 2016, according to data from SuperData Research; a statistic that supports the claims of Merge VR executive vice president, Dan Worden: “The consumer interest in mobile VR is showing quickly that there is incredible potential way beyond a gaming platform. In fact, many in Generation Z express great interest in virtual exploration - going somewhere they can not go right now, whether that is underwater, a tropical island, space, or even a football match.”

It’s clear that there is a great deal of interest in VR in experiences outside of

gaming, but there are fears that consumers may lose interest.

Content driving growth What use is a consumer technology without content?

That is a big question currently being asked of VR. Now that we have the tech – and it’s more than just a proof of concept – many

“Content is key for VR in the longterm.”

Dan Todaro, Gekko

are wondering what’s next.

Certainly, that is a problem for many of the mobile VR experiences like Google Cardboard that come with a handful of tech demos, but little else to keep users engaged. “There are fundamentally still a few barriers of entry for these

products to become more mainstream, one down to cost and more importantly content to other consumers engaged,” says Stringer.

Gekko managing director Dan Todaro agrees that “Content is key for VR in the long-term”, but says that a lot is being done to ensure interest is maintained. “With an estimated $400 million having been invested in 2016 on content development, the industry has established VR as a credible platform over and above Sony’s PlayStation VR, which is estimated to have sold 2.6 million units in 2016.

“If brands continue to produce content that appeals to their key consumers, then VR will continue to grow.

Expect this to come from gaming, where VR’s appeal is greatest.”

VR is not however just a gaming medium. “There are many uses VR can provide in medicine, architecture, design, education – limitless possibilities,” says Hitari.

However, like with the tech demos on Google Cardboard or the limited range of compelling games across PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, “VR has next

to no compelling business applications yet,” according to Ed Daly, MD of digital arts studio Seeper. “You could walk into a thousand offices and factories and I’d wager you’d never see anyone using a VR device. Some businesses can see potential in training but the interaction solution is not there, and I’m not sure will be there for a long time to make heavy use viable.”

While all the focus may initially be on gaming, VR might see most of its profits coming from the business world, says Laird. “The real revenue potential for the next 3-5 years remains in B2B”.

We’ve been saying this for months, but it must be still stated that virtual reality is still in its infancy; it’s still new tech to most people. The market is emerging across a variety of different audiences and price points. The biggest challenge facing both vendors and retailers is making sure that customers can get a hold of the tech, and that they remain engaged with it as more content is being produced.

VR tech isn’t perfect yet, but keeping interest in this hot topic of technology is the key to its long-term viability.

PCR March 2017 | 25

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20/01/2017 16:25:32 29/11/2016 14:29

INTERVIEW

Making

VR a reality for retail For retailers interested in stocking virtual reality products, actually getting them on the shelves has been the trickiest part. Peak Development senior product manager Paul Dutton talks to PCR about the company’s mission to allow all retailers to sell VR…

V

R has been a big focus for Peak over the past few months. Tell us about your involvement with Virtual Reality and the success of Bitmore.

Peak and Bitmore have worked hard together to bring the VR Eye to the market, we started working on the product in March/ April time and when we started to look at what was available we saw that there was some confusion in what a retailer could offer and what a consumer wanted.

Devices such as the Oculus Rift & HTC Vive are great, but unfortunately for retailers they aren’t available to all of the high street. For the consumer, again the products are superb, but they aren’t accessible to everyone, the main hurdles being cost & technological knowledge.

We needed a solution that would allow all retailers to sell a product, and have that product sell itself to all the consumers that come through their front door or onto their site. Ease of

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27 PCR162 Peak Interview_FINAL.indd 1

access for the consumer was paramount.

“We needed a solution that would allow all retailers to sell a product, and have that product sell itself to all the consumers that come through their front door or onto their site.”

Paul Dutton, Peak Development

What was behind the decision to launch Bitmore?

Bitmore is a brand we work closely with, the team there are superb at working with us and our retailers to make sure that a product is packaged,

displayed and explained correctly to give those retailers superb returns.

How have consumers reacted to the product?

The feedback we have had from Retailers is that their consumers love the VR Eye, from the ease of use, to the fact that all the questions asked were answered on the packaging, consumer pushback has been almost nil.

Do you view Bitmore more as a product for personal or business use?

It’s very much a consumer product, from anecdotal feedback we’ve had pretty much all the units sold went to the person that bought them or to be gifted to others.

What are some of the problems that are prevalent with smartphone VR headsets and how have you overcome that with Bitmore?

There are no problems with Smartphone based VR that can’t be overcome by explanation at the time of sale.

One of the points made by one of our retailers was ‘How do we sell the product? VR isn’t something we normally sell’ our response was to allow the packaging and product to speak for itself, and with the sales that we have seen, this has certainly been the case. Consumers were ready for VR and those retailers that worked with Bitmore & Peak certainly got those sales, and will see those sales increase in 2017.

How does smartphone VR compare with fullydedicated VR devices such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive?

Which do you think will be more successful in the longterm?

It depends on what you consider success, if you consider it to be units sold, then there really is only one winner, and that is the Smartphone product. We all use phones and they are the centre of our digital life, it therefore is fairly obvious that a simple device that you can add to your phone is going to be a success.

What are your expectations for the VR market going forward?

The biggest question for our part of the market is how Google will start to implement its Daydream platform and whether any of the other smartphone vendors adopt or create their own platforms.

We also see a more immersive experience becoming more important, audio will become very interesting in this space, and that will lead to better and better content. In terms of sales and opportunity, retailers should be making space in their stores, for VR, as the sales, if 2016 is anything to go by, will be significant in 2017. Even retailers that wouldn’t be a natural home for VR will see substantial sales.

We’d safely argue that on the High Street there is no brand better represented than Bitmore with the VR Eye product, and with the product development we are doing for 2017, our sales, and the retailers that work with us will see that again this year.

PCR March 2017 | 27

16/02/2017 21:24

VR

Ready, willing, and able?

We are increasingly seeing desktops and notebooks being slapped with a ‘VR ready’ label, but what does that tag actually mean? Jonathan Easton gets the thoughts of retailers, system builders and vendors on the PCs powering high-end virtual reality…

W

HILE THERE HAS been no shortage on focus on the technology going into virtual reality headsets – refresh rates, pixel densities, precision of movement and the like – not much of the conversation seems to occur around the setups required to get highend, power draining VR to run.

One of the big reasons why VR is “still the stuff of science fiction” as Wearable Technology Show COO John Weir puts it, is because, according to Digital Jam’s Tanya Laird, “very few mainstream consumers would have a rig with enough power to really run VR off the bat”.

The big question with a VR ready PC is what it actually is.

One would think that it is a PC that meets the requirements set out by the VR equipment makers, but minimum specs are often misleading, says Chillblast sales director Ben Miles.

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“There’s been some confusion recently with some VR headset providers moving the minimum spec requirements substantially lower by employing clever technology like Asynchronous Timewarp and the like,” says Miles. “For a full premium VR experience we still firmly believe that a VR ready system is one that can deliver a premium experience on all titles and on all headsets, which is why we only certify systems with a quad core i5 5th or 6th generation intel CPU OR AMD FX Series 8000 CPU (or better); 8GB DDR3 RAM (or better); a GTX 1060 or RX 470 graphics card (or better); Windows 10 64bit; and 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI. We are confident that these solutions are capable of delivering a really compelling experience.”

So that’s what a system builder suggests is a minimum spec for a VR Ready

“Very few mainstream consumers would have a rig with enough power to really run VR off the bat.”

Tanya Laird, Digital Jam

system, but what do the headset makers say themselves?

As alluded to by Miles, Oculus somewhat shifted the goalposts of VR requirements in October 2016 with the introduction of what it calls ‘asynchronous spacewarp’ (AWS). AWS is a bit of software that reduces the recommended spec of the Rift from requiring an Nvidia GTX 970 equivalent and an Intel i54590, to running on any machine with an Nvidia 960 or greater and an Intel i3-6100 (or AMD FX4350) or greater.

What AWS does is essentially a bit of trickery to make a game run at 45 frames per second internally on a PC while providing the smooth 90 frames per seconds to the headset that’s required for VR. AWS has certainly expanded the scope of what PCs can run VR and get more people in the door. “AWS is an awesome technology,” says an

enthused Craig Hume of Utopia computers.

“It’s plain to see that it has allowed many manufacturers to bring down the entry level price of a VR ready PC. For VR to be truly successful we want it to be in the hands of the masses, so anything that can help widen its audience is a good thing.”

Miles similarly states that “when properly employed with the right titles the effects [or AWS] can be impressive.”

Comparing the Rift’s required specs to the HTC Vive – its closest competitor in the high-end VR space – makes for similar reading. The Vive requires basically the same setup as the Rift did before the introduction of AWS, but only needs 4GB of RAM compared with the Rift’s required 8GB. Taking an example from PC Specialist of its lowestspecced, lowest-priced VR ready PC at £767 we see a

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16/02/2017 21:37

VR

system with 8GB of DDR3 RAM, an AMD FX-8300 CPU and an AMD Radeon RX 480.

Basically, a system that ticks all the boxes of minimum requrirements.

When it comes to laptops, Nvidia really opened up the market with the introduction of its GeForce 10-Series graphics cards for notebooks last year. “Every one of these GPUs is VR ready,” said Nvidia’s Mark Avermann at the launch of the range. “This means that millions of notebooks that are going to be sold over the coming year and more will be VR ready. It blows the door open for supporting VR in notebooks.”

To get a laptop with one of those cards though you’d be paying upwards of £1,000 – the cheapest we could find was a 17-inch MSI laptop which has 8GB of DDR4 RAM, an Intel i7 7700HQ, and an Nvidia GTX 1050 for the grand total of £1,099.00 from

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28-29 PCR162 VR Ready_FINAL.indd 2

Overclockers UK. This is all without considering the additional cost of the VR headset. Taking that entry- level desktop and adding on a Vive at £758.99 takes the total price up to a eye-watering £1,525.99. And that’s not even guaranteeing the best experience – just one that meets the minimum requirements. There’s no telling how a system like this will cope with games several years down the line once developers have a greater idea of what they’re doing with VR. Equally, the chances of a cheaper VR ready PC in 2017 meeting the specs of a potential Vive 2 or Rift 2 are unlikely, but this is purely speculation.

What can be said for certain though is that not all consumers are really too worried about that ultra-high, premium experience says Hume. “PC gaming is built on the idea that you can buy a PC

“Rather than saying consumers are happy to buy a PC that, ‘just hits the minimum required spec’, I would say they are happy to compromise on the performance in order to experience VR on their budget.”

Craig Hume, Utopia Computers

that suits your budget today, and as demands on your applications or games change you can in turn upgrade the system to suit. Rather than saying consumers are happy to buy a PC that, ‘just hits the minimum required spec’, I would say they are happy to compromise on the performance in order to experience VR on their budget.”

And that is part of the joy of PC ownership: you aren’t stuck with what you started with. Users can buy an entry level system and then upgrade parts and components either as they become available or as they can be afforded. “I think PC gaming has been driven partly by frustration with the console model and the limitations in their performance, VR being a good example of this,” says Black Bear’s Richard Alford.

“While a gaming PC might

cost more up front, the longer term cost of PC gaming is less.”

While this is all very positive, there may be a concern to some about how many people are actually buying PCs specifically for VR in the first place.

“While we don’t track enquiries of all enquiries, we would estimate no more than 5 per cent of people buying a gaming PC enquire directly with Chillblast to buy a PC specifically for VR,” claims Miles. “We are still very much in early adopter territory.”

It would appear then that high-end VR is still a niche, likely not helped by higher prices of VR ready PCs and headsets. It will be interesting to see whether these kinds of VR devices gain traction as higher-specced PCs become cheaper, or if the mobile headsets that have dominated sales remain the primary means by which people get involved with and use VR.

PCR March 2017 | 29

16/02/2017 21:37

RETAILER OF THE MONTH

Black Bear Computer From humble beginnings in the back of a house, Black Bear has gone on to provide everything from gaming systems and components to printers and peripherals.

Jonathan Easton speaks to boss Richard Alford about the company’s roots and its growth as a retailer and MSP… How did Black Bear get started?

Black Bear started as Black Box in the back room of terrace house in 1996, it was called “Black Box” because at the time most PCs were built in cream cases and we wanted to be different. At that time as well as selling to locals in Lancaster we advertised in magazines and offered mail order.

Who is the main Black Bear customer?

We have two very different customer types. The “original” customers are general home users, those who understand that customer service and support are more important than price. We also have a large number of sole traders who use our shop rather than our MSP company (Black Bear IT Solutions). Then we have PC Gamers. This is a growing area and we have a much larger catchment area as people are willing to travel.

What products and services do you offer?

We offer repairs and upgrades for both home computers and gaming computers. We always have a range of 6-8 laptops from the budget end, but higher end laptops are to

30 | PCR March 2017

30 PCR162 Retailer Of The Month_FINAL.indd 1

order only. We have all the components, processors, motherboards, RAM, SSDs etc. as well as EVGA, Asus and MSI graphics cards & Corsair, Be Quiet and Fractal cases. Our peripherals range includes budget brands and Microsoft for general users, and eBlue, Cougar and Razer for gamers. We also stock small amounts of niche products like capture cards and high end microphones which we annoyingly have to buy from Amazon. We also offer the HTC Vive. We’d love to become an authorised reseller, but HTC isn’t talking to us yet.

PC gaming has made huge strides over the past few years. What has driven this, and what are you doing to capitalise on its upward momentum?

Consumers are like sheep. Once one friend has a gaming PC everyone wants to copy.

We’ve seen this in our gaming PC range; over 1/2 our sales are on referral from existing customers, who come in knowing exactly the model they want to be the same as their friend’s. More of the shop is given to the gaming range and this is copied in our marketing. We have a Racing

FACT FILE Year established: 1996 Number of outlets: 1 Number of staff: 12 Contact name and address: 2 Norfolk Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 2BW Telephone: 01524 389300 Email: info@blackbearcomputers.co.uk

Rig and HTC Vive setup which we take to our local shopping centre, charity events and schools. Obviously this is

“The consensus seems to be that it’s harder to be a retailer than a reseller. There are many days I would agree with that!”

Richard Alford Black Bear done to grow and promote the business, but also in the case of VR to educate people who don’t yet understand what it’s really about.

Talk us through some of the changes that Black Bear has made over the past few months We’ve totally rearranged our shop layout. We were promoting our gaming peripherals at the front of the shop but customers were thinking we only did gaming.

We’ve now moved laptops to the front and moved gaming back. We’ve also tried to empower our staff, and have passed the Facebook and our monthly emails to staff. This has given them more ownership of the shop and the offers they want to share.

You also run managed services provider Black Bear IT Solutions. What are the main differences between operating as a retailer and a reseller?

The expectations of customers/clients are very different. While we might be happy to wait a few days for our home computer to be fixed, a few hours without our business computers is the end of the world. The MSP model is more proactive. Clients expect zero downtime, whereas in retail we are always reactive, although I am looking to bring the MSP model to retail.

Retail is more price driven whereas IT Solutions has to focus on brand consistency as client want matching screens, keyboards, PCs etc. When I talk to other companies at the Network Group – which we are members of – the consensus seems to be that it’s harder to be a retailer than a reseller. There are many days I would agree with that!

www.pcr-online.biz

17/02/2017 09:57

RESELLER PROFILE

RESELLER PROFILE: MEDATECH Medatech managing director Phil Nicholls speaks to Jonathan Easton about its role in the Priority Software channel market, plans for expansion and the ramifications of Brexit…

What does Medatech UK specialise in?

Since its inception, Medatech has dominated the Priority Software channel market, fast becoming a driving force in Priority’s success in the UK. Medatech serves customers who require on-premise or cloud ERP in a variety of vertical markets, including manufacturing (plastics, chemicals, metal processing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices), WMS, customer service, project management and construction.

The UK company was started in 2001, how has it progressed since then?

Medatech started as a two man operation. Our main goal upon starting the company was to be focused and serve happy customers. In Priority and with our unique approach, we have addressed both goals allowing us to expand our business rapidly.

The company is an Authorised Priority Partner.

Tell us a bit about what that means for the company and the services it provides.

Priority is a 100% channeldriven company and select partners who they consider to be the best in the industry. As an authorised Priority partner, we focus on selling, integrating, maintaining and supporting Priority ERP installations. They have a commitment to equip us with the knowledge, skills, people, resources and tools to succeed as a Priority partner, which includes marketing support.

We provide comprehensive project management that includes gap analysis. The first

phase of any implementation allows us to identify problems, understand demands and define the proper solution from within Priority. This is followed by the project development stage, where we execute enhancements according to the analysis results. We also provide customer support and service – help-desk and upgrades, and guiding the customer in the selection of necessary hardware and networks.

You have previously described your approach to business as “unique”. Why? Our clients get a unique experience. That means they have a solution that matches their requirements completely and can be upgraded to all future versions without further effort or programming.

Among its services, Medatech offers “Priority on the Cloud”. How did this come about as an offering, and how successful has it been?

With all Priority products available on premise and in the cloud (SaaS), a number of UK customers run Priority ERP in the cloud. Five years ago, perhaps 1 in 10 IT channel companies were actively involved with providing cloud-based solutions. As cloud popularity has increased across businesses, the market is moving to meet an appcentric delivery model, providing connectivity to the IoT and potentially more software. Priority has more than 1500 customers running ERP in the cloud worldwide.

The UK has been slower to adopt, but is catching up.

Medatech is a technical services provider for Priority customers www.medatech.com

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31 PCR162 Reseller Profile_FINAL.indd 1

“Our main goal upon starting the company was to be focused and serve happy customers.

Phil Nicholls Medatech

Medatech has three offices in the UK, with a subsidiary in Australia and group HQ in Israel and a sales office in the USA. How autonomously do these all act?

Each country has its own managing director who is responsible for increasing sales and ensuring the customer base is happy. We work closely with each other, in order to ensure the best use of all our resources.

Are there any plans to expand further into different nations?

We opened our Irish office in 2016, and already do work for many European customers.

How has Brexit affected your business?

If anything since Brexit we

have seen an increase in interest, as companies are starting to wake up to the fact that ERP software is about ROI. Leaving the EU will simply provide a slightly different environment which businesses will need to adapt to.

What does the next year have in store for Medatech?

We are planning a lot for 2017 and concentrating on account management to ensure our customers are getting the proper postimplementation care. In the next few months we will bring Priority’s new tools to the market, such as the Mobile App Generator, which allows users to easily a mobile app to perform their key functions from any device at any time.

PCR March 2017 | 31

16/02/2017 21:59

From the publisher of Installation, AV Technology and SCN.

From primary through to higher education, Tech&Learning UK engages with those responsible for AV & IT technology throughout the UK education sector.

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22/06/2016 15:52

New Products Dedicated monthly product coverage

n The latest tech n Editorial planner

BullGuard takes IoT to the Dojo

xxxx xxxxx

BACK IN August 2016 we saw consumer and IoTcentric security vendor BullGuard acquire Israelbased Dojo labs, and now we are seeing the fruits of that acquisition in the form of the pebble-shaped looking thing you can see above. But what does it actually do?

As the firm puts it in: “There are 4 billion things connected to the internet.

Not one of them cares about your privacy and cybersecurity like Dojo.”

Dojo effectively acts as a firewall that is convenient and easy to use for less techsavvy users.

What you get is a base station that connects up to your router and the neat pebble that can travel about the home. The pebble then

will glow when there is activity that needs to be addressed on a smartphone app. And that app isn’t a complicated slew of options and configuration settings, but rather it looks a bit like WhatsApp or iMessage and will send users a message when something’s going on with their devices. They can then see what’s going on and whether they want to allow it.

The kicker here however is that this is entirely built around all those connected devices that are notorious for being unsecure. Dojo gets to know devices on the network and finds patterns in their behaviour. So say your heating goes off in the middle of the night because someone across the world is hacking into your

Contact: Dojo | http://dojo-labs.com www.pcr-online.biz

33-37 PCR160 Products_FINAL.indd 1

thermostat, it’ll know and stop it from doing so. If you think that this means giving Dojo a little bit too much access to your personal data, you don’t need to worry. Dojo says that it

“Connected devices are infamous for their lack of security measures.

Dojo looks to solve that.” does all of this monitoring by recognising patterns without accessing any data.

Dojo looks to solve a problem that has put connected devices in bad stead with the tech community in security.

Connected devices are infamous for their lack of security measures.

“Most people don’t consider a security solution until after their information has been hacked and their privacy violated.

We’ve recently seen major privacy breaches caused by compromised devices, including the largest ever Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks launched from an IoTbotnet,” said Yossi Atias, general manager, IoT Security at BullGuard. “We created Dojo

by BullGuard to make it easy for consumers to safeguard and protect their privacy and their family by seamlessly monitoring and protecting all of their smart home devices against security breaches 24/7.”

Everyone is talking about the endless possibilities of connected devices that can do anything from hoovering your floor to turning your lights on, but the tech is widely still lacking when it comes to security. Dojo has found a unique niche for itself in the market, but at a price of $199 will it be a bit too much for most consumers? For people who aren’t so up to speed with port forwarding and other tecchy terms, Dojo presents a compelling option and could become an essential part of an ever-expanding market of connected devices. It’s worth pointing out as well that your $199 will also get you 12 months of service, with a monthly fee after that ranging from $7.99 to $9.99.

| Price: $199 | Out: April PCR March 2017 | 33

16/02/2017 22:05

NEW PRODUCTS

The flexibility of Yoga on a budget HOT OFF the heels of last year’s successful Yoga Book launch, Lenovo is adding to the range with its new Yoga A12 – a new convertible constructed out of aluminium and magnesium that runs – rather uniquely in a sea of Windows 10 2-in-1s – Android.

“Yoga A12 brings the Yoga Book’s most striking feature – the Halo Keyboard.”

Yoga A12 is squarely aimed at the ‘cost conscious buyer’ that wants a thin and light frame, but doesn’t want to compromise on productivity.

The device is built on an Intel

Atom x5 processor which should help to contribute towards a battery life of 13 hours. In addition, Yoga A12 sports 2GB of RAM, 32GB of

internal storage and a 12.2inch HD display.

And of course, Yoga A12 brings along the Yoga Book’s most striking feature – the

Halo Keyboard. Rather than a traditional keyboard, the Halo Keyboard is actually a touch screen with an anti-glare matte finish. Sure, it doesn’t

feel the same as a mechanical standard keyboard, but haptic feedback, artificial intelligence and a predictive engine help to speed up text input. You’ll forgive the keyboard when you realise that it means that Yoga A12 is only 5.4mm thick at its slimmest point.

While it might be a cheaper option than its older brother, it is still a Yoga at heart and has four work modes thanks to the 360-degree hinge. That means you can use Yoga A12 in either laptop, tablet, stand, or tent mode.

As an Android device, it doesn’t have the performance or software of Windows portables, but with a starting price of $299 (roughly £240) and a stylish design that rivals much more expensive offerings, Yoga A12 is a credible alternative to an entry-level laptop.

Contact: Lenovo | http://lenovo.com | Price: $299 | Out: Now

B&W signs its 50th anniversary card with a flourish

Bowers & Wilkins doesn’t do things by halves. Entering the mobile audio space with the P5s in 2010, following it up with a cheaper, smaller option in the form of the P3s the following year, and creating an even beefier option with 2013’s P7s. Now the Worthingbased company is back with an even bigger bang with the P9 Signature.

At a penny shy of £700 these aren’t going to be for your average listener, but it can’t be said that the price is style over substance because the P9 Signature has both in swathes. Straying away from the firm’s traditional black leather, the

collapsible headphones comes in brown Saffiano leather, memory foam pads and a rugged metal outer.

If that didn’t sound premium enough for you, the insides just get better with a new suspension system for the audio driver that helps it deliver audio without introducing undesired vibrations to disrupt the music. The ear cups are decoupled from the headband, so distortions and reverberations are kept to a minimum.

Premium sound at a premium price that might break the bank for some, but will be an undoubted joy for those willing to take the plunge.

Contact: Bowers & Wilkins | http://bowers-wilkins.com | Price: £699.99 | Out: Now 34 | PCR March 2017

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Satechi USB-C Power Meter

ONE OF the joys of devices in 2017 is that proprietary charging cables are a thing of the past. We’ve already seen more or less everyone (bar Apple) shift their smartphones to Micro USB, and now both smartphone and laptop (including Apple this time) manufacturers are moving towards the much more reliable USB-C. One downside to all of this however is that poorly made USB-C cables pop up for sale and they can often be a waste of money or – in a worst case

scenario – render a laptop completely useless. This is where the Satechi Type-C Power Meter comes in.

The little dongle (because 2017 is the year of the dongle) has a display on it that measures the voltage, current, and current over time that cables are sending to and from devices.

It’s currently unverified by a thirdparty, but should the meter work as promised (and there’s no reason it shouldn’t), it could save a fair few laptops from frying.

Contact: Satechi | satechi.net | Price: $29.99 | Out: Now www.pcr-online.biz

16/02/2017 22:05

World ual t r Vi

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PCR-VREYE2.pdf 1 06/02/2017 16:23:35

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Great Margin Opportunity Great Design Great Value

EXTENDED VIEWING Comfort

Includes REMOTE CONTROL

GREAT PACK Design

Experience a Virtual World with VR EYE

Includes Bluetooth Remote Control

Designed for extended viewing comfort

Experience the world of Virtual Reality! Transform a Smartphone1 into a big screen cinema, play 3D videos and games2. Compatible with Android and iOS Smartphones.

The included Bluetooth Remote Control3 lets you control Games, and navigate Apps as well as controlling your Music playback and acting as a shutter release for great Photos.

Made out of high quality materials with a rugged plastic Smartphone enclosure, comfortable head straps and adjustable lenses for extended viewing comfort.

Reserve your stock stock today! Call 01489 796979 or email sales@peak-uk.com

01489 796979

sales@peak-uk.com

www.peak-uk.com

(1) This device requires a Smartphone to use (not included). (2) Imagery is conceptual and is designed only to convey the excitement of the Virtual Reality experience, your actual Virtual Reality experience will vary depending on your chosen content (not included). Free Virtual Reality content is available for your device, search “Free VR Apps”on your Smartphone’s App Store. (3) Remote Control functionality varies between Smartphone devices. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

MW nu Template.indd 1

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NEW PRODUCTS

Logitech brings Alexa to the car

Simple solution to save your SAN-ity

STORAGE AREA network solutions (SAN) systems are hardly the sexiest thing in the world, and Qsan’s latest offering – the XCubeSAN XS3200 series – isn’t any different.

What it is though is the company’s newest generation of active-active dual controller SAN storage system series that supports both iSCSI, IPSAN and FC-SAN with ultra-high performance.

What the firm is looking to offer with the XS3200 series is a way of simplifying SAN deployment in IT infrastructure by combining

enterprise essential features such as thin provisioning, SSD read/write cache, auto tiering, snapshot, local volume cloning, remote replication, and scalable to PB level capacity in addition to a whole host of other premium features.

On the inside you get a super-fast Intel D1500 quad processor, DDR4 system memory, cutting edge 10GbE LAN ports and the latest QSAN SANOS 4.0. The range starts with the small form factor XS3224: 2U with 26-bays and goes all the way to the large form factor, 24-bay XS3224:4U.

LAST YEAR Logitech launched the ZeroTouch – its hands-free solution for texting and using a phone while driving – but it has brought a huge update to the tech that makes it worth mentioning here: Alexa.

That’s right, Amazon’s voiceactivated virtual personal assistant (VPA) can be added to any car thanks to the updated ZeroTouch App. That means you can ask about the weather, get a news briefing, or listen to an audiobook, all just the wave of a hand.

Contact: Qsan | http://qsan.com | Price: starting from $4,499 | Out: Now

The mount can either sit on your dashboard or clip into an air vent. The Android phone (sorry iPhone users, but you’ll have to wait for Apple’s approval) then magnetically snaps into the holder and activates the app without the need for any taps, menus or unlocking.

In a year dominated by Alexaenabled devices (including cars), the ability to turn your car into a connected one at a relative low cost should prove popular.

Contact: Logitech | http://logitech.com/en-gb | Price: ZeroTouch Air Vent – £49.99; ZeroTouch Dashboard – £59.99 | Out: Now

Can Nintendo Switch it on in 2017?

UNLESS YOU’VE been living under a rock, you’re probably aware of the fact that Nintendo is just about launch its latest home console. Only it’s not really a home console. Or a handheld console. It’s actually something of a hybrid of the two. Let me explain.

What you’ve got is a tablet which has two ‘Joy-con’ controllers that slot into either side of the 6.2-inch screen which means for gaming on the go with much more oomph than other handheld consoles. But unlike those other handheld consoles, the controllers can be detached and the tablet can be plugged into a base station which connects it to a TV and voila! A home console.

Going back to the Joy-cons, Nintendo has equipped these miniature controllers with what it calls ‘HD Rumble’ which is exactly what it sounds like. Don’t worry though, a more traditional larger controller is available for those of us with adult

sized hands who don’t really fancy a controller the size of a tic-tac box.

On the inside you’re not going to get anything comparable to an Xbox One S or a PlayStation 4 Pro. What you do get though is a customised Nvidia Tegra CPU, an Nvidia GPU and a 4,310mAh battery for up to 3 hours of gaming.

However, when you’re looking at a Nintendo console you’re not really looking at the specs but rather the games. And the Switch is flying out of the gates with the hotly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with a new Mario game – Super Mario Odyssey – and other iconic Ninetnedo franchises coming later this year.

Nintendo loves to be bold and the Switch is certainly an example of that. This part-tablet, part-console has turned heads, but whether the company’s gamble pays off in the long term remains to be seen.

Contact: Nintendo | http://nintendo.co.uk | Price: £279.99 | Out: March 3

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16/02/2017 22:05

NEW PRODUCTS

Fly like a G6

Microsoft has the keys to success WHEN YOU’RE not a gamer, it can be pretty hard to justify the cost of an expensive keyboard. After all, you’re just using it for typing, all you really need are the keys to be there, right?

Well, Microsoft is looking to innovate and improve the experience of typing with its perculiar looking Surface Ergonomic Keyboard.

At a first glance, the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard might look a bit alien, with a divided up space bar

AT THE time of going to press we’re a few days away from the official unveiling of LG’s latest flagship phone, but in an invite sent out before MWC 2017, the company confirmed it is to launch a large-screen G6.

And the screen looks to be the big feature of the G6, with the phone either being completely bezel-less or with very, very small edges around the screen. The screen itself is said to be 5.7-inches with a 1mm-thick, 1440

x 2880 QHD+ display. The company is known for its innovations in phone displays, having released the dualscreen V20 last year.

Outside of the screen, the phone will likely include an iris scanner (like the ill-fated Samsung Galaxy Note 7), with a Snapdragon 821 processor (the same one found in the Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL and OnePlus 3T), wireless charging, a fingerprint scanner and a dual-lens camera.

Contact: LG | http://lg.com/uk | Price: £400-£490 | Out: TBC April

and a big ol’ gap in the middle. Upon further inspection though, you’ll see that the keyboard has a slight wave about it and that’s there to make your hands rest at a more natural angle. The idea is that your hands and wrists will be less fatigued than if you were having to contort them to a standard keyboard.

The only roadblock for some people might be the cost of £119.99, but your wrists will thank you later.

Contact: Microsoft | http://Microsoft.co.uk | Price: £119.99 | Out: Now

Editorial Planner

A look at the biggest features coming up in PCR over the next few months...

April 2017

May 2017

June 2017

MOBILE COMPUTING

THE SUPPLY CHAIN

THE INTERNET OF THINGS

April sees PCR getting portable as we look at all manner of mobile devices ranging from smartphones and tablets to notebooks and the ever-growing area of convertibles.

This month PCR turns its eye to how products get to market. From vendors to distributors to retailers, we will examine what makes the channel tick.

The Internet of Things is one of the hottest areas in tech and next month sees PCR have a look at what all the fuss is about.

We’ll also be discussing all of the fallout from the 2017 PCR Awards, talking to the winners and

Elsewhere we feature our annual 30 under 30 list of the biggest movers and shakers who are making a name for themselves in the industry.

We will also be looking ahead to Computex with a full preview of the event.

Advertising Deadline

Advertising Deadline

Advertising Deadline

March 16th

April 13th

May 16th

www.pcr-online.biz

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SECTOR GUIDE

VR that won’t break the bank Virtual Reality is one of the hottest topics in tech right now and customers are crazy for it. One big problem though: it’s expensive. PCR breaks down some VR choices that will help you get your hands on the tech without needing a mortgage…

APPROX VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET

VRG200-R

VRG200

VR EYE

Distributor: Spire

Distributor: Exertis, Scan Computers

Distributor: Exertis, Scan Computers

Distributor: Peak Development

If you have a reasonably high-end smartphone like an iPhone 5, Samsung S6, or Sony Xperia Z5, then you can turn it into a Virtual Reality Headset for very little cost.

The Dynamode VRG200-R features superior optics, allowing better resolution for the inserted HD or 4K Smartphone. Also featured is a bundled Bluetooth hand controller.

Unlike other brands, the Dynamode VRG200 series features improved ergonomics for comfortable, extended usage, increased device venting areas and a fully adjustable design, for all sized heads.

The Bitmore VR Eye headset utilises your smartphone and is compatible with hundreds of free and inexpensive VR apps.

Specs: FOV 70-90 degrees, 19.5 x 13.5 x 11cm, 360g

Specs: Fits smartphones up to 6-inches

Specs: Fits smartphones up to 6-inches

Specs: Compatible with Android and iPhone smartphones, Suitable for screen-sizes from 4- to 6.5-inches

SRP: £14.99

SRP: £29.99

SRP: £22.99

SRP: £19.99

TACTUS GAZER ALPHA

TACTUS GAZER

SAMSUNG GEAR VR GEN 2

HOMIDO VIRTUAL REALITY 3D

Distributor: Tactus VR

Distributor: Tactus VR

Distributor: Exertis, Tech Data, Westcoast

Distributor: GPSK

Experience 360 virtual reality like never before with the Tactus Gazer Alpha VR Headset. Virtual reality gaming worlds and movies are breathtakingly realised with a crystal clear HD display.

Experience 360 virtual reality gaming and entertainment at its finest with the all in one Gazer VR headset. The headset comes complete with a built in computer system and android operating system.

Exclusively for Samsung phones, Gear VR presents a virtual reality experience with supreme comfort and precision that is designed specifically for Galaxy smartphones.

Homido is a wireless device so your movement is not restricted, it will connect wirelessly to your smartphone.

The Homido Glasses is compatible with recent smartphones on both Android and IOS.

Specs: 5.5-inch 2560x1440 screen, dual OS – Android and Windows, Intel Cherry Trail Z8350 CPU, 1.68 to 1.92GHz

Specs: 5.5-inch 2560x1440 screen, Android 5.1, CPU: Rockchip RK3288 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A17

Specs: FOV 101 degrees, 98.6 x 207.8 x 122.5 mm, 365g

Specs: 100 degrees FOV, 19.5 x 13.5 x 1.3 cm, 413 g

SRP: £299

SRP: £199

SRP: £99.00

SRP: £59.99

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www.pcr-online.biz

16/02/2017 22:08

SECTOR GUIDE

EDNET 87000 VR GLASSES

4SMARTS UNIVERSAL SPECTATOR PLUS

HOMIDO MINI VIRTUAL REALITY VR GLASSES

NOON VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET

Distributor: Fairline Distribution

Distributor: GPSK

Distributor: GPSK

Distributor: Smithie

Enjoy films, vidoes and games in 3D or splitscreen format. You can also adjust the field of vision and pupil distance in order to find the pefect picture sharpness.

The Spectator Plus virtual reality glasses allow users to fully dive into virtual worlds. It fits phones sized between 4.7and 6-inches, and its solid construction prevents disruptive light incidence.

Homido Mini is a pair of folding VR glasses that clips to just about any smartphone. It is an ingenious solution to the problems of bulk. The Mini is a solid plastic frame with lenses that fold together for easy transportation.

The Noon VR headset fits phones with a screen size of 4.7- to 5.7-inches, and it presents a unique control scheme.

Rather than using magnets or side buttons, users can tap on the front of the device interact

Specs: 17.0 x 12.0 x 10.5 cm, 300g

Specs: 19.2 x 14 x 12cm, 440g

Specs: 6.6 x 1.7 x 5.5 cm, 41g

Specs: 16.4 x 7.7 x 8.7 cm, 231g

SRP: £21.81

SRP: £23.42

SRP: £14.99

SRP: £58.50

EXA VR GLASSES

GXT 720 VIRTUAL REALITY GLASSES

TRUST URBAN EXOS 3D

TRUST PIXI FOLDABLE 3D VR GLASSES

Distributor: Ingram Micro, Entatech

Distributor: Entatech

Distributor: Entatech

Distributor: Entatech

Compatible with smartphones up to 6-inches, the EXA VR glasses are a solid option for VR gaming, and for watching 3D and 360 degree video. The headset also has an adjustable head strap, along with adjustable pupil distance.

Insert your smartphone and enjoy immersive VR games, movies and videos in astonishing 3D reality. Works with smartphones up to 6-inches and comes with a bluetooth controller.

Enjoy the 3D Virtual Reality experience with your own phone. Works with every smartphone up to 6-inches. Watch 3D and 360 degree videos on YouTube and other video services.

Lightweight, foldable VR glasses. Attach your smartphone and enjoy immersive VR games, movies and videos in astonishing 3D reality, anywhere you go with a smartphone of any size.

Specs: FOV 90 degrees, 15 x 20 x 13 cm, 324g

Specs: FOV 80 degrees, 11x12x13.5 cm, 385g

Specs: 10.5 x 20 x 15 cm, 413 g

Specs: FOV 90 degrees, 9x8.5x2.5 cm, 70g

SRP: £26.54

SRP: £49.99

SRP: £24.99

SRP: £11.94

CONTACT Entatech ...................... 0333 101 1000

GPSK ........................... 0173 329 8500

Scan Computers .......... 0871 472 4747

Tech Data .................... 0125 678 8134

Exertis .......................... 0208 200 8282

Ingram Micro............... 0371 973 3000

Smithie ........................ 0125 684 4028

Westcoast .................... 0118 912 6000

Fairline Distribution ... 0162 271 6688

Peak Development ..... 0148 979 6979

Spire............................. 0120 282 8444

www.pcr-online.biz

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PCR March 2017 | 39

17/02/2017 11:33

OUR BRANDS

 01462 814000  www.mentor-distribution.com  sales@mentor-distribution.com

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SECTOR GUIDE

Sound investments

Headphones and speakers are one of the largest areas of the consumer tech market. With millions being spent on marketing it’s difficult to pick out the best choices. PCR takes a look at some of those options available to consumers…

HYPERX REVOLVER

HYPERX CLOUD STINGER

SENNHEISER MB 660

APPROX 2.1 MULTIMEDIA MINI SPEAKERS

Distributor: Entatech

Distributor: Entatech

Distributor: Corporate Telecom, Duplex, Nimans, Tech Data, Westcoast, Westcon

Distributor: Spire

HyperX Cloud Revolver boasts a durable steel frame for long-lasting durability and stability. Its detachable noisecancelling microphone offers clearer voice quality and reduced background noise for better in-game chatting.

The Cloud Stinger boasts a whole range of features to make it a great choice for gaming. 50mm directional drivers, flip up mute microphone, volume slider control on headset, 90 degree earcup swivel and more.

Certified for Skype for Business and optimised for all major UC and softphone brands, the MB 660’s lightweight, sleek design integrates state-of-the-art microphone and noise filtering for superior sound and comfort.

The APPSP21M is a compact speaker set with subwoofer. Designed for those who want to enjoy their music with style, its sleek, slim design offer a modern touch to your computer and is ideal for both PCs and laptops.

Specs: 50mm driver,12Hz – 28kHz, 376g

Specs: 50mm driver, 18Hz – 23kHz, 275g

Specs: Bluetooth, 30 hour battery wired, 20 hour battery wireless, NFC

Specs: 20Hz - 18KHz, 0.4920 kg, 10W RMS

SRP: £99.98

SRP: £49.99

SRP: £385.00

SRP: £12.99

SANDBERG BLUETOOTH IN-EAR HEADPHONES

SANDBERG DERECHO GAMING HEADSET

CREATIVE OUTLIER SPORTS

CREATIVE SOUND BLASTERX KATANA

Distributor: Spire

Distributor: Spire

Distributor: Exertis

Distributor: Exertis

True wireless sound directly to your ears, entirely without cables, not even between the two ear plugs. They are charged in the included dock, doubling as a powerbank, which can charge a smartphone on the go.

Sandberg Derecho Headset is a solidly constructed headset that will sonically bowl you completely over with its virtual 7.1 surround sound.

The Creative Outlier Sports are a pair of high-performance lightweight wireless in-ear headphones that stay secure and comfortable in your ears even when your workout gets tough.

The Katana is the world’s first under monitor audio system and can be effortlessly tucked right under a monitor or TV. It delivers ultra-precise audio and comes with Aurora Reactive Lighting System.

Specs: Bluetooth 4.0, 150g, 20 x 10 x 3 cm

Specs: 40mm driver, -46 dB ± 3dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Specs: 20Hz - 20kHz, 15g, 11 hour battery

Specs: Bluetooth 4.2, Soundbar: 1.5kg, Sub: 4kg, Soundbar: 60.0 x 600.0 x 79.0 mm, Sub: 333 x 130 x 299 mm

SRP: £72.99

SRP: £45.99

SRP: £59.99

SRP: £279.99

www.pcr-online.biz

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16/02/2017 22:11

SECTOR GUIDE

HAMA INSOMNIA VR HEADSET FOR PS4/PS VR

FRESH ‘N REBEL ROCKBOX SLICE FABRIQ EDITION

AUDIO PRO ADDON T3

MARSHALL MID BLUETOOTH

Distributor: Hama

Distributor: Hama

Distributor: Hama

Distributor: Hama

Connecting directly to the 3.5mm port of a Dualshock 4 controller, large circumaural ear cushions and a removable microphone allow you to comfortably immerse yourself in long gaming and chat sessions on the PS4 and PS VR. Premium audio quality with high frequency response brings the VR world to life around as you experience the sound of your environment in crystal clear definition and deep bass.

Using Bluetooth 4.0 technology to connect wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet or notebook, the contemporary, super-slim design of the new Rockbox Slice slips perfectly into your pocket or bag for on-the-go portability.

Fashionably dressed in woven fabric and embellished by a signature leather label, the Slice comes in a choice of 8 eye-catching colours, each packed with a1400mAh battery.

The award-winning Addon is designed by a team of top audio engineers and has a long-lasting 30hrs of portable battery powered playback. Using Bluetooth 4.0 to connect instantly to your smartphone or mobile device, the T3 is finished with high quality leather and aluminium materials to complement and enhance the acoustic dynamics and deep bass, ensuring your music is felt as well as heard.

Carrying on the Marshall legacy, the Marshall Mid is a robust, premium Bluetooth headphone equipped with the latest aptX technology, a relentless 30-hour battery life and stacks of iconic Marshall Rock n’ Roll charm. Custom 40mm dynamic drivers provide a hearty sound with just the right amount of bass to provide a clear, well-balanced sound whilst a padded headband ergonomic fit.

Specs: 20 Hz – 22 kHz, 112 dB +/- 3 dB

Specs: Bluetooth 4.0, 10 hours playtime, 140 x 75 x 29 mm, 380g

Specs: 11.5 cm X 21.5 cm X 13.5 cm, 60 Hz - 20 kHz, 25 W

Specs: Bluetooth 4.0, 30 hours playtime, 40mm driver, 95 dB

SRP: £39.99

SRP: £34.99

SRP: £199.99

SRP: £170.00

MASTERPULSE IN-EAR GAMING HEADSET

MASTERPULSE OVER-EAR WITH BASS FX

MASTERPULSE PRO OVEREAR WITH BASS FX

BE SPORT3 WIRELESS INEAR HEADPHONES

Distributor: Entatech, Exertis

Distributor: Entatech, Exertis

Distributor: Entatech, Exertis

Distributor: Exertis, Nunu

The MasterPulse in-ear headphones are forged for those who demand portability and exceptional sound quality. Featuring exclusive 8mm drivers with patented Bass FX technology, high-grade aluminum housing and passive noise isolation, MasterPulse also includes an in-line microphone with a precise sensor for clearer audio and less background noise.

On top of a full suite of advanced components, 2.0 channel audio and 44mm drivers, MasterPulse Over-ear headset features Bass FX - removable magnetic side panels that allow you to customize your audio experience. Close the panels to increase the treble and passive noise isolation or remove them to open up sound and enhance bass.

MasterPulse is a stylish over-ear headset, equipped with virtual 7.1 channel surround sound and Cooler Master patented Bass FX technology for two easy-to-switch sound modes. It has a comfortable lightweight design, includes an in-line dedicated sound card, RGB illuminated ear cups and 3+1 equalizer profiles.

The BE Sport3 earphones are a great fitness accessory with superior sound and a rock solid fit no matter how vigorous the workout. Crafted from metal and polycarbonate, these are tough, lightweight and resistant to rain, sweat and dust (IP55-rated) so the perfect training partner for the gym, running or any other workout.

Specs: 8mm driver, 119 dB ± 3 dB, 20mW

Specs: 44mm driver, 118 dB ±3 dB, 100mW

Specs: 44mm driver, 118 dB ±3 dB, 100mW

Specs: 6mm driver, 102dB +/-3dB at 1kHz, 15g

SRP: £44.99

SRP: £64.99

SRP: £84.99

SRP: £79.99

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www.pcr-online.biz

16/02/2017 22:11

SECTOR GUIDE

BE6I WIRELESS IN-EAR HEADPHONES

NE750M IN-EAR HEADPHONES

NE800M IN-EAR HEADPHONES

HEM HIGH RESOLUTION IN-EAR HEADPHONES

Distributor: Exertis, Nunu

Distributor: Exertis

Distributor: Exertis

Distributor: Exertis

The BE6i earphones feature Bluetooth with aptX and AAC for exceptional CDquality audio streaming and compatibility with iPhone, Android and Windows.

Precision machined from aircraft grade aluminium, the NE750M earphones serve remarkably detailed and acoustically neutral sound by eliminating unwanted vibrations.

The Optoma NuForce NE800M earphones have a carbon fibre shell and a sound nozzle meticulously machined from solid brass, resulting in outstanding sound quality, free from micro-dynamic vibrations.

Optoma NuForce’s range of Hi-Res certified in-ear headphones HEM8, HEM6, HEM4 and HEM2. feature balanced armature drivers - setting a new standard for accuracy, speed and comfort.

Specs: 10mm driver, 95dB +/-3dB at 1KHz, 19g

Specs: 8.6mm driver, 113dB +/-3dB, 14g

Specs: 10Hz - 40kHz, 113dB+/-3dB, 18g

Specs: Varies

SRP: £99.99

SRP: £79.99

SRP: £129.99

SRP: £199.99 – £449.99

EDIFIER PRISMA ENCORE

VEHO ZB-1

VEHO M8 BLUETOOTH WIRELESS SPEAKER

VEHO M10 BLUETOOTH WIRELESS SPEAKER

Distributor: Digitek

Distributor: Digitek

Distributor: Digitek

Distributor: Digitek

The Edifier Prisma Encore is a Stylish Bluetooth speaker that complements any space. This speaker is armed with a professional amplifier system with Digital Signal Processing and Dynamic Range Control technologies.

Small, lightweight and wireless low energy Bluetooth connectivity designed for taking your workouts to the next level. Ideal for gym workouts, cycling, running, skiing and any other sports activity.

The M8 is an easy to pair speaker that connects with smartphones, tablets, MP3 players or any other Bluetooth device. Rich sound with dual passive subwoofers from the built-in 2 x 10W speakers.

The M10 works with any Bluetooth device and includes smart NFC Android pairing. 2 x 20W bass drivers and 2 x 10W treble drivers delivering clean, crisp and powerful sound quality.

Specs: Bluetooth 4.0, Satellites: 110mm x 247mm x 103mm, Subwoofer: 283mm x 216mm x 301mm

Specs: Bluetooth 4.1, 8 hours music playback, 3 hours talk time, 4.7cm X 2.5cm X 77cm, 30g

Specs: Bluetooth CRS 4.0, 2 x 10W, 15 hours music playback, 17cm X 17cm X 93cm, 550g

Specs: Bluetooth CRS 4.0, NFC, 2 x 20W base + 2 x 10W tweeters, 9 hours music playback, 28cm X 29cm X 17cm, 2.9kgs

SRP: £129.99

SRP: £39.95

SRP: £139.95

SRP: £199.95

CONTACT Entatech ...................... 0333 101 1000

Duplex ......................... 0203 411 8210

Spire............................. 0120 282 8444

Exertis .......................... 0208 200 8282

Hama............................ 0333 123 4262

Tech Data .................... 0125 678 8134

Corporate Telecom ..... 0194 226 2526

Nimans......................... 0161 925 1980

Westcoast .................... 0118 912 6000

Digitek ......................... 0125 470 3000

NuNu ........................... 0203 544 2338

Westcon ...................... 0129 380 6004

www.pcr-online.biz

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PCR March 2017 | 43

16/02/2017 22:11

OUT OF OFFICE

BLUE SKY GOES PINK

IN THE

HOT SEAT

We always hear facts, figures and statistics, but it’s only when we experience the struggles of dealing with cancer close to home that it really resonates.

That, unfortunately, was the case for Wiltshire-based Blue Sky Computing. “We’ve all been touched by the loss of someone due to cancer and at Blue Sky Computing we recently lost a couple of our favourite customers to the killer disease,” said director Ian Hawkes.

Fortunately though, the firm made the decision to take that sadness and turn it into something positive.

And thus, for one day only, Blue Sky Computing became Pink Sky Computing. “Cancer research charities need as much financial support as they can get, so to try and raise a few quid for them, Blue Sky Computing became PINK Sky Computing for a day,” said Hawkes.

“Our handsome engineers dressed in pink and we donated a percentage of our labour charges made on the day to Cancer Research UK. We also held a raffle and one of our customers won a superb Bluetooth Portable Speaker worth £50.“ Over the course of the day, the company raised over £250 for its local cancer research charity, and it intends on making Pink Sky Computing an annual event going forward.

Centerprise boss Jon Atherton talks about football, nights out and music…

What was your first job?

A network installations engineer at Jentech.

What’s your favourite TV show?

Top Gear. I am looking forward to seeing T2 Trainspotting at the cinema.

If you could go back in time what would you do?

Go back to 1969 and produce Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ myself – what a tune! I would also look to sign Messi for the Albion…

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I do have a number of pet peeve’s… in fact as I get older I seem to be adding to the list. I’m probably just getting grumpy. Lights left on in rooms is a real gripe.

Tell us something that not many people know?

During my time at Jentech, Everton F.C. was sponsored by NEC and we installed the first computerised ticketing system in the 1st Division. I was in charge of the cabling installation for this and I personally carried out all the soldering work. I’m sure this would be an H&S issue now.

What’s the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve had in your career?

I have far too many to mention! Attending Computex 2016 with Ci’s Chairman, Rafi Razzak, his two sons – Adam and Ramsey, our Sales Director, Jeremy Nash, YoYoTech’s Managing Director, CK, and our Purchasing Manager, (Timbers) Andy Timberlake. Let’s just say, what happens in Computex stays in Computex! Each night was an experience and we all had a great time in each other’s company, so many laughs and great memories. Great bunch of guys.

What’s going to be the next big thing in tech?

I think Artificial Intelligence is definitely going to shape how businesses – and people – work. In fact, I see AI soon integrating itself in our everyday lives.

Tell us your favourite cheesy joke Q: What does a proud computer call his little son?

A: A microchip off the old block. … Now THAT’S cheesy!

44 | PCR March 2017

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FOOTBALL CRAZY, FOOTBALL MAD MANY OF YOU might be writing the Premier League off as a foregone conclusion at this point which, depending on who you support might make following the top of the league a bit tedious. We can safely say though that when it comes to the PCR Premiership, we find ourselves in a very exciting two horse race.

The two horses in question are Jaskarandeep Brar’s FC Kante Be Bothered in second place, with Steve Young’s 2 girls 1 schlupp leading the pack with only 14 points separating the two teams after 24 games.

Looking a little further down though we can see a big gulf as a whopping 77 points separate second place

from Raj Thawrani’s ConteKonte in third. There are only 41 points between third and Alex Astbury’s The Problems Started in seventh so expect to see a lot of movement around that upper-middle part of the pack between now and the end of the season.

Right all the way down at the bottom of the table there

is a cute symmetry as Darren Garner’s team – also named 2 girls 1 Schlupp – sits firmly at the bottom of the pack, a solid 49 points away from Jat Mann’s Overpaid Primadonnas.

Make sure you get your transfers in and your wildcards played because there’s still plenty to play for in the PCR Premiership.

www.pcr-online.biz

16/02/2017 22:13

OUT OF OFFICE

Ultimate Workforce goes down a storm HAVE YOU EVER wondered how committed your employees are to the cause?

Well, Dixons Carphone has given specialist military units the mission to recruit, train and up-skill its employees during a cutting-edge wellbeing programme designed to create what it calls the ‘Ultimate Workforce’.

Over the space of ten weeks, ten colleagues are realising the real meaning of teamwork. After surviving a rigorous selection process, they are being pushed to their physical and mental limits and learning new skills, with the aim of emerging sharper, stronger and with the mental agility to handle anything the workplace – or the world – can throw at them.

Run in association with Sony and Garmin, the Ultimate Workforce program is looking to combine the

www.pcr-online.biz

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latest tech with elite military training and insights to transform the recruit’s health, wellbeing and overall outlook, equipping them with skills such as first aid, influence and persuasion, navigation – and what it takes to be the best.

Kesah Trowell, head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), said: “Mindful a healthy workplace is a happy and productive workforce, we’re keen to embrace exciting innovations in this space.

‘As well as the physical health gains, Ultimate Workforce focuses on strengthening mental resilience which is increasingly necessary in today’s fast paced society”.

Black Ops Bootcamp, which runs the programme for Dixons Carphone said: “The volunteers all have different backgrounds and goals.

However, they share a great

work ethic and willingness to learn in order to make sustainable changes in their lives. The Sony Xperia handset and Garmin GPS watch provides a great platform for gauging the physical results, whilst the increased mental resilience they are gaining will really boost their effectiveness in an increasingly Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) marketplace.”

Branch Manager, Simon Shenton, said: “One of my team has joined the programme and is finding it exceptional. He’s breaking physical and mental boundaries to be the best version of himself he can be!”

The Group will be training hard in locations including the Peak District and Brecon Beacons before taking on the 100km Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones in July.

TELEWARE CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY TECH FIRMS OFTEN don’t have the longest of lifespans, but communications technology business TeleWare has just begun celebrating its 25th anniversary showing that’s not always the case.

Starting up in 1992 in Thrisk by Geoff Haworth, the firm was a literal ‘garage start-up’, and even though it operates on a global scale it still is locally-based in Yorkshire.

The firm now counts some of the world’s largest companies among its customers, and has received accreditation from the likes of Avaya and numerous Microsoft gold and silver partner competencies. Today, three out of five FTSE 100 banks use TeleWare technology.

The company is not one to rest on its laurels

though, says CEO Steve Haworth: “There has been incredible growth in entrepreneurship in the 21st Century, resulting in a sharp decrease in the average company lifespan. People are now starting businesses with the aim of exiting almost as quickly as possible.

That’s not the TeleWare way. We look at the last 25 years as building a solid foundation and legacy that can propel us into the future “Some of our people have been with us since the very beginning and they have been joined by a fantastic team of experts, creative thinkers and people who like to get things done. This has created a team who are focused on delivering the very best for our partners and customers.”

Congrats on the big 25!

PCR March 2017 | 45

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OUT OF OFFICE

In our Team of the Month section, we highlight some of the important faces from across the industry who perhaps aren’t always in the public eye. This month, we speak to SYNOLOGY…

SYNOLOGY

Who’s in your team?

Billy Knowles – Sales Manager Steve Winchester –- Sales Admin (the one who can’t pose normally) Jeremie Francois – Sales Admin What have been your biggest successes of the past 12 months?

We saw a big growth in sales. Jeremie also joined us from HQ, and we released our first Flash Station – FS3017 What’s the funniest or most memorable moment of working in your team?

The Team

A

B

C

A: Steve Winchester B: Billy Knowles C: Jeremie Francois

Nothing in particular, but we do love Steve’s daily dad jokes, even though he isn’t a dad.

What’s the best part of working in your team?

I’d say some of the highlights are probably going out on the road to meet distributors and resellers, along with getting to attend loads of events.

What’s the hardest part of working in the tech industry?

There is so much tech out there and so many brands, all fighting for their

place in the market. That makes it challenging What is the team working on at the moment?

Top secret stuff! But watch this space for more chances to meet Synology staff in your local area.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the UK tech retail space right now? What are you seeing most people interested in?

It is full of drones and virtual reality Who makes the best cuppa?

Jeremie, mainly because he is the only one who offers!

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16/02/2017 22:13

FIGHT AND FLIGHT OUTSIDE

UP TO

22% BETTER 3D gaming performance1 vs. 3-year-old PC

You need freedom to game anywhere real life takes you, and with Intel, you have it. Experience the world of 4K gaming with up to 22% better 3D performance1 while gaming on the go with an Intel® Core™ i7 processor.

Software and workloads used in performance tests may have been optimized for performance only on Intel® microprocessors. Performance tests, such as SYSmark and MobileMark, are measured using specific computer systems, components, software, operations, and functions.

Any change to any of those factors may cause the results to vary. You should consult other information and performance tests to assist you in fully evaluating your contemplated purchases, including the performance of that product when combined with other products. For more information, go to www.intel.com/benchmarks.

1 Up to 22% better 3D gaming performance versus a 3-year-old PC. As measured by 3DMark* Fire Strike Physics Score on Intel® Core™ i7-7700HQ Processor (Configuration details: Intel® Core™ i7-7700HQ Processor, PL1=45W TDP, 4C8T, Turbo up to 3.8GHz, measured on: MSI* Dominator Pro GT73VR, Graphics: NVIDIA* GeForce GTX 1070, Memory: 16GB Kingston DDR4-2400, Storage: 256GB Samsung* SSD, Display Resolution:1920x1080 17”, OS: Windows* 10 RS1) vs. Intel® Core™ i7-4700HQ Processor (Configuration details: Intel® Core™ i7-4700HQ Processor, PL1=47W TDP, 4C8T, Turbo up to 3.4GHz, measured on: ASUS* G750JZA, Memory: 2x4GB LPDDR3-1600, Storage: 256GB Sandisk* SSD, Display Resolution:1920x1080 17”, OS: Windows* 10 RS1). © 2017 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Core, Intel. Experience What’s Inside and the Intel. Experience What’s Inside logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

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