Future Gaming by ExertisMarketing

WHAT IS HDR GAMING?

The channel technology event of the year is back!

How incredible colours and lighting are about to change gaming

WINTER issue 11.

PLUG IN TO EXERTIS 2018

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE FATHER’S CALLING

FUTURE

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

PREDICTIONS AND TRENDS FOR 2018

DRONES – ENHANCING THE WORLD OF FOOTBALL

PUBG – THE RECORD BREAKING PHENOMENON NOW EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE ON XBOX

12 WHAT IS HDR GAMING?

29 HOW TO: GET THE MOST OUT OF XBOX ONE X

CONTENTS 05 EXERTIS COMMENT Alex Croft introduces the winter edition of Future Gaming

How the Xbox One X and high-end PCs are taking graphics to the next level

06 NEWS IN BRIEF

Tips and tricks on how to set up and use Microsoft’s premium console

31 HOW POP-UPS ARE CHANGING THE RETAIL LANDSCAPE

A quick look at what’s happening in the technology market

Why short-term stores are increasingly important for brands and promotions

33 DRONES – ENHANCING THE WORLD OF FOOTBALL How a bird’s-eye view is giving teams a big advantage

16 CES 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

We round up the best new innovations from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show

20 PLUG IN TO EXERTIS 08 MARKET STATS UPDATE We look at the current technology trends you should be aware of

09 RETAIL TRENDS

We look at the most notable trends in the retail space at the moment

35 PUBG – THE RECORD BREAKING PHENOMENON NOW EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE ON XBOX

The record-breaking Battle-Royale game makes its console debut

The channel technology event of the year is back! We show you what to expect at distribution’s biggest event

24 PREDICTIONS AND TRENDS FOR 2018 What products and services will be driving sales in the year ahead?

26 HOT PICKS

A range of best-selling products designed to make you more margin

38 TOP 10 ATTACH See our top 10 recommended range of products here from Exertis

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

Publisher Exertis Editor Lucy Hall Design Sophie Hammond

Harlow Reception: 01279 822 822 Address: St George House Parkway Harlow Business Park Harlow Essex CM19 5QF

WELCOME FROM RT EXERTIS Welcome to the ﬁrst issue of 2018, 201 and a happy new year to you all! Last month, Las Vegas opened its doors to th the annual Consumer Electronics Show. ow. We had our reporters repo there to see the latest productss vendors expect to drive driv demand in the coming months, all of which you can read about in our guide to CES 2018.

To place an order please call 01279 822 822 between 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday The Xbox One X has ushered in the era of true 4K gaming, and we have ha features that explore what 4K HDR adds to the exper experience, alongside how to ensure that customers are getting the most out of the new console. Drones are having aving a surprise impact impa on football training, and we see ee how 2018 could see this beneﬁt retailers. There’s also a feature on how pop-up stores are becoming an n increasingly import important part of the marketing strategy ategy for brands, both large l and small. All this, is, and a roundup of the latest industry news, means eans you should be well we prepared for anything the new year brings.

Basingstoke Sales: 01256 707 070 Address: Ashwood Chineham Business Park Chineham Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 8EH To place an order please call 01256 707 070 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday

Knowing what to o plan for in the new year is important, so we asked our various eexperts to give their predictions of the trends that hat w will run through retail in the next twelve months. It’s It an interesting list, ranging from the continued success of Nintendo’s Switch to Robotic toys.

To buy online visit store.exertis.co.uk

Alex Croft Sales and Commercial Director

THE

FUTURE

NEWS IN BRIEF

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

UK GAMES MARKET UP 9.6% YOY According to a new annual report by the Entertainment Retailers Association, the UK games market grew by 9.6% in 2017. This means that the sector is now worth £3.35bn, making it almost equal in value to both the music and video segments combined. These figures are even more impressive when you consider that 2016 was the first time games sales had exceeded £3bn, so 2017 continues the trend of record-breaking revenues. Digital games sales remained dominant, growing by 12.1% and accounting for £2.56bn of the market. Physical products also saw an increase though, with the £792m returns showing a year-on-year rise of 2.1% across the UK. ‘This is an historic result which demonstrates the benefits of innovation and investment in new technology’ ERA CEO Kim Bayley told MCV. ‘New digital services are bringing ever increasing numbers of the UK population back to entertainment with 24/7 access to the music, video and games they want.’ The figures in the report remain preliminary at the moment, but a full breakdown will be available when the ERA Yearbook is published in March.

NINTENDO SWITCH SALES SET TO GROW IN 2018 After a strong performance in 2017, Nintendo’s Switch is being touted to take the top spot for console sales in the year ahead, especially if a certain rumoured AAA-title arrives on the platform. The Pokemon franchise has a long history of boosting hardware sales for the legendary Japanese manufacturer, with the Gameboy seeing a signiﬁcant increase in units sold once Pikachu and his fellow warriors appeared on the device in the 1990s. Now, there’s a ﬂurry of rumours suggesting that a new Pokemon RPG could make its debut on the Switch in 2018, and retailers are bracing themselves for the huge demand this should generate. Other factors point towards Nintendo leading the pack throughout the year, as the imminent arrival of titles such as Metroid 4, Kirby Star Allies, and Dark Souls is certain to increase the popularity of the console. Add to this the new Nintendo Switch Online service, with classic games, multiplayer, plus special offers for members, and it looks as though 2018 could belong to Mario and friends.

NOSTALGIA FUELS EUROPEAN INTEREST IN RETRO GAMES A new survey from IPFE and Ipsos Connect has shown that interest in retro gaming is surprisingly high among Europeans. In fact, a huge 41% said that they were interested in playing older games that they had missed out on when originally released. These ﬁndings were given credence recently with the overwhelming demand for the NES Mini and SNES Mini consoles, which both quickly sold out and became highly sought after on sites like eBay for dramatically increased prices. 66% of customers who bought those devices also revealed that they liked to revisit games from their childhood, with 49% saying the primary reason for making their purchases was nostalgia. Sega enthusiasts proved equally hungry for retro games, heartily adopting the Sega Forever initiative that brings old titles from the platform to Android and iOS devices, while the Crash Bandicoot remake released in 2017 also proved very popular. The survey also found that 41% of retro gamers believed that the classic titles were superior to modern efforts, but a further 38% admitted that they didn’t hold up as well as they hoped. Nostalgia, it seems, isn’t all it used to be.

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

EXERTIS NOW TRADING WITH THQ NORDICS

THQ Nordic has brought its vast gaming catalogue to Exertis, thanks to a new trading agreement. The Sweden-based vendor has a current line-up that contains nearly 300 titles, with 86 of the franchises owned by THQ Nordics.

EXERTIS NOW STOCKS THE SONOS ONE SMART-SPEAKER Sonos revolutionised the home speaker market when it released its premium-quality, modular system, that allowed music fans to play their favourite artists in multiple rooms around the house. Now, with the arrival of the Sonos One, the leading audio brand is incorporating Amazon’s Alexa voice control technology into the device to add even greater functionality. Alexa gives users the ability to begin or pause playback just by issuing vocal commands, as well as checking the weather, news headlines, and managing other smart devices. It’s essentially the same as an Amazon Echo, but with the pure class of a Sonos audio product. It can also be paired with a second unit to create stereo sound, as well as integrating seamlessly into an existing Sonos multi-room system.

These include popular games such as Darksiders, Halo Wars 2, Titan Quest, MX v ATV, Red Faction, Delta Force, Destroy All Humans, Aquanox, ELEX, Biomutant, Jagged Alliance, Spellforce, The Guild, and others. One of the newest additions to the range will be MX vs ATV: All Out, which launches for PS4, and Xbox One on March 27th 2018. Choose between bikes, ATVs, UTVs, reﬁne your rider style at your private compound and blast across massive open worlds to compete head to head in various game modes! The all new Freestyle mode allows you to win with style and crazy stunts! Or go All Out and show your riding skills in Multiplayer! PS4 and Xbox One owners will also be able to enjoy the popular PC platformer de Blob 2, that’s set to arrive on February 27th. This fun title requires players to paint a world that’s having its colour stolen by the evil Comrade Black. It comes with 12 new single player levels, plus split-screen multiplayer support for classic couch co-op entertainment.

The company has announced that in 2018 the device will add support for both Google Assistant and Apple’s Airplay 2 technology, making it the most versatile solution for audio fans, whatever their preferred smartphone or music service. Those looking to stock the Sonos One should contact Exertis UK, which distributes the device in the British Isles.

ANKER PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH EXERTIS UNLIMITED Anker, famous for its excellent chargers and mobile device accessories, is now one of the many brands distributed in the UK by Exertis Unlimited. Started by a group of Google employees back in 2011, Anker has quickly become the number one brand for charging products in the developed markets, with the world’s most comprehensive range of mobile accessories. Retailers will now be able to stock the likes of the PowerCore Mini, a lipstick sized charger that can replenish an iPhone in around two hours, alongside the mighty PowerCore Ultra-High Capacity Charger. The latter features Quick Charge 3 and Anker’s own VoltageBoost & PowerIQ technology, making it capable of charging two devices at once and storing enough power for seven complete charges. These are accompanied by a wide variety of cables, car chargers, Bluetooth speakers, Bluetooth earbuds, phone cases, and the new Eufy Genie Smart-Home speaker that has Amazon’s Alexa voice control technology built-in. With Anker’s range of renowned products, and Exertis Unlimited’s industry-leading distribution, it should prove a very powerful partnership.

PERP GAMES JOINS FORCES WITH EXERTIS UK Perp Games, the publishing arm of PerpetualEurope, has joined the impressive rank of vendors now working with Exertis. This new partnership is particularly timely, as Perp Games is a specialist in VR-based titles for PSVR which are expected to grow in popularity across 2018. Three new PSVR titles are already tabled to be launched in Q1 of 2018. The American Dream is a satirical ﬁrst-person shooter that looks at the fascination America has with guns, and has already garnered a number of award nominations at industry events. Time Carnage involves a time-travelling hunt for treasure, which is often guarded by dinosaurs, robots, or monsters. While the innovative Blind is a story-based drama requiring players to use soundwaves and echolocation to explore an old mansion where a mystery needs to be solved. These accompany the current range of titles already released by Perp Games last year, including Radial-G, Don’t Knock Twice, and The Ultimate VR collection.

THE

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

CONSUMER TRENDS DRIVING DEMANDS

GLOBAL GAMING SOFTWARE

XBOX ONE AND PS4 CONSOLES

MARKET TO REACH

$125.4BN BY THE END OF 2018, UP +8.1% FROM 2017 (Newzoo)

TO SELL AROUND

24M UNITS

COMBINED IN 2018

(IHS Markit)

AR APP SPEND

INCLUDING GAMES COULD

TOP $2BN IN 2018 (IHS Markit)

1/3 OF EMPLOYEES SEE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

1/3 PROPORTION OF CONSUMER SPEND THAT

AS A JOB CREATOR GOES THROUGH RETAIL

(CCS Insight)

(Retail Economics)

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

IT’S THE

CUSTOMER

EXPERIENCE THAT COUNTS RETAIL TRENDS This time of year retail analysts always like to predict what’s in store for the market. One thing they all seem to agree on is that the physical store isn’t about to disappear from our high street or out of town location. Of course, on-line shopping continues to play a significant role in consumers’ purchasing habits particularly for certain types of products or repeat purchases but those retailers that adapt to the needs of their customers will come out on top. Certainly, the need to distinguish between digital transactions versus brick and mortar sales seems less important today with most retailers realising that a well-integrated omni-channel approach to serving their customers is best. Even Amazon is investing in physical stores. Indeed, the ideal customer is probably one that uses both digital and physical stores of the same retailer. Unsurprisingly, the distinction isn’t important for consumers who just want to be able to buy whenever and wherever they choose. The biggest issue for retailers is not how or where their consumers buy but ensuring that they get the right product to the right customer at the right time from whichever channel they have chosen. Those brands that can deliver products quickly and trouble-free, offering incentives like same day delivery or four hours in the case of one well known brand, or provide reliable estimates of delivery or informative communication on the progress of a delivery are likely to attract loyalty. Efficiency of delivery takes the chore out of the shopping experience and that’s what consumers want. The mobile phone is probably a bigger disrupter to the industry than even e-commerce has been which still represents a low percentage of total retail sales. Most analysts reflect on the fact that many transactions that end up in store, probably started digitally and increasingly that’s with the use of a smartphone. Using that device in store to compare prices, look at reviews and ask friends for opinions is now a pretty common activity. So, it’s essential that stores have a mobile friendly website.

CONSUMERS DEFINE THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE The old adage that the customer is king is certainly true today because the consumer defines the shopping experience. So, whilst the physical store is still important the store experience is expected to become very different in the future. Consumers will expect more. However, whilst some stores are experimenting with VR/AR, AI and IoT, it’s unlikely that consumers will shop elsewhere simply because they can’t immerse themselves in a VR experience. At least not yet. Shops that offer interesting merchandise and shop assistants who are knowledgeable, aided perhaps by technology, are prerequisites. Equally while personalisation of the customer experience seems to be a hot topic in retail, using technology to improve inventory visibility, delivery and forecasting are key back-office functions that will have positive effects along with making payments in-store easier and quicker as discussed in the last issue of this magazine. Consumers want an easy life. Help, beyond simple advice, and installation of certain purchases is becoming an important consideration. Providing demos and tutorials in store is one option. However, IKEA’s purchase of TaskRabbit, the on-demand platform for hiring people to undertake anything from standing in a queue to secure a bargain to now presumably putting together some flat packed furniture, is indicative of the need for retailers to complete the customer experience. Companies like Amazon have stepped up their home goods and installation offerings. Installation services may not be new for certain types of purchase, but they can play a significant role in new and emerging technologies. Even smart-home gadgets which are one of the fastest growing segments require some professional help and this market has been boosted by Voice Personal Assistants like Amazon Echo. Ensuring it works, not only reduces returns but also makes for happy customers. It may seem obvious but those retailers that make the customer experience a positive one will retain loyalty and increase their revenues. However, sometimes it’s the obvious that gets missed.

THE

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

SUBSCRIBE TO ALL EXERTIS MAGAZINES

s s0 .

Stay ahead of the competition with Future Business; gain insights into opinions that matter and updates on the latest opportunities that will beneﬁt your business sales.

rtis

Exe

t©

gh pyri

) Ltd

201

(UK

n e Tak ugh e thro

AT LOOK n AKE AE T E W ORAG t from aionn betwee XST eneﬁ borat

le n ilab rtis Ava Exe

B2B FROM T S O d ia HE M A me GET TIAL MEDI e of sociantlent SOC advantaggaging co

ter ap h c ew PC A n the for

u binte

e i ns u e

BUSINESS

to b colla nds Howovative g bra inn lead in two

m l ful e he insid et Se ture fea

fro

y t . l i e 10

o R MI N T E

td 2 K) L

is (U

xert

©E

Cop

D ma How ly to s app

017

ht yrig

e h out busin Find luable e a va evenu r up

EEVIC ING DICE TO D N E EXT A-SERV NES ally AS- ARTPHO neﬁts eqsu SM aaS be rtphone

E REAS ENCE O I N C EX P E R I T e W om HO TOMER S bec ive CUS H MPO devices csasent and dr WIT ow ss a

With Future Mobility you get all the new and coming announcements from the Mobile, Accessory and Wearable Tech industries in one thoroughly comprehensive mobile magazine.

MOBILITY

. 11

Gain a better understanding of the latest sales trends, opportunities and up-to-date release information from the world of Gaming, Consumer Electronics and Gadgets in one bite-size magazine.

EX I N TO

18 S 20 ERTI y

g nolo ack! ech b el t ear is n n cha he y The nt of t eve

PLUG

M R

RG IS HD

AMIN

urs o olo t le c bout a d ib cre g are in w Ho lightin ming a and nge g cha

T WHA

ING LL CA

A G INTE

R’S HE AT EF TH

e IN u s

GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT

rtis

Exe

ht ©

yrig

Cop

) Ltd

201

(UK

SUBSCRIBE TO ALL MAGAZINES Ensure you are up to speed with the industry by subscribing to Future Gaming & Entertainment, Mobility and Business magazines today. subscribe@thefuture.com

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

The channel technology event of the year is back! 19th April 2018 - Silverstone Circuit Come and discover the latest solutions and hear from industry experts. See what’s trending, what’s emerging and what’s right for your business. At ‘Plug in to Exertis’ we’ve got technology covered, it’s what we do best. One day, one great location, bursting with technology solutions for the living room through to the datacentre. So whether you are a new or existing customer this is the channel event for you!

What to expect: 80+ of our leading vendors showcasing their products & solutions Keynotes from our UK MD Paul Bryan & Formula One legends David Coulthard & Mark Gallagher Technology suites with seminars on key topics from industry experts Champagne reception in the pit lane

exertis.co.uk/plugin

THE

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT IS HDR GAMING? THE ARRIVAL OF TRUE 4K GAMING The reason 4K HDR gaming has only just become a reality for consoles is the sheer horsepower required to render Ultra-HD graphics on the screen, and animate them with a ﬂuidity that makes games playable.

Over recent years, gaming graphics have been going through an impressive evolution. Where once there were blocky images that juddered upon movement, powerful consoles and PCs have made modern titles akin to taking part in a Hollywood blockbuster. 2018 should see this evolve further and to a whole new level, as 4K HDR titles become mainstream, surely making this the attainable holy grail for gamers. With the release of the Xbox One X back in November, Microsoft has brought with it Ultra-HD performance. This groundbreaking new console includes advanced graphical capabilities that can deliver native 4K performance with HDR lighting, all of which combine to bring scenes alive in ways not previously seen in games. So, why is 4K HDR such a big deal, and what advantages does it offer UK retailers? We take a look at how the future is not only bright, but immensely colourful.

The computational demands this puts on a system are considerable. Microsoft has found a solution for this challenge by including a 6 Teraﬂop GPU in its Xbox One X, which means true 4K experiences, running at a rock-solid 60 frames per second (FPS), can ﬁnally be achieved without the need to spend £1,000+ on a high-end gaming PC. Of course, there will always be hard-core gamers who want the ultimate rig on which they can push performance to its maximum, and PCs will give them that ability, but for the majority of UK consumers the price tag and simplicity of Microsoft’s Xbox One X will prove far more tempting. Traditional HD graphics are displayed at a 1920 x 1080 resolution, which is why Full HD is usually said to be 1080p. This is usually the level of detail achieved by existing consoles such as the Xbox One and PS4. With 4K this doubles to 3840 x 2160, making it Ultra-HD. Being able to utilise twice as many pixels means that 4K movies and games look far more detailed than their HD predecessors.

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

WHAT GAMES CAN BE PLAYED AT 4K HDR? To avoid confusion, or the need to double up on stock, Xbox One titles will continue to be playable on all consoles in the range. But, those marked with the symbols for 4K HDR, and bearing the legend ‘Enhanced for Xbox One X’, will contain additional content that makes use of the advanced graphical capabilities of this well reviewed new console. This means that customers who buy games to play on their current Xbox One S, could have a ready-made library of 4K HDR titles if they upgrade to the Xbox One X. Something retailers would be wise to point out.

Up until now only the Xbox One S and PS4 Pro could stream and display 4K video, but neither could render games at a constant 4K resolution. Instead they would upscale 1080p games to higher rates when there wasn’t much happening on the screen, but as soon as the action increased the resolution would drop so that the consoles could cope with the calculations. The Xbox One X changes that, being 40% more powerful than any other console, as it has the brains and brawn to render 4K without issue.

Currently, the ‘Enhanced’ range includes Assassin’s Creed Origins, Call of Duty: WWII, Destiny 2, FIFA 18, Forza Motorsport 7, Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and a number of other top titles, with entries such as Far Cry 5, Sea of Thieves, and Crackdown 3 expected soon.

GETTING THE MOST FROM 4K/HDR Of course, accessing 4K HDR content will require a TV that can handle the higher resolutions. This provides retailers the opportunity to inform customers of the beneﬁts offered by upgrading to the new standard, with models such as the 49-inch LG 49UJ630V, or the larger 75-inch Samsung Series 6 MU6100, being prime examples of UltraHD displays.

This extra capacity provides game developers the tools to depict environments with a superior level of clarity, making game-worlds even more immersive than before. Textures on walls and floors can be intricate, with pock marks, rough and smooth sections, or a mixture of materials lending the scenes a deeper sense of reality. The skin on a character’s face can reflect light more accurately, while also allowing for imperfections, wrinkles, and refined contours, all of which breaks down the wall between the player and their on-screen avatar.

Obviously, the Xbox One X will be at the heart of the system, acting not only as a gaming device but also a home entertainment hub for music, TV, and movies. Thanks to the enhanced Spatial audio used by the console, a gaming headset like the Turtle Beach Stealth 700X would add even further levels of immersion and allow players to continue their adventures long into the night without bothering their neighbours.

Individual hair strands can be animated, so that movement more directly affects how a character appears, and battle damage to equipment can also be rendered in stunning detail. It’s like being given a new pair of glasses, and suddenly everything is in focus!

The world’s best chefs have long known that the ﬁrst bite is with the eye, and when it comes to 4K HDR gaming that mantra holds true. In-store stations that show off the incredible visuals are a must, and should prove the most effective way to sell this next revolution in home entertainment.

Once gamers spend time with a 4K compatible console, going back to standard HD will prove very difﬁcult, especially when they experience HDR.

Contact your Exertis account manager today for more details on innovative ways to introduce 4K HDR to your customers in 2018.

YOUR NEW

GAMING CHAPTER AVAILABLE BLE NOW W

ROG Strix Hero

ROG Strix Scar

Part code: GL503VM-GZ128T

Part code: GL703VM-EE059T

Built from the ground up for fearless MOBA heroes. Including highlighted QWER keyboard keys, 100% sRGB 120Hz display and NVIDIA GTX 1060 graphics. Born for the battleﬁeld, Strix Hero Edition raises your game — so you’ll score more wins and rise through the ranks!

Designed exclusively for the sharpest of shooters. Engineered from the ground-up to gain a competitive edge in titles such as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Overwatch and Counter-Strike! Utilising a 17” 120Hz display, i7 7th Gen Intel CPU and NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU.

ROG Strix curved gaming monitor Part code: XG35VQ Strix XG35VQ is the largest gaming monitor of the ROG family. Its impressive curved display features a 100Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync™) technology, for extremely ﬂuid gameplay without tearing and stuttering. It also includes integrated ASUS Aura Sync lighting that allows for seamless synchronisation with other Aura-enabled components and peripherals, adding personality to your gaming setup. Also available in 25”, 27” and 32

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY FOR MORe DETAILS

THE

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BIGGEST CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW OF THE YEAR

Each January, the world’s tech media make the annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas, as the Consumer Electronics Show pulls back the covers on a plethora of new products destined to make the headlines in the year ahead. Naturally, our team of intrepid reporters were on hand, relentlessly exploring the cavernous showroom ﬂoors, all to bring you news of the devices that are soon to be ﬂying off the shelves. From smart-homes accessories to wall-sized TV displays, there was plenty to catch the eye, but we’ve distilled it down to the essentials. So, here’s our guide to the best in show from CES 2018.

VOICE ASSISTANTS TAKE CONTROL The undoubted star of the show was not in fact any particular product, but rather the wide range that now include Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Assistant voice control technologies. While both companies have, respectively, their own Echo and Home smart-speakers, it seemed that nearly every device revealed at CES incorporated one or the other. The new Sonos One smart-speaker arrives with Alexa built-in, and the promise that Google’s Assistant support will be added in the coming months. Anker’s new Eufy Genie speaker also comes with Amazon’s AI handling the voice interface, and there were also a variety of smarthome devices, laptops, TVs and 4K projectors. Judging by the amount of advertising for Google Assistant seen around the show, and even on the local mono-rail, it seems that 2018 will become a ﬁerce battle between it and Amazon, as both vie to win the loyalty of customers and become the centrepoint of any smarthome. This is good news for retail, as it should see both awareness and interest in these devices rise across the year.

TALK AND TOUCH COMBINE While voice controlled devices were ubiquitous, there were also a number of smart-speakers that added displays. Amazon was a prime example, with its Echo Spot and Echo Show devices offering users the dual benefits of either talking to the unit or using onscreen options. This allowed features to be expanded to include video calling, streaming TV shows and movies, or displaying recipes. Expect these to become a firm fixture in kitchens up and down the country this year.

PC GAMING TVS Nvidia set pulses racing with its innovative Big Format Gaming Displays (BFGDs). The new format, will include models from ASUS and Acer, which have 65-inch panels that support 4K, HDR, refresh rates up to 120Hz, and Nvidia’s G-Sync technology. Aimed primarily at gamers, the displays will be the perfect accompaniment for high-end PCs or the Xbox One X due to their 4K HDR capabilities. There are not many desks that will hold a monitor of this size, so the devices are intended to be wall mounted. This makes them an excellent option to replace a home TV, and thanks to the built in Nvidia Shield software there will be support for Netﬂix, Google Play, and Amazon Video streaming services, plus Google Assistant voice controls.

ASUS MAKES MANY DISPLAYS INTO ONE For gamers inexpensive screen. The placing thin

using a multi-display setup, ASUS had a clever and way to remove the bezels and create one seamless Bezel Free Kits are designed to ﬁt between displays, lenses along the edges of each monitor. These contain

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

MULTI-DEVICE CONTROLLERS With the continued adoption of Smarthome technology, not to mention the number of electronic devices now in most people’s houses, users are having to juggle multiple apps or remotes to keep control of everything. These complications were addressed by a new range of multi-device controllers found around the show. Elgato launched its Button Remote, which is a tactile unit, as opposed to apps or voice controls, that allows users to operate a variety of individual devices or combinations of Apple-Homekit products. ‘Because, sometimes it’s easier, quicker – even sensible – to just press a button’ the company explained. Nanoleaf agrees, as demonstrated by its own Remote, which is a dodecahedron shaped creation whose numbered panels can be customised to execute speciﬁc commands. ‘We want to give people the option of controlling their smarthome without always relying on their devices’ says Gimmy Chu, CEO of Nanoleaf. ‘Everyone is so glued to their phones these days, the Nanoleaf Remote offers the possibility to just sit back and enjoy living smarter.’

LENOVO MIXES THINGS UP optical micro-structures that refract light, bending it inward to hide the bezels underneath. It might sound complicated, but the upshot is if you pop these things between your displays, you suddenly have one very widescreen.

SAMSUNG BUILDS THE WALL The biggest TV on show was a practically bezel-less design from Samsung which is called The Wall. Measuring 146-inches, the massive display utilises Micro LEDs, which are much smaller than current LEDs and able to serve as their own source of light. This means there’s no need for a backlight or colour ﬁlters, and the unit can be very thin. It certainly was an impressive sight.

NANOLEAF LIGHTS UP THE SHOW It wasn’t just TVs that were ﬁxed to walls this year, with Nanoleaf introducing a clever lighting system to modernise any home. The Nanoleaf Light Panels are square units designed to be placed directly on walls. These can then be controlled either by touching them, issuing Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri voice commands, plus there’s a dedicated smartphone app. Up to 1,000 panels can run from one base station, and the units can even be set to respond to movement, thanks to motion sensors.

There were several 2-in-1 PCs at the show, with the Lenovo Miix 630 being a particular favourite. Equipped with 4G LTE capabilities, it joins the new ranks of Always-On PCs, with the promise of a long battery life, light weight, and quiet running. It comes with an impressive 12-inch touchscreen, detachable keyboard cover, Lenovo pen, and should be available in Q2 2018. Lenovo also revealed its newest VR/AR offering in the form of the Mirage Daydream standalone headset. As the name suggests, this can work without the need of a smartphone, PC, or external tracking sensors. With Oculus Go already grabbing the headlines, expect these devices to make waves in the year ahead.

STM INTRODUCES AR FOR ACCESSORIES Another AR product that drew interest was surprisingly from case and bag specialist, STM. Using a bespoke smartphone app, the company allowed customers to virtually try on its bags, easily changing between different colours, models, and sizes. ‘AR will change the way people interact with our products’ said Ethan Nyholm, STM Brands Chief Executive. ‘Backpacks have traditionally been one of the toughest products to showcase in stores, unless a trained salesperson is there to demonstrate the special aspects. Now, thanks to AR, customers can see a demonstration of a product’s key features come to life before their eyes.’

A BIG YEAR AHEAD As another CES bids us farewell, there’s much to look forward to in 2018. Of course, Exertis will be stocking all of the important products mentioned above, as well as a host of others. So, talk to your Exertis account manager today about when these exciting new devices will be arriving, and how you can ensure your customers are the ﬁrst to try them.

THE WORLD IS WATCHING LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE WITH 8TH GEN INTEL® CORE™ PROCESSORS

OMGitsfirefoxx

GAMER, STREAMER AND VLOGGER

INTEL’S MOST POWERFUL GAMING GENERATION UNLOCKED 8TH GEN INTEL® CORE™ i7 PROCESSOR © 2017 Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Core, the Intel. Experience What’s Inside logo and Intel. Experience What’s Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF GAMING IS HERE UP TO

> 4.7GHZ CLOCK SPEED WITH INTEL® TURBO BOOST TECHNOLOGY 2.01

UP TO

> 2X MORE FPS

VS. A 3-YEAR-OLD DESKTOP PC2

Gaming enthusiasts are now, more than ever, streaming their gaming experiences to friends and followers on Twitch* and other broadcasting sites. Their best gaming moments, and biggest failures, can be seen all over the world. Stakes are high, and they can’t afford to risk those moments on anything less than the best. Desktop gaming comes alive like never before with 8th generation Intel® Core™ processors. Now you can offer professional-level game play, along with the recording and streaming experience gamers expect, without compromise:

UNLOCKED 8TH GEN PROCESSORS1 DELIVER ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE FOR CONCURRENT AND SEAMLESS SHARING OF LIVE-BROADCAST GAMING

INTEGRATED INTEL® UHD GRAPHICS DELIVER 4 TIMES THE PIXELS OF TRADITIONAL HD2 FOR SHARPER, MORE LIFELIKE VISUALS WHEN GAMING IN 720P

ACCELERATED GAME LEVEL-LOADING FOR SMOOTHER GAME PLAY WITH INTEL® OPTANE™ MEMORY3

BALANCED PLATFORM PERFORMANCE HELPS DRIVE THE NEWEST VR HEADSETS

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS 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 complete information about performance and benchmark results, visit http://www.intel.com/benchmarks. 1 Intel technologies’ features and benefits depend on system configuration and may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. Performance varies depending on system configuration. No computer system can be absolutely secure. Check with your system manufacturer or retailer or learn more at www.intel.com. 2 Mega-tasking Gaming Scenario: FPS while playing, streaming, recording via OBS* and Twitch* Systems Measured: 8th Gen: Intel® Core™ i7-8700K Processor, PL1=95W TDP, 6C12T, Turbo up to 4.7GHz, Graphics: NVIDIA* GTX 1080Ti, Memory: 2x8GB, Storage: Intel SSD 545 Series 240GB, OS: Windows* 10 RS2 3 year old PC: Intel® Core™ i7-4790K Processor, PL1=84W TDP, 4C8T, Turbo up to 4.4GHz, Graphics: NVIDIA* GTX 1080Ti, Memory: 2x8GB, Storage: Intel SSD 545 Series 240GB, OS: Windows* 10 RS2 3 Altering clock frequency or voltage may damage or reduce the useful life of the processor and other system components, and may reduce system stability and performance. Product warranties may not apply if the processor is operated beyond its specifications. Check with the manufacturers of system and components for additional details. © 2017 Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. Overwatch* and the Overwatch* logo are registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.* in the U.S. and/or other countries. *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

THE

FUTURE

PLUG IN TO EXERTIS

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Silverstone is used to big names, excitement and top performers. So, it’s fitting that we should be bringing the channel technology event of the year - Plug in to Exertis to this location on the 19th April. We’ll be transforming the venue into a technology showcase, with some of the world’s biggest consumer electronics brands gathering to show off what’s new, what’s emerging and what’s hot for your customers. If you sell to consumers, it’s a not to be missed event. We’ve just announced an exciting line-up of key note speakers fitting for our choice of venue. Two times British Grand Prix winner David Coulthard and Formula One management expert Mark Gallagher will be presenting the business lessons that can be derived from creating winning teams in their high technology sport, very relevant to today’s competitive business world where performance is everything. The consumer sector, there’s also one for business, will be bigger and better than last year with focused areas covering Smart Tech & Networking, Premium Audio & TV, Gadgets & Accessories and Gaming. The line-up of exhibitors is already very impressive with brands such as Monster, LG, Thrustmaster and MSI and we’re continually adding new ones in the run up to the event. Visitors will have the chance to come and meet the vendors leading the way in consumer products, discuss opportunities with our retail specialists, join our seminars on key industry topics and participate in other show-floor activities.

WHAT TO EXPECT: • • • •

80+ of our leading vendors showcasing their products & solutions Keynotes from our UK MD Paul Bryan & Formula One legends David Coulthard & Mark Gallagher Technology suites with seminars on key topics from industry experts Champagne reception in the pit lane

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

A MESSAGE FROM PAUL BRYAN, EXERTIS UK MANAGING DIRECTOR A day well spent with technology. A day that strengthens relationships.

A QUICK GUIDE TO THE FOCUSED AREAS Gaming In the gaming area, we’ll have an exciting range of products on display from consoles, gaming PCs to software and accessories that can meet the needs of hardened gamers or first-time enthusiasts. We’ll be highlighting some of the key topics in gaming. For instance, the past few years have been explosive for VR and you can expect even more adoption in 2018. Gaming consoles and high spec gaming PCs remain the favoured devices for playing VR games. There are lots of developments with the introduction of new VR gaming headsets, more development in the area of haptic feedback and in cloud-based VR gaming. Furthermore, AR has the potential to be even bigger as improvement in the technology continues. Certainly, more and more people are gaming on their mobile phones and tablets and AR is proving popular on these devices. e-Sports is another major topic with the popularity of competitive gaming both for competitors and viewers. And it’s not just the blockbusters released by the big names that are attracting the gamers. Indie games are also expected to make an impact in 2018, either as remakes of existing games or new entrants. We’ll have all the latest information to share. Smart Tech & Networking Exertis is the leading distributor for Smart Tech products and this will be evident in this area. We’ve a great portfolio of the leading vendors in this market and we have been successful in introducing these into a number of retail outlets from superstores to DIY and trade wholesalers and specialist independent stores. We’ve also developed a range of services specific for this market that retailers can use. In addition, we’ve seen our commodity networking business increase significantly and so that could well be an opportunity for you too. Premium Audio & TV Our Premium Audio vendors will bring music to your ears, anytime, anywhere with amazing sounds from some of the UK’s most prestigious brands. From award-winning home hi-fi to the latest headphones, smart speakers and TV boosting audio, we’ll have the ranges set to be in high demand. Gadgets & Accessories There will be plenty of opportunities to road-test the latest, cool gadgets and discover compelling accessory options that add variety to your portfolio and profit to every device sale. Our exclusive brands offer high-quality designs that add functionality, usability and style. From affordable smartphone and tablet accessories to premium productivity solutions; essential audio extras to tailored custom-install designs – brand new 2018 ranges will be on show. How can I attend? Register now at www.exertis.co.uk/plugin where you will find further details and we’ll keep you up to date with the latest developments.

That’s what you can expect when you join us at our second Plug in to Exertis channel event. Whatever type of customer you sell to, be it enterprise, SMB or consumer, we’ve a range of technologies that can be deployed in the living room through to the data centre. This event presents a real opportunity to get to know the breadth of technology that we can offer you at Exertis. You can focus on a technology sector in which you already play or take the opportunity to diversify your interest into a complementary area that can add to the solutions that you already provide. Or you can do both. For business, we have focused areas in AV, PC, Print, Components, Enterprise and Mobile. For consumers we can offer you Smart Tech and Networking, Premium Audio & TV, Gadgets & Accessories and Gaming. Each area will host: an exhibition space with a plethora of solutions and products from our leading range of vendors; a seminar programme on hot technology topics delivered by industry specialists and a number of show-floor features. However, that’s not all. Services are becoming an increasingly important part of what the channel can offer customers and we’d like you to take advantage of these for your business. Just like the breadth of technology we provide, Exertis has a wide range of services that are helping our retailers and resellers win lasting relationships with their customers. From financial and logistical to category management and professional services, we can enable you to offer these as part of your own value proposition. We’ve some great use cases that we’d like to share with you on the day. This year, our event is being held at Silverstone Circuit, the home of British Formula 1 Grand Prix. This is a great facility with good access and we hope that this will encourage even more resellers from both north and south of the country to join us. What’s more, who better to be our guest speakers at such a venue than Mark Gallagher who has worked in senior management roles at Jordan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing and Cosworth, and David Coulthard, one of Formula One’s most successful drivers, winning Grand Prix on 13 occasions including twice winning the prestigious British and Monaco Grand Prix. If you have ever wanted to know about the inner workings of Formula One and to understand how these lessons can be applied to business, and hear first-hand experiences of what it takes to be a winner, then this is another great reason to join us. Also, please take the opportunity at the event to tell us how we can serve you better. We will have members of our senior management team available on the day and so over lunch or at the end of the day, we’d be more than happy to get your feedback. I look forward to meeting with you on the 19th April. Don’t forget to register at www.exertis.co.uk/ plugin and we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest information on our Plug in to Exertis event.

THE

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT CUSTOMERS

WILL BE LOOKING

FOR IN 2018 Consumer electronics is not an area that stands still for long. 2017 saw the rise in popularity of 4K TVs, VR gaming, drones, voice controlled home assistants, and a host of other innovations. Now, with the new year underway, it’s time to look forward to the products and services that UK customers will be demanding in 2018. To navigate our way through the mists of uncertainty that the future always brings, we’ve gathered together various experts at Exertis, all of whom have given us their wise predictions on what should be ﬁlling the shelves in the year ahead. It looks as if it’s going to be a busy one.

Bayonetta instalment coming later in the year. Dragon Quest Builders arrives on 9th February, while Dragon Quest XI, Metroid Prime 4, and other AAA-titles are all expected to make their debuts on the platform in the coming months. The most eagerly anticipated game of all is the rumoured Pokemon RPG which, although unconﬁrmed, could be a system selling title just as it was for the Gameboy back in the 1990s. With Pokemon Go still proving hugely popular around the world, the franchise shows no signs of losing its appeal, and a new, full instalment on an advanced system like the Switch will be a mouthwatering prospect for fans of Pikachu and his friends.

GAMES AS A SERVICE GAMING THE NINTENDO SWITCH GATHERS PACE One of the breakout products of 2017 was Nintendo’s Switch console. The clever combination of a mobile device that could also be plugged into a TV, gave the Japanese giants another huge success, surpassing many industry analysts’ predictions. This was aided in no small measure by the arrival of games such as Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, both of which topped several game-of-the-year charts. 2018 should see Nintendo capitalise on the Switch’s popularity, with a Bayonetta 2 reboot due on 16th February, and a brand new

Another hotly tipped area to see a dramatic increase in the coming months is that of subscription services for games. These offer members access to older titles, which they can download and play as long as they remain subscribers. At the moment EA’s popular Access scheme is only available to Xbox One owners, although its Origins subscription service is offered to those on PCs, but many analysts are conﬁdent that Access will transition to the PS4 in 2018. Microsoft itself already offers over 100 games on its Xbox Game Pass platform, and this too is expected to expand considerably across the year, adding further value to the Xbox brand. Then there’s the introduction of Nintendo Switch Online. The service is already available as a free trial, but the full, paid version is due to be launched September 2018, bringing classic Nintendo titles, online multiplayer, and exclusive promotions to members.

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

of electric scooters to the category, we anticipate strong demand for the IconBIT range this year as we approach the warmer weather in the late spring, and growing still as we enter peak 2018. IconBIT have ensured that they have all relevant certiﬁcations on their products for European consumption as a minimum, so retailers will be conﬁdent to offer them to their consumers.

THE RISE OF THE ROBOTS Robotic toys could be the surprise hit of 2018, as manufacturers bring an interesting range of options to market. One device that’s already proven popular with UK buyers is the Anki Cozmo, which blends the ability to play games, learn from interactions with its owner, and even help users develop basic coding skills. At CES LG unveiled its new Hub Robot, which features Amazon’s Alexa voice recognition software, and can recognise different family members thanks to its on-board camera. Expect other companies to follow suit, as the robot wars begin to take shape.

SMARTHOME DEVICE SALES CONTINUE TO GROW It’s estimated that the global revenue from Smarthome devices will reach nearly £4.5bn by the end of 2018, and increase to triple its current value by 2021. While around 60% of these sales are expected to be in the United States, the UK remains the largest market in Western Europe, even though it has a smaller population than either Germany or France.

It’s true that subscription services present a challenge to retailers in terms of selling older titles, but it also provides extra incentive to stock gift cards for the various services, as well as memberships to online gaming platforms such as PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live.

At the moment security and home monitoring devices are proving the most popular, but a recent surge in smart lighting solutions indicates that this could be the next area of growth for UK retail. With new, cheaper devices coming into the market, aligned with the potential for lighting products that also offer voice control, speakers, or cameras, 2018 promises to see a signiﬁcant step forward in the adoption of home automation.

COMPUTING WINDOWS ALWAYS-ON LAPTOPS

BATTLE ROYALE-STYLE COMBAT SET TO DOMINATE The surprise success of PlayerUknown’s Battleground (or PUBG) at the end of 2017, which sold over 24m copies on PC and a further 3m on the Xbox One from January 2018, is set to open the ﬂoodgates for a wealth of similarly styled offerings. The ‘last man standing’ approach copies the brutal 2000 movie Battle Royale, and herds gamers into increasingly smaller areas where they have to ﬁght until only one remains. We’ve already seen games add Battle Royale modes, with Epic Game’s Fortnite seeing considerable success when doing so, and this should make its way into a number of other shooters. The next instalment of Call of Duty is a prime candidate, with a death-match mode sure to boost the franchise once more.

ENTERTAINMENT ELECTRIC SCOOTERS AND HOVERBOARDS GAIN TRACTION While products like hoverboards have received little in the way of media or advertising attention over the past few Christmases, sales have still seen a noticeable increase. This suggests that UK consumers have a growing interest in the devices and with the recent introduction

Finally, 2018 will see the release of the ﬁrst Always-On Windows laptops. These will be based around the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip, which supports LTE connections so users can access the internet wherever they may be. The low power drain of the systems will provide longer battery life than many laptops, quiet running thanks to the absence of fans, and should be cheaper than the current high-end models. We’ve already seen Always-On laptops unveiled such as the ASUS NovaGo, but it’s expected that Lenovo, Dell, and Huawei will deliver LTE compatible Windows 10 devices at various points throughout the year.

EXERTIS IS HERE TO HELP As you can see, 2018 looks set to be another bumper year for technology. Alongside all of the products mentioned above, there will also be the arrival of new games, accessories, 4K HDR TVs, smartphones, tablets, audio solutions, and a wide range of other gadgets with which to tempt your customers. Of course, the team at Exertis will be on hand to discuss all of these exciting innovations and how you can best place them in your stores to maximise sales. Be sure to talk with your Exertis account manager today, so you can keep ahead of the pack and make it a year to remember.

THE

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

EXERTIS GAMING

HOT PICKS

TOP 5 SOFTWARE 1

SEA OF THIEVES Publisher Microsoft Format Xbox One Released 20th March 2018

FAR CRY 5 Publisher Ubisoft Format Xbox One, PS4 & PC

PRE-ORDER NOW

Welcome to Hope County, Montana, land of the free ree and the brave, but also home to a fanatical doomsday day cult - known as The Project at Eden’s Gate - that is threatening the community’s freedom. Your customers ers can stand up to the cult leaders, Joseph Seed and the Heralds, as they spark the ﬁres of resistance that will liberate the besieged.

BAYONETTA 2 Publisher Nintendo Format Nintendo Switch Released 16th February 2018

PRE-ORDER NOW

RELEASE DATE 27TH MARCH

ARE YOU STOCKING?

PLAYER UNKNOWN BATTLEGROUNDS Publisher Microsoft Format Xbox One & PC

XBOX ONE X CONSOLE Manufacturer Microsoft Format Xbox One X

ARK: SURVIVAL EVOLVED

The world’s most powerful console. With h 40% more power than any other console, e e, experience immersive true 4K gaming. g g. Games play better on Xbox One X.

AVAILABLE NOW

Publisher Studio Wildcard Format Xbox One, PS4, PC

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

TOP 5 GAMING ACCESSORIES 1 XBOX MINECRAFT CREEPER AND PIG CONTROLLER Manufacturer Microsoft Format Xbox One X, Xbox One S, Xbox One & PC

AVAILABLE NOW Prepare your customers to create, explore, and survive their own Minecraft adventure with the Minecraft Creeper and Pig controller, featuring the iconic Creeper and pink Pig design, textured grip for enhanced comfort, and ABXY buttons with classic Minecraft font. Enjoy custom button mapping and up to twice the wireless range. Plug in any compatible headset with the 3.5mm stereo headset jack.

THRUSTMASTER T80 FERRARI 488 GTB EDITION Manufacturer Thrustmaster Format PS4 & PC

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS

VANGUARD K08 PRO GAMING KEYBOARD AND SIEGE M04 PRO GAMING MOUSE BUNDLE

Publisher Nintendo Format Nintendo Switch Released 9th February 2018

PRE-ORDER NOW

SPECIAL OFFER

Manufacturer Creative Format PC

ASSASSIN’S CREED ROGUE - HD REMASTER Publisher Ubisoft Format Xbox One & PS4 Released 20th March 2018

PRE-ORDER NOW

SFERA PRO MICROPHONE 5

Manufacturer Arozzi Format Universal

CABLE GUYS

CALL OF DUTY : PRIVATE & GHOST VARIANTS, DARTH VADAR & STORM TROOPER, SONIC

ROKU EXPRESS

Manufacturer Exquisite Gaming Format Universal

AVAILABLE NOW

Manufacturer Roku Format Universal

HASBRO DROPMIX™ Manufacturer Hasbro Format Universal

More Than 100 Games Are Now Enhanced for Xbox One X. Call your Exertis account manager today for more details on 01279 822800.

Enhanced features for Xbox One X subject to release of a content update. Games information at xbox.com/enhanced. 4K Ultra HD not available on Xbox One or Xbox One S consoles

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

HOW TO GET XBOX ONE X THE MOST OUT OF MICROSOFT’S

The new Microsoft Xbox One X is the most powerful console you can buy. But, if you don’t harness all of the capabilities that the device offers, then you could be missing out. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure that anyone lucky enough to receive this premium hardware is getting the most from their experience.

PLAY 4K HDR GAMES While the Xbox One X is capable of playing games at 4K HDR and 60fps, not all titles currently support Ultra-HD resolution. To experience the ultimate in gaming graphics you’ll need to look for games marked ‘Enhanced for Xbox One X’. These include the likes of FIFA 18, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Call of Duty: WWII, Destiny 2, Final Fantasy XV, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, and Rise of the Tomb Raider, with Far Cry 5, Sea of Thieves, and Crackdown 3 all expected later in 2018.

ADD AN EXTERNAL DRIVE TRANSFER OLD XBOX ONE OR ONE S CONTENT If you’re moving from an Xbox One or One S, then it can be tempting to allow the Xbox One X to download any games you might already own. This can be a time-consuming procedure though, as many top tier titles often contain more than 30GB of data. A faster way is to use the Network Transfer option. To do this you’ll need both consoles powered on and connected to your home network – we’d advise plugging both into the router via an Ethernet cable. On both consoles, go to Settings>Network>Network Transfer, and check that the Allow network transfer options are ticked. Now, on the Xbox One X, you should see your Xbox One in the Local Consoles section. Select it, choose which games you want to transfer, then hit the Copy selected option and press Copy to conﬁrm. Soon your games will be on your new console and ready to play.

SET UP YOUR TV FOR 4K HDR One of the best features of the Xbox One X is its 4K HDR graphics. Naturally, to revel in this visual splendour you’ll need a TV that supports this resolution, such as the Samsung MU6400. Even if you do have a display like this, you’ll need to check its settings to ensure that the HDR feature is enabled, as many manufacturers ship TVs with HDR on HDMI ports turned off. Check your manual for the relevant settings, or look online, to ensure your games look as good as possible.

With 4K content adding to the already large ﬁle sizes of games, it won’t be long until your hard drive is bursting at the seams, especially if you like to play lots of different titles. Thankfully, it’s very easy to add more storage space through an external drive. You’ll need one supported by the Xbox One X and larger than 256GB in capacity, such as the ofﬁcial Seagate Game Drive which comes in 2TB and 4TB versions. Just plug it into your console and you’ll be taken through an easy setup process to expand the storage.

SIGN UP TO XBOX LIVE GOLD The last recommendation we have is to join the best online multiplayer service on consoles by signing up to Xbox Live Gold. Not only does this give you access to players all around the world, but Microsoft also includes ﬁve free games each month. These are usually a mixture of recent titles for the Xbox One, along with compatible classics from the Xbox 360 era. It’s a great way to build up a library of games, while also enjoying co-op or competitive matches online. Xbox Live Gold also features regular discounts on titles, sometimes offering as much as 70% off the box price. The Xbox One X is an incredible device, offering superior performance to any rival console on the market. Exertis remains the exclusive UK distributor, so be sure to talk to us about even more ways to boost its already considerable player experience.

Now even more memorable Now available with a free 128GB memory card, the new Galaxy Tab A Grey 10.1 provides storage expansion for work tasks, documents, and business reports as well as offering better multitasking.

Partcode: S10187562

Exertis provides timed, same day and next day delivery*. Contact us today to discover more about the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 and the free 128GB memory card. *T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apply

Samsung Knox Multi-layered defence-grade security to safeguard personal and business information from the moment the Samsung Galaxy Tab A is turned on.

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

HOW POP-UPS

ARE CHANGING THE RETAIL LANDSCAPE

An increasingly familiar sight to UK consumers is that of temporary ‘pop-up’ shops along high streets, in shopping centres, train stations, or near large sporting events. These often offer focussed promotions of new products or introduce aspirant retailers to the marketplace. It’s an ever evolving and cost effective trend that aims to utilise unaccompanied ﬂoor space, and is estimated to be worth around £2.3bn already - with the potential to return larger ﬁgures throughout 2018 and beyond. Such are the unique possibilities offered by short-term leases, that innovative retailers are beginning to break down the traditional barriers between online and physical stores. From Jamie Oliver’s YouTube channel Drinks Tube coming to life in Old Street station, to customers trying out products in these ‘instant showrooms’ before ordering online, pop-ups are becoming a powerful part of a modern retail marketing strategy.

THE AIRBNB OF RETAIL One of the leading companies in this space is Appear Here, which specialises in ﬁnding locations for retailers that want to create shortterm outlets. There’s no shortage of customers either, with over 3,000 spaces used in London alone over the past 12 months. The inspiration for the idea came back in 2012 when Appear Here cofounder Ross Bailey set up a t-shirt store selling memorabilia for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. He realised that others had need for similar topical ventures, so when the store closed a few days later he invested in setting up the new company. Today, the majority of pop-ups are taken by small, independent retailers, or start-ups, as it gives them the chance to test the waters with customers without the long-term lease and business rate commitment. Spaces can be rented for a week or several months, depending on the needs of the client. One of the biggest suppliers of locations in the capital is Transport for London, with its wide range of smaller outlets in the capital’s train stations, as well as a variety of options available in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, and many other UK cities and towns. ‘From a consumer perspective,’ Barkley told The Drum, ‘neither digital nor physical retail is enough for today’s shopper, and what pop-up shops are able to do is link the internet world with the real world’.

MAKING CONCESSIONS Alongside offering smaller, online companies, the chance to experiment with traditional bricks and mortar stores, there have also been some fascinating ideas on how to use pop-ups for promotional campaigns. In America, Warby Parker, the eyewear specialist, drove a big yellow school bus to malls in different cities, allowing potential customers to try on its custom frames and then order them via its website. The company also set up kiosks in hotels that were made to look like they were from the 1960s. These were then used to promote its retro styled products. Maria Sharapova famously set up a temporary store near Wimbledon, which promoted her Sugarpova line of sweets. The pop-up coincided with her playing in the tournament, thus guaranteeing media attention. Google recently set up a space in Curry’s ﬂagship store in Tottenham Court Road to promote its Pixel line of products, while fashion house Marc Jacobs had the idea of opening a store for three days to promote its Daisy fragrance. At the latter, customers couldn’t actually pay money for anything, but were asked instead to put up tagged, social media posts promoting the event. For this, they received free manicures and keyrings at the Daisy themed store. ‘The beauty of something like this is the here and now’ Natalie Moon, UK Marketing Director responsible for the Daisy Pop-up Store, told Marketing Week. ‘It’s about ﬁnding the next new idea.’ With 44% of UK customers saying they have visited pop-up stores in the past year, it’s an excellent option for brands that want to create a buzz around products or promotions, while driving customers to their websites and social media feeds. The stores themselves might be short-lived, but the idea seems destined to stay.

Part code: S S10155708

The AOC AGON AG352UCG is an UltraWide 35” curved gaming monitor that offers a highly immersive gaming experience, thanks to a small 2000mm curvature radius and a 1440p resolution

AG352QCX 35” Ultrawide display 2560 x 1080 Resolution 2000:1 Contrast Ratio 4ms Response Time Adaptive-Sync Technology Part Code: AOCAG352QCX

AG322QCX 31.5” QHD Display 2560 x 1440 Resolution 2000:1 Contrast Ratio 4ms Response Time A Adaptive-Sync Technology Part Code: S10183097

For more information, please contact your Exertis account manager today!

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

HOW DRONES ARE MAKING A

BIG DIFFERENCE

IN FOOTBALL Over the past couple of years drones have become a regular sight in the parks around the UK. These fun devices are now a ﬁrm favourite with amateur pilots, children, and even ﬁlmmakers who want to create dramatic airborne footage without the need for a huge budget. One area that is also seeing a lot of interest for the devices is sport, with football in particular embracing their potential. So, how can drones create better players?

ANALYSIS ON THE FLY Visit the training grounds of professional football teams, and there’s a good chance that you’ll see a drone or two buzzing over the pitches. The reason for this is that the lightweight, highly manoeuvrable craft allow coaches to capture a bird’s-eye view of their players. Thanks to the video capabilities offered by drones, this footage can then be loaded onto a computer, the tactics analysed, and shown to the footballers and managers. It’s proving an effective way to educate players about where they might be going wrong, and empower them to improve both their positional and strategic skills. David Powderly, Charlton Athletic’s Under-14 coach, was one of the ﬁrst to see the advantages posed by drones. ‘Football is subjective a lot of the time,’ he told Four Four Two magazine, ‘but with a drone you’re able give accurate feedback. If you’re a centre-forward and need to stop a centre-back from switching play, you can show the player and say ‘this is the type of run you can make.’ I think it accelerates learning more than a ﬁxed camera.’

The Yuneec Breeze is a perfect example, as the unit measures only 24cm in diameter, making it small enough to take anywhere without adding bulk. There’s no need for a remote control either, as it can be flown via a smartphone, with realtime video footage displayed on the screen. A clever safety mode means the Breeze will hold its position if the pilot stops operating the controls. This is useful for filming setpiece training such as corners, where coaches can relay instructions without having to worry about the drone. Flight time is around twelve minutes, allowing short sessions of attack vs defence to be captured in 4K video, but quick battery changes can have the device airborne again in no time at all. Another favourite is the Parrot Bebop 2, which once again can be controlled via a smartphone. The slightly larger model doubles flight time to around twenty-five minutes, and also offers a range of 300m as opposed to the 100m or so of the Breeze. Of course, any potential pilots will need to check the latest regulations to ensure they are using their drones safely and in the correct areas. These can be found at both dronesafe.uk and the Civil Aviation Authority website (www.caa.co.uk).

THE BEST ADDITION TO ANY TEAM

Up until recently this kind of technology was only open to the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Charlton, but with more affordable drones now available, these advantages can be brought to Sunday league or youth teams.

For teams wanting to take their players to the next level, investing in a drone is an easy decision. The tactical advantages offered by being able to visualise the shape of the side in various situations is something that would have been unthinkable even a couple of years ago.

TOP FLIGHT PERFORMANCE

Once the season is over, they can even use the device to ﬁlm the inevitable celebrations that their dedication and wise purchase will bring.

Two of the leading drone brands in the UK are Yuneec and Parrot, both of whom offer excellent solutions for clubs that want to up their game without breaking the bank.

As you would expect, Exertis has a wide range of drones available, including both the Yuneec Breeze and Parrot BeBop 2. For more information on the possibilities offered by these versatile devices, speak to your Exertis account manager today.

The UK’s largest Gaming Portfolio Be sure to excel in all gaming pursuits with our superior range of PC components. Our partnerships with the likes of Intel®, NVIDIA® and Corsair ensure that we have an unrivalled portfolio of components and peripherals ideally suited to high-end PC gaming.

CONQUER THE COMPETITION WITH TEAM EXERTIS.

2. 7.

6. 5.

1. Corsair Crystal Series 570X RGB ATX Mid-Tower Case | 2. HYPERX CLOUD REVOLVER S 7.1 DOLBY HEADSET | 3. Intel® Core™ i9-7920X 12 Core X-series Processor | 4. STRAFE RBG Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Glaive RGB Mouse | 5. Samsung 960 Evo 1TB M.2 NVME Internal SSD | 6. MSI X299 RGB Gaming Pro Carbon AC Motherboard | 7. ASUS ROG Strix Ge-Force GTX 1080TI Graphics Card | 8. Corsair Vengeance DDR4 RGB 32GB Kit

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER FOR MORE INFORMATION

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

AWARD WINNING

PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS AVAILABLE ON XBOX One of the true breakout successes of 2017 was PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, or PUBG as it’s more frequently called. The multiplayer FPS, which pitches up to 100 players against each other in a last-man-standing deathmatch, sold in huge numbers and broke a number of records in the process.

with the community and build the game together, much like we did with the PC version.’

One of the key elements to its success is how the game actively herds combatants into increasingly smaller spaces, thus intensifying the action and ensuring that no-one can hide and wait for the carnage to be over.

Taking advantage of the graphical capabilities of the Xbox One X, the game is part of the ‘Enhanced for Xbox One’ range, which includes support for 4K and HDR. It’s also received four major updates since launch, bringing additional ﬁrst-person modes, the soon to arrive new desert map called Miramar, a number of cosmetic packs, and other improvements.

It’s proven a potent combination, with frenetic combat, uneasy alliances, and the ever-decreasing battleground, drawing huge interest from gamers. Currently PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is available as a console exclusive on Xbox One and while the game looks set to continue dominating the multiplayer space throughout 2018, could this become the most successful survival shooter ever? It certainly looks that way.

RECORD-BREAKING FRANCHISE Originally launched as an Early Access title on Steam in March 2017, the game went on to sell over 25m copies on the platform, claiming seven world records. These included the ‘Fastest time to sell 1m units for a Steam Early Access game’, ‘Most actively played game on Steam’, and ‘First videogame to reach 2m concurrent players on Steam’. The last of these has since been smashed, when PUBG became the ﬁrst game to have 3m concurrent players, a truly astonishing achievement and testament to the franchise’s continued popularity.

The Xbox One version features the same structure as its PC counterpart, whereby players parachute, unarmed, onto the island of Erangel at the start of the game, then begin the desperate scramble for armour, weapons, and health kits. But PUBG Corp has also made some reﬁnements to the game for the new release.

On January 16th the developers also hosted a Tips and Tricks segment on Mixer where new players could be brought up to speed on how to get the most out of their experience. This combination of steady updates, new features, and community support has already garnered PUBG an active player base of over three million, with more joining all the time.

RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES While PUBG remains in beta, there are still many ways for stores to capitalise on the game’s immense popularity. Selling download codes for the game or gift cards for the Xbox store allows players to get in on the action. An Xbox Live Gold account is also required to play, so stocking up on vouchers is a wise move. As is promoting advanced controllers, such as the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, which offer superior performance for gamers looking to gain that extra edge.

XBOX ONE PREVIEW

Of course, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds has the potential to be a system seller, so promoting the title alongside the Xbox One range of consoles could prove very tempting for many customers.

Such was the success on the PC, that it was only a matter of time before PUBG made the transition to consoles. In December 2017 the game’s developers announced that the title was now exclusively part of the Xbox Game Preview program, and available to play.

Whatever route you take, Exertis is the place to go, as we exclusively distribute Xbox One in the UK and stock a wide range of accessories for the platform.

‘We chose to bring PUBG to console on Xbox One in the Xbox Game Preview program,’ stated Chang Han Kim, CEO of PUBG Corp, ‘as it’s the only console platform that gives us the opportunity to partner

Speak to us today about how you can make the PUBG phenomenum work to your advantage.

FreeSync™

BUILT TO WIN LG 27MP59G

IPS Gaming Monitor with 1ms Motion Blur Reduction so now gamers can achieve superb gaming graphics through the long-awaited combination of IPS and 1ms Motion Blur Reduction. TEARING

STUTTERING • • • • • • FreeSync™

27” Full HD IPS Display 1920 x 1080 Resolution 5ms Response Rate 1ms Motion Blur Reduction Display Port, HDMI, VGA AMD FreeSync™ Technology

Part Code: S10159102

OFF

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION

FUTURE THE FATHER’S CALLING UBISOFT COLLECTABLE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

3 IN 1 FAR CRY 5 GAMING BUNDLE

TITAN QUEST COLLECTORS EDITION

RRP: £49.99 Finely-detailed ﬁgurine enhanced by ﬁne texturing. Includes dynamic pose of Joseph calling to his believers, removable gun and spectre on the base. Material: PVC. Height: 32cm.

RRP: £119.99 Includes a GXT 752 Mousepad Far Cry 5 edition, high resolution RGB GXT 170 Heron Mouse, GXT 354 Creon 7.1 Headset, and Far Cry 5 PC Game voucher code.

RRP: £104.99 An innovative action role playing game set in ancient Greece, Egypt and Asia. The Titans have escaped their eternal prison, wreaking havoc upon the Earth. The gods seek a hero who can turn the tide in an epic struggle that will determine the fate of both men and gods.

MX VS ATV ALL OUT

RRP: £44.99 All Terrain, All Vehicles! MX vs ATV All Out is the complete off-road racing and lifestyle experience! Your customers can choose between bikes, ATVs, UTVs, reﬁne their rider style at their private compound and blast across massive open worlds to compete head to head in various game modes!

TURTLE BEACH RECON CHAT HEADSET

RRP: £14.99 The RECON CHAT is lightweight and reversible, and features Turtle Beach’s SpecsFit™ glasses friendly design with a unique open ear-cup. Additionally, a high-sensitivity mic ensures every command is heard loud and clear, while the large 40mm speaker delivers chat audio from other players.

ANKI COZMO CARRY CASE

RRP: £29.99 Keep your customer’s Cozmo and all their accessories safe on their next adventure in this durable, and cosy, carrying case. Custom moulded compartments hold 3 Cubes, 1 Charger, and 1 Cozmo robot. A zipper sealed pocket stores other items they might need while on the go.

SBS BEAT HEART FITNESS TRACKER

RRP: £55.99 Fitness tracker with heart rate monitor, pedometer and calorie counter and sleep quality tracker, Go Life app, Bluetooth 4.1.

T.FLIGHT HOTAS ONE

RRP: £74.99 First ofﬁcial ﬂight simulator for Xbox One and Windows. Recommended for Elite Dangerous Xbox One, ready for take-off on Xbox One. Optimised joystick mapping. Plug and play in space-sim games. Full size detachable throttle.

TOP 10 ATTACH

THE

PLANTRONICS RIG 400HX WITH DOLBY ATMOS

RRP: £45.83 Gear up to hear more detail in your games. RIG 400HX and Dolby Atmos® for Headphones deliver the advantage of moving audio that sweeps around and above, so users can react faster and hear everything they need to win.

CREATIVE OUTLIER SPORTS WIRELESS SWEATPROOF IN-EAR

(BLUE, GREEN, ORANGE)

RRP: £59.99 High-performance lightweight wireless in-ear headphones that stay secure and comfortable in user’s ears even when their workout gets tough. It features sweat-proof properties, and with a battery life of up to 11 hours, nothing is going to hold them back from staying active.

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

The greatest games lineup. Xbox exclusive games line up including Forza Horizon 7, PlayerUnknownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Battlegrounds, State of Decay 2, & Sea of Thieves. Call your Exertis account manager today for more details. on 01279 822800.