SMART TECH
CES 2016
Help your customers reduce energy and secure their homes with the latest tech!
All the best news from the biggest tech show of the year!
Winter issue 3.
Available 8th March 2016
G A M I N G A N D E N T E R T A I N M E N T
JOIN THE DIVISION NOW, PRE-ORDER!
FUTURE
THE
Copyright ŠExertis (UK) Ltd 2016
A
company
A
company
Call our specialist sales teams North (Altham) 01282 776776 North (Stoke) 01782 648300 South (Basingstoke) 01256 707070 store.exertis.co.uk
THE
To buy online: exertis.co.uk/home/store
FUTURE
N E X T I S N OW BIGGER
07
THE
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
14
BLACK FRIDAY
FUTURE
23
TOP GAMING TRENDS FOR 2016
03
34
THE DIVISION GAME REVIEW
CONTENTS 26 HOT PICKS
05 EXERTIS COMMENT
A range of best-selling Software and Gaming accessory products designed to make you more margin
Alex Croft introduces the February edition of The Future
06 NEWS IN BRIEF
28 MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES
We round up the latest news and product releases from the World of technology
Our top 10 recommended accessory products for Gaming and Entertainment
08 CONSUMER TRENDS DRIVING DEMAND
29 LINX VISION Ensure that gamers can share their triumphs with these helpful gadgets
Keep up to date with the trends that will dominate 2016
19 LET GAMERS SHARE THEIR ADVENTURES WITH THESE COOL ACCESSORIES Wearables, controllers, headsets, video capturing devices and more!
20 KEEP THE HEAT IN AND THE BURGLARS OUT WITH SMART TECH 10 CES 2016 ROUND UP A look at which products and themes wowed audiences at the largest consumer electronics show of the year
14 BLACK FRIDAY The biggest day in retail broke records once more but is Black Friday really a good thing?
17 HOW YOUTUBE GAMING CAN BOOST SALES YouTube now has a gaming channel which could be great news for retail
Home security and comfort that can be controlled from a Smartphone
23 TOP GAMING TRENDS FOR 2016 Stock the right products for gamers, by watching these important areas
24 FIND OUT WHO WON! The Halo and Tomb Raider competition winners are announced
25 SPEED UP GAMING PERFORMANCE WITH THIS TURBOCHARGED TECHNOLOGY Find the latest technologies to boost gaming performance!
30 QUANTUM BREAK GAME REVIEW Jack Joyce fights the secretive Monarch Solutions to put things right before it’s too late
32 FAR CRY GAME REVIEW The Far Cry franchise now enters the Stone Age - the ultimate fight for survival
34 THE DIVISION GAME REVIEW Of pandemic proportions, the new Tom Clancy Division runs riot on the streets of New York
THE
26
FUTURE ®
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
CLEARER LOUDER HARDER BETTER
Series Lineup
Sound BlasterX H7 HD 7.1 SURROUND SOUND GAMING HEADSET PARTCODE 70GH033000000 SRP £139.99
Sound BlasterX H5 PROFESSIONAL ANALOGUE GAMING HEADSET PARTCODE 70GH031000000 SRP £99.99
Sound BlasterX H3 PORTABLE ANALOGUE GAMING HEADSET PARTCODE 70GH034000000 SRP £59.99
Sound BlasterX P5 HIGH PERFORMANCE IN-EAR GAMING HEADSET PARTCODE 70GH035000000 SRP £59.99
Sound BlasterX G5 7.1 HD AUDIO EXTERNAL SOUND CARD WITH HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER PARTCODE 70SB170000000 SRP £129.99
BlasterX.com
Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
THE
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
FUTURE
05
Publisher Exertis Editor Nerissa Tong Design Sophie Hammond
Harlow Reception: 01279 822 822
WELCOME FROM EXERTIS
Address: St George House Parkway Harlow Business Park Harlow Essex CM19 5QF To place an order please call 01279 822 822 between 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday
AN EXCITING YEAR AHEAD Welcome to the latest issue of The Future. As 2016 gathers pace, the team at Exertis has been busy researching the latest trends and products for the coming year, ensuring you always have the edge on your competitors. Smart Technology is set to grow rapidly in 2016, so we explore how this benefits customers, making their homes safer and more comfortable, while saving them money. We also assess Black Friday’s impact on retail in 2015 and what lies ahead for the flash sale weekend this year, plus as it’s January that means CES, the largest consumer electronics show in the calendar. Our reporters have been out at the show, and they bring back details of the products you need to stock in 2016. Gamers are well catered for this month as we investigate easy ways to speed up a PC, alongside the best accessories to improve a player’s rig. Thanks to the rise in popularity of Twitch and YouTube Gaming we have a guide to creating video content for these channels, and continuing the theme of sharing there’s also a roundup of the finest gadgets to enhance any online multiplayer
Basingstoke Sales: 01256 707 070 Address: Ashwood Chineham Business Park Chineham Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 8EH gaming session. Then of course there’s the usual look at the latest industry news, trends, and analysis. It’s going to be an exciting year, so let’s get started.
To place an order please call 01256 707 070 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday To buy online visit store.exertis.co.uk
Alex Croft Commercial Director
When using icons inServices designs, consistent across the whole design Technology Retail Revenue / Finance the colour should remain Retail he graphic style for the icons is a flat, minimal, one-colour which uses rounded geometr Components Computing Consumables THE
Cloud Components Computing F U T U R E All templates are available to download from the brand hub at www.exertisbrandguide Security Retail Services Revenue / Finance Television 06
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
When using icons in designs, the colour should remain consistent across the whole design Computing Consumables Consumer Components Computing Consumables
Security Revenue / Finance UC hub Devices All templates are available to download from the brand at www.exertisbrandguide DVDs and
NEWS IN BRIEF Accessories
Security Accessories Audio Accessories
Servers Audio Accessories Automation Accessories Audio
Servers Software AudioBusiness Automation Audio Accessories Automation
Software Specialist Software Automation Business Channel AudioBusiness Automation Specialist StorageSoftware Channel Business Clearance Automation Business Channel Supplies Storage Channel Clearance Cloud Channel Business Clearance Supplies Supply Chain Cloud Clearance Components Channel Clearance Cloud Tablet Supply Chain CloudComputing Components Cloud Clearance Components
VIRTUAL REALITY, WEARABLES, AND Tablet Technology CONSUMER ROBOTS TO FINALLY MAKE Components Computing Consumables Cloud Components Computing IT BIG IN 2016
Technology Television Computing Consumables Consumer Components Computing Consumables B.I.G Red Book © Exertis Television UC Devices Consumables Consumer Digital Computing Consumables Consumer
The much talked about virtual reality revolution has been placed at the top of a new list predicting the top tech for 2016. In an interview with PCR, a spokesperson for Juniper Research, creators of the list, stated that “The technology is now poised to transform the entertainment industry, including gaming and video, over coming years, whilst offering the potential to quickly expand into other markets such as industrial and healthcare”. With Microsoft’s HoloLens already creating a stir in the media, and the Facebook owned Oculus now available for pre-order, it does look like 2016 could be the year that virtual reality truly becomes a mainstream product and gaming enters a new era.
Digital Consumer Consumables Consumer Digital
Other entries in the top ten include consumer robotics, a field that has also seen significant investment in recent years, with Google in particular acquiring several robotics companies; wearables will continue to increase their market share, with the anticipated release of the Apple Watch 2 in March, alongside new versions of Android Wear devices and fitness bands; plus e-Sports, bolstered by the popularity of YouTube Gaming and Twitch, will generate significant new revenues in the gaming sector.
Digital Consumer
Digital Consumables Consumer Computing Consumables Consumer Entertainment
UC Systems DVDs and Exertis Digital Consumer DVDs and Digital Consumables Entertainment Consumer Entertainment Visual Xbox and DVDs Exertis Gadgets Digital DVDs and Exertis Entertainment Digital Consumer Entertainment Xbox PARROT BEBOP DRONE 2 SEES SIGNIFICANT Exertis Gadgets DVDs and Games Exertis Gadgets Digital UPGRADES ON ITS PREDECESSOR Entertainment Gadgets Games ExertisGames Gadgets
Drones have been one of the surprise technology hits in the last year. The modern successor to the classic remote control airplane, these magnificent flying machines are easy to control, usually via Smartphone apps that give you a drone-eye view, and offer the system selling ability to capture video footage of their adventures. In this fast growing sector, the Parrot BeBop Drone proved a very popular model, but with the release of an upgraded second generation version, the brand looks likely to soar to even greater heights.
Gaming Growth Games Gadgets Games
Growth Gaming Gaming Growth Games
The Parrot BeBop Drone 2 is unique in that it’s the only device in the 500g category to feature a 25-minute battery life. This means that the famed stability and control that users expect from the BeBop will now translate into longer flight times. The 14 Megapixel camera has also seen subtle upgrades, with its viewing angle now adjusted to capture more ground and less sky, plus a 180-degree fish-eye lens capable of producing Full HD video and still images, all aided by stabilisation on three separate axis. The BeBop is designed for use indoors or outside, presenting plenty of opportunity for in-store demonstrations. Contact your Exertis representative now to book your flight.
Growth Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling Growth Gaming Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling Lighting Growth Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling
Home Entertainment Marketing Lighting THE BATTLE FOR THE CONNECTED HOME Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling Lighting CONTINUES Marketing Lighting Microsoft Major technology companies are set to up the stakes in 2016, as their Home Entertainment Marketing Lighting Version 1 supremacy - August 2015 fight for in the connected home 20 market gathers pace. With the Internet of Things fast becoming a reality, the importance of a Smart hub in the home, controlling various connected devices, has become paramount. Ideally a hub would need to be powered on at all times, located centrally in the home, and use low amounts of power. In response to these demands, manufacturers are choosing to concentrate on Smart TVs, set-top boxes, and media streamers as the kernel for a Smart Home.
Marketing Microsoft Mobile Marketing Lighting Microsoft Microsoft Mobile Marketing Microsoft Mobile
Samsung is introducing a TV featuring its SmartThings technology, which allows users to adjust security and environmental settings through commands sent from a Smartphone. Google’s Android TV home hub is another initiative set to grow in prominence throughout 2016, with Sony lending support for the platform, while Amazon looks to continue increasing Smart home integration into its streaming devices. Apple also updated its Apple TV at the end of 2015, focusing primarily on the addition of apps and expanding the capabilities of the device.
Microsoft Mobile
With so many big players vying with each other for the prime spot in the modern home, 2016 should prove an interesting year for customers and retailers alike.
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
Audio Accessories Automation Office People 07 Television Chan Busi AudioBusiness Marketing Automation Mobile Services Cleara Microsoft Mobile People Peripherals Print UC Devices Automation Business Channel Professional Services Cha Cloud Peripherals Print Cleara Mobile Services Microsoft Mobile UC Systems (VAD) Channel Business Clearance Professional Services Print Public Sector Visual (VAD) Xbox AccessoriesComp Cloud Mobile Clea MobileServices Channel Clearance CloudNetworks Professional Services Public Retail Sector (VAD) Xbox Cloud Clearance Components Accessories Audio Office Clou Comp Comp Networks People Retail Public SectorServices Retail
When Iconography using icons in designs, the palette F U T U R E and icons have been designed to be unique to Exerti TheDVDs Exertis Digital Consumables Consumer THE
Gadgets Games To buyServices online: store.exertis.co.uk Security Retail Revenue / Finance
Entertainment Gaming Growth Games
All templates are available to do Iconography palette DVDs and TheExertis icons represent THE RISE OF THE INDUSTRIALkey ROBOTS technology areas, services areas and Growth Gaming Digital Consumer Security Revenue / Finance
EntertainmentSecurity
analysts predicting that units sold will be revealed to top They are used toin 2015help visually Servers DVDs and 264,000; an increase of 15% on the previous year. Traditionally these Exertis Gadgets Digital types of robot have been deployed in large manufacturing areas such Entertainment as assembly lines, but in 2014 Amazon revolutionised its warehouses
Growth Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling
Sales of industrial robots are set to continue their upward trend, with
Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling Lighting Servers Software
by introducing 15,000 Kiva robots to speed up the processing and shipping of orders. With these new, simpler machines becoming cheaper and easy to implement, it’s expected that 2016 will see a further rise in sales of 10%, moving the total up to 290,000 units.
identify information about ou
The graphic style for the icons is a flat, minimal, one-colour
ExertisGames Lighting Gadgets HomeMarketing Entertainment While the US, Europe and China have all been the biggest markets Software Specialist Software
for industrial robots in recent years, the whole of the Asian market is expanding rapidly and looks set to possibly outpace its Western rivals throughout 2016. The potential impact of the widespread use of robots in the workplace is also causing some debate among experts, as low-skilled, manual jobs come under increasing threat. Retail itself is undergoing changes, with US superchain Target announcing a trial store opening next year that will replace staff with robotic and tech alternatives. It’s a long way from becoming the norm, but certainly the success or failure of that store could be hugely significant.
PREDATOR GAMING RANGE JOINS CloudACER’S Components Computing THE EXERTIS TEAM Retail Services / Finance RetailRevenue
When using icons in designs, the colour should remain cons Marketing Lighting Microsoft
Gadgets Games
Specialist StorageSoftware
Audio Accessories Office AutomationConsu People Com Comp
In an exciting new venture, Exertis has teamed up with Acer to offer the revolutionary Predator Gaming range to retail partners.
Components Computing Consumables Retail Services Revenue / Finance “The arrival of the Acer Predator series is a fantastic addition to our
Marketing Microsoft Mobile All templates Supplies are available to download from the brand hub Storage already diverse and exciting portfolio” says Simon Barnard, General Manager, Exertis Computing Division. “Not only does it take game play to a new level, but also helps our reseller partners to add more value to their overall gaming and entertainment proposition.”
Computing Consumables Consumer Audio Automation People Peripherals Print Business Security Revenue / Finance
Gaming Growth Games
Microsoft Mobile Supplies Supply Chain
Com Consu Consu
Featuring top of the line components, the Predator range includes everything serious gamers need to get the most out of their playing experience. Incredibly powerful desktops like the G6 - which boasts Intel Skylake Core i7 CPU, single button overclocking, and an NVIDIA GTX 980TI for rip-free 4K gaming - sit alongside equally impressive mobile offerings such as the Predator 17, a state of the art laptop with killer specs and the unique Predator FrostCore technology that ensures the device remains cool even when running the most demanding titles. The range also incorporates premium performance monitors, tablets, the Predator mouse, and a gaming headset for immersive online play.
Consumables Consumer Digital
Growth Gaming
Accessories
Tablet Supply Chain
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES TO GROW THE WEARABLES MARKET
Tablet Technology
Accessories Audio Growth Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling Technology Television
Devices such as the Microsoft Band 2, Apple Watch, and various fitness wristbands have caused increasing interest in the wearables market across 2015. While many experts predict that this will continue to be the case in 2016, new research sees a surprising sector emerging as one of the most driving forces behind widespread adoption of wearable technology over the next five years Pharmaceutical companies.
B.I.G Red Book © Exertis
Audio Accessories Automation Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling Lighting Television UC Devices The idea revolves around trials that are taking place in the US where companies such as GlaxoSmithKline have given Fitbit wristbands and pedometers to sufferers of various conditions in order to track their movements and behaviours. This data will help improve understanding of how people live with these ailments, and should lead to improved treatments.
AudioBusiness HomeMarketing Entertainment Automation Lighting
The steadily lowering cost of manufacturing, alongside rapid improvements in technology, has made the widespread use of wearables in healthcare a real possibility in the short to medium term. It’s expected that these cheaper devices will become an indispensable part of medical prescriptions; performing simple functions such as reminding the wearer to take medication, or even recommending different dosages depending on data gathered by the band.
Marketing Lighting Microsoft
Automation Business Channel
Channel So, instead of sending heartbeats to your loved ones on an Apple Business Marketing Clearance Microsoft Mobile Watch, you could soon be sending them to your doctor instead.
Professional Automation Business ChannelServices Digita Con Peripherals Consu Print (VAD) Digital Consumer
Professional Services DVDs Business Digita Con PrintChannel PublicClearance Sector Entert (VAD) Exertis is set to work closely with Acer to help position the Predator range as the biggest name in gaming hardware. This powerful union will also present plenty of opportunities for resellers to build on Acer’s already enviable reputation with leading gaming media and bloggers, while capitalising on its high visibility across social media channels.
Version 1 - AugustProfessional 2015 20 Services
Channel Cloud PublicClearance Sector Retail (VAD)
DVDs Exertis Digi Entert
Exerti Cloud Clearance Components Retail Public Sector Retail Services Gadge
Cloud Gadg Computing Game Retail Services RetailComponents Revenue / Finance
Components Gamin Consumables GameG RetailComputing Services Revenue / Finance
Which would prove a lot more useful.
Microsoft Mobile
Channel Clearance Cloud
Computing Consumables Gami Consumer Growt Security Revenue / Finance
THE
08
FUTURE
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
CONSUMER TRENDS DRIVING DEMANDS
IN 2015
SHIPMENTS OF VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS EXPECTED TO REACH
30 MILLION GLOBALLY BY 2020 (Juniper Research)
29% OF UK HOUSEHOLDS OWN A
TOP RANKING LIST
UK WRIST-WORN WEARABLES WERE UP 118% AND SALES ESTIMATES WERE UP 3 MILLION THE NUMBER OF BIOMETRIC TRANSACTIONS (PAYMENT USING FINGERPRINT SCANNERS) WILL REACH NEARLY
BY 2019
FIVE BILLION 40-42” FLAT SCREEN TV
55%
34%
OF UK CONSUMERS
ARE INTERESTED IN A MOBILE TABLET APP WHERE THEY CAN TAKE THEIR DAILY CALORIE INTAKE
OF UK HOUSEHOLDS NOW OWN A GAMES CONSOLE
22.6%
17.3%
NINTENDO WII
XBOX 360 BEING THE MOST POPULAR
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
THE
e design and should not be a mixture of light or dark colou DVDs and dio Exertis ue to Exertis. cessories Home Entertainment S Retail Channel Lighting Public Growth BusinessMarketing Gaming Clearance Games Retail Entertainment FUTURE dguide.com Iconography palette DVDs and es areasCloud and vertical markets. dio Exertis Gadgets Marketing tomation ccessories Retail Retai Channel Lighting Microsoft Growth Gaming Clearance Heating &Revenu Coolin To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
09
Entertainment
Iconography palette n about our business that differentiates our brand from com udio Exertis Gadgets siness Marketing tomation Security Retai Mobile Services Revenu Games Microsoft Mobile Cloud Components Clearance
Home Entertainm Growth Heating & Cooli
palettegeometry / square format. one-colourIconography which uses rounded
annel siness Services utomation Microsoft Mobile Cloud Mobile Components Computing
Gadgets Lighting Securit Gaming Games Home Entertain Heating &Reven Coo
emain consistent across the whole design and should not b rtis. annel Consumables Mobile Growth usiness Networks Secur Gaming arance Games Marketing MobileServices Home Entertai Components Computing Lighting
brand hub at www.exertisbrandguide.com Iconograp and vertical markets. hannel Networks Growth ud People Gaming earance Heating & Cooling Marketing Computing Consumables ConsumerOffice Lighting Serve Microsoft
RETAIL TRENDS
4K TVS BEGIN TO GAIN MARKET SHARE
Iconography p our business that differentiates our brand from competitors DVDs and Office Overall, consumer interest in tablets seems to be stalling, as larger phablet-style phones and market saturation begin to eat into the market. Ultra-HD 4K TVs are beginning to establish themselves, and the broadcasting of this summer’s premium sports events should only increase demand. After many years of dominance, dedicated physical disc players are starting to diminish as consumers move over to digital content supplied via multiple devices already present in the home.
People oud mponents learanceDigital Consumables Consumer Entertainment
Sales of Ultra-HD 4K TVs doubled in 2015, with an estimated 8% of UK homes now boasting the devices. One of the reasons for the increased interest is that of content. BT Sport unveiled the nation’s first 4K channel, BT Sport Ultra-HD, while the BBC announced plans to broadcast 4K programmes as early as 2016. Devices such as Amazon’s Fire TV have also driven demand as they provide access to the retail giant’s 4K streaming content. With the major sporting events in 2016, including the Rio Olympic Games and FIFA European Championships being available in the Ultra-HD format retailers should expect strong interest throughout the summer.
Home Entertainment Growth Heating & Mobile Cooling Servers Marketing Softw Mobile Ser Microsoft
Iconography p ur which uses rounded geometry / square format. DVDs and
People loud Peripherals mponents mputing Print Exertis Digital Consumer Entertainment TRENDS:
Home Entertainment Heating &Mobile Cooling Lighting Software Speci Services Microsoft Mobile
CUSTOMERS LEAVE BEHIND PHYSICAL MEDIA onsistent across the whole design and should not be a mixt TABLETS FACE COMPETITION FROM PHABLETS
Figures released in September 2015 revealed that the number of Professional Services DVDs and consumers owning Marketing DVDHome players had dropped by 4% in the space Entertainment Peripherals Print omponents mputing nsumables Lighting Specialis Exertis Mobile Services Networks Stora Gadgets The lack Digital of any significant new products in the tablet space, and the Mobile of three months. Indications are that the physical media devices are risingEntertainment popularity of high powered, large screen Smartphones, meant (VAD) not being replaced as they age out, with consumers preferring to use that market growth continued the downward trend set in 2014,
ub at www.exertisbrandguide.com Iconography palet Professional Services with analysts predicting a 14% decrease in the value of the tablet sector across 2015. There were hopeful indications of new possible markets emerging, as tablet owners expressed strong interest in complementing their devices with external displays, stylus, and wireless keyboards to increase productivity, or docks to use them in their cars.
Print Public Sector omputing nsumables nsumer ExertisGames Gadgets (VAD)
While the tablet sector struggles with slowing sales, new research provided much needed cheer to the market, with families viewing the devices as ideal companions for children. Of those polled 53% agreed that tablets were effective education tools for children as well as an excellent means of entertainment. This correlated with other research that discovered 53% of tablet owners thought it useful for there to be multiple devices in each household, with a quarter of respondents happy to mix and match devices from different brands.
Professional Services DVDs and gital onsumables nsumer Public Sector Gadgets Retail Games Entertainment (VAD)
digital streaming services instead. Blu-Ray players, once thought to be the next big market in physical media, look to have failed in their attempts at attracting customers, with only 23% of homes having switched to the format.
Marketing Lighting Office Microsoft Supp Storage Networks People
VIDEO ON DEMAND CONTINUES TO GROW
Iconography palette
In 2015 51% of the UK population were using video on demand services via their televisions to consume content. With the ease of access afforded by video game consoles such as the Xbox One and Playstation 4, plus streaming devices like Roku, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV, these figures can be expected to rise in 2016.
Ds and ExertisGaming Retail gital PublicRetail SectorServices onsumer Growth Games ertainment
VDs and rtisGadgets Services / Finance RetailRevenue Digital Growth Gaming Retail tertainment
Marketing Office Mobile Services Supplies Microsoft Mobile People Supp
Iconography palette
Mobile Services Microsoft Mobile People TableC Supply Peripherals Print
Professiona Mobile Networks Tablet MobileServices Techn Peripherals Print (VAD)
THE
10
FUTURE
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
CES 2016: THE BEST OF THE PRODUCTS THAT SHOULD LIGHT UP THE YEAR AHEAD. In January each year manufacturers, journalists, and retailers make an annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas. The purpose of this visit is not to recover from the Christmas furore by playing the slots or taking part in high-stakes poker games, but instead to attend the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES as it’s more commonly known. At CES they are exposed to all the exciting products that can be expected to dominate the marketplace in the year ahead; be they Ultra-HD TVs, wearable technology, laptop hybrids, or any other innovative electronic creation. Exertis had a team of experts roaming the halls of CES 2016, and we’ve collected their findings into this feature so you can keep one step ahead of the competition and know what your customers want even before it’s on the shelves.
ULTRA-HD, HDR, 4K, AND SMART TVS Just when you think TVs can’t get any thinner or the picture quality any better, big manufacturers such as LG, Sony and Samsung step up and show just what they can do. There was certainly a huge amount of buzz in this area, with all the main protagonists showing off Ultra-
HD models, blazing out gorgeous colours and clarity thanks to the 4K displays and High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature that looks set to be the norm in 2016. LG revealed its new Signature line of OLED screens that range from 55” up to a massive 77”. Each feature the now mandatory UltraHD Premium displays, 4K resolutions, and HDR for stunning results. OLED is not yet a common type of screen for TVs, but these models certainly illustrated why manufacturing may switch to them in the near future. A nice additional feature to the G6 and E6 models was that the TV stand also doubled as a sound bar. The biggest gasps of the show were reserved for LG’s ultra-thin 55” OLED model that could be attached to the wall with magnets due to its feather-like 1.9kg weight. It’s not yet commercially available, but the wow factor alone will be sure to sell these premium products when they are finally released. Not to be outdone by LG, Sony announced its flagship XD93 model that comes in both 55” and 65” variants. These UHD 4K models offer full HDR support and use Android TV to power their Smart functions. Sony also incorporated light panels into the back edges of the devices so that they can mimic the colours displayed on the display, and create a sense of depth for the viewer. Meanwhile Samsung
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
launched its new Super Ultra-HD (SUHD) lineup, which is more a brand differentiator than actual technology change from the UHD standard, with plenty of models, including the gargantuan KS9500 which boasts a glorious 88” display. It seems clear then that you can expect customers to be looking for bigger, thinner, Ultra-HD models in the next few months. They may also mention Ultra-HD Blu-Ray devices too, as these 4K models were revealed to be coming out in 2016, although no actual retail models were on the stands. The good news for UK buyers is that Samsung and Panasonic have confirmed that they will have units available in Europe sometime this year.
LAPTOPS AND CONVERTIBLES The success of Windows 10 has reinvigorated the PC market, with companies bringing plenty of cool new PC designs to the show. Many followed the mantra of smaller, thinner, lighter, which has long been the holy grail of mobile devices. One that grabbed the headlines in particular was Samsung’s new TabPro S, tablet/laptop hybrid. The slimline unit features a beautiful, 12” AMOLED display running with a 2160 x 1440 resolution, all powered by an Intel Core M 2.2GHz processor running Windows 10. It makes an interesting proposition for those who want something like the excellent Microsoft Surface Pro 4, but can’t quite head up to the £1000+ price range. A foldable keyboard cover is also included with the TabPro S at no extra cost. There were smart offerings from HP, Acer, and Lenovo which caught the eye, with the latter introducing its Thinkpad X1 tablet/laptop. This features a clever modular design that enables users to add various hardware when they need it - for example a Pico projector for presentations, or an Intel RealSense camera if they want to use the Windows 10 Hello security feature. This theme of bolt-on power continued when Razer unveiled its ridiculously cool Blade Stealth ultra-thin laptop, loaded with the latest Intel Skylake processor, 8GB of RAM, 12.5” 4K display, 512GB SSD, and an optional external casing into which you can install the graphics card of your choice. Expect other gaming brands to quickly follow suit.
INTERNET OF THINGS Following on from a strong showing last year, Internet of Things devices - essentially those that connect to the Internet and each other - were again a strong theme in 2016. The Smart Home sector had the best user-case scenarios, where security systems and environment controls continued to impress with their ability to allow consumers to monitor and adjust their homes directly from their Smartphones. The increase in Smart technology that’s appearing in new TVs is also one to watch, with the power of Android TV, Samsung’s SmartHub, and Apple’s revised Apple TV bringing more and more capabilities to the primary media device (and biggest screen) in the home. Of course one of the real growing areas of IoT devices revolves around how we monitor our health; something that was addressed directly in the new wearable devices at the show.
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY While the launch of the Apple Watch last year helped generate more public awareness in wearable technology, the focus at CES was very much on Fitness devices. Fitbit, probably the most recognisable brand in this space, unveiled its new Fitbit Blaze smartwatch/fitness tracker model that follows the Apple route of offering various bands for the more fashion conscious. There were also new models from Casio, Withings, and Huawei, alongside an impressive fitness bundle from Under Armour called the Healthbox, which contains a tracker, weighing scales, connected shoes, and chest strap. Several other products favoured screenless sensors that consumers wear rather
THE
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
FUTURE
11
than interact with. These included running shoes, socks, running shirts, sports bras, and wristbands. The overall sense was that Smart watches themselves are less of a draw for consumers at the moment, but fitness products have a value that is already understood and in which people are willing to invest. Of course this could change with the release of Apple Watch 2 later this year, and stepping up the focus on fashion rather than function for other devices.
VIRTUAL REALITY In recent years CES has been awash with excitement about Virtual Reality (VR) technology, and 2016 was no different. Sony, Oculus, and HTC impressed with their devices, all of which are set to actually launch this year. The Playstation VR is the one that many expect to have the biggest impact, mainly due to the fact that it taps into the already huge Playstation 4 user base. Oculus has refined its Rift technology, and previews have returned enthusiastic reports, but the product will remain limited to very high power PCs, which could mean its initial sales are slow in comparison to the Sony variant. HTC was the real surprise though, as its newly designed Vive model garnered huge praise for its deeply immersive experience. The Taiwanese company may have struggled with sales of its Smartphones in recent years, but if it gets this important new sector right, it might have a very bright future indeed.
ACCESSORIES As always there was a healthy supply of weird and wonderful new creations that should prove tempting impulse buys for customers. Sharkproof showed off its amazing liquid screen protector, which simply wipes onto your device and forms a protective barrier against water and scratching. Phone cases were plentiful, with Adopted displaying high-end leather and metal designs, while i-Blades revealed a new Smartcase for Samsung Galaxy S4 & S6 handsets which also acts as a slim battery booster. Photo buffs had plenty to cheer about, with the Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera harking back to the days of the Instamatic range, and HISY taking things one step further with its portable photo printer for Smartphones. Alongside this there were innovations in educational tech, headphones, and a variety of other areas, all of which point towards an exciting year ahead for the marketplace.
FUTURE
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
SUBSCRIBE TO ALL EXERTIS MAGAZINES
E
6 S 201
CE e duc
H re T TEC mers ir SMAR custo re the tech! r u you d sec latest Help rgy an h the ene es wit hom
pany
com A
s 2
s.
i
W
Ltd
2015
MOBILE
ny mpa
co
2
.
With Future Mobile you get all the new and upcoming announcements from the Mobile, Accessory and Wearable Tech industries in one thoroughly comprehensive mobile magazine.
E I Ls u e
is
TA
E
N
TE
from ws w t ne sho bes tech the st All bigge r! the e yea of th
ertis
(UK)
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT
W
Ltd
2015
pany
A
D
N
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.
Gin
M At e r
F
is
G e IN u s
A
a
(UK)
©Ex
com
R
pany
ON IVISI THE D DER! JOIN , PRE-ORarch 2016 NOW ble 8th M il Ava
right
Copy
la 6 o, fi The gest s age 1 sug on p re mo
com A
B O R MI N T E
IN
M
E
N
NES TPHO KS? SMARNOTEBOOs L L I W LACE nd line REP test tre nd out
U
c How affect ? s still inesse bus
T
TU
TION es VO L U arg THE RE OAMING l mobilrse cahnd OF soon woil nsume
FU
L
50 X
9 mia t Lu 10
right
16
d 20
K) Lt
tis (U
SUBSCRIBE TO ALL MAGAZINES
W
E
Ne
pany
com
A
ertis
©Ex
A
k it Loo ortun opp
o
f s rositoh Window
right
Copy
U a THE B at the ygrefor SMBs!
NLY OF THE OHNOLOGY ? tion olu TEC FUTURE k at thesienvess E TH ke a loone in bu
w
s u R bINTE
SE F SS CA SINE t new
h ta We martp of S
ic wM
I
OR VD
m o opp xt 12 Key e ne in th
ES BE
L
S
ee u in s s
TU
ion cat Edu l for nne ook cha the udb B lo C 016 ies for s One FOR 2 rtunit onth
EWIL RTPHON OBILE M MA
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.
3.
pire
r As Ace
TH
. ings at th gre
d Clou NS f o TIO er REDIC END P pow IG TR
ow le n ilab Ava
The
U
R
. Do s 10 dow Win
BUSINESS
F
E
E
TH
TU
R
E
TH
R
THE
12
er ©Ex
Copy
pany
com A
Ensure you are up to speed with the industry by subscribing to Future Gaming & Entertainment, Mobile and Business magazines today. subscribe@thefuture.com
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
RIG 500 Precision wins: Immersive 7.1 audio to hear the game from all directions. The Plantronics RIG 500HD headset delivers immersive Dolby 7.1 surround sound with high resolution audio support. Inspired by gamers’ dedication to competition, the RIG 500HD provides highly durable, lightweight comfort for competitive challenges. • Flexible, durable headset frame • Self-adjusting headband for stable comfort • 7.1 Dolby technology (PC software) • Memory-foam, isolating earcups block noise • 40mm drivers with low frequency resonators • 24-bit audio renders studio sound • Noise-cancelling boom mic flips up to mute • Breakaway USB cable For more information about the RIG 500 HD headset or any other Plantronics products, please visit our website at exertis.co.uk/plantronics
THE
14
FUTURE
BLACK FRIDAY
SUCCESS OR FAILURE?
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Judging by the figures announced in mainstream media, Black Friday proved a huge success for retail in 2015. Figures were up from the year before, sales topped the headline-friendly £1 billion mark, and there were little in the way of unsightly clashes between customers grappling for bargains. While all of this is true, it’s something of a reductionist view as Black Friday is now a complex issue that brings with it many challenges for retailers both on and offline.
TROUBLE IN-STORE In the lead up to Black Friday this year, ASDA announced that it would no longer be taking part in the sales, citing ‘shopper fatigue’ as the primary reason. Instead the Wal-Mart owned chain opted to spread discounts out over a longer period and avoid the mayhem that the one-day special offers caused. This decision sat well with the police, who had publicly advised retailers to adopt a similar strategy, and thus reduce the need for officers to be involved with breaking up the kind of violent disputes that marred the 2014 event. A large retailer in the US even decided to close all of its 143 stores and encourage shoppers, plus 12,000 staff, to spend the day outdoors enjoying nature that was rather less red in tooth and claw than the HD TV aisles of Best Buy. The campaign soon garnered nearly 300,000 supporters, which was either brilliant marketing or a sign that public interest was indeed beginning to turn against Black Friday.
A RECORD-BREAKING WEEKEND When the day came around, an estimated 89% of UK stores took part in the event, with market leaders such as Amazon, Dixons, and John Lewis all reporting record sales. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics put the growth in revenue across November to be up 1.7% from October, which far exceeded the forecasted 0.5% rate. Spending passed £1 billion on Black Friday alone, and topped £3 billion for the entire weekend. “We had a phenomenal day of sales with traffic and conversion up year on year” stated Mike Fethers, head of Games and Tech at The Hut Group. “Black Friday spread across Thursday evening all the way into Cyber Monday, which is a new trend.” This approach of dispersing the load across the whole weekend seemed to alleviate some of the headaches caused by a sudden crush of physical bodies and hungry web browsers. With several major retailers suffering server crashes in 2014 due to the unexpected level of demand, 2015 revealed a marked improvement. “Black Friday was much more organised this year” said Robert Lindsay, managing director of Games Centre. “Publishers and suppliers got behind the event to a greater degree than last year. Online sales were markedly up and although store sales were slightly down, due largely to the very wet weather, the overall increase was around 10% up.”
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
THE
Iconography palette ally information about ourF business that Theidentify icons represent key technology areas, services aS UTU Rdifferentia Eareas Ch Clou Marketing Cle Security Retail Mobile Services Components Revenue Microsoft Mobile Cloud Clearance 15
paletteidentify cons a Iconography flat, minimal, whichinformation uses rounded geoo Theyis are used to helpone-colour visually about Mobile Services
Microsoft THE CONSOLE WARMobile CAUSES CASUALTIES
One area of particular interest was that of games consoles, with Microsoft and Sony both aggressively pricing their systems and creating excellent bundles. This led to over 300,000 consoles being sold over the Black Friday period. While those figures were indeed impressive, they didn’t paint the whole picture in regards to how they affected a store’s bottom line. Such were the fine margins on the consoles, which in some cases saw the Xbox One and a few games selling for under £220, that profits for retailers were minimal. Then there was the added problem of the pre-packaged games, which saw the AAA titles FIFA 16 and The Uncharted Trilogy arriving in bundle packs with Xbox One and PS4 consoles respectively. The quality of the games, and ongoing appeal, meant that in many cases customers saw no need to buy additional titles with their purchase, losing retailers valuable upsell opportunities. As these bundles accounted for 70% of all console sales, the issue was widely felt to be great news for the consumer but less beneficial for the trade, although the increased user base may well provide revenue from game sales in the coming months.
Cloud Components Computing
Clo Com Cl Security Revenu
ns, colourstyle should consistent across theone-colou whole d Thethe graphic for remain the icons is a flat, minimal, Mobile Networks MobileServices
Components Computing Consumables
Cl Com Com Securit
to download from in thedesigns, brand hub at www.exertisbrandgu When using icons the colour should remain co Office Networks People
Computing Consumables Consumer
Co Com Con Servers
All templates are available to download from the brand hu
ies
ion
e
ents
Office People
THE AFTERMATH
DVDs and Digital Consumables Consumer Entertainment
Co Con Con Servers Softwa
DVDs and People Peripherals Print Accessories Digital Exertis Consumer Entertainment
Digi Co Con Software Special
Professional DVDs and Accessories Audio Services Peripherals Print Exertis Gadgets Digital (VAD) Entertainment
DVD Dig Co Specialist Storage Ente
Professional Services Accessories PrintAudio ExertisGames PublicAutomation Sector Gadgets (VAD)
DVD Exer D Supplie Storage Ent
While the record-breaking sales figures dominated the headlines, there were some who argued that the official figures lacked context. They pointed to October sales seeing a dip as people waited for Black Friday, and also suggesting that the all-important December shopping period may well be affected negatively due to Christmas presents being purchased during Black Friday instead. Then there was the problem of managing customer expectation, with the massive price cuts of 2014 creating difficulties for retailers who wanted to offer less painful reductions in 2015. A survey conducted by KPMG and the British Retail Consortium found this to be the case.
“November’s relatively flat sales figures are a reality check for the retail sector,” David McCorquodale, head of retail at KPMG, told the BBC, “with consumers holding off for a Black Friday bargain pitted against retailers determined to hold onto their hard-earned margins... Despite the hype around Black Friday, there was minimal loosening of the family purse strings compared to last year”. A recent report by the CBI also indicated that even though December trading was slightly above the average for the time of year, it still fell below retailers’ expectations and January looked set to follow suit, with only the upward trend in online retail remaining strong.
Professional Services Audio Automation Business Gadgets Public Sector Retail Games Black Friday remains a difficult area to assess conclusively. Even (VAD) retailers are split on the benefits of the pre-Christmas sale, with an MCV survey finding 65% in favour but the remaining 35% concerned that it could harm overall sales and create unrealistic demands from customers. Only time will tell how much impact the November weekend will have, but it looks very likely that we’ll go through it all again in 2016.
Exe Gad Supplies Supply
Automation Business Channel Retail Public Sector Retail Services Gaming Growth Games
Gad Gam Tablet Supply Ch
Business Retail Services RetailChannel Clearance Revenue / Finance Growth Gaming
Gam Gam Tablet Techno
Channel Clearance Cloud Retail Services Revenue / Finance
Grow Gam Technolog Televisi
Growth Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling
Cloud Clearance Security Revenue / Components Finance Home Entertainment
Gro Hea
THE
18
FUTURE
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
THE
ns in graphic designs, the colour should across th for the iconsinformation isremain a flat, consistent minimal, eThe used to helpstyle visually identify about one-colou our busine Clo Com Cloud Components ClearanceComp Components Computing Consumables FUTURE ephic available to icons download brand at www.exert When using in designs, the colourhub should remain conu style for the icons isfrom a flat,the minimal, one-colour which 17
Co Com Cloud Cons Components Computing Computing Consumables Consumer
All templates are available to download from the brand hua sing icons in designs, the colour should remain consistent
DVDsConsumables and Co Cons Cons Components Computing Digital Consumables Consumer Entertainment
Accessories
plates are available to download from the brand hub at ww
cessories Audio
Accessories
Accessories Audio udio ccessories AutomationAccessories
DVDs and Digit Co Cons Computing Consumables Exertis Consumer Digital Consumer Entertainment
DVDs and DVDsDVDs and Digi Exertis Co Digital Consumables Consumer Gadgets Digital Enter Entertainment Entertainm
DVD DVDs and Exert ExertisGamesDigital Exertis Dig Gadgets Consumer Ente Entertainment
HOW YOUTUBE GAMING CAN HELP BOOST SALES AudioBusiness Automation Audio Accessories Gadgets utomation usiness Channel Automation Games
Audio Accessories Accessories udioBusiness Automation Audio utomation
A few years ago the idea of people watching other people play video games online would have seemed like a very niche market. Today, with the games industry having surpassed both the music and movie sectors in terms of revenue generation, the audiences for live streams and game tutorials are absolutely huge. This sudden explosion of interest brings with it excellent news for retailers, as the future stars of gaming scramble to create content.
Automation Business Channel AudioBusiness hannel Automation usiness Clearance
Twitch was the early pioneer in live game streaming, and proved so popular that in 2014 Amazon decided to acquire the service for $1 billion. Now Google is capitalising on its already mammoth YouTube brand with the creation of YouTube Gaming, and it’s easy to see why. Ryan Wyatt, YouTube’s head of Gaming, recently commented that “Gaming is so big now. We’re doing billions of hours of watch-time a month, with hundreds of millions of users. It’s astonishing.”
Channel Business hannel Automation Channel Clearance earance CloudBusiness
Channel YouTube Gaming works by users creating recordings Channel Business Clearance Cloudof themselves oud earance Clearance Components playing games, to either show others how to complete certain
challenges, or simply for fun. They also have the option to host live streams, where the audience can interact with players as they progress through a game. The attraction for many is how easy it is to create content and then post online, which also presents openings for retailers who can provide the technology that can makes this happen.
Channel Clearance Components oudComputing Clearance CloudCloud omponents Games consoles offer a simple route, as the release of Windows 10 on the Xbox One contains a feature called GameDVR, which allows users to capture gameplay videos. These can then be uploaded to Twitch or YouTube Gaming (via the YouTube app). PS4 users can now livestream to YouTube straight out of the box, thanks to a system update released last September. GameDVR is also a standard feature on Windows 10 itself, so gamers looking to upgrade to a new PC will have an added incentive.
CloudComputing Components Cloud Clearance omponents Components omputing Consumables
Components Computing CloudComputing Components Consumables omputing onsumables Consumer
DVDs and Gadg Exert Exertis Gadgets Digital Entertainment
Gadg ExertisGames Gadgets Game Gaming Growth Games With most videos on YouTube Gaming having commentaries recorded by the creators, this means users need high quality microphones that they can use while playing. Gaming headsets are ideal in this case, with the likes of the ASUS STRIX 7.1 offering excellent performance and noise-cancelling technology to improve sound.
Gadgets Gami Gam Growth Gaming Games
Like on its larger sibling, YouTube, the gaming site also hosts ads before various broadcasts, providing retailers a potentially enormous audience with highly targeted interests. Of course, thanks to the low production costs and distribution service, it would be entirely possible for companies to create a channel to demonstrate new game titles or products they have in stock, all while engaging directly with their customer base in real time. It might actually be fun too.
Grow Gam Gaming Growth Growth Games Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling
Grow Gaming Heati Home Entertainment Heating &Growth Cooling Lighting
Hom Growth Heat HomeMarketing Entertainment Home Ent Heating & Cooli Lighting
Hom Home Entertain Marketing Heating & Light Cool Lighting Lighting Microsoft
Ultimate gaming performance for smooth, lag-free gameplay Contact your Exertis Account Manager today to find out more about our range: PART CODE SCREEN PROCESSOR GRAPHICS RAM DISK SPACE INCLUDES
GL552VW-DM2017 GL752VW-T4077T G752VY-T7048T G752VY-T7049T 15.6” FHD IPS LED 17.3” FHD IPS 17.3” FHD IPS LED 17.3” FHD IPS LED INTEL® CORE™ I7-6700HQ INTEL® CORE™ I7-6700HQ INTEL® CORE™ I7-6700HQ INTEL® CORE™ I7-6820HK NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX960M (2G) NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX960M (2G) NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX960M (4G) NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX960M (8G) 8GB 16GB 24GB 32GB 1TB + 256GB SSD 1TB + 128GB SSD 1TB + 256GB SSD 1TB + 512GB SSD HEADSET, BAG AND MOUSE HEADSET, BAG AND MOUSE HEADSET, BAG AND MOUSE HEADSET, BAG AND MOUSE
The faster the better. It’s time for a new PC with Intel Inside® and Windows® 10!
e unique to Exertis. Audio Channel Automation Business Business Clearance
THE
FUTURE ons services areas and vertical markets.
Growth Gaming Games
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
Business Channel Channel Automation Cloud Clearance
19
Growth Gamin Heating
LET GAMERS SHARE THEIR one-colour whichand uses rounded geometry / square fo yimal, areas, services areas vertical markets. Channel Clearance Home Cloud Cloud Components Computing HeatinE Lighting ADVENTURES Exertis brand icons ould remain consistent across the whole design and should WITHConsumables THESE tify information aboutCOOL our business that differentiates our b Cloud Marketin Components Clearance Home Components Computing Lighting ACCESSORIES om the brand hub at www.exertisbrandguide.com Icono flat, minimal, one-colour which uses rounded geometry /s
mation ourtobusiness that differentiates our brand fro ed to beabout unique Exertis. Channel Business Clearance Home En Growt Cloud Components Clearance Heating
TheConsumer Exertis icons been uniqu Cloudhave SOUND Marketi Components Computing Computing Consumables Lightin CHOICESdesigned to beMicrosof
Wearables is one of the fastest growing areas in technology. At the recent IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, manufacturers revealed a bewildering range of smartwatches, fitness bands, and wearable cameras, all of which are coming to market very soon, if not already. This confidence is backed by market analysts, who predict Worldwide sales of 84 million devices in 2015, rising to 245 million by 2019, which will make the sector worth a staggering £160 billion. With so much importance being placed on wearables we’ve put together a list of some of the benefits these devices offer customers.
Modern multiplayer games can be frenetic and lightning fast, requiring rapid communication between players. Being able to hear clearly what’s going on and articulate responses is often the difference between success and failure, so a quality headset is usually at the top of many players’ wish lists. Creative Labs, has long been a leader in this area, and the current Blaster X range boasts 50mm neodymium magnets that kick out impressively balanced sound, while the unidirectional microphone reduces background noise to keep vocals crystal clear.
olour should remain consistent across the wholeIconograp design an TheDigital icons represent key technology areas, services DVDs and Marke Components Computing Consumables Mo Consumables Consumer Microso Mobile Entertainment
nload from the brand hub at www.exertisbrandguide.com Iconogra They areand used to help visually identify information TAKING CONTROL DVDs Computing Consumables Exertis Consumer Digital Consumer Entertainment
Aside from the console itself, arguably the most important part of any gamer’s setup is the controller. After all, it’s the only element that they actually, physically interact with on a daily basis. PS4 users have always had the advantage of being able to plug headphones directly into their controllers and enjoy an instantly immersive experience, while Xbox One owners have been left looking on.
Mobile S Micros Mobile
ONE FOR THE RECORD
TheDVDs graphic for the icons is a flat, minimal,Ico o and style DVDs and It’s no longer only multiplayer games that allow players to share experiences online. The advent of web-based platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming now means that players can post videos of their solo adventures, or even livestream a playthrough to a real-time audience. PS4, Xbox One and PC gamers have built-in options that can capture gameplay video, but for PS3 and Xbox 360 owners, of which there are estimated to be well over 150 million, the choices have been far more restricted. Help is at hand though with the Hauppauge HD PVR2 Gaming Edition video capture device, which will allow users of these consoles, and PCs, to create 1080p videos of their adventures and share them online.
Exertis Digital Consumables Consumer Gadgets Digital Entertainment Entertainment
Mobile Network MobileS
DVDs and ExertisGamesDigital Exertis Gadgets Consumer Entertainment
Office Network Peo
When using icons in designs, the colour should Ic re
Now, with the new Xbox One Wireless Controller (White) gamers can finally be free from trailing leads that dictate where they sit. Voice commands and in-game chat mean they can take a more active role in multiplayer titles, while the improved, rubberised diamond grip and vibration-motor triggers give them an edge in performance. Pair this with the Xbox One Chatpad, which itself features a headset and audio controls alongside the bespoke keyboard that makes entering text and chat messages faster and more accurate, to create a perfect blend of control and conversation.
All templates are available to download from the Roxio also has a very popular solution, in the Game Capture HD PRO. This clever system not only offers Full HD capture, but can be set to record for a block of time that constantly rolls over, meaning you’ll never miss a moment just because the cameras weren’t on. It’s compatible with both current and last gen consoles, PCs, and has the ability to post directly to YouTube or Facebook. So now gamers on any platform can show off their skills to the World, or even review the newest games, without leaving their sofa.
DVDs and Exertis Gadgets Gadgets Digital Games Entertainment
Office People
ExertisGames Gadgets Accessories Gaming Growth Games
People Periphera Pri
Gadgets Accessories Audio Growth Gaming Games
Pro Peripher Print (VA
THE
20
FUTURE
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
KEEP THE HEAT IN AND THE BURGLARS OUT WITH SMART TECH Two areas that illustrate the primary benefits of Smart Technology, and certainly offer the most compelling proposition to customers, are those of comfort and security. Being able to control the heating in a home with a level of precision like never before, or have a system learn its owners habits so that it always maintains a preferred temperature, not only creates a cosy home environment but can also save users a substantial amount of money. Add to this the security appliances that contact customers’ Smartphones when issues are detected, display real-time video of their properties, plus capture footage of intruders, and it’s easy to see why experts are predicting rapid growth in this area over the next year.
the most comprehensive selection of premium Smart Tech currently available and support that is second to none.
At Exertis we’re already well ahead of the curve in Smart Home technology, with a specialist team dedicated to sourcing the very best systems and solutions in this increasingly important sector of consumer electronics. This considerable experience means we offer
Energy efficiency might not sound like the most exciting of subjects, but as pressure on fossil fuel supplies increases and price rises, the ability for customers to accurately and remotely control their central heating will seriously affect their monthly bills. For instance,
With the sector set to double in size over 2016, and bringing with it expansive sales opportunities, it’s important that our retail partners know what advantages these products afford customers and how they can be explained quickly and easily in-store. To that end we’ve put together this helpful guide which will have you up to speed in no time at all.
SMART THERMOSTATS
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
erketing used to help visually DVDs andidentify information about our busine Office Exertis Gadgets Entertainment To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
ghting rosoft
Retail Cloud Mobi Revenue / Finance Netwo RetailServices Components Clearance
THE
FUTURE graphy phic stylepalette for the icons is a flat, minimal, one-colour which u
Office Security Retail Services Cloud People Netw Revenue / Finance Components Computing
Marketing Exertis Gadgets crosoft bileMobile ServicesGames
if a homeowner finds themselves delayed at work, or has to travel unexpectedly, they can avoid heating an empty house by using an app on their Smartphone. The same is true if they go on holiday and forget to turn off the heating. In less than a minute they can rectify the situation from the other side of the globe and avoid unnecessary expense.
21
Smart Thermostats to control temperature, and can stream music wirelessly, increasing its appeal to customers that don’t want to buy several separate devices.
sing iconspalette in designs, the colour should remain consistent a graphy
bile Microsoft bileServices
Gadgets Gaming Games
Office Security People Revenue / Consumables Finance Periphe Components Computing
Preventing a break-in is always preferable when possible, as it avoids nasty repair bills. The MyFox Security Alarm (£249) has an interesting way of doing this, behaving in much the same way as a car alarm by sensing impact on front doors and sounding sirens before the burglar has time to force it open. The device also automatically disarms when recognising a Smartphone from a list of trusted devices that the user sets up; so no more fumbling with bags and keys while trying to turn off the alarm when you get home.
lates are available to download from the brand hub at ww This simplicity is one of the defining characteristics of Smart Tech, with devices such as the Nest Thermostat placing a high value on design and the customer experience. In fact, Nest has been such a pivotal product in the market that Google acquired the whole company for over £2 billion in 2014. With reported sales of around forty thousand units a month, and substantial customer awareness of the brand, this looks to be good business all round. The Nest Thermostat has seen several refinements since its initial release and now comes in two variants, the V2 (£179) which controls heating and the V3 (£199) that also incorporates hot water.
bile Services works Mobile
Growth Gaming Games
ce Recently the UK Accessories government created legislation encouraging the works People Growth Gaming Heating & Cooling use of Smart Thermostats, offering a reduction of VAT from 20% to
5% for any device professionally installed. This has helped stimulate the market, which now features a sizable range of products for the estimated 20 million UK homeowners due to upgrade their thermostats. British Gas has its Hive Active system, with two models - Heating (£179) & Heating + Water (£199) - offering similar features to Nest, while other notable brands include E.On Touch, Netatmo, and Tado.
Security
Peop Periphe Print Computing Consumables Consumer
Perhaps the most powerful method of Smart Security at the moment is that of the modular system. These allow users to buy different elements over time and extend the reach of the security in an affordable manner. Of course this also creates openings for retailers to provide these upgrades and highlights the benefits of multiple devices from the system. One of the most popular brands in this area is iSmart Alarm, which offers a range of units such as sensors for doors and windows, motion detectors, audio detectors, cameras, and Smart plug attachments for controlling the lighting while you’re away.
Servers
Profess DVDs and Perip Print Digital Consumables Consumer (VAD) Entertainm
ntiates our brand from competitors. A BIG YEAR AHEAD
fice ple
Accessories Home Entertainment Audio Growth Heating & Cooling
The Momit range is one that stands out in this area, as its quality products come with budget-friendly prices. The Momit Smart Thermostat (£159) follows the Nest design approach, bearing a simple touchscreen display and easy to use interface which allows the user to quickly change settings. Sensors in the unit can monitor when users are home, and then automatically turn off the heating once they leave, all without the need for any additional instructions.
geometry / square format.
ple Accessories pherals Home Entertainment Automation Print Audio Heating & Cooling Lighting
DVDs andProfess Exertis Servers PrintS Consumer Software Digital Public Entertainment (VAD) Smart Home technology has already proven itself a popular and growing market with UK customers in the last few years. As interest and awareness is set to sharply expand throughout 2016 we here at Exertis will continue to offer our retail partners the knowledge and products to take advantage of this exciting and lucrative market. After all, it’s the smart thing to do.
DVDs and Profe Exertis Gadgets Retail Software Digital Specialist Software Public Entertainment (VAD
e design and should not be a mixture of light or dark colou The device also gathers environmental data so that it can adjust the heating to respond to outside temperatures, and there’s even a geolocation setting which means it can detect when you are nearing home and set up the heating to your preferred state. For homeowners with boilers that don’t have electronic controls, there is also the Momit Home Thermostat (£99) which can be easily installed by the user and offers the same advantages as its Smart cousin.
Professional Services AudioBusiness Marketing tpherals Automation Home Entertainment Lighting (VAD)
ExertisGames Gadgets Retail S Specialist Retail Public StorageSoftware
Automation Channel nt Public Business Marketing Lighting Microsoft Sector Ensuring that a home is safe and secure is arguably the most D) important factor in most people’s lives. Evidence of this can be found
GadgetsRevenu Retail Supplies Games Retai Storage
dguide.com Iconography palette essional Services SMART SECURITY
Iconography palette fessional Services Business Marketing ic Retail SectorChannel Mobile Services Microsoft Mobile Clearance D) in the fact that the annual revenue for home security systems in the UK is valued at around £2 billion. Up until recently these have been traditional home alarms, of which 93% were professionally fitted. Now, with the advent of Smart Security devices, those figures are expected to change significantly, with users installing 40% by 2019, and a Worldwide annual market value of over £5 billion by 2021.
Iconography palette
One of the reasons for this explosive growth is the lower entry cost that video surveillance units like Guardzilla (£99), Canary (£159) and MyFox Camera (£169) offer consumers. These standalone units require no complicated wiring or external fittings, in fact the installation involves simply plugging them into a wall socket. The units are small, unobtrusive, and contain high quality cameras that can monitor a property, display video footage in real-time to a Smartphone, detect motion, and are smart enough to recognise pets without setting off the alarm.
Channel Mobile Services ail Retail blic SectorServices Clearance Cloud Microsoft Mobile
Systems like Kibbi also boast the same features as those above, but Mobile Services ail Services ailRevenue Cloud Networks / Finance Components allow Clearance consumers to turn old Mobile Smartphones into additional cameras.
Supplies Security Gaming Retai Growth Revenu Games Supply Chain
Gaming Securit Tablet Reven Supply Chain Growth
Growth Secur Tablet Home Ent & Cooli TechnologyHeating
There’s also optional sensors that can be placed at windows to detect whether they’re open or closed. Kibbi even works with
Office ail Services CloudComputing Networks enue / Finance Components People
Entertainm Heating & Serve Cool Technology Lighting Television Home
The greatest games line up in Xbox history.
Play Xbox 360 games on Xbox One.
Upgrade to Xbox One Today. Play your disc-based and digital games
Join multiplayer games and chat with your friends no matter which Xbox console they own
Enjoy the advanced features of your Xbox One, like Game DVR and Windows 10 streaming
Keep your game saves, add ons, achievements and Gamerscore
*Xbox One Backward Compatibility feature works with select Xbox 360 games, see www.xbox.com/BackCompat. Kinect and accessories designed for Xbox 360, and games requiring those accessories, are not compatible with Xbox One consoles. Xbox Live and broadband Internet required for initial download of game to console. Xbox Live Gold required for online multiplayer and cloud saves (sold separately). Beta preview program has limited functionality and only supports select Xbox 360 digital games. Games sold separately. See xbox.com/xboxone
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
THE
TheComputing icons key tis icons have been designed to be unique to represent Exertis. Channel Cloud Business Components Clearance F Uconsistent TURE s in designs, the colour should remain across the They are used to help v s represent key technology areas, services areas and vertica Channel Cloud Components Computing Consumables Clearance 23
available to download from the brand hub at www.exert The graphic for th used to help visually identify information aboutstyle our busine Cloud Computing Consumables Components Consumer Clearance
When using icons in deu phic style for the icons is a flat, minimal, one-colour which DVDs and Accessories
Cloud Digital Consumables Components Computing Consumer Entertainment
All templates are availab sing icons in designs, the colour should remain consistent a DVDs and Exertis Digital Components Computing Consumer Consumables Entertainment
cessories Audio
lates are available to download from the brand hub at ww
DVDs and Exertis Acces Gadgets Digital Computing Consumables Consumer Entertainment
TOP GAMING TRENDS FOR 2016
dioAutomation ccessories
With gaming now one of the largest generators of revenue in home udio entertainment it’sAccessories vitally important to know what’s coming next in tomation Business this fast moving market. We’ve teamed up with Juniper Research to track the trends and tell you the stories that will be making the headlines in 2016.
utomation siness Channel Accessories Audio
TRENDS:
DESKTOP GAMING GOES MOBILE
annel usiness Audio Accessories Automation Clearance One of the best features in Windows 10 is the ability to stream games
from one device to another. Taking an Xbox One game and playing it on a PC or Windows tablet liberates gamers from the often shared big screen in the front room. As this cross-platform integration model continues to mature expect consumers to embrace the idea of mobilising their console titles.
hannel AudioBusiness earance CloudAutomation GAMING TAKES TO THE CLOUD
While streaming games from an Xbox One to a PC is impressive, the real growth area in Wi-Fi gaming is set to take place in the Cloud. With graphics and game environments constantly pushing the limits of current hardware, manufacturers are looking at ways to use Cloud servers to take the computational load away from consoles. This combination of local hardware and web-based supercomputers will path the way for breathtaking animations and huge multiplayer Worlds. There are of course still problems to work out, mainly due to the speed of user-end broadband connections, but this is most certainly one of the most exciting areas to watch in the next year or two.
oud Automation Business Channel earance Components
NINTENDO SET TO RELEASE A NEW CONSOLE
DVDsAudio and Accessories ExertisGames Gadgets Digital Consumables Consumer Entertainm
The Wii U may not have exactly set the World alight, but many gamers still hold a deep love for Nintendo. There’s already quite a bit of interest surrounding rumours of a new console coming in 2016, with the mystery device going by the codename Nintendo NX. Whatever innovative tack the Japanese company take this time, it’s sure to cause a stir in the gaming space.
and Autom Audio Accessorie Gadgets DVDs Exertis Games Digital Consumer ESPORTS HITS THE MAINSTREAM Entertainment Last year Madison Square Garden sold out its 11,000 seat capacity when playing host to a League of Legends match, and with that people finally started to take eSports seriously. This rapidly expanding market is estimated to have generated £160 million in 2015 with professional gamers competing for a staggering £45 million in prize money. Expect 2016 to see even more revenue streams coming out of eSports as large events move to pay-per-view models for premium matches.
DVDs and Busin Audio Automation Exertis Gaming Growth Gadgets Games Digital Entertainment
SECURITY GETS SMART Growth Gaming
Automatio Business Chan Exertis Gadgets Games
With so much of gaming set to take place online in 2016 the temptation for hackers and malware is enormous. To combat this, security solutions will begin using network analysis, proactively looking for abnormalities in network behaviour rather than the traditional, reactive style of identifying destructive code in software after it’s been downloaded.
Channel Business Growth Gadgets Clear Home Entertainment Heating & Cooling Games
Channel oud Business mponents Computing Clearance
Channel Clearance Cloud Home Entertainment Heating & Gaming Cooling Growth Games Lighting
Channel omponents mputing Clearance Cloud Consumables
Cloud Clearance HomeMarketing Entertainment Growth Comp Gaming Lighting
THE
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
FUTURE
25
SPEED UP GAMING PERFORMANCE WITH THESE TURBOCHARGED TECHNOLOGIES Modern gaming is a visual feast, with ultra-high resolution graphics making titles like Rise of the Tomb Raider, and The Witcher 3 look more like movies than games. Ensuring that customers get the optimum experience with these demanding creations requires powerful PCs, gaming optimised monitors, and high quality video cards, all of which open up sales opportunities to this burgeoning market.
GAMING PCS Dedicated gaming machines offer customers instant access to high power performance systems, often with ability to upgrade elements further down the line. This both extends their lifespan and creates upsale possibilities for retailers that stock graphics cards, hard drives, and CPUs. Desktop systems offer the most in terms of raw power, with examples like the Acer Predator and ASUS ROG G20, featuring the latest Intel Core i7 processors, combinations of traditional HDs and SSDs to offer both storage space and lightning faster data access speeds, plus NVIDIA graphics cards to render even to most complex HD titles. With laptop technology rapidly gaining on its desktop counterparts, it’s now possible to buy systems like the ASUS G752 which features 32GB of RAM, an Intel Core i7-6820HQ processor, 1TB HD matched with a 512GB SSD, and a lustrous 17” screen, all of which makes for astonishing levels of performance in a such a portable design. Alienware’s 15 R2, and the MSI Dominator Pro, also include massively powerful specs, which is only to be expected from these hugely popular and respected gaming brands.
GRAPHICS CARDS One of the easiest ways to increase the power of a PC is to install a graphics card. The cards themselves do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to rendering images and animations, meaning a good quality GPU can quickly transform a humble system into a very capable gaming rig. NVIDIA leads the way in this field, with models to suit every budget. The GTX 750TI is a small, power-efficient unit that can easily be installed in existing systems while offering tremendous value for money. For customers who play popular MOBAs such as DOTA2 and League of Legends, the inexpensive GTX 950 has been tailored with these titles in mind, while GTX 960 and 970 offer increasing levels of performance and advanced features. Gamers wanting the most powerful experience should be shown the GTX 980TI, with its 4K, 3D, Virtual Reality, Surround sound and wealth of other premium capabilities.
GAMING MONITORS While you can play games on any display, gaming monitors are a substantial upgrade for the serious player. The increased refresh rate and response times mean that images are rendered faster and smoother, giving gamers the edge in frenetic online battles where reactions are the difference between victory and defeat. For customers looking to make the transition to a gaming monitor the 24” ASUS VG248QE offers a solid balance between power and value. Moving up the range, the 27” ASUS PG279Q incorporates reduced flickering and blue light emanation, reducing eye-strain so gamers can play for much longer; while the ASUS PG279AQ brings all of these features together in a glorious 27” 4K display. Curved screens are a recent innovation that greatly increase the gameplay experience by surrounding a player’s vision with beautifully detailed images. Displays such as the ACER XR341 and Predator X34 offer intense gaming sessions by using curved 34” screens that sync perfectly with NVIDIA graphics cards. For the ultimate immersive experience it’s even possible to link up multiple X34 displays for a truly stunning visual spectacle.
THE
FUTURE
EXERTIS GAMING
26
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
HOT PICKS
TOP 5 SOFTWARE 1
QUANTUM BREAK
FAR CRY PRIMAL Publisher Ubisoft Format Xbox One & PS4
Publisher Microsoft Format Xbox One Release date 5th April
PRE-ORDER NOW From Remedy Entertainment, the masters of cinematic action games, comes a time-amplified suspenseful blockbuster. Time is your greatest weapon as the end of time threatens. An intense and thrilling storyline brought to life in a way never done before by fusing gameplay and a gripping live action show.
ARE YOU STOCKING? XBOX ONE VALUE BUNDLE INCLUDES KINECT SPORTS RIVALS, DANCE CENTRAL SPOTLIGHT & ZOO TYCOON Publisher Microsoft Format Xbox One
?
Get the family up and moving with the Xbox One with Kinect Console Bundle, featuring full game downloads of Dance Central Spotlight, Kinect Sports Rivals, and Zoo Tycoon.
AVAILABLE NOW
TOM CLANCY’S: THE DIVISION Publisher Square Enix Format Xbox One & PS4 Release date 8th March
PRE-ORDER NOW
PDP PRISMATIC CONTROLLER Publisher PDP Format Xbox One
HAUPPAUGE HD PVR 2 GAMING EDITION Publisher HAUPPAUGE Format Xbox One & PS4
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
THE
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
FUTURE
27
TOP 5 ACCESSORIES 1
XBOX ONE CHATPAD
AVAILABLE NOW
Publisher Microsoft Format Xbox One Compose messages to friends, enter codes, and search apps in seconds with the Xbox Chatpad. Get to your apps quickly with two programmable keys. The Chatpad plugs into your Xbox One wireless controller, putting a backlit keypad and headset audio controls right at your fingertips. Also includes chat/mono headset with 3.5mm jack you can plug directly into the Chatpad.
THRUSTMASTER T150 RS Publisher Thrustmaster Format PC, PS3 & PS4
X-COM 2 Publisher Take Two Format PC
CORSAIR GAMING K65 RGB
ASSASSIN’S CREED CHRONICLES
Publisher Corsair Format PC
Publisher Ubisoft Format Xbox One & PS4
AVAILABLE NOW
5
TURTLE BEACH® EAR FORCE® RECON 60P GAMING HEADSET TRUST XBOX ONE CHARGE & PLAY KIT GXT 230 Publisher Trust Format Xbox One
PLAYSEAT® EVOLUTION ALCANTARA
Publisher Turtle Beach Format PS4/Xbox One/Mac/ PC DVD/Playstation Vita
TRUST GXT 213 USB HUB Publisher Trust Format PC
Publisher PlaySeat
5
1
FUTURE
2
XBOX WIRELESS ADAPTER FOR WINDOWS 10 RRP: £20.99 With the Xbox Wireless Adapter, experience the advanced precision and comfort of your Xbox Wireless Controller on Windows 10 PCs, laptops, and tablets. Use it with PC games, and Xbox One games streamed to Windows 10, to elevate your game wherever you want to play.
4
THRUSTMASTER T-FLIGHT HOTAS X JOYSTICK
RRP: £34.99 With detachable throttle control and direct configuration for immediate take-off! Entirely Programmable PC, PS4/ PS3! Unique: Plug & Play for ultra-simple and fast installation with all functions pre-configured for immediate take-off (without worrying about configuration).
7
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
STEELSERIES® RIVAL 300
3
6
XBOX ONE PLAY AND CHARGE KIT
LOGIC3® SPEEDY WIRELESS CONTROLLER RRP: £19.99 Keep the action going with the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit. Recharge while you play or afterwards, even when your Xbox is on standby. The longlasting rechargeable battery fully charges in under 4 hours. Say goodbye to disposable batteries and having to swap them out in the middle of a game.
RRP: £49.99 Special finish on surface for consistent grip when playing. Pressure sensitive buttons offer precise control. Include travel clip for iPhone and iPod gaming anywhere, anytime. Compatible with various game software ad download ‘PXN Game’ in App Store.
8
CREATIVE® SOUND BLASTER X® H7 USB GAMING HEADSET RRP: £139.99 Built with the powerful and versatile SBX Audio Engine, the Sound BlasterX H7 combines large, responsive 50mm FullSpectrum™ drivers to offer customisable, best-in-class 7.1 surround sound audio for absolute gaming immersion.
9
1
RRP: £49.99 Network microPC and media centre, based on Android 4.0 with HDMI 1.4 to connect to any TV or monitor. With built-in Wi-Fi, the Toucan HD Stick is a great choice to stream from your Android devices.
RRP: £49.99 The Rival 300 optical gaming mouse brings together unmatched performance and high levels of customisation for the best professional-grade, right-handed gaming mouse.
5
ICONBIT TOUCAN HD ANDROID STICK
TRUST URBAN DIXXO BLUETOOTH WIRELESS SPEAKER
RRP: £49.99 Listen to your favourite tracks and create your own party with the Dixxo Wireless Speaker. The speaker can be easily connected to your Smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. No Bluetooth available? Don’t worry, connect the speaker via a 3.5mm cable, micro-SD or USB, which are easily picked up with the integrated MP3 player.
5
TOP 10 ATTACH
THE
28
TURTLE BEACH® RECON 30X HEADSET
RRP: £49.99 Experience the high quality audio, crystal clear mic and lightweight comfort of the EAR FORCE Recon 30X officially licensed Xbox One chat headset and enhance your multiplayer games by communicating and strategising with your team.
10
PARROT® MINIDRONES JUMPING NIGHT DRONE
RRP: £159.99 The Jumping Night is an amazing robot equipped with two powerful LED lights with adjustable intensity. It is a smart terrestrial robot piloted in Wi-Fi 2.4 or 5 Ghz via the free FreeFlight 3 application. It is equipped with a wide angle camera that streams live, immersive views on the screen of the piloting Smartphone or Tablet. They take pictures and videos which are directly stored on the internal 4GB flash memory.
10
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
S T R E A M.
Stream games from your Xbox One console or Steam o n y o u r P C 1.
P L A Y.
D E T A C H.
Play the way you’re used to with the dual-analogue Controller System.
Detach and browse the great games and apps available in the Windows Store.
NOW AVAILABLE. join us for the latest updates and promos at:
For more information please visit: www.linxvision.co.uk or contact: sales@linx-tablets.com Pictures are for illustration only. Colour and design details may vary. 1 In-house streaming supported over home Wi-Fi network only. Xbox One console or PC must be using the same Wi-Fi network as the Linx Vision tablet. Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta now available in the Windows Store. Halo Spartan Assault now available in the Windows Store, Halo 5: Guardians due for release 27th October 2015 exclusively for Xbox One. Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows, Windows 10, Xbox, Xbox Logo, Xbox One are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Linx, Linx Vision, Linx Logo, Linx Vision Logo are trademarks of Exertis (UK) Ltd. All rights reserved. Company Registration No: 01511931 Registered address: Shorten Brook Way, Altham Business Park, Altham, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 5YJ.
THE
30
FUTURE
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
QUANTUM BREAK PREVIEW PUBLISHER: MICROSOFT FORMAT: XBOX ONE RELEASE DATE: 5TH APRIL 2016 TIME IS POWER In the aftermath of a split second of destruction that fractures time itself, two people find they have changed and gained extraordinary abilities. One of them travels through time and becomes hell-bent on controlling this power. The other uses these new abilities to attempt to defeat him – and fix time before it tears itself irreparably apart. Both face overwhelming odds and make dramatic choices that will determine the shape of the future.
SUMMARY Quantum Break is a unique experience; one part hard-hitting video game, one part thrilling live action show, featuring a stellar cast, including Shawn Ashmore as the hero Jack Joyce, Aidan Gillen as his nemesis Paul Serene and Dominic Monaghan as Jack’s genius brother William. Quantum Break is full of the vivid storytelling, rich characters and dramatic twists Remedy Entertainment are renowned for. Your choices in-game will affect the outcome of this fast-paced fusion between game and show giving the player a completely unique entertainment experience.
REASONS TO STOCK • • • • •
A GAMING FIRST? A blockbuster game with time-amplified action and a suspenseful storyline brought to life in a way never done before by fusing gameplay and a gripping live action show. Time itself becomes fractured in a time travel experiment, Jack Joyce fights the secretive Monarch Solutions to put things right before it’s too late. The actions you take and choices you make shape your experience in the show, creating a new and unique entertainment experience.
In-depth, fast-paced narrative experience crafted by Remedy Entertainment Top quality live action show that is directly impacted by choices made in-game Stellar cast of actors One story told many ways Pre-order Quantum Break and receive Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, the Xbox 360 game playable on Xbox One
Quantum Break includes full game download of Alan Wake, the Xbox 360 game playable on Xbox One, as well as The Signal and The Writer add-ons.
PRE-ORDER In this brand new standalone experience, Alan Wake fights the herald of darkness, the evil Mr. Scratch! A thrilling new storyline, hordes of creepy enemies, serious firepower and beautiful Arizona locations, combined with a fun and challenging new game mode make this a must for Alan Wake veterans, and the perfect jumping on point for new players! Pre-order Quantum Break Xbox One and receive Alan Wake’s American Nightmare® Xbox the 360 game playable on Xbox One.
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
XBOX ONE CONSOLE EXCLUSIVE
Extra Content Includes: Full Game Download of
and two add-on packs
THE SIGNAL and THE WRITER*
*At participating retailers, whilst supply lasts
THE
32
FUTURE
FAR CRY PRIMAL PUBLISHER: UBISOFT FORMAT: XBOX ONE, PS4 RELEASE DATE: 23RD FEBRUARY 2016 AWARD-WINNING FAR CRY FRANCHISE The award-winning Far Cry franchise that has stormed the tropics and the Himalayas now enters the original fight for humanity’s survival with its innovative open-World sandbox gameplay, bringing together massive beasts, breath taking environments, and unpredictable savage encounters. Welcome to the Stone Age, a time of extreme danger and limitless adventure, when giant mammoths and sabretooth tigers ruled the Earth, and humanity is at the bottom of the food chain. As the last survivor of your hunting group, you will learn to craft a deadly arsenal, fend off fierce predators, and outsmart enemy tribes to conquer the land of Oros and become the Apex Predator.
FROM PREY TO PREDATOR You will play as Takkar, a seasoned hunter and the last surviving member of your group. You have one goal: survival in a World where you are the prey. • • • •
Grow your tribe and hone your skills to lead your people Encounter a cast of memorable characters who can help push back the dangers of the wild Face enemy tribes who will do anything to eradicate you and your allies Defeat predators and humans alike and rise to become the apex predator
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
THIS IS FAR CRY’S STONE AGE After the last Ice Age, the glaciers retreated to leave behind a land blooming with nature and resources where humans and animals alike can thrive – provided they have what it takes to prove their dominance. •
•
Discover the majestic and savage land of Oros with its breathtaking valley of redwood forests, harsh taiga, and humid swamps where you can see Earth as it was before man laid claim to it. Oros teems with life from large herds of deer and vicious packs of dire-wolves to warring enemy tribes. It is ruled by megafauna such as sabretooth tigers and woolly mammoths, giant animals that dominated the Earth in the Stone Age and were feared by every other living being.
SUMMARY The Far Cry franchise is famous for dropping you into gorgeous, exotic locales, then giving you the freedom to mow down legions of bad guys and wildlife however you see fit. And while Far Cry 3 and 4 dropped unwitting protagonists into regions far removed from modern civilization, Far Cry Primal is about as distant from our everyday lives as humanly possible. What you get instead are lovable (yet ferocious) pets, bomb-dropping owls, and caveman clubs you can light on fire. This is still Far Cry through and through, sticking to the main hook of exploring a vast expanse and taking over enemy territory by force. But the ancient landscape of Oros and hardened hunter-gatherer protagonist Takkar make everything around that gameplay feel refreshing and unusual.
REASONS TO STOCK • • • •
Latest instalment in the FARCRY franchise Come face to face with Pre-Historic Beasts Most Viewed Ubisoft franchise on Social media Painstakingly researched, for authentic language, hunting and crafting techniques
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
THE
To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk
FUTURE
PREORDER NOW! COMING 23.02.16
35
THE
34
FUTURE
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
GAME CHANGING SKILLS Choose and upgrade your skills smartly and synergise with your team mates to increase your chances of winning in combat. Use the ECHO skill, a data collection tool that renders moments frozen in time, to learn valuable information about your immediate environment, find hidden loot, and help you to uncover the truth behind the pandemic.
SOCIAL SEAMLESS MULTIPLAYER
TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION PUBLISHER: UBISOFT FORMAT: XBOX ONE, PS4 RELEASE DATE: 8TH MARCH 2016 THE LONG AWAITED RELEASE OF UBISOFT’S BRAND NEW IP! On Black Friday, a devastating pandemic sweeps through New York City and, one by one, basic services fail. In only days, without food or water, society collapses into chaos. The Division, an autonomous unit of tactical agents, is activated. Leading seemingly ordinary lives among us, the agents are trained to operate independently in order to save society. New York City is being overrun by hostile groups that are trying to take advantage of the crisis. One such group is The Cleaners, who travel throughout the city wherever the contagion levels rise. Wearing hazmat suits and wielding flamethrowers, The Cleaners leave nothing but ash in their wake.
Seamlessly team up with friends to take down your enemies and achieve group objectives. Raise the security and morale levels of the surviving citizens of New York to unlock and secure bases of operations. Fight through a city where danger can come from anywhere and anyone, at any moment. The portrayal of New York City is the most accurate depiction to date in the gaming history, Ubisoft have built this interactive World enabling you to game with others with no load screens.
SNOWDROP ENGINE Powered by the fully new gen Snowdrop engine, Tom Clancy’s The Division sets a new bar in video game realism and open-World rendering. Experience a chaotic and devastated New York like you’ve never seen it before.
SUMMARY In a Tom Clancy’s universe dedicated to realism, players can explore the once-familiar streets and landmarks of the Big Apple, now decimated by looting and overrun by clans that will do anything to survive. From Central Park to the subway to the Statue of Liberty, nowhere is safe. Discover a persistent, online, open-world New York where exploration, combat, and RPG player-progression are essential.
REASONS TO STOCK • • • •
Brand New IP for Ubisoft Open World gaming on next gen Snowdrop Engine £3.5 Million marketing campaign PVP Dark zones- Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!
Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk
WHEN SOCIETY FALLS, WE RISE
AVAILABLE 8TH MARCH