The Future Magazine: Gaming and Entertainment

WITH XBOX ONE

Play the greatest games line-up in Xbox history

WHAT CAME OUT OF THIS YEAR’S E3?

We get the lowdown on everything gaming.

SMART HOME

DELL LAUNCHING BACK INTO RETAIL

The fully automated home could be here sooner than you think.

The tech giant returns to the UK now exclusively with Exertis.

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

JUMP AHEAD

FUTURE

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Copyright ©Exertis (UK) Ltd 2015

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Visit www.exertis.co.uk/it or call our specialist sales teams: North (Altham) 01282 776776 | South (Basingstoke) 01256 707070

OPPORTUNITIES THE

27%

of British Homes

To buy online: exertis.co.uk

HAS A SMART TV

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as many people are interested in owning

A SMART SMOKE DETECTOR OR SMART HEATING APPLIANCE AS THE NUMBER WHO ACTUALLYOWN ONE TODAY

08 12 MARKET STATS DELL LAUNCHING BACK UPDATE INTO 37% HAS A SMART SET-TOP RETAIL of British Homes

BOXES/MEDIA DEVICES

€2,600,000,000 05 EXERTIS COMMENT

Alex Croft introduces the August edition of The Future

06 NEWS IN BRIEF

(Berg Insight)

We round up the latest news and product releases from the World of technology

of women own a tablet in comparison to 43% of men

A new keyboard for Xbox One users of consumers are that will drive demand

interested in connecting a smart home via a smartphone to control all of their in-home devices

26 GUIDE TO GETTING SOCIAL

The home automation market will be worth €2.6bn Euros in 2017 and will cover 30 million homes

50% OF WOMEN

83%

24 THE NEW XBOX ONE CHATPAD

CONTENTS

Get the tips and techniques for (Mintel, 2015) getting more social with your customers

58%28 PC GAMING – THE BEST BETS

08 MARKET STATS UPDATE We look at the trends you should be

Womentaking aged 25-44 likely noteare of most in 2015 to own such a device (53%)

10 SMART HOME EDITORIAL NEWS FEATURE The fully automated home could be here sooner than you think

THIS CHRISTMAS

of consumers believe that and gadgets to keep Great games

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XBOX ONE EXCLUSIVE FORZA MS 6 44 HALOORIES

Hunt down Master Chief in this epic new instalment of the classic franchise

46 FORZA MOTORSPORT 6 Race in the rain, through the night, and in stunning HD

48 GEARS OF WAR The original game, remastered, rebuilt, and returning for the Xbox One

every happy this holiday INSTALLATION OF gamer SMART HEATING DEVICES WOULD HELP REDUCE TOWARDS REDUCING THEIR ENERGY BILLS

30 WINDOWS 10 GAMING EXPERIENCE Windows 10 takes gaming to the next level with Xbox One

32 HOT PICKS A range of best-selling Software and 5 Accessory products designed to make you more margin

34 OMNI-CHANNEL 12 DELL LAUNCHING BACK INTO RETAIL EDITORIAL NEWS FEATURE The tech giant returns to the UK now exclusively with Exertis

16 MICROSOFT SDA The dynamic keyboard and mouse built to keep you healthy!

18 THE RISE AND RISE OF PC GAMING The growth of the PC Gaming industry is taking the market and gamers by storm

22 GREAT BUNDLE OPPORTUNITIES ON XBOX ONE The best bits for Xbox One bundles just in time for Christmas

What does omni-channel mean for you?

37 TOP 10 ATTACH Our top 10 recommended accessory products for Gaming and Entertainment

38 SHARPEN YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE WITH EXERTIS The easy new way to sell Microsoft games, software and digital codes in store without stocking products

42 E3 DIVISION FOCUS We talk to Exertis’ own Alex Croft about this year’s incredible show

43 TOMB RAIDER Lara Croft is back, now with added tombs and raiding

50 ASSASSIN’S CREED Bring havoc to Victorian London, race carriages and indulge in gang warfare

54 EVENTS DIARY A round up of upcoming events and training days designed with your business in mind

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Publisher Exertis Editor Nerissa Tong Design Sophie Hammond

Harlow Reception: 01279 822 800

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

Welcome to the latest edition of The Future. This month the Exertis team has gathered together the biggest stories in technology, alongside some tips and guides, so you’ll know what your customers want before they even ask.

There’s an in-depth look at Smart Homes, a technology that’s set to grow rapidly in the coming months, especially now that Apple and Google are taking the area seriously. We round-up the best of the games from E3, and let you know which major titles you need to be stocking this Christmas. If you’ve ever wondered how you can use social media to improve your business, then we have some tips to show you how to better engage with customers and maybe even turn them into evangelists for your company. We also address one of the biggest challenges to the modern retailer, that of creating a consistent omni-channel experience. Our useful set of tips on this tricky area will set you on the right track.

Basingstoke

Of course the major event this month is the release of Windows 10. Microsoft has pulled out all the stops to produce a stunning new version of the World’s most popular operating system, and we delve deep into the new features of what Windows 10 means for the gaming market and how it can reignite the PC gaming experience.

So I won’t keep you any longer. Enjoy the magazine!

Sales: 01256 707 070 Address: 1 Elmwood Chineham Park Chineham Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 8WG To place an order please call 01256 707 070 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday To buy online visit exertis.co.uk

Alex Croft Commercial Director

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NEWS IN BRIEF WINDOWS 10 FREE UPGRADE OFFER FOR EXISTING USERS For the first time in its long history, Microsoft is releasing a new version of Windows for free. From July 29th 2015, when Windows 10 launches, existing users will be able to download the eagerly anticipated upgrade, so long as they are running either Windows 7 (SP1) or Windows 8.1. on their devices. With a wealth of new features such as Cortana (Microsoft’s voice-controlled virtual assistant), Universal Apps, Continuum, Virtual Desktops, plus a return to the more familiar Windows 7 style interface, Windows 10 is an excellent, modern version of the World’s most popular operating system. The free upgrade is only available for the first year of release, so users need to ensure that they follow the simple instructions on their PCs and install Windows 10 before July 29th 2016. Those back on XP or Vista won’t be eligible for the free upgrade, but will still be able to purchase a USB version of Windows 10 from retail stores.

Naturally some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device and market.

NEVER WAIT FOR A DELIVERY AGAIN, THANKS TO THE PELIPOD Having to spend an entire day waiting at home for a parcel to be delivered can be a frustrating experience. Now a new Smart Letterbox called Pelipod has arrived in the UK and promises to do the waiting instead. The idea is simple. Each Pelipod is secured to the outside of a customer’s home and features an electronic keypad that couriers use to deliver packages. Each order has a unique parcel code to ensure security, and as the Pelipod is connected via GPRS the customer is notified as soon as the package arrives.

CHINESE HANDSET MANUFACTURING SLOWS, BUT STILL PRODUCES HUGE NUMBERS In a report released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Chinese state agency responsible for the regulation and production of the nation’s electronic goods, it was announced that Chinese-based manufacturers produced over 760 million mobile phone handsets in the first half of 2015.

While this number is huge it’s down 4.5% overall on the same period last year.

Actual shipments saw an increase, with Digitimes reporting figures of 237 million (up 7.4%) with the majority of the handsets (195 million) being 4G models.

Meanwhile Xiaomi continued its impressive growth, posting sales figures of 34.7 million phones, making it the third highest exporter of handsets in the World, behind Samsung and Apple. The production of lower cost models for emerging nations also saw impressive figures for Lenovo and LG, the latter of which surpassed 15 million units for the first time.

RACE IN STYLE WITH THESE INCREDIBLE NEW ACCESSORIES FROM PLAYSEAT Racing games have increasingly developed into highly realistic driving simulators in recent years. Seizing the opportunity to raise the stakes even higher, Exertis partner Playseat has developed a collection of gaming seats that not only look amazing but support a huge range of next generation gaming peripherals. These luxurious loungers provide comfort for long playing sessions. Starting at the entry-level Challenge, which can be collapsed for easy storage, up to the lowslung luxury of the Grand Prix, these are easily the coolest present any racing game fan will ever receive.

The storage unit has a camera inside, so customers have the added peace of mind of knowing there will be photographic evidence of each transaction. Pelipod are also in talks with couriers so that they can use the camera and electronic tracking of deliveries as a replacement for customers having to sign for parcels. The Smart Letterbox has the added advantage of also being used for returning goods, saving even more time for customers and reducing their need to take time off work. The Pelipod comes in a range of colours, with users required to pay a small monthly fee for the upkeep of the service.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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NEW KAZAM HANDSETS OFFER UK CUSTOMERS INCREDIBLE VALUE

European mobile brand KAZAM recently announced a partnership with Exertis that will see two new LTE Smartphones launched in the UK. The KAZAM Trooper 440L and 450L offer amazing value being priced off-contract at £79.99 and £99.99 respectively.

‘The UK is arguably the toughest market within the European mobile industry’ says James Atkins, CMO at KAZAM. ‘As a challenger brand, KAZAM has worked hard to understand the specific customer wants and needs. With the KAZAM Trooper 440L and 450L, we now have a range of 4G phones covering the 4 inch to 5.5 inch screen categories, devices that are feature rich and highly competitive, at aggressive price points.’

The prices may be low, but the specifications are higher than you would expect. The 440L comes equipped with a 1.3GHz Quadcore CPU, 4 inch IPS display, and runs Android 4.4 KitKat. While its larger sibling, the 450L, boasts a 5.5 inch display, 1.2 GHz quad core CPU, and also features a 5MP main camera, MicroSD card slot for expandable memory, and the 2000 mAH battery which will give users 150 hours’ standby and 240 minutes’ talk time. Both handsets work on the 4G LTE services now offered widely across the UK, and also come with some unique additions including three-year warranties and a free replacement for cracked screens.

‘Why pay more for a big brand,’ says Atkins, ‘when you can enjoy significantly more value from KAZAM? Exertis is the perfect partner to help us achieve this aim.’

REVOLUTIONARY NEW SMART DEVICE THAT PROTECTS YOUNG CHILDREN Healthcare is a fast growing sector of technology. The ability to use specialised devices to monitor fitness, activity, and health in general has shown to be an effective way of avoiding potential illness. Blue Maestro is an award-winning Innovator in this space, with its wireless, Smartphone, and internet enabled solutions quickly garnering the company praise and consumer confidence. Partnering with Exertis, Blue Maestro is now releasing its Smart Pacifier, Pacif-i™, in the UK which will be of huge interest to parents of small children. Fitted with a smart temperature sensor, the child’s dummy sends information via Bluetooth 4.0 to an app on the parent’s Smartphone. This enables them to monitor any fevers, log when medication was taken, and share the data with medical professionals. It’s a unique device that could really make the difference in a medical emergency. To find out more about this and Blue Maestro’s other innovations, please contact your Exertis Account Manager today.

US MANUFACTURER ANKER IS ABOUT TO POWER UP THE UK MARKET Anker has been a dominant player in the US mobile accessories market for a number of years, with its premium power chargers proving incredibly popular. It’s excellent news for UK retailers that the company has joined forces with Exertis to bring a range of quality products to these shores.

As customers rely on their Smartphones more and more, the frustration of short-lived batteries is a common problem.

Anker solves this through its Power Banks and USB chargers (all based on Panasonic® power cells) that have gained a stellar reputation among consumers, averaging 4.5-5 star ratings in reviews. In fact the Anker Astro external battery was recently voted number 1 in class by thousands of online reviewers, praised by tech bloggers, and featured on mainstream American media. To beat the rush and to learn more about the full range of Anker products, get in touch with your Exertis Account Manager today.

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CONSUMER TRENDS DRIVING DEMANDS

27%

of British homes

HAVE A SMART TV

as many people are interested in owning

A SMART SMOKE DETECTOR OR SMART HEATING APPLIANCE AS THE NUMBER WHO ACTUALLY OWN ONE TODAY of British homes

37%

HAVE SMART SET-TOP BOXES/MEDIA DEVICES

83%

€2,600,000,000 The home automation market will be worth €2.6bn Euros in 2017 and will cover 30 million homes

of consumers are interested in connecting a smart home via a Smartphone to control all of their in-home devices (Mintel, 2015)

(Berg Insight)

50% OF WOMEN own a tablet in comparison to 43% of men Women aged 25-44 are most likely to own such a device (53%)

58% of consumers believe that

INSTALLATION OF SMART HEATING DEVICES WOULD HELP TOWARDS REDUCING THEIR ENERGY BILLS Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

RETAIL TRENDS CONSUMERS WANT SMARTPHONES, LAPTOPS AND TVS Overall, those most likely to purchase a technology product within the next six months are aged 16-35 who already have more than six technology products in the household and live in an urban location.

This group is 28% more likely to purchase than the average population. In the near future, Smartphones are number one on consumers’ purchase list.

TRENDS: SMARTPHONES ARE ON THE RISE AND REPLACING SPECIALIST DEVICES Smartphone sales continue to grow, with ownership now rising to 76%, up from 56% in 2012. The proliferation of these devices has also greatly diminished demand for basic phones, which are now owned by only 26%. New sales opportunities exist in this market though, as the cheaper devices can be promoted as travel/festival/ backup/emergency handsets due to their reliability and far superior battery life. The impact of Smartphones has also affected the sales of more traditional digital/video cameras, and satellite navigation/GPS devices, both of which saw a decrease in sales of around 5% between November 2014 and April 2015. This multi functional aspect can be highlighted to men aged 25-44, as they show much less interest in dedicated devices than those over 65.

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WOMEN FAVOUR TABLET DEVICES 50% of women now own a tablet, with those aged between 25-44 the most likely (53%) to purchase one. This contrasts with men, of whom 43% are currently owners. Overall the personal ownership of the devices stands at 47%. Tablets are still seen as consumption, rather than productivity devices though, with only 15% stating they were bought to replace a laptop or desktop PC. Interestingly tablets are now in 58% of homes while desktop PCs have fallen to 52%.

THE LAPTOP REMAINS A KEY PRODUCT The laptop is still the primary choice for home computing, being present in over 90% of homes. In most cases these are the standard type, rather than the Ultrabooks and hybrid devices (such as Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3) which only account for 8% and 2% respectively. Research suggests that around 1 in 5 people plan to buy new laptops in the next year, with Ultrabook owners an interesting demographic as they consistently prove to be key adopters of newer products. They are also more likely to own and purchase other types of personal technology, so highlighting companion devices would be wise.

INTERNET ACCESS VIA TELEVISIONS GROWING While Smartphones and tablets remain two of the most popular way to access the Internet, both growing in use to 64% and 47%, Internet-enabled TVs and set-top boxes have risen to nearly 20%.

Christmas and Black Friday promotions have driven sales of smart TV technology, aided by the likes of Netflix, Amazon, and Now TV content.

FATHERS ARE KEY TARGETS WITH TVS Fathers with children under 16 show a much higher than average propensity towards buying new televisions. 61% are planning to upgrade to an HD TV, 58% a Smart TV, and 46% a 3D TV. This also creates opportunities to upsell next generation consoles, BluRay players, and Smart technologies that enhance the HD viewing experience.

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THE SMART HOME OF THE FUTURE, TODAY Although home automation systems may have been available in the UK for many years, it is only recently that consumers are beginning to take notice of some of the tangible benefits that these products can provide. Definitions may vary but typically home automation products can include:

The areas that have seen the most practical use have been in home security, lighting, energy-saving devices and home entertainment and these are set to continue to grow.

So what is driving a market estimated to be worth around £160 million by next year? Familiarity helps. More and more consumers are connected to the Internet by a variety of devices and the increase in super-fast broadband networks has boosted wireless connections.

Being able to control key services in users’ homes, not only whilst they are there but remotely at work or even on holiday abroad is a significant milestone. Achieving this, via an app on a users’ Smartphone or tablet linked into the Wi-Fi or home network, has increased the awareness of how user-friendly and beneficial home automation systems can be. Instant ‘Alerts’ to a user’s Smartphone add significant and immediate value.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

SOLUTIONS FOR THE SECURITY CONSCIOUS Consumers are recognising that home security products not only help protect their home but help to reduce their insurance premiums.

This area has a multitude of products including: intruder detection through the use of home security cameras and motion detectors, smart locks for recognised access, basic smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (landlords will be required by law to install these in rental properties) and a growing number of products like flood alarms.

SMART CONTROLS AND SMART SAVINGS Certainly, householders are becoming more concerned about energy efficiency and more aware of energy costs with the roll-out of the of Smart Meters programme. This will undoubtedly lead to an increased demand for individual and central controls for heating and lighting with development of Smart heating and hot water controls that allow more flexibility than traditional heating controls, and increased opportunities in the lighting sector with the growth of LED technologies. Reducing costs through control of lighting, heating and air conditioning based on temperature, light levels or occupancy and reducing the number of electrical appliances on ‘standby’ mode can add up to significant cost savings that soon pay for the installation of such systems.

Of course home entertainment systems have been popular for many years but the advent of audio visual streaming services has transformed the home entertainment market leading to multi-room systems becoming more prevalent and the installation process much easier. In addition, traditional manufacturers of these systems have added wireless products to their portfolio which are aesthetically more appealing and at an affordable cost.

The perception by consumers of how much value using these type of systems can be, in terms of increased efficiency, cost savings and convenience, is certainly a key driver that will increase the footfall in retail outlets stocking these type of devices. Aligned to that will be the affordability of these products.

Whilst the home automation market is dominated by a number of global brands, there has been a significant increase in the number of manufacturers entering this market from traditional electrical, lighting and heating control suppliers to established IT vendors releasing products that can easily be incorporated into a home automation system and that can take advantage of wireless connectivity. More competition for similar products inevitably drives down the average cost and systems that are modular, and can be added to in the future, will encourage more consumers to enter the market. In addition, making installation simpler and more for the DIY enthusiast not only reduces cost but also increases adoption of these systems to a much wider audience. However, it would be misleading to say

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that all Smart home installation systems can be carried out without specialist installation support. It will depend on the sophistication of the system.

With new build homes, there is the option for hard wired systems and builders, designers and property developers have often been the early adopters of home automation systems. However, wireless products have also opened the door to many homeowners reluctant to add even more invasive cables to their homes. So there is great potential in the retrofit market.

With a growing number of products in the market from different manufacturers, there is the inevitable question about compatibility, so a drive to standardise home automation technologies and protocols is welcome. Consolidation has already commenced with 3 main players developing the Eco System: Apple, Google and Samsung.

With this plethora of products and an increasing number of suppliers in home automation, retailers need the support of an established and respected partner to make the most of this market. The connected home has been part of Exertis business for some time, beginning with wireless in the home, broadband and media sharing. Now we are taking this to the next level. By combining our specialist knowledge of the home automation market with our renowned expertise and range of services in retail, and coupled with our wide experience in the IT and AV sectors, Exertis has a SMART TECH offering that is unprecedented in the industry. Already, Exertis is a market leader in distributing Smart technology products with relationships with the largest manufacturers and a portfolio of products that covers a wide spectrum of applications in smart home automation.

SMART TECH EXPERTISE AT EXERTIS Our product specialists can provide expert help in product selection of home automation systems with a number of ready-made starter kits available for retailers to offer their customers. In addition, we can provide a range of merchandising and display options to help explain the market opportunities to consumers and arrange product and vendor training for sales staff as required.

Furthermore, as this market develops we can advise on the fast moving products that will create additional footfall and also keep you abreast of new products entering the market as the continued trend towards “the Internet of things” is likely to result in increased connectivity within home networks and include more intelligent home appliances such as fridges, washing machines, cooking utensils and even robots to vacuum a user’s house or cut their grass.

With SMART TECH from Exertis, you have an established partner ready to help you add this category to your retail experience and a proposition that can make a real difference to getting you started or driving increased sales.

If you would like to know more, contact: The Harlow office on 01279 822 822 or the Basingstoke office on 01256 707 070 www.exertis.co.uk

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DELL RETURNS TO RETAIL

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DELL PLANS TO MAKE A HUGE IMPACT ON ITS RETURN TO THE UK MARKET It’s been two years since Dell exited the UK retail market.

Since then the technology giant has been successfully working in the US, China, India, Canada, and Brazil, while continuing to watch and analyse trends in the UK. Now, in partnership with Exertis, the popular brand is returning with an impressive range of products that will quickly re-establish its market position.

“In the last two years we have focused on five key countries globally and now we’re back to the UK” explains Sarah Shields, Dell’s General Manager in a recent interview with PCR. “It’s a very strategic approach, we know exactly what we need to achieve, and it’s super exciting. We have got the best line-up we’ve ever had in terms of products, we’ve got an incredible strategy, and we’ve got a great partnership with Exertis.”

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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THE RIGHT BRAND AT THE RIGHT TIME Headline writers have consistently sounded the death knell for the PC industry in recent years. While it’s true that sales have slowed as customers contend with the changing landscape of tablets, Smartphones, and other platforms, industry analysts Gartner are now predicting a period of steady growth over the next five years. The summer launch of the excellent Windows 10 is sure to reignite interest in the PC platform, especially when paired with machines sporting powerful processors, high definition displays, and a range of innovative designs.

Capitalising on this opportunity, Dell has assembled an impressive range of notebooks, desktops, tablets, all-in-ones, monitors, printers, and accessories to meet the increased customer demand, all of which will be backed by the expert sales and support team at Exertis. This October sees the welcome return of many established product lines that will be instantly recognisable to UK consumers.

These include Inspiron, which has always been a consistently popular range due to its quality and value. Another is the premium XPS range that garnered such critical praise recently with the release of the XPS 13, a device many thought to be the best Windows laptop on the market. Alienware has long been a deeply respected brand for gamers, and 2015 will see the introduction of an exciting new product line - the Steam Machine. These PCs will run on Steam OS, an operating system optimised for videogames and developed by Steam, the largest and most popular gaming platform on the PC. Competition will of course be fierce. However Dell has ambitious plans for its first quarter, and with the company already being one of the most known and trusted manufacturers by UK consumers (after all one in three computers used in the workplace is a Dell), its timely re-entry to the market is great news for retailers and customers alike.

A POWERFUL NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR UK RETAIL In order to achieve these plans, Dell has chosen to partner with Exertis in the UK. This new collaboration has its roots in the hugely successful seven years that the companies have worked together supplying Dell products to the B2B sector.

“IN THE LAST TWO YEARS WE HAVE FOCUSED ON FIVE KEY COUNTRIES GLOBALLY AND NOW WE’RE BACK TO THE UK” SARAH SHIELDS - GENERAL MANAGER, DELL

“The relationship is really strong” says Mike Buley, Retail Director of Exertis. “We understand how Dell works and they understand how we work.”

Partnering with a company on the scale of Dell, with its wide product categories and high volume demand from customers, requires a distributor that has an intimate knowledge of UK retail. Exertis meets these challenges through the largest retail distribution sales force in the UK, providing key account management, and a dedicated development team. All of this is optimised by close vendor and customer relationships that ensure products are forecast correctly and any seasonal opportunities identified ahead of time. The varied fulfilment options offered by Exertis also guarantee that the products retailers need are there when they need them.

“We can reach out to customers and understand how they work, while understanding how Dell works” Mike Buley explains. “So it makes things a lot easier when you’re bringing products back into market.”

A RETURN TO THE TOP Dell’s return to the UK market is an important event which creates a distinct opportunity for retailers. The reintroduction of the respected brand name and product lines at a key moment in the PC platform is sure to create great interest among the UK buying public.

This, combined with the expertise and solid reliability of Exertis’ distribution capabilities, ensures Dell will soon be a major player in the UK once again.

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

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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Dell recommends Windows.

FUTURE

It leaves room for everything except the competition.

Sure, being the World’s smallest 13" laptop looks impressive, but its size is just the beginning. With the World’s first virtually borderless infinity display, available with UltraSharp™ QHD+ resolution, up to an Intel® Core™ i7 processor, Windows 8.1, up to 15 hours of battery life* and built with carbon fibre and machined aluminium, the new XPS 13 is amazing both inside and out. Which is great news for everybody — unless you’re the competition.

The new Dell XPS 13. Better by any measure.

Available now.

Call our specialist sales team: South (Basingstoke) 01256 707070 Offers due to end 31/10/15. Subject to availability, prices and specifications are correct at date of publication and may change without notice. Pictures are for illustration only. Colour and design details may vary. Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, and Xeon Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the US and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Dell, the DELL logo, the DELL badge, XPS are trademarks of Dell Inc. Dell Corporation Ltd., © 2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Dell Emerging Markets (EMEA) Limited is registered in England and Wales. Company Registration No: 3266654. Registered address: Dell House, The Boulevard, Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1LF. Company details for other Dell UK entities can be found at www.dell.co.uk

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MICROSOFT SCULPT COMFORT DESKTOP: A BETTER WAY TO WORK A mouse and keyboard have been standard fixtures on desktops for over three decades now. There’s a good reason for this as, in a World of voice and gesture controlled devices, the classic combination still remains the most efficient way of getting work done on a computer. This success has meant that the design of these items has largely remained unchanged over time, but that isn’t necessarily a good thing. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is now one of the most common injuries in the workplace, with extended use of a computer being a primary cause.

Of course comfort is all well and good, but users still need to be productive. Microsoft have ensured this by adding some helpful features to the keyboard and mouse. The split-key spacebar has a backspace capability, which reduces the need to stretch for other other keys when typing, as does the curved construction of the keyboard that means a number of keys are easily within reach at all times. As users would expect, both devices support the latest versions of Windows, including the just released Windows 10, with the mouse featuring a touch sensitive blue strip that can execute various navigational gestures in the OS.

As you can imagine we see a huge amount of products each year, but recently one arrived that impressed us not only with its quality, but also the innovative way it addresses the issue of physical health for those who use their computers on a daily basis.

A keyboard or mouse can often be an afterthought when buying a PC, but if users consider the fact that they’ll be using them more than any other part of their system it’s worth investing in ones that will help users work and keep them healthy. For us, the Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Desktop is exactly that.

Whereas a standard keyboard is rectangular and flat, the new Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Desktop resembles more of a gentle wave.

The central section of the keyboard is elevated to create an ergonomic feel, which helps users adopt a relaxed, neutral position throughout the day. This subtle adjustment promotes a more comfortable working experience, while helping to prevent strain related injuries.

It can feel a little strange to use at first, so attuned as we are to the traditional form factor, but it quickly feels second nature.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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To buy online: exertis.co.uk/home/store

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Accessories for Windows from the people who created Windows.

Buy the Sculpt Comfort Desktop set now for the ultimate Windows experience.

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GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE RISE AND RISE OF PC GAMING Gaming systems are alive and well despite a declining overall PC market. So alive, in fact, that the PC gaming segment is already twice the size of the console gaming market – and growing.

According to a recent report released by John Peddie Research (JPR) the PC gaming market will tip $21.5B this year and grow to over $23B in 2017. That’s supported by data from PwC that predicts sales generated

by PC games are poised to overtake those for video game consoles with the gap widening.

From the outside looking in, it may seem like video game consoles are the most popular products in the industry.

That’s beginning to change. So what’s driving this apparent shift in the market?

Despite the continued battle of the heavyweights in the console market with costly, high profile advertising, the PC gaming industry is enjoying fresh popularity with gamers thanks to the release of cutting-edge technology and an excellent range of gaming peripherals.

Although Microsoft and Sony have made huge improvements over the previous console generation, the system specifications are roughly equivalent to an entry-level PC gaming system in terms of total horsepower. Both the Xbox One and PS4 are packing low-power 8-core AMD Jaguar based APUs, with graphics engines no more powerful than mainstream discrete graphics cards. Indeed vendors

like NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD have enthusiast CPUs and GPUs that are so powerful, when combined with SSDs and fast memory they significantly outperform the computing power and gaming capabilities of the newest console generation. PC Gaming delivers amazing graphics, physics effects, and geometric realism, advanced lighting and more detailed textures that aren’t available on the console. If binge gaming sessions is a meaningful metric, then other research has shown that gamers play for longer on a PC than a console.

Besides the obvious performance and image quality benefits of PC gaming, its popularity ranges from the hard core gamer requiring top of the range hardware and best in class peripherals and components to the more budget conscious with lower end specifications that can still boast 1080p displays, with acceptable frame rates and high image quality settings for around the same price as a console.

Coupled with the fact that a gaming PC can simply do more and is typically better, then its continued success is understandable.

In addition, there is a huge variety of games for the PC at affordable prices compared to most console titles. The popularity of the part social network and part online store Steam has also been a driver towards the PC. What’s more, most games on the market today are released on both consoles and PCs including some of the most successful titles like Assassin’s Creed, Unity and The Witcher 3.

Naturally, enthusiastic gamers are demanding more. Monitors with lightning fast response times, slick refresh rates, high quality images and wide viewing angles. Peripherals like keyboards, wheels, controllers and headsets that offer something different and enhance the gaming experience with their technology and quality.

So you will be glad to know that all the finest gaming components and peripherals are available from Exertis. Getting the best experience from the newest games requires the latest graphics technology. Both

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To keep the rig’s CPU cool whilst battling the enemy, Corsair’s latest extreme performance liquid CPU cooler, the Hydro Series H110i GTX, provides a factory-sealed all-in-one solution for simple installation.

Samsung and OCZ continue to expand their Solid State Drive (SSD) ranges. PC Gamers are increasingly using SSD as their boot and gaming drive; installing Windows and their favourite games onto the SSD. Gamers benefit from speedier PC boot times, game load speeds along with general improvements in responsiveness. Samsung has introduced upgrade kits which provide not only the SSD, but also data migration software and cables enabling a simple transition from an old HDD to new SSD. Samsung’s SSD range now covers SATA, M-SATA, M.2, and USB3.0 interfaces, with capacities up to 2TB. OCZ meanwhile has been busy launching their new Trion model, setting a new bar combining performance, reliability, and volume price points. OCZ Trion targets the volume segment providing a market-leading combination of aggressive pricing and 3D-Nand performance levels. Capacities from 120GB to 960GB will be available. Not content with ticking the price and performance boxes, OCZ’s market-leading ShieldPlus Warranty service is extended to this range, taking all the hassle out of warranty claims with advanced replacement and pre-paid shipping label provided!

AMD and NVIDIA have introduced new models for the summer period. AMD has refreshed its line-up from mid-range to enthusiast with the new R9 3 Series; this includes the flagship Fury X based on AMD’s new Fiji GPU. NVIDIA has introduced GTX980Ti to the top of their gaming stack, extending the portfolio of its highly successful 9-Series. Indeed as you would expect from a leading graphics distributor, Exertis offers a full range from Asus, EVGA, Gigabyte, MSI, PNY, and Sapphire. One of the hottest selling models right now is EVGA’s GTX970 SSC ACX 2.0+; this speed-demon is pre-overclocked and comes with EVGA’s latest improved ACX cooling revision.

Combining the greatest graphics cards with performance motherboards is simple with Exertis. As the only official distributor in the UK for Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI, Exertis offers the widest range to satisfy everyone’s gaming dreams. The range includes the new Gigabyte Z170X Gaming-5 board, based on Intel’s platform supporting the latest 6th Gen Intel Core Processor with the addition of 3-Way graphics card support, dual M.2 SSD connectors, and HD Audio providing great base for a top-spec gaming rig.

Making the most of all this PC gaming power demands the ultimate gaming keyboards and mice. Beat the competition to the kill with Corsair’s new Scimitar RGB Optical Gaming Mouse with 12 customisable buttons, 12,000 DPI precision and dynamic multicolour backlighting. Combine the Scimitar with the Corsair Strafe gaming keyboard and users have the best weaponry to beat their foes; the Strafe is fully programmable with Gold contact Cherry-MX switches rated to 50-million key presses.

Build a user’s system into gaming chassis from Coolermaster or Thermaltake, such as the Thermaltake Core V51 which supports all high-end hardware and has all the space required for liquid cooling solutions. Power a user’s rig with market-leading PSUs from Corsair and EVGA. Both brands provide a top-to-bottom range to suit every pocket and performance requirement, including fully modular models enabling the enthusiast to select only the leads required to maximise air-flow inside the chassis, keeping the rig cool whilst the battle heats-up!

Gaming at a User’s Command

Contact your account manager today for more details

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GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

GREAT BUNDLE OPPORTUNITIES ON AN EVER IMPROVING XBOX ONE. Since launch, Xbox One has quickly grown up to become the all-in-one entertainment box with tons of improvements to an already great console offering a fantastic array of features, apps and games.

It promises to deliver even more following its impressive showing at E3 with a new feature rich controller, backward compatibility with many Xbox 360 games and an even better user interface on the horizon. Together with price drops, regular firmware updates, an expanding game library and some enhanced media playback capabilities as well as the ability to connect to a user’s TV set box and switch easily between playing a game and watching TV (or doing both at the same time), its popularity is set to surge.

the help of Cortana promises to be an all-around more intelligent console.

When the new user interface launches, through a simple and free system update, it will also take some of the best parts of Windows 10 and optimise them for gaming. Customers will be able to get into multiplayer sessions and parties faster, most-used content will be more readily available and gaming favourites more easily discoverable, all with Cortana as a user’s personal gaming assistant.

Without doubt 2015 has already delivered some amazing exclusive titles for the Xbox One such as Ori and the Blind Forest, Screamride, Neverwinter and of course the chart-topping Rare Replay, as well third party epics; Evolve, Batman: Arkham Knight, Witcher 3, Borderlands: THC, the list goes on. Expectations are rightly high for the rest of the year and with this in mind, Exertis is extremely excited to tell you about some bundle opportunities relating to key titles coming soon. Gears of War has a giant following, dating all the way back to the early Xbox 360 days and who’d have thought that gamers would get to re-live the epic debut title in the shape of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, re-geared for the new-generation.

It’s the title that brought gamers a co-op experience like no other, and with monthly improvements to Xbox Live and accessories like the Xbox One Chatpad arriving, it promises to deliver an even better experience than the original. What’s more, being bundled with an Xbox One 500GB, it’s a great chance to offer new console customers an unparalleled experience, or console upgraders the opportunity to re-gain that nostalgic feel with an explosion of classic Gears spice.

This isn’t the only bundle opportunity though: the 1TB console offers double the storage capacity of the original and can come as a solus SKU or bundled with Halo 5, Forza Motorsport 6, Rise of the Tomb Raider or FIFA 16, all of which include the full game download and 1 month free EA Access, alongside the usual essentials users are used to. This immense bundle line-up is the perfect opportunity to target consumers upgrading from Xbox 360 to Xbox One or 500GB worth of storage to 1TB. Something not to forget when talking to your customers is the eagerly anticipated new console interface. Gaming promises to get even better on Xbox One with a completely redesigned user experience launching globally later in 2015. Microsoft are including some big changes to make it faster to get to users’ content and with

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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Play it first with EA Access.

Only on Xbox One.

The Xbox One EA SPORTS™ FIFA 16 Bundle 1 MONTH FIFA 16 FULL GAME DOWNLOAD

3 LOAN

500GB

Play First. Play More. Play for Less.

Enjoy your free one-month subscription of EA Access, only on Xbox One.* *EXCLUSIONS, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS APPLY. SEE WWW.EA.COM/EAACCESS FOR DETAILS

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THE NEW XBOX ONE CHATPAD: INSTANT MESSAGE PLUS QUICK AND EASY SEARCH Here’s what all Xbox One users have been waiting for.

A quick and easy way to write messages to gaming friends, enter codes or search for their favourite apps or games. Now they can with the new Xbox One Chatpad from Microsoft. The Chatpad simply plugs into a user’s Xbox One wireless controller, putting a backlit keypad and headset audio controls right at users fingertips. It also includes a Chat Headset with 3.5mm jack, so users can plug directly into the Chatpad.

Featuring a full QWERTY layout, users can write just about anywhere on their Xbox One, vital in keeping users immersed in the game or finding their favourite shows and films quickly. For those familiar with browsing the ever-growing apps on Xbox One, users will appreciate the two programmable keys that allow users to access their favourite apps in seconds, as well as the speed at which they can browse the Internet Explorer app, search for games and movies or enter codes.

From the gaming point of view, online multi-player games (also known as MMO or MMOG) have been popular on PC for years, however only with next-gen has it been possible to get them accessible to the console audience.

With games like Elder Scrolls Online, The Division, Sea of Thieves, plus loads more coming soon, communication with fellow gamers is key, and that is where the Chatpad comes in. Seamlessly gamers will be able to instantly communicate with fellow comrades via message or in-game chat channels, which can be the difference between beating that dungeon boss, a users group taking cover from incoming missiles, or securing that in-game trade they’ve been waiting for.

The quality of the accessory is exactly what users would expect from Microsoft. It feels robust and durable without adding too much weight to the controller, which is paramount in keeping consistency whilst gaming. The backlit keys make it look fantastic in the dark, whilst the Chat Headset enhances the user experience and can be controlled by handy buttons on the Chatpad itself. It’s also compatible with Windows 10.

For retailers, the Chatpad looks set to be an instant success. Since launch the Xbox One has become a key device in 1.5 million homes in the UK with the console market worth approximately £750 million.

Moreover, the MMO market is on track to generate a staggering $11 billion in annual revenues by the end of 2015, representing roughly 21% of the Worldwide digital games market (source Superdata).

But probably the most compelling statistic is that gamers spend an average of £105 per year on accessories alone, so priced at £29.99 RRP and available from Exertis in November, the Chatpad is bound to be ‘the stocking filler’ for Christmas.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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XBOX ONE • WINDOWS 10

To buy online: exertis.co.uk

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Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows

Play with the Xbox Wireless Controller on Windows 10.

With the Xbox Wireless Adapter, experience the advanced precision and comfort of a user’s 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 a user’s game wherever they want to play.* * For use with the Xbox One Wireless Controller or Xbox Wireless Controller and controller compatible games on PCs and Tablets running Windows 10 with USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. Not compatible with controllers designed for Xbox 360. Significant firmware update may be required; ISP fees apply.

Please visit xbox.com/xboxone/controllerupdate for update instructions.

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OUR GUIDE TO GETTING MORE SOCIAL WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS The growth of social media in the past few years has been phenomenal. Facebook has 23 million regular users in the UK alone, with Twitter estimated to be on course for nearly 15 million by the end of 2015.

All of this presents an incredible opportunity for businesses to engage with customers and promote their brand in a space where people are always hungry for content. We’ve put together a quick guide of how to get the best out of social media, and create posts that customers actually want to see.

BE TOPICAL Always try to reference what’s happening in the World. If there’s a heatwave, then promoting cooling products is a sensible idea.

Linking into holiday seasons, sporting events, or big news stories are all excellent ways to join the wider conversation and hopefully bring people to your site.

BE HAPPY Social media is a form of entertainment, so feel free to have a little fun with your posts. Keep things light though, avoiding any touchy subjects. Many of the positive stories about businesses that go viral involve a good sense of humour.

BE RELEVANT BE SOCIAL People are on social media to interact, so make sure you allow this by posting questions, conversation starters and polls, as well as the latest deals. Building a rapport between you and your audience is key, so always respond to any comments quickly and with good grace. A company that is seen to be interesting, engaged, and entertaining will soon find itself with a glowing reputation.

BE BRIEF With a reported 80% of all Facebook activity in the UK conducted on mobile phones, brevity is also essential for social media. One way to achieve this is to use images rather than words, as figures show that these have around four times the level of engagement as that of text alone. Shots of new products, events, or happy customers is a fine place to start.

Remember each service has a distinct audience and vocabulary, so the brevity of Twitter might not work so well on Facebook. Take time to learn the language and style of each platform in order to get your message across.

BE VIGILANT Setting up a search for your business name is very important, as you can catch unhappy customers who might be talking negatively about you to friends. We recommend HootSuite or Tweetdeck which can automate this monitoring for you.

Engaging with the person directly can often diffuse the situation and possibly be turned into a positive piece of PR when done correctly. All the big brands have dedicated customer service representatives actively working on Twitter, to monitor, respond and generally engage with customers which proves to be very successful in maintaining good brand presence and experience. So you need to think about your resource and how you will manage it.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR PC GAMERS THIS CHRISTMAS The arrival of Windows 10 is great news for gamers this Christmas as it brings with it DirectX 12 (Microsoft’s new graphics API), the ability to stream Xbox One games to a user’s PC, cross-platform gaming, plus the new GameDVR feature for recording and sharing gameplay online.

We’ve already seen new gaming laptops from MSI such as the GT72 Dominator, GE72 Apache, and GE62 Apache, all of which come preloaded with Windows 10. There’s also great anticipation for the release of Intel’s new CPU generation, Skylake, by the end of the year and the performance enhancements it will bring. Of course peripherals remain an essential part of any PC gamer’s setup, so we’ve gathered together a selection of the best you can offer your customers this Christmas, all of which are ready to run with Windows 10.

NEW PLATFORM FOR SYSTEM BUILDERS Many PC gamers prefer to build their own systems, and will be very interested in Corsair’s newly announced Bulldog, a DIY kit design to bring 4K gaming to the living room. The chassis includes liquid cooling for the CPU and graphics card, a mini ITX board, 600w power supply, and an ultra-quiet fan design. Builders can insert their own components, and upgrade each part of the system themselves.

ONE TO WATCH Virtual Reality was the talk of E3 this summer, so the arrival of the Oculus Rift headset in the first quarter of 2016 could see it become the breakout product of the new year.

ENHANCE THE GAMING EXPERIENCE WITH THESE HANDPICKED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM EXERTIS BUDGET PICKS A quality keyboard and mouse can make a huge difference to PC gaming, improving accuracy, speed, and comfort.

The Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator gaming keyboard and mouse offers exactly that at an affordable price. For more complex controls there’s the EVGA TORQ X3 DPI-4000 gaming mouse, featuring 8 programmable buttons and an ergonomic design. Both are complemented by the Cooler Master CM Storm Swift-RX gaming mouse pad, an ideal stocking filler.

MID-RANGE PICKS With online gaming being such a key part of the PC experience, players require robust and affordable headsets to ensure they can interact with their friends. The new VOID range by Corsair meets these needs, with the VOID USB headset featuring Dolby 7.1 quality sound. The sturdy Corsair M65 RGB Mouse is a perfect companion, with its 8,200 DPI laser sensor for precision control, especially when paired with Corsair’s new STRAFE mechanical keyboard that features Cherry MX switches.

PREMIUM PICKS For players who want no compromises then the K70 RGB mechanical keyboard by Corsair is an easy choice. Each key features the legendary Cherry MX Red switches, multicolour illumination for complete customisation, and 100% anti-ghosting for incredibly accurate gameplay. The VOID wireless headset offers Dolby 7.1 sound, 40ft of range, and up to 16 hours of gameplay charge for those epic quests.

Of course no set is complete without a top of the line mouse, and the Scimitar MMO delivers in all areas of construction, precision, and comfort.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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To buy online: exertis.co.uk

Alienware recommends Windows.

FUTURE

THE FUTURE STARTS NOW. New Alienware laptops with Intel® Core™ i5 processors are here to usher in the next era of mobile gaming. Get full-throttle action anywhere, and with the optional Graphics Amplifier, truly intense at-home immersion.

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Call our specialist sales team: South (Basingstoke) 01256 707070 Offers due to end 31/10/15. Subject to availability, prices and specifications are correct at date of publication and may change without notice. Pictures are for illustration only. Colour and design details may vary. Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, and Xeon Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.s. and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Dell, the DELL logo, the DELL badge, Alienware are trademarks of Dell Inc. Dell Corporation Ltd., © 2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Dell Emerging Markets (EMEA) Limited is registered in England and Wales. Company Registration No: 3266654. Registered address: Dell House, The Boulevard, Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1LF. Company details for other Dell UK entities can be found at www.dell.co.uk

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GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

WINDOWS 10 GAMING EXPERIENCE WINDOWS 10 TAKES GAMING TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND THE XBOX ONE For many years now, Microsoft has maintained two of the most popular platforms in gaming - Windows and Xbox - so it was fantastic news when the company announced that, with the release of Windows 10, the duo would work a lot closer together. With all Windows 10 devices now sharing the same core code (once the Xbox One update is released in the Autumn) this allows new features to be added that will make gamers very happy, and open up a range of sales potential for retail.

CROSS PLATFORM GAMING Something that has been practically impossible up until now is the ability for PC gamers to play online against their Xbox One owning friends. Now, thanks to Windows 10, cross platform gaming is fully supported. So long as both players have original copies of a game that has the feature enabled, an active Xbox Live account, and a fast Internet connection, they’ll be able to wage war on each other no matter what the flavour of their hardware. The new Xbox app in Windows 10 means that Xbox Live games, friends, and achievements also follow players across their devices.

STREAMING GAMES FROM XBOX ONE TO PC Another fantastic feature is the ability for gamers to stream Xbox One games to their PC. Say an Xbox One is attached to the main TV in the home and other members of the household want to watch the latest decapitation in Game of Thrones, players can simply continue adventuring on their laptop while the console provides the content. Of course a strong Internet connection is required for this feature, and best results will come from more powerful PCs. This creates sales openings for not just the consoles and PCs, but routers and Xbox One accessories like controllers and headsets, all of which are PC compatible.

PLAYERS CAN RECORD PLAYTHROUGHS With YouTube and Twitch proving how insanely popular game playthroughs are becoming, Windows 10 has GameDVR built-in, which allows gamers to easily record their battles and post them online.

DIRECT X12 The latest version of Microsoft’s graphics API will see a big leap in visual performance for gaming on Windows 10, unleashing the true potential of high-end graphics cards. New display driver models will also increase the graphical splendour, especially when paired with Intel’s Skylake technology, due to be released at the end of the year.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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To buy online: exertis.co.uk/home/store

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HOT PICKS

TOP 5 SOFTWARE 1

NBA 2K16

ASSASSIN’S CREED SYNDICATE

Publisher 2K Format Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4 & PS3

Publisher Ubisoft Format Xbox One, PS4 & PC

PRE-ORDER 30 October 2015 th

The NBA 2K franchise is back with the most true-to-life NBA experience to date with NBA 2K16. Guide a user’s MyPLAYER through the complete NBA journey, take control of an entire NBA franchise, or hone a users skills online competing against gamers from around the World.

SPLATOON

With animations that provide smoother movement and more realistic articulation, it’s certain to be the most authentic NBA gaming experience yet.

Publisher Nintendo Format Wii U

ARE YOU STOCKING?

MUVO Publisher Creative

TOUCAN OMNICAST Publisher IconBIT Toucan OMNICAST is a compact device, expanding the capabilities of laptops on OS Windows and Mac OS X, Smartphones and tablets on iOS and Android.

?

Toucan OMNICAST broadcasts media from users’ devices to a TV screen, monitor or projector via Wi-Fi. Any monitor, TV or projector with HDMI interface are suitable for real-time broadcasting.

DLAN 500 Publisher Devolo

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TOP 5 ACCESSORIES 1

FERRARI 458 ITALIA RACING WHEEL

Publisher Thrustmaster Format Xbox 360 & PC Replica of the ‘Ferrari 458 Italia’ wheel. For the first time ever on Xbox 360!

Pedal set featuring pedals with long range of travel, plus realistic resistance and angle.

GRIP 500 LASER GAMING MOUSE

WWE 2K16

Publisher Turtle Beach Format PC

Publisher 2K Format Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4 & PS3 PRE-ORDER 30 th October 2015

IMPACT 700 PREMIUM BACKLIT MECHANICAL GAMING KEYBOARD HALO 5 Publisher Microsoft Format Xbox One

MYSMARTHOME Publisher Hauppauge

Publisher Turtle Beach Format PC

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XBOX ONE WIRELESS CONTROLLER Publisher Microsoft Format Xbox One

SOUND BLASTER ROAR Publisher Creative

SIBERIA V3 PRISM HEADSET Publisher SteelSeries Format PC & PS4

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WHAT DOES OMNI-CHANNEL MEAN FOR YOU? It was simple once. Customers went to a store and bought a product.

Now, with the prevalence of technology, the process is often more complicated. Consumers research products online before visiting stores (or sometimes simultaneously), explore options on social media, use dedicated apps, phone calls, or printed catalogues.

So, simply put, omni channel is all about providing consistency of experience for the customer. This presents a challenge for retailers to provide a seamless sales experience, regardless of which route customers take to your door. Here we’ve provided some key ways to optimise the retail experience you deliver.

BE YOUR CUSTOMER FOR THE DAY The best way to know your customers’ experience is to go through it yourself. Regularly review your service using testers (internal and external) who place orders, search for information, contact customer support, and explore every part of the process. Then any problems you discover can be fixed before your real customers find them.

PROVIDE THE INFORMATION CUSTOMERS WANT, WHERE THEY WANT Information is a key element of the modern shopping experience so present the relevant data customers need on all your channels. Store opening times, locations, stock levels, prices, and promotions are all very important details online, while product information and costs are key in-store.

ENGAGE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS ONLINE Listening to customer feedback is an essential element of any business, and social media now provides a great tool for interacting with your customers directly. This approach can help you understand what they like and value, which in turn equips you to make your brand more relevant to them. See our social media feature on page 26 on tips and types of content to use.

DATA IS YOUR FRIEND Online measurement can tell you so much about your customers.

When do they visit? What device do they use? And at what point of the process do they leave? Use every part of this to build up knowledge of their preferences. Google Analytics is also a useful way to measure trends and plan your marketing strategy.

EMBRACE THE OPPORTUNITY The Internet has changed consumer expectations permanently, but this is a good thing. Retailers who now provide detailed information via search, user-friendly apps and websites, while displaying relevant details in-store, will see increased reach and engagement. Social media, online metrics, and customer feedback mean they can also create customised offers that consumers actually desire. The tools and opportunities are there, and those that use them will find themselves ahead of the competition.

If you are interested in help to develop and streamline your in store or online marketing messaging please speak to our Retail Services Team today on 01256 70 70 70.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

Ask for a powerful notebook to become your gaming ally.

Buy One. Get Windows 10 free.*

Aspire V Nitro Cutting-edge Intel速 processors combined with NVIDIA GeForce速 GTX graphics cards to ensure powerful performance and astounding gaming experiences.

Available at * Pre-release product shown, subject to change. Apps sold separately. Windows 10 Upgrade Offer valid for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices (including devices you already own) for one year after Windows 10 upgrade availability. Visit windows.com/windows10upgrade for more details.

BenQ Curved Gaming Monitor XR3501 2000R Ultra Curvature for a Total Immersive Feeling 144Hz Refresh Rate for Smooth Fast Motions

XR3501

Designed for a more immersive racing experience, the XR3501 straps gamers in their seats with its 2000R curvature and 144Hz refresh rate. The ultimate high performance 35 inch curved gaming monitor will empower users to Feel The Thrill Of The Curve.

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PLAYSEAT EVOLUTION ALCANTARA

RRP: £239.99 Take a seat and drive as fast as possible in the Playseat® Evolution Alcantara! Used by professional drivers like Sebastian Vettel to practice race tracks.

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ICONBIT TOUCAN HD ANDROID STICK

RRP: £49.99 Network micro PC 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 users’ Android devices.

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HAUPPAGE HD PVR ROCKET

RRP: £179.99 Simply plug a USB thumb drive into the slot on the front of the Rocket and users can start recording from their games console or PC.

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TURTLE BEACH GRIP 500 LASER GAMING MOUSE

RRP: £54.99 Format: PC The Turtle Beach Grip 500 laser gaming mouse has an illuminated 7-button scroll wheel mouse that uses premium components such as Avago 9800 laser sensors and Omron switches to deliver steady, precise gaming control.

FUTURE

5 FERRARI 458 ITALIA RACING WHEEL RRP: £79.99 Format: Xbox 360, PC Realistic racing wheel under official licences by Ferrari and Microsoft Xbox One designed to be a Replica of the FERRARI 458 SPIDER steering wheel. A wide and adjustable optimised pedal set are included.

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SPS ACTION CAMERA FULL HD, WI-FI WITH LCD DISPLAY

RRP: £199.99 This cam is equipped with wifi that enables users to print their photo, unload their video onto social media; perfect for all extreme sports fans with its bike holder, helmet support, water proof case, usb micro-usb cable.

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TURTLE BEACH IMPACT 700 PREMIUM BACKLIT MECHANICAL GAMING KEYBOARD

RRP: £159.99 Premium-quality backlit mechanical PC gaming keyboard for a smooth responsive, tactile feel and laser-engraved keycaps with multiple illumination modes, all set in a steel-reinforced chassis for stability and maximum durability.

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OFFICIAL MICROSOFT XBOX ONE WIRELESS CONTROLLER

RRP: £49.99 Experience the action like never before with the Xbox One Wireless Controller. New Impulse Triggers deliver fingertip vibration feedback, so users can feel every jolt and crash in high definition.

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TURTLE BEACH EAR FORCE: RECON 50

RRP: £39.99 With 40mm Neodymium speakers and in-line controls users can use the highsensitivity adjustable boom mic for ingame and online chat, and then remove it when listening to music and watching movies.

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STEELSERIES SIBERIA X100

RRP: £54.99 Experience a new level of comfort on the Xbox One with the officially licenced SteelSeries Siberia X100 Lightweight Gaming Headset.

The enjoyable, relaxed fit is built for hours and hours of gaming.

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SHARPEN YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE WITH EXERTIS DIGITAL THE NEW WAY TO SELL DIGITAL CODES IN STORE!

Exertis has extended its range of retail services to include electronic software distribution through Exertis Digital. Faster, simpler and less expensive than having physical stock in store, Exertis Digital provides a convenient online service for retailers and small business to sell a comprehensive range of best-selling games and software products. With Exertis Digital, there is no upfront investment required in buying, shipping or stocking physical products in store. Moreover, it eliminates all freight and stock rotation costs and ensures that no products are lost through shipment errors, theft or damage. Retailers benefit from more efficient and better use of shelf space whilst promoting an even greater selection of the latest titles and customers can easily download their purchase conveniently at home.

Through Exertis Digital, retailers can sell Xbox Live digital codes, Microsoft Office products and games in the knowledge that the products are always available, making it easier to increase the in-store attach rate to a hardware sale whilst consumers have a convenient and more eco-friendly way of selecting the products they wish to purchase.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING EXERTIS DIGITAL? • Free, easy-to-use digital model • Quick, in-store turnaround time when selling digital codes • All products sold on consignment basis i.e. you only pay us after your customers pay you • Increase product breadth with no stock risk and 100% availability • Account manager and marketing support • Consistent updates and retailer feedback improvements planned

Retailers and small businesses can still use their existing Exertis credit account to purchase these effectively on a consignment basis, done online in the easy-to-use portal. The process is simple and hassle free for both the retailer/small business and the consumer. For instance, in a retail store, the customer simply selects the title, taking the envelope from the display stand, and at the point of purchase pays for the product and receives a printed code. In the comfort of their own home or office, the consumer activates the code and downloads the software over the Internet using their choice of hardware device.

Microsoft’s Pawan Bhardwaj said, “Digital codes offer the unique opportunity for retailers to promote the thousands of great games, software and add-ons available within the marketplace without being exposed on stock. Not only that, but the customer experience becomes more personalised than ever before. Local stores can help to select innovative and exciting titles and office products that might be overlooked by some of the more publicised games.

With Exertis Digital, retailers have a chance to grasp the digital opportunity to ensure they are offering customers what they want, which is a combination of disc and digital products”.

WHAT WILL YOU RECEIVE WHEN YOU SIGN UP TO EXERTIS DIGITAL? The Exertis Digital pack includes the following: • 1 x Xbox Live branded Free Standing Display Unit • 24 x Dummy boxes (with inlays promoting current eDigital initial SKUs) • 1 x Label Printer • 1 x Step-by-Step User Guide • 150 x Xbox Live branded Gatefold Envelopes

HOW DOES EXERTIS DIGITAL WORK? 1. Consumer takes desired product from FSDU to the till 2. Retailer purchases products via Exertis Digital website 3. On confirmation page, retailer prints code(s) using the label printer 4. Retailer sticks code into the branded Premium Gatefold Envelope and hands to customer 5. Customer activates and downloads software at home/office.

IF YOU WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXERTIS DIGITAL, CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER. YOU CAN BE SURE THAT EXERTIS DIGITAL WILL ADD VALUE TO YOUR BUSINESS NOW AND CONTINUE TO EVOLVE IN THE FUTURE.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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THOUGHTS ON E3 2015: ALEX CROFT INTERVIEW E3 is where you’ll see the hottest games and hardware for the first time. We asked Exertis Commercial Director Alex Croft, a seasoned E3 veteran, to tell us what the crowds were most excited about at E3 2015.

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WAS THERE ANYTHING DIFFERENT ABOUT E3 THIS YEAR? 2015 was one of the strongest E3s for a long, long time. Previous shows have often had a hardware or blockbuster title focus, but I think it was a good mix this year. There was real focus on stuff that the gaming public will be genuinely excited about, and it all felt more within the consumer’s reach. This year there were a variety of titles, which looked really strong, were shown and then followed by the announcement that they’d be released in time for Christmas this year. So, high quality games that are very close to being finished. That’s a new thing this year that hasn’t been so common in the past.

WHAT HAD AUDIENCES BUZZING? It was huge news about the Xbox backwards compatibility, and it makes the Xbox One more tempting now for those yet to upgrade. There were some interesting, quirky indie titles such as Cuphead, with its 1920s cartoon styling, and Beyond Eyes where you play a blind hero.

Q: A: Q: A:

WHICH VENDORS HAD THE STRONGEST SHOW? It was strong all round. Microsoft had a great mix of hardware and gaming content, including a live demo of the HoloLens, which was just phenomenal. We also saw some outstanding footage of Rise of the Tomb Raider, which revealed itself to be a lot deeper in terms of what you could do, and actually included raiding tombs…!

ANY TRENDS TO WATCH? Virtual reality was strong this year, with HoloLens and Oculus Rift showing how they’re going to be part of not just gaming’s future but tech life in general. The other exciting trend was the PC/Console convergence. On Fallout 4 for example, the Xbox One will support PC mode. So people are going to be hungry for more content and the ability to personalise their game Worlds. That’s big!

Obviously the AAA titles were the biggest stories, with Fallout 4, Final Fantasy VII, Halo 5, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Forza Motorsport 6 and Star Wars Battlefront all looking fantastic.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER PREVIEW FORMAT: XBOX ONE, XBOX 360 PUBLISHER: SQUARE ENIX RELEASE DATE: 10TH NOVEMBER 2015

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WHY CUSTOMER INTEREST WILL BE HIGH In the wake of the remarkable success of Tomb Raider, many legions of fans have been crying out for a sequel that returns to the exploration and puzzle solving that marked the earlier entries in series, which led to overall sales in excess of 40 million units for the franchise. In Rise of the Tomb Raider their calls have been answered as the young heroine finds herself back in ancient crypts, avoiding deadly traps, deciphering mysterious texts, and battling the ruthless organisation Trinity.

Game developer Crystal Dynamics has created an incredibly beautiful World that really shows the power and capabilities of a next generation console like the Xbox One. New lighting systems and motion capture techniques mean the environment is simply stunning, and the characters move with impressive realism, even in the midst of chaotic battles.

SUMMARY THE RETURN OF ONE OF GAMING’S MOST POPULAR CHARACTERS This November, Lara Croft is back in a brand new adventure exclusive to Xbox One and 360. Following on from the hugely successful 2013 franchise reboot ‘Tomb Raider’, which sold over 8.5 million copies in total and 1 million of those in the first 48 hours alone, ‘Rise of the Tomb Raider’ looks set to be a huge title in the Christmas market.

Press coverage is always vast with Tomb Raider titles, and the critical reception of the previous iteration will mean plenty of magazine covers and video playthroughs featuring Lara Croft, which in turn informs potential customers of the game’s quality and availability.

After the very positive response to Rise of the Tomb Raider at E3, and the widespread coverage the game received online, you can expect intense interest from consumers. As one of the few AAA Xbox One exclusives available this Christmas, it has the potential to be a true system seller, while the huge existing Xbox 360 fanbase will guarantee strong sales. The opportunity to promote older games in the series as stocking fillers also opens other revenue generating potential.

REASONS TO STOCK • The 2013 instalment of Tomb Raider boasted sales of 8.5 million • 10th November 2015 release date perfect for Christmas • Opportunity to sell aged Tomb Raider titles • Lara Croft’s cult following can vicariously play their Heroine in HD • Exclusively launched on Xbox One and Xbox 360

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HALO 5 GUARDIANS PREVIEW PUBLISHER: MICROSOFT FORMAT: XBOX ONE RELEASE DATE: 27TH OCTOBER 2015 NEW GAME MODES FOR PLAYERS THE ULTIMATE XBOX FRANCHISE COMES TO NEXT-GEN There is no other game more synonymous with the Xbox brand than Halo. Since the first adventure appeared on the original console the series has gone on to sell 65 million copies and gross an absolutely incredible $3.4 billion. Halo has always been a system seller, and the Xbox One is set to get a huge boost when the brand new, HD chapter of the Master Chief story arrives in October. Expect a multi million pound marketing campaign from Microsoft, plus intense media interest in a franchise that always makes the front covers.

THE LEGEND CONTINUES As this is the first new Halo game since 2012, and the first original title on Xbox One, customer demand is expected to be massive.

Eager Halo devotees have waited a long time to take control of Spartan Locke as he hunts down one of gaming’s most enduring lead characters - Master Chief. The game switches between both their perspectives as the huge campaign unfolds, and this twist on the classic Halo storyline, plus the ability of up to four gamers to cooperatively play through the adventure, will make the game fresh and appealing to veterans and newcomers alike.

As well as the awesome HD graphics that promise to push the Xbox One to its limit, the online multiplayer has been improved for Xbox One, meaning massive battles are guaranteed in the new Warzone and Arena modes. This will be a serious draw for many gamers, as the Halo online play is legendary. New, free DLC levels are also planned, which will can be used to incentivise potential customers.

SUMMARY Games don’t get much bigger than Halo and this latest release could well be the one that tops them all.

REASONS TO STOCK • Xbox One sales are set to soar as it is the first Halo built exclusively for the next gen console • Promote the multiplayer campaigns and encourage customers to game with friends. Xbox Live and gaming headsets make perfect accompaniments • Announcements of additional free DLC - will see gamers buy, knowing they will receive 15 free downloadable multiplayer levels • First party blockbuster release from Microsoft which will be supported with a multimillion pound marketing campaign • Stock up for the Christmas period with a release date of the 27th October 2015

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

To buy online: exertis.co.uk/home/store

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HUNT THE TRUTH

PRE-ORDER TODAY AVAILABLE 27TH OCTOBER Gears of War 4 Beta: For early access to the Gears of War 4 Beta when it launches (expected Spring 2016), login to Xbox Live and play Gears of War: Ultimate Edition by 1st March, 2016. Must be 17+. Xbox One, broadband internet (ISP fees apply) and Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately) required. Beta dates, content, and features subject to change. Not available in all markets. See www.GearsofWar.com for the latest information.

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WHAT’S NEW IN FORZA MOTORSPORT 6?

FORZA MOTORSPORT 6 PREVIEW PUBLISHER: MICROSOFT FORMAT: XBOX ONE RELEASE DATE: 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 A NEW INSTALMENT OF THE FASTEST SELLING RACING GAME IN XBOX HISTORY Forza Motorsport 5 was the standout launch title for the Xbox One, selling 1.3 million copies and increasing sales of the console itself by 25%. Now the legendary racing series continues with Forza Motorsport 6, boasting significant improvements to both the game and online multiplayer leagues, which have already caused huge excitement among the passionate fanbase.

The incredibly detailed 1080p graphics running at 60fps make this title visually astonishing and will only magnify the appeal of a next generation console to gamers. Two important new modes feature in Forza 6 - Night racing and Rain - both of which add a significant difference between this and the previous title, encouraging customers to upgrade. There are 450 cars, 26 tracks, 100 ribbons, an immense 70-hour single player campaign, and for the first time 24 cars can race simultaneously in online multi-player races.

SUMMARY From the fully animated cockpits, beautiful cars, meticulously detailed tracks, real damage capabilities, huge multiplayer action, and new game modes, Forza Motorsport 6 is the complete package for video game driving enthusiasts. Where the previous iteration sold impressive amounts of units in record time, and helped promote the launch of the Xbox One console, this new release is more impressive in every way. Forza Motorsport 6 looks set to easily eclipse Forza Motorsport 5 and become one of the most important Xbox exclusives of 2015.

REASONS TO STOCK • Follow up to racing game of the year Forza Motorsport 5 - the fastest selling racing game in Xbox history selling over 1.3 million copies • More than one third of Xbox One owners brought Forza Motorsport 5 when it launched • Xbox sales increased 25% in the first three weeks of Forza Motorsport 5 launch!

• The Forza series of games has sold over 10 million copies since the first edition in 2005; Forza Motorsport 6 looks to further this popularity with over 450 cars for gamers to choose from and an epic 70 hour campaign mode • Long awaited Forza Motorsport 6 release date is 18th September 2015

The Forza franchise is an instantly recognisable brand with a long history among gamers, dating back to 2005, it has total sales exceeding 10 million units. The release date of September 18th 2015 also means it avoids other AAA titles and gives Forza a clear track to race onto people’s must-have lists.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

To buy online: exertis.co.uk/home/store

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PRE-ORDER TODAY ARRIVING 18TH SEPTEMBER IMPORTANT! Xbox Live Gold no longer required for some apps and features, including Netflix, Sky Go and Youtube etc. See xbox.com/goldfeatures. Free Games Offer: For paid Gold members only. On Xbox One, active Gold membership required to play free games you’ve downloaded. Restrictions apply. Exclusive Gold member discounts: discounts range from 15% to 75%. Home Gold: Limited to 1 Xbox One in home; restrictions apply. Smart Match matchmaking and Cloud Hosted Multiplayer available in supported games.

Games, including Titanfall, Halo: Master Chief Collection, sold separately. Halo Spartan Assault available now on Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Halo for Xbox One release date not yet announced. Multiplayer between Xbox One and Xbox 360 not supported. See xbox.com/live.

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GEARS OF WAR: ULTIMATE EDITION PREVIEW CLASSIC GAME GETS A FULL HD UPGRADE Gears of War was one of the defining games of the Xbox 360 era.

Together with its sequels, the series has grossed over $1 billion, and sold in excess of 24 million copies Worldwide. Now Microsoft is bringing a totally rebuilt version of the original game to the Xbox One, rendered in eye-popping 1080p HD graphics running at 60fps.

Here gamers can guide Marcus Fenix and his crew through their gruesome fight against the Locust Horde, and experience the familiar World like never before. Priced aggressively at £29.99, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition presents significant value for customers, and the August release means they have something to play during the summer lull before the AAA Christmas titles emerge.

EXPANDED ONLINE OPTIONS One of the core elements gamers love about Gears of War is the online co-op. In Ultimate Edition this area has seen serious upgrades, with dedicated servers, new game modes, and several new multiplayer maps. This presents the opportunity to make customers aware of the benefits of purchasing Xbox Live accounts, headsets and other accessories so they can play the game with their friends.

PACKED FULL OF EXTRA VALUABLE CONTENT Ultimate Edition includes several campaign chapters not available on the Xbox 360 version, plus 90 minutes of extra content and five graphic novels that can be unlocked in-game. There’s also the added incentive that players who buy the Ultimate Edition will gain access to the Gears of War 4 Beta - a point that could encourage customers to upgrade to the Xbox One console.

SUMMARY Gears of War is an undoubted classic, but with the addition of HD, upgraded action, new content, and access to the Gears of War 4 Beta, it could also be the best bargain this year.

REASONS TO STOCK • The Gears of War series has a massive fan base selling over 24 million copies • With a launch price of £29.99 - consumers will see this as great value for money • Fans of the original version will have to upgrade to Xbox One, to play of the 5 newly designed campaign missions • Promote the multiplayer campaigns and encourage customers to game with friends - Xbox live and gaming headsets make perfect accompaniments • Consumers will be allowed to play a beta version of the newest Gears of War 4 game

PUBLISHER: MICROSOFT FORMAT: XBOX ONE RELEASE DATE: 28TH AUGUST 2015 Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

To buy online: exertis.co.uk/home/store

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FOR A LIMITED TIME, PURCHASE AND PLAY

GEARS OF WAR: ULTIMATE EDITION AND GET THE ENTIRE XBOX 360 GEARS OF WAR COLLECTION FOR USE ON XBOX ONE!*

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RE-GEARED FOR A NEW GENERATION

AVAILABLE NOW Online multiplayer features require Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately). Gears of War 4 Beta: For early access to the Gears of War 4 Beta when it launches (expected Spring 2016), login to Xbox Live and play Gears of War: Ultimate Edition by March 1, 2016. Must be 17+. Xbox One, broadband internet (ISP fees apply) and Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately) required. Beta dates, content, and features subject to change. Not available in all markets. See www.GearsofWar.com for the latest information. **Retail prices may vary. *Includes Xbox 360 titles Gears of War, Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3 and Gears of War: Judgment. Each title will work as part of the Xbox One Backward Compatibility program upon Backwards Compatibility general availability – expected autumn 2015. To qualify purchase and play Gears of War: Ultimate Edition on Xbox Live between August 25, 2015 and December 31 2015.Must be over eighteen years of age. Xbox One, broadband internet (ISP fees apply) and Xbox Live membership required. Dates, content, and features subject to change. Not available in all markets. See www.GearsofWar.com for the latest information. Xbox One Backward Compatibility feature works with select Xbox 360 games, see http://www.xbox.com/xbox-one/backward-compatibility. Xbox 360 accessories and Kinect, 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.

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HUGE SCOPE AND NEW FEATURES

ASSASSIN’S CREED SYNDICATE PREVIEW FORMAT: XBOX ONE, PS4 RELEASE DATE: 23RD OCTOBER 2015 UBISOFT’S MEGA-FRANCHISE GETS EVEN BIGGER The Assassin’s Creed series is the epitome of a blockbuster franchise, with the previous eight titles amassing sales of over 80 million units. In fact the last title - Assassin’s Creed Unity - became one of the key titles of 2014, selling 1 million copies over the Christmas period. Capitalising on the momentum built by this popular series, Ubisoft now launches Assassin’s Creed Syndicate in the run up to Christmas 2015, and the new title has some important additions.

The idea of Syndicate is to gain control of various London boroughs and make a user’s gang the most powerful in the City. Ubisoft say that the game world is 30% bigger than any previous outing, and the addition of driveable horse-drawn carriages, large scale gang warfare, and a Batman style grappling hook make this the largest and most challenging entry in the series so far.

SUMMARY Assassin’s Creed games are always a big event, and Syndicate is primed to make huge waves in the UK thanks to the London setting, massive scale, and added inclusion of a playable female character. In the 2015 Christmas market this one could be a real killer title.

REASONS TO STOCK • One of the key bestsellers of 2014’s festive period – selling 1 million copies • Having a female main character opens up target audience • Ubisoft’s bestselling franchise - the Assassin series can boast over 80 million copies sold • Consumers will be able to explore the most iconic city in the World and discover what their capital city looked like almost 150 years ago • With a film set to be released in 2016 to accompany a whole catalogue of merchandise - interest in the series will be at an all-time high

SPECIAL INTEREST FOR UK GAMERS AND FEMALE PLAYERS Perhaps the most significant draw for the UK market is that the game is set in Victorian London. It’s a rarity that AAA titles ever offer the chance to play in locations around the British Isles, and with Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, and Charing Cross Station all open to gamers this should prove an added enticement to series veterans and those who have never experienced Assassin’s Creed before.

Another important feature is that for the first time in the franchise’s history, sections of the game will now be played as a female protagonist - Evie Frye. Recent figures reveal that nearly 50% of the game playing public are women, so this choice of character could make Assassin’s Creed Syndicate far more appealing to that significant part of the market.

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

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Š 2015 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Assassin’s Creed and Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries.

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Gaming beyond borders.

AVAILABLE NOW

XG270HU | 27-inch ZeroFrame gaming monitor

Contact your account manager today for more details

Retail Marketing Services The Exertis marketing team can offer complete go-to-market solutions for any retail customer.

Through our expert knowledge we can deliver smarter product sourcing, data insights, digital platforms, packaging, merchandising, demonstration, training and point of sale.

There’s no partner better placed to help deliver growth in your retail business.

How can Exertis help you?

• • • • •

Product sourcing and design Consumer and Retail Insight Packaging and bundle options End user delivery options Tech expert field staff

• • • • •

Category management Market leading merchandising In-store training Mystery shoppers Point of sale creation and execution

Speak to our specialist team to discuss the requirements.

• • • •

Experiential engagement Customer care - Call centres and returns specialists PR and social media Advertising and media buying

Exertis Marketing 01256 707070 www.exertis.co.uk marketing@exertis.co.uk

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For: Enterprise Resellers Date: 15th September 2015 Location: Penta Hotel, Reading Join us at the Exertis Enterprise roadshows to gain a full understanding of the latest market trends, technologies and opportunities for selling into Enterprise businesses. Updates from key vendor partners and one to one sessions with Exertis.

Register Now: www.exertis.co.uk/go/enterprise-roadshow

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CU EXPOSED For: Retail and Business resellers Date: 24th September 2015 Location: Vinopolis London Meet key CU brands, including big names and new vendor opportunities. Where else in the UK could you find 40+ brands including B&O, MakerBot and Philips in the same room?

Register Now: www.unlimited.com/cu_exposed

OCT

For: Computing Resellers Date: 10th September 2015 Location: Manchester Attend this Windows 10 bootcamp to maximise the opportunities Windows 10 presents for your customers! Learn about Windows 10 and the new devices, as well as going through a sales scenario and examining the profitability of a sample deal.

Register Now: www.exertis.co.uk/go/windows-10

MOBILE ROADSHOW

SEPT

WINDOWS 10 DISTI BOOTCAMP

For: B2B Mobile & IT Resellers Date: 13th October 2015 Location: Reading See current and future roadmaps on devices, accessories and related services. Plus learn how to grow your business through B2B propositions, gain access to partner programmes for value added benefits and receive advice on sales, ranging, marketing and commercial support.

Register Now: mobileroadshow@exertis.co.uk

ENTERPRISE ROADSHOW For: Enterprise Resellers Date: 22nd October 2015 Location: Hilton Hotel Liverpool, 3 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 8LW Join us at the Exertis Enterprise roadshows to gain a full understanding of the latest market trends, technologies and opportunities for selling into Enterprise businesses. Updates from key vendor partners and one to one sessions with Exertis.

Register Now: www.exertis.co.uk/go/enterprise-roadshow

MOBILE ROADSHOW OCT

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For: B2B Mobile & IT Resellers Date: 15th October 2015 Location: Manchester See current and future roadmaps on devices, accessories and related services. Plus learn how to grow your business through B2B propositions, gain access to partner programmes for value added benefits and receive advice on sales, ranging, marketing and commercial support.

Register Now: mobileroadshow@exertis.co.uk

Harlow: 01278 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | www.exertis.co.uk

Awe-inspiring gaming performance monitors Sharp visuals and split-second response thanks to 144Hz refresh rates and 1ms response times.

272G5DYEB | 27” Brilliance LCD monitor with NVIDIA G-SYNC™

272G5DJEB | 27” Brilliance LCD monitor with SmartImage Game, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time

242G5DJEB | 24” Brilliance LCD monitor with SmartImage Game, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time

Contact your Exertis account manager today for more details