TAKE CHARGE With great power comes great responsibility! Brilliant charging accessories will keep your customers powered up this winter Page 11
HOME IS WHERE THE SMART IS
GAMING 2020
STOCKING THRILLERS
All the top smart gadgets to keep the home warm, well-lit and secure this festive season and beyond
No need for new year resolutions when the gaming industry is gearing up for one of its best years ever. Check out the top 2020 releases
Make sure all those ďŹ re-side festive stockings are packed with the latest and greatest gadget accessories from Exertis brands
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DECEMBER 2019 ENTERTAINMENT ISSUE 17
TECH THE HALLS! Get ready for the last-minute Christmas rush with our festive set of great gadget gift ideas
Elite Atlas Aero Wireless PC Gaming Headset The Turtle Beach® Elite Atlas Aero is the ultimate high-performance wireless headset for PC gamers and streamers with customisable audio and unmatched comfort.
RRP: £129.99 Product Code: S10266801
Turtle Beach® Atlas One PC Gaming Headset Built for PC! The Turtle Beach® Atlas One gaming headset delivers comfort driven performance with immersive Windows Sonic surround sound and crystal-clear team chat.
RRP: £39.99 Built for Ultimate PC Setups, Built to Win. The Turtle Beach® Elite Atlas PC gaming headset brings pro-level performance to every game, match or battle with premium-tuned sound, clear communication and long-lasting comfort.
RRP: £89.99 Product Code: S10226069
Product Code: S10226066
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Tech the halls
Take Charge
24 BRILLIANT TECH GIFT IDEAS
KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS’ GADGETS CHARGED
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Stocking ing Thrillerss
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CONTENTS Page 05: Exertis Comment Alex Croft introduces the latest issue of Future Entertainment.
Page 08: News in Brief A quick look at what’s happening in the gaming, audio and consumer tech markets
Page 06: Market Stats Update All the current technology trends you should be aware of
Page 11: Take Charge Great power accessories to keep your customers’ gadgets charged up and ready to go this winter
Page 26: Home is where the smart is All the top gadgets to smarten up your home for the festivities
Page 12: Soundbar or Soundbase? Jingle the (deci)bells with these top soundbars and soundbases
Page 13: How to strengthen your in-store offering Tips of the trade for packing a serious punch in your retail space
Page 28: Gaming 2020 We look at just some of the hotly-anticipated gaming software and hardware coming in 2020
Page 14: Tech the Halls A roundup of 24 brilliant tech gift ideas, perfect for the festive season
Page 32: Hot Picks A range of best-selling products designed to make you more margin
Page 22: Exertis Exclusive All the highlights from this year’s Exertis media event in London
Page 34: Stocking Thrillers The ultimate gadget accessories for stuffing stockings and retail bundles alike
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WiFi W Without Boundaries White & Stylish Multy’s all-white design rreflects simplicity and purity—the perfect com complement to any home décor. Yet its value goes far b beyond its clean design. It also provides excellent W WiFi networking that’s essential for today’s modern lifestyle—the external beauty only enhances th the experience.
Modern d design. Maximum cooling. Multy’s a advanced design features integrated ventilation—letting heat escape continuously and ventilat enabling optimal performance without throttling enab performance. You’ll enjoy consistently faster per networking speeds, without extra heat. ne
Home + WiFi + Security = Multy Contact your Exertis account manager forr more information.
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WELCOME FROM EXERTIS With the festive season coming in fast like a reindeer on an icy roof, we look at the products your customers will love, whether they’re gifting to a loved one or treating themselves. With Exertis you can be sure there’s something under the tree for everyone
Publisher Exertis Editor Dominic Dawes Deputy Editor Niamh Jarvis Design Alice Himfen Amber-sky Glasscock We’re getting ready for the festive season by rounding up 24 of the top gift ideas from Exertis brands (pg 14). With gift ideas for everyone, stock up on some of the hottest tech in the world, ideal for Christmas 2019 and beyond. It’s no secret that 2020 is going to be a big year for the gaming industry. In this issue, we look at the best of the up-coming software and console releases, from major brands including Microsoft, Ubisoft and Nintendo (pg 28). Unsurprisingly, 95% of UK households own a smartphone, and the need for battery life is now a national obsession. We delve into some great options to ensure your customers are always powered up and ready to go, whether charging at home, in the car or on the move (pg 11). The smart tech market is growing at an unprecedented rate and getting smarter couldn’t be easier. In this issue (pg 26), we delve into some great products from the smart tech market, including lighting, heating, security and networking. Whether you’re looking for stocking ‘thrillers’, or great accessories to bundle together, we highlight the perfect cases, power cables and solutions for backing up data (pg 34) – there’s something for everyone who loves tech.
From Dolby Atmos to the best of British audio innovation, there is a soundbar to suit every room. We show you the top soundbars and soundbases to bring movies, games and music to life (pg 12). With 25 brands from across the consumer divisions, this year’s Exertis Exclusive PR event was our biggest yet. In this issue (pg 22), journalist-in-attendance Sean Hannam highlights just a few of the exciting products we displayed on the day to some of the UK’s top journalists and influencers. As the retail landscape changes, enticing customers to shop in-store is becoming increasingly important. We look at how retailers can improve their in-store experience, as well as highlighting some the offerings of Exertis’ Retail Services team (pg 13). As Exertis expands to encompass more brilliant consumer technology brands and products, we aim to give our retailers the value and assistance they need to offer the best customer experience possible, this peak Christmas period, into 2020 and beyond. Thank you for your continued time and support, and we wish you a safe and happy festive period.
ALEX CROFT COMMERICAL DIRECTOR
Contributors Sean Hannam Nigel Judd Harlow Reception: 01279 822 822 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
Basingstoke Sales: 01256 707 070 Address Ashwood Chineham Business Park Chineham Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 8EH To place an order please call 01256 707 070 between 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday To buy online visit store.exertis.co.uk
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WHAT WILL 5G DELIVER FOR UK RETAILERS? There has been a lot of hype and expectation – and no small amount of controversy – around 5G mobile technology. For many, it is expected to be a game changer: 5G networks are the next generation of mobile internet connectivity, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections than ever before. It is predicted to offer connections that are many times faster than currently available (100 times faster than 4G and 10 times faster than average broadband), with average download speeds of around 1GBps expected to soon be the norm, although real-world performance may vary. With development well underway, 5G networks are expected to launch across the world by 2020, working alongside existing 3G and 4G technology to provide speedier connections that stay online, anytime and anywhere.
or on-line are in their infancy but already some retailers have been experimenting with the technologies. However, they require a fast and reliable network to manage large amounts of data and a network that can offer lower latency to reduce buffering and lags. 5G solves these issues by supporting real-time rendering for immersive video, with shorter download and set-up times. Retailers need to be ready to take advantage of the opportunities. According to a Gartner survey in 2018, 46 per cent of retailers planned to deploy either AR or VR solutions “to meet customer service experience requirements” by 2020, and 5G mobile network technology will greatly enable that to come to fruition.
E-wallets are likely to become increasingly popular, even though their adoption in Western Europe, and indeed the UK, is much slower than in Asia. Providers need to convince potential users that their mobile wallets provide benefits above and beyond the ability to pay at the point of sale, which consumers can already do via contactless cards. However, many expect that 5G will encourage greater adoption and retailers will need to prepare to take advantage of the trend. 5G will also have a huge impact in the home, with its fast bandwidth and reduced latency, enabling more devices to be connected as consumers invest more in smart home technology. Indeed, it will make smart homes even smarter by providing a more reliable connection than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and offering better security. Retailers selling smart tech products should expect greater demand as 5G rolls out.
Besides much faster speeds, the technology will also offer much lower latency – down to a theoretical 1ms from 45ms on 4G (i.e. it will reduce delay or lag, and provide greater capacity for networks to cope with many high-demand applications such as virtual reality and IoT devices). AUGMENTED REALITY AND VIRTUAL REALITY WILL CHANGE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE RETAIL STORES WITH 5G So how will this benefit retailers, and what can we expect from 5G in this sector? VR and AR have been touted as a way to enhance the in-store customer experience, by enabling customers to visualise products in different settings, and are likely to be adopted by retailers to provide a more immersive and engaging proposition. AR can add visual context to purchasing, enabling customers to use their smartphone as a means to gain further product information, stock availability and pricing. VR can provide a more immersive experience. The uses for VR and AR in-store
45 per cent of global e-commerce transactions are made on a mobile device. Faster 5G speeds will only enhance these shopping experiences, leading to unprecedented rates of mobile transactions as they become comprehensively easier.
According to the same survey, 100 million consumers will shop using AR online and in-store by next year. 5G WILL DRIVE MOBILE PAYMENTS, CREATE DEMAND FOR SMART HOME PRODUCTS AND IMPROVE BACK-END PROCESSES Faster internet speeds and lower latencies will also increase mobile payments, with better consumer online transfer experiences. According to PPRO research,
It’s not just customer-facing where 5G will impact retail. Back-end processes will transform how customer data is handled and processed, as well as improving the supply chain – by optimising real-time feedback from warehouses through the use of IoT and artificial intelligence – leading to better inventory control. It will also provide improved efficiency to road transport and more intelligent fleet management, which is increasingly important for online retailers as consumers increasingly expect and demand speedy delivery. One thing is for sure: 5G is coming, and could have transformative effects on the way we shop. Retailers need to get ready.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
All the stories from the world of selling tech 1. EXERTIS BRANDS WIN BIG AT THE WHAT HI-FI? AWARDS
2. AUDEZE LAUNCH THE NEW LCD-1
The annual What Hi-Fi? Awards highlight the top products from across hi-fi and AV, encompassing everything from wireless headphones and digital audio players to streaming services and Blu-ray Players. Exertis brands did well at the awards, with multiple category winners and Products of the Year - a select group of 32 products that represent the top in their class.
Audio brand Audeze, known for their high-end headphone range, have announced their newest offering, the LCD-1. Much more affordable than previous models in the LCD range (SRP £399), the LCD-1 packs planar magnetic technology (which is notoriously clunky) into a compact, portable and lightweight headset, weighing just 250g. With memory foam ear pads, Audeze guarantees comfort during prolonged listening sessions. The Audeze LCD-1 headphones also promise to deliver deep bass, without distortion.
Astell&Kern dominated the Portable Music Player category - the SR15 and SE100 both won in their respective price brackets. The Astell&Kern A&norma SR15 also went on to win Portable Music Player Product of the Year for the second year running. The Sonos Beam also continued its winning streak, conquering the Soundbar and Soundbase category - winning Product of the Year, again for the second consecutive year. Naim saw its Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation not only declared ‘Best home wireless speaker over £500’, but also beat all-comers to be awarded Product of the Year in the Wireless Speaker category.
4. XBOX PREVIEWS SHUFFLE BUTTON FOR GAME SELECTION
3. FLEXSON GETS A MOVE ON Exertis’ own brand Flexson has added to its line of quality accessories for Sonos with a range of mounts for Sonos Move. The brand new portable speaker from Sonos is perfect for indoors and out, as is the new Wall Mount. The mount comes equipped with the fixing hardware required for both brick and wood, as well as
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UV resistant silicone. Precision engineered, the Sonos Move simply slips onto the wall mount when needed, and can be easily lifted off and moved. This is great for anyone looking for the perfect solution for mounting portability. Also available for the Sonos Move from Flexson, the Floor Stand securely holds the Sonos speaker at the ideal listening height, though still ensuring portability. The Sonos Move can be charged while on the stand, with the characteristic Flexson clever cable management keeping the whole installation extremely neat and tidy. Pitch-perfect accessories from Flexson.
In November, Microsoft announced via the Xbox Insider Twitter feed that certain Insider Program ‘Alpha Skip-Ahead’ users can now use the “Surprise me” button, to make the game selection process easier. The ideal solution for anyone who has just completed a game, or is just undecisive, this feature is in the My Games & Apps area, with the button randomly selecting a game that’s patiently waiting in the player’s back catalogue.
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5. EXERTIS ADDS TOSHIBA AUDIO TO PREMIUM AUDIO OFFERING In October, Exertis announced their exclusive supplier agreement with Toshiba Audio for the brand’s varied range of sound systems and accessories. To Exertis’ already extensive audio offering, this partnership adds wired and wireless earphones, earbuds and headphones (perfect for music lovers and gamers alike) Bluetooth soundbars, speakers, portable music systems and turntables – further cementing Exertis’ position as the UK’s top consumer audio distributer.
6. UBISOFT ANNOUNCE COMPATIBILITY FOR NEXT GEN CONSOLES Renowned video games developer Ubisoft has announced that three incoming AAA titles, as well as a further two yet to be confirmed, will be released for both of next year’s big console releases, PlayStation 5 and Xbox’s Project Scarlett. Watch Dogs: Legion, Gods & Monsters, and Rainbow Six: Quarantine – all of which recently had their early 2020 release dates postponed slightly – are set to be available for the current generation of consoles, as well as for the next. According to Ubisoft’s CEO
Yves Guillemot, these new releases “will take full advantage of all the new features that are coming with the machines, which are going to be extremely interesting for players.”
7. SWANN INTRODUCE 3 NEW SECURITY SOLUTIONS Swann has announced the first products from its new 2020 family of smart security solutions, three cutting-edge security cameras. The ultimate crime prevention tool, the new Day/Night 4K Spotlight NVR Camera comes equipped with motion-sensing ultra-bright spotlights, a loud siren, 2-way audio functionality and mobile alerts. This camera has powerful night vision and allows users to see colour footage at night. The Swann Day/Night 1080p Sensor Warning Light Camera offers full-HD video, with infrared night vision and, when illuminated, colour night vision. The Day/Night 5MP Spotlight DVR Camera can deliver crystal-clear
5-megapixel super HD resolution, has a powerful digital zoom, heat- and motion-sensing and two powerful spotlights. Unveiled alongside these three security cameras, Swann Security – a fully integrated ecosystem controlled via a single app – gives Swann users even more flexibility than ever before.
9. XBOX BEGIN PROJECT XCLOUD PREVIEW Since October, Microsoft has been rolling out the initial preview of Xbox Project xCloud, the upcoming mobile streaming service, in which rather than requiring downloading, gameplay will occur via cloud storage. The trial will continue to roll out over the next year, offering a select group of applicant testers the chance to stream consolequality titles from the cloud over wi-fi or mobile data. Project xCloud doesn’t require ownership of games or a console, just a compatible Android device and an Xbox Bluetooth-ready wireless controller. Players can choose from a catalogue of Xbox games, including Gears 5 and Halo 5: Guardians, with further titles promised.
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TAKE CHARGE
In a world dominated by mobile phone obsession, a good charging accessory is worth its weight in gold With around 95% of UK households professing to own at least one, there’s no doubting the world has gone crazy for smartphones. Every phone needs regular charging: below we take a look at the emergence of a gigantic market for charging products It was recenty announced that the creators of the lithium ion battery, used in rechargeable devices, have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. And their work can indeed be described as worldchanging: after all, what’s a mobile phone without a fully charged battery? With Exertis, you can help customers continue the love affair with their phone by stocking an extensive range of charging accessories and portable power banks. The Mophie Global Powerstation Hub (SRP £89.99) is designed for versatile charging. Swiftly swapping between a wall charger and a 6000mAh portable power bank, the Mophie can keep your customers going, whether at home or on the go. With the charging surface, any Qi-enabled smartphone can be wirelessly charged with just the push of a button. Capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously (via 2 USB-A and a USB-C PD port, plus the wireless surface), the Mophie Global Powerstation Hub is a great travel accessory – especially considering all your devices can now be charged by the one spare outlet available in your hotel room. The Powerstation can be recharged through either the USB-C PD port or by plugging the device straight into the outlet with the built-in plug (or relevant territory adaptor). FAST-CHANGING TECH The Cygnett Race 10W Wireless Dash Car Charger (SRP £59.95) is the ultimate on-the-go charging solution. Offering wireless charging to Qi-enabled devices, and featuring fast-charging technology up to a maximum output of 10W (dependent on the smartphone), charging is quick and hassle-free. The handy side clamps hold
the phone securely, keeping it safe even on bumpy roads, and with tilt and a rotation up to 180-degrees, the perfect viewing angle can be found – ideal for using the smartphone’s maps application when driving. The Cygnett Race’s adjustable mounting system also ensures compatibility with a huge range of today’s smartphones. KEEPING CONNECTED Designed to offer additional charges to your devices, the BatteryPro for iPhone and Apple Watch from ElevationLab (SRP £89.99), is ideal for keeping your customers connected on the go. The BatteryPro has an integrated MFi-certified Apple Watch magnetic charger and is equipped with a StowStrap to secure the Watch to the charger when stored in a bag. With the 2.4A, high-speed USB out, an iPhone can be rapidly charged. Packed with an 8000 mAh battery, the ElevationLab BatteryPro can offer up to 2 weeks’ charge for an Apple Watch or an additional 3-plus days charge for an iPhone. Compact in size (around the footprint of an iPhone 7), this power bank is designed to be comfortable in a pocket or to be held against the
back of a phone when in use. Optimised to wirelessly charge Apple iPhones (with wireless charging capabilities, i.e. models 8 and above) the Logitech POWERED for iPhone (SRP £59.99) is the ideal battery accessory for anyone that wants up to 7.5W of wireless charging delivered to their device while still using it. Logitech POWERED holds the phone at a 65-degree angle (optimal angle for Face ID unlocking) and enables both portrait and landscape orientation. The U-shape cradle positions your iPhone perfectly: the cradle’s design eliminates the risk of the phone falling during notification vibrations or when watching a movie. It also offers up to 5W of wireless charging to Qi-certified smart devices with similar dimensions and coil configurations as the iPhone. It’s no secret that many smartphones aren’t equipped with the battery life that consumers demand. Whether looking to equip your customers with power on the go, or good old plug-into-the-mains charging, contact your Exertis account manager today to learn about stocking these and many more charging accessories.
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SOUNDBAR OR SOUNDBASE? Enhancing your TV’s sound is easier than ever Whether it’s a new box-set, the Christmas movie you’ve been waiting to watch all year, or you just want to use your TV as an entertainment hub – which includes listening to music: a soundbar or soundbase is the simple way to hugely improve your TV’s sound Some issues, when you break them down, are simply due to the laws of physics. The flatscreen TV, undeniably one of the greatest tech ideas ever had, contains an intrinsic limitation that designers and engineers have been attempting to wrestle with ever since the first plasma screen was placed in a shop window under a sign saying “the future of television”. The problem? Flatscreen TV sound. As any audiophile will tell you, the reproduction of sound involves certain mechanical processes. Air has to move. and that means making ‘flat’ speakers sound great is difficult. And by ‘difficult’ we mean ‘nigh-on impossible’. So anyone with a flatscreen TV who wants to bathe in glorious sound every bit as rich and detailed as their TV’s wonderful high-definition image, is going to have to think about an audio upgrade. Thankfully, there are incredibly easy, effective and affordable ways to supercharge your TV’s sound. One question remains: soundbar or soundbase?. GREAT OPTIONS A soundbar can be an incredibly simple and effective way to improve the sound of your lounge. VIZIO, the biggest soundbar brand in the US, and a recent addition to the UK market, offers incredible value to consumers with great sonic performance: its 36in 2.1 All-in-One Soundbar (£149) delivers an incredible performance in an elegant space-saving design. Equipped with dual integrated 3in subwoofers, it produces a deep and punchy bass performance, along with 2.25in full-range drivers that render the full frequency range with extraordinary power and precision. The Canton Smart Soundbar 10 (£899) is a higher-end proposition, featuring network
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Anyone with a flatscreen TV who wants to bathe in glorious sound, is going to need an audio upgrade streaming, multi-room functionality and very effective use of Dolby Atmos for room-filling sound. Two up-firing speaker drivers reflect the Atmos sonic data off your ceiling, giving a real sense of cinema sound from a compact bar that sits neatly below your TV. Google Chromecast is built-in, giving you access to Spotify, Tidal, Google Play Music, Deezer and Tunein. High-res audio is also supported, up to 24-bit/96kHz over wi-fi, and 24-bit/192kHz over HDMI. FULLY-IMMERSIVE DOLBY ATMOS If you want the fully immersive Dolby Atmos experience in your lounge, with genuine 5.1 sound including two rear channels and a subwoofer, VIZIO has another great-value proposition – the 36in 5.1.2 Soundbar System with Dolby Atmos (£599.99), which comes with a spec and feature list that would usually cost the consumer around £1k. The fully immersive 5.1.2 configuration includes two rear satellite speakers, as well as two discrete
up-firing speakers for the Atmos channels, to wrap the whole room in superb sound. GREAT BASS FROM A NEW BASE Alternatively, a soundbase – on top of which you place you TV, hence ‘base’ – can also be a great solution. The Sonos Playbase (£699) is stylish, curvy and compact, and thanks to an innovative internal design that includes the ‘S-Port’ bass reflex port, it also delivers powerful, punchy sound. The Canton DM76 is another great option, ideal for TVs sized 40in and above. It has a powerful 200W amplifier that drives a two-way stereo speaker array, comprising a pair of 50mm midrange drivers and two 19mm fabric dome tweeters. With such fantatsic products to choose from, opting for a soundbar or soundbase is mostly a matter of how and where each consumer wants to mount their TV. Either way, you – or your customer – will be hugely improving the sound of that lounge.
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HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR IN-STORE OFFERING In a world of digital competition, improving your in-store offering to entice new customers has never been more vital. Here’s our guide to maintaining retail relevance While many high-street retailers feel there are few retail-related wheels left to reinvent, adopting the latest and greatest in-store trends is sure to interest your customers. The UK might be in the middle of a Br-existential crisis, with consumer confidence slumping, but the idea of a high-street revival brings joy to the heart of even the most digitally-blinded consumer. By encompassing easy and efficient in-store solutions, retailers can entice their customers back to the wonder of the physical shop-front. The digital generation holds a sizable amount of purchasing power – in fact it is estimated that by 2020, Generation Z (those born in 1996 or later) will account for 40% of the customer base worldwide. It is important to appeal to these younger customers in the retail space, as although this generation have grown up in a world of ‘140 characters or less’, they are actually statistically less likely to do their Christmas shopping online than those in Generations X and Y. By offering a retail experience, rather than just somewhere to make a purchase, retailers can appeal to these younger, tech-savvy shoppers. CONCEPT STORES In the world of the concept store, traditionally, many brands have opted for small, temporary spaces, testing the waters and judging public reception. However, there is a growing trend for innovating at scale, with large concept stores making splashes in the retail space. For example, Apple leapt way out of the box with the whole ethos of the Apple Store - these spaces have an unquestionably strong brand, and a style as sleek as their products. Whether in a London shopping centre or a glass box on New York’s Fifth
Avenue, their impact is undeniable. To make an impact on a smaller scale, however, adopting simple in-store merchandising techniques can provide just as good a return on investment. All in all, though making a sale is obviously important in the short term, ensuring consumers have an all-round enjoyable experience is, arguably, more important for long-term customer retention. TEMPTING CUSTOMERS Implementing points of sale (POS) – such as free-standing display units (FSDUs) and counter display units (CDUs) – is an important way to maximise your sales potential. We’ve all fallen victim to the packets of sweets at the supermarket till or the dumpbins of socks in clothing stores’ queues – both classic examples of an impulse buy, instigated by a point-of-sale display. FSDUs are perfect for ultimately extending the traditional shelving units within a retail space, putting specially chosen products directly in the eyeline of customers as they make their way through the buying process, and encouraging extra purchases.
By situating related items close to each other, retailers can highlight products that customers didn’t even know they needed. Whether it’s an additional controller, the latest game or a subscription package such as Xbox Game Pass, placing these in the customer’s eyeline will get them thinking about what else they need. With a wide variety of expertise, and a portfolio to match, the Exertis Retail Services specialists can improve your customers’ retail experience with everything from point-of-sale merchandising units to complete brand pop-ups, and everything in between. From integrating displays and kiosks into existing retail spaces, or creating bespoke POS displays, Exertis’ strong relationships with both retailers and brands position the Retail Service’s team to offer a full, bespoke design service - from the design process through to implementation. RETAIL SERVICES Working with Exertis, maximising vital retail space couldn’t be easier. Bringing shelf planning to life, planograms help to visualise retail space digitally before making real physical changes. Designing the schematic layouts, through to specialist instore merchandising and installation, the Retail Services team bring Planograms to life, enhancing the customer experience and their engagement with products. In keeping with fixed retail requirements, our Retail Services team can create bespoke displays to entice end user engagement – offering free-standing display units, interactive demo tables and so much more.
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TECH THE HALLS Check out our ultimate gift guide for the festive season – with Exertis, stocking the perfect Christmas gifts for those last-minute festive purchases has never been easier! Whether Christmas shoppers are preparing to descend on the Great British high street or doing their gift-buying with the click of a button, the festive season is upon us. With such variety available to consumers, it’s never been more important to stock an impressive range of products, perfect for wrapping up with a bow this yuletide, and carrying into the new year. In this bumper gift guide, we look at a fantastic range of products for all, from coding toys for the young (and young-at-heart), to music players perfect for your resident audiophile.
receiver, streaming is still in perfect quality, even further away from the router. Packed with tonnes of paid and free streaming services, your customers can browse thousands of titles – and the voice control remote makes it even easier. Simple to use, easy to set up, compact and powerful, the
creations, the kit grows with the coding prowess and confidence of its user. For the Jedi-in-the-making, Kano also offers The Force™ Coding Kit (SRP £79.99). Similar to the Frozen Coding Kit, this set puts users right in the middle of endless Star Wars adventures: confronting evil, using the force and trying to work out the point of Ewoks. Packed with loads of exciting challenges, kids can code and explore the galaxy. Using the sensors, a wave of the hand can pilot starships and
GIFTS FOR BOXSET BINGERS Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a boxset? Whether looking to stock top streaming options or the greatest tech to make the most of all the latest movies, Exertis has got you covered. American TV and soundbar giant Vizio has brought its 20” 2.0 Soundbar (SRP £89) to the UK. The perfect solution for upgrading TV audio – no matter how small the screen – this soundbar offers DTS Virtual:X, creating an immersive audio experience with virtualised height. Equipped with built-in Bluetooth, music can be streamed wirelessly from smart devices – ideal for anyone with a proclivity for switching between the latest blockbuster and the latest album quicker than you can say “soundbar”. Vizio pride themselves in their speedy and seamless setup, so this soundbar also comes with all the audio cables that could be needed (including Optical digital cable and RCA to 3.5mm audio cable). Offering HD, 4K and HDR picture quality, your customers will love the Roku Streaming Stick+ (SRP £49.99) - perfect for gifting to a loved one (or themselves!). Brilliantly portable, the Streaming Stick+ is great for taking on holiday or to a friend’s house, and with the long range wi-fi
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Roku Express (SRP £29.99) is the perfect stocking filler for anyone looking to stream smooth HD without the hassle. Pairing paid services like Netflix and Prime Video with free streaming services like All 4, offer your customers the chance to gift free TV, live news, sports, music, movies and more. GIFTS FOR THE DIGITAL GENERATION With kids becoming increasingly tech savvy from an early age, this festive season is the perfect time to begin stocking products to nurture their budding coding careers, while remaining relevant and engaging. The new Kano Disney Frozen 2™ Coding Kit (SRP £79.99) teaches kids to make and code the kit with the iconic characters of Frozen. The kit’s sensors mean a wave of the hand brings the coding to life, letting users conjure an ice palace, control the elements and so much more. The perfect way to begin coding, and with limitless
move objects with the Force. Perfect for the aspiring astronaut, the LittleBits Space Rover Inventor Kit (SRP £199.99) teaches kids valuable STEAM skills by building and customising a planetary rover. With a free accompanying app, users learn with the Rover Academy, embarking on missions inspired by the challenges facing the real-life NASA astronauts today. Compatible with many other LittleBits coding kits, the opportunities are endless.
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GIFTS FOR ADVENTURERS From soaring over picturesque landscapes to zooming through the city, this Christmas, stock plenty of options for the adventurers of both the open countryside and the urban jungle. Fit for any nomadic photographer, the Parrot Anafi Extended (SRP £799.99) pairs the 4K HDR flying camera with all the accessories needed to keep it in the air for longer. Ultra-compact, super quiet and designed for extreme adventures, the Parrot Anafi helps your customers stand out from the crowd. The Parrot Anafi Extended kit is complete with the Anafi drone, a travel bag, 2 additional batteries, USB-A to USB-C cable, the Parrot Skycontroller 3 (controller for easy and safe flying) and much more.
Help your customers zoom through the concrete jungle like a business-suited Tarzan, with the Hy-Pro Zinc S2 Pro electric scooter (SRP £229.99). Making getting from A to B so much more enjoyable, the S2 Pro features larger 8” wheels, a double suspension, adjustable handlebars and up to 6.2 miles distance on a single charge. The S2 Pro has a top speed of close to 10mph and a speedy 3-hour charge time to match, so your customers will be back on the go in no time.
The ideal addition to the home of any outdoorsy individual who still appreciates a ‘warm’ welcome, the tado° Smart Thermostat Starter Kit (SRP £199.99) allows your customers to control their heating remotely from a smartphone, no matter where in the world they are. Integrate into a connected home to control heating via Siri, Google Home Assistant, Amazon Alexa or IFTTT – no need to even lift a finger. With tado°, your customers can stay smart and toasty this winter, while saving up to 31% on their heating costs!
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GIFTS FOR GAMERS With the perfect products for the hardcore pro and the retro devotee alike, make sure you’re stocked with all the gaming goodies on this year’s Christmas lists! Put yourself in pole position for customers on the lookout for last-minute gaming gifts this Christmas with the X Rocker G-Force (SRP £129.99). Ideal for any aspiring racers, and compatible with most major gaming devices from Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo, this floor rocker gaming chair is great for gamers of all ages. For even fuller immersion, the G-Force is complete with a 2.1 audio system in the form of a headrestmounted stereo system and backrestmounted subwoofer. Simple to assemble and foldable for easy storage, the X Rocker G-Force can effortlessly be stored between gaming sessions.
Star Wars fever will hit this Christmas: be ready with all the latest bundles exclusively for PSVR, Battlewake allows players to virtually embrace the pirate life, summon ancient powers and captain a battle-ready warship as they play as one of 4 mythical pirate lords.
With the new release of the latest instalment in the much-loved sci-fi movie franchise, Star Wars fever is sure to hit this Christmas – be ready with the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Xbox One S Bundle (SRP £249). Perfect for any aspiring Jedi, this bundle, which combines the console and software, puts gamers in the position of a fugitive Jedi Padawan on a quest to rebuild the Order following the events of Star Wars: Episode III. This bundle is also available for Xbox One X (SRP £449). Ideal for any virtual reality junkies this festive season, Battlewake (SRP £29.99) from Perp Games puts players in the midst of fantasy seafaring combat. Available
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range of colours – including black, white and red – and is compatible with most major consoles and PCs thanks to the 3.5mm connection. The perfect gift for the retro gaming fanatic, the Quarter Arcade Galaga Cabinet from Numskull (SRP £129.99) brings the arcade classic to the home office, in all its 1980s splendour. Fully playable at a perfect quarter-scale of the original cabinet, this classic arcade game comes equipped with all the original features and characteristics, right down to carefully replicated buttons. Just one in the series, with Numskull your customers can build the ultimate throwback arcade at home.
Lightweight and comfortable, perfect for endless hours of gameplay, the Turtle Beach Recon 70X (SRP £29.99) is built for victory. The 70X headset is equipped with 40mm, high-quality, speakers and premium cushions, meaning crisp highs and a thundering bass are produced, while any noise is blocked out. The Turtle Beach high-sensitivity microphone ensures communication with team mates is crisp and clear, and the mic can be muted by simply flipping it up. The Turtle Beach Recon 70 headset range is available in a
The Playseat L33T - PlayStation gaming chair (SRP £349) is designed to enhance the gaming experience for PlayStation 4. With a range of adjustment options, including arm
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Spearheading the fleet of premier gaming monitors from AOC, the AG273QCG (SRP £600) provides an ultra-smooth experience. The ideal gift for anyone looking to get the most from their graphics card, this 27-inch curved monitor is equipped with QHD, NVIDIA G-SYNC, a 1ms response time and 165Hz (twice the industry standard) for a stutter-free, smoothly-rendered, fully immersive gaming visual experience.
rest alteration and a reclining backrest, the Playseat L33T guarantees comfort during long gaming sessions, while the padded cushions remain durable. Complete with the quintessential PlayStation colours and iconography, the L33T – PlayStation edition is a superb gift for any PS4 fan!
GIFTS FOR AUDIOPHILES Whether streaming the latest hits or playing the festive golden oldies, get stocked with all the audiophile-approved kit – from tiny true wireless earphones to punchy portable speakers, and so much more in between. Very much the same as it’s voice-assisted predecessor, the Sonos One SL (SRP £179)
is the ideal gift for anyone looking for a smart speaker with a rich, room-filling sound – but without the microphone. Perfectly tuned to faithfully produce crisp, clear audio, streamed via the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2, the One SL fits perfectly into any space. The Sonos One SL can be fully integrated into an existing Sonos setup: paired with another One SL (or the original Sonos One) it can act as rear surround for a Beam, Playbar or Playbase. The JBuds Air True Wireless Earbuds from JLab Audio (SRP £49.99) use a Bluetooth 5 connection to offer a bold, unmistakable sound that can be tailored to the listener’s preference (via JLab Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost modes). With 24 hours of audio playback (6 hours in earbuds, 18 hours from charging case), automatic power and instinctive connection with each other, these true wireless earbuds are perfect for hassle-free use on the go. The JBuds Air True Wireless Earbuds come equipped with a built-in microphone, perfect for activating voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant, or answering calls with just the tap of an earbud.
The Sonos One SL is an ideal smart speaker with a rich, room-filling sound Officially licensed by Ferrari and offering a totally realistic PlayStation 4 racing experience, the Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition (SRP £99.99) is an 8:10 scale replica of the steering wheel found in the Ferrari 488GTB. The ideal gift for any racer-in-training, this ergonomically designed racing wheel offers a realistic linear wheel resistance and the 2-pedal pedal set is equipped with an adjustable angle and wide footrest for precise and comfortable acceleration and braking. With comprehensive controls, designed for the PS4 system, in-game menus can be navigated with ease.
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Brilliantly stylish and portable, the Urbanears Rålis (SRP £169) is the ideal gift for anyone looking to take their music on the go. With 20+ hours of wireless music playback from a single charge, a carrying strap and IPX2 water-resistance, the Urbanears Rålis is ready to play anywhere. With multi-directional sound, this snazzy little portable speaker can create a top-quality sound experience, and the Bluetooth connectivity means streaming audio from smart devices is a piece of cake – it can even support 2 devices simultaneously. Equipped with an in-built power bank, your customers can charge their phone while they play.
Perfect for the on-the-go audiophile, the Astell&Kern A&norma SR15 (SRP £599) is designed to set a new sonic standard for hi-fi novices and experts alike. Winner of the What Hi-Fi? 2019 Portable Music Player Product of the Year, the SR15 is packed full of performance and eliminates distortion – offering your customers recorded audio as it was destined to be heard. Though this audio player may have an unusual design, the hand never hinders the display screen
and offers the best grip possible – no matter how it’s held. Versatile and seamless, the FWD-01 from Adidas Headphones (SRP £129.99) are sleek, wireless in-ear headphones, ready to take to the gym or the streets. The ideal gift for anyone looking for high-quality audio when exercising, the lightweight FWD-01 are IPX4 rated sweat-proof. With up to 16 hours of playback and magnetic earbuds for round-the-neck storage, they’re always ready to go. For ease of use, the knitted cord is tangle-free and equipped with all the necessary controls. Made for audiophiles and gamers alike, the Audeze Mobius (SRP £349) is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who wants an immersive, cinematic, surround sound
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experience at their fingertips. Audeze Planar Magnetic drivers produce top quality audio, while Waves NX™ Head-Tracking and 3D Audio technology offer even greater immersion to gamers; even the slightest head movement is picked up on and gamers can hear approaching footsteps with pinpoint accuracy. Compatible with
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relatives already palpable, it’s the perfect time to start diversifying your offering to appeal to even the most discerning – or indecisive – of your customers. Exertis has the widest possible range of festive tech gifts for your customers. To learn more about these and many thousands more top products, perfect for the Christmas season and far beyond, contact your Exertis account manager today.
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Vizio 20” 2.0 Soundbar (SRP £89)
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Roku Streaming Stick+ (SRP £49.99)
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Roku Express (SRP £29.99)
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Kano Disney Frozen 2™ Coding Kit (SRP £79.99)
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Kano The Force™ Coding Kit (SRP £79.99)
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LittleBits Space Rover Inventor Kit (SRP £199.99)
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Parrot Anafi Extended (SRP £799.99)
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Hy-Pro Zinc S2 Pro (£229.99)
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Tadoo Smart Thermostat Starter Kit (SRP £199.99)
10. X Rocker G-Force (SRP £129.99) 11. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Xbox One S Bundle (SRP One S £249) & (SRP One X £449) 12. Perp Battlewake (SRP £29.99) numerous consoles and devices, the Audeze Mobius supports USB, Aux and Bluetooth connections. Pint-sized yet powerful, the Marshall Stockwell II (SRP £219) represents decades of iconic, rock ‘n’ roll sound. Durable, powerful and on-the-road ready, the Stockwell II features a silicone exterior, steel grille and guitar-style strap, all paired with an IPX4 water-resistant rating. With quick charging capabilities, this speaker is ready at a moment’s notice – just 20 minutes of charging provides up to 6 hours of portable playing time, though 20+ hours can be achieved with a full battery. With multi-directional sound, the Marshall Stockwell II is the perfect gift for anyone looking for an immersive audio experience, inside or out.
So, Christmas is truly upon us. Shoppers in the UK are forecasted to spend £80.27bn in the 6 weeks leading up to Christmas. With the stress over presents for picky
13. Turtle Beach Recon 70X (SRP £29.99) 14. Quarter Arcade Galaga Cabinet (SRP £129.99) 15. Playseat L33T - PlayStation (SRP £349) 16. Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition (SRP £99.99) 17. AOC AG273QCG (SRP £600) 18. Sonos One SL (SRP £179) 19. JBuds Air True Wireless Earbuds (SRP £49.99) 20. Urbanears Rålis (SRP £169) 21. Astell&Kern SR15 (SRP £599) 22. Adidas Headphones FWD-01 (SRP £129.99) 23. Audeze Mobius (SRP £349) 24. Marshall Stockwell II (SRP £219)
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® O G E L n4 o iz r o H a z r o F X e n Xbox O Speed Champions bundle
Own the Xbox One X Forza Horizon 4 LEGO® Speed Champions bundle and bring your Master Builder dreams to life. Experience a shared open world; H[SORUH D ZRQGURXV QHZ /(*2 9DOOH\ DQG ÀOO \RXU JDUDJH ZLWK DQ LQFUHGLEOH array of cars. This bundle includes an Xbox One X, a full-game download of Forza Horizon 4 with the LEGO Speed Champions add-on, and more.
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EXERTIS EXCLUSIVE
Show report from our annual London event The annual Exertis Exclusive PR event is a great opportunity for the press and influencers to get hands-on with some of the vast array of brands that the company distributes, and to find out the latest tech trends in the run-up to the all-important festive season. This year’s show, which was held in October, at The Hospital Club, in London’s Covent Garden, had it all: from lifestyle and luxury gadgets, to smart home accessories, innovative audio, essential accessories and fitness and beauty products. Here are just some of the highlights… HIGH-END AUDIO KINGS When it comes to premium, hi-res portable music players, Astell&Kern is leading the way. The latest addition to its A&ultima range is the SP2000, which retails for £3,399 and features two Asahi Kasei DACs – the AKM AK4499EQ – arranged in a dual-mono configuration to provide a wider soundstage and better stereo separation. The SP2000 supports up to 32-bit/768KHz bit-to-bit playback of high resolution PCM audio and native playback of DSD files up to DSD512. Other features include a five-inch touchscreen, 512GB of internal memory – double that of previous Astell&Kern players – MQA support (pending final testing and certification) and dual-band wi-fi with a stereo antenna, for improved network performance when streaming music. Available now, in stainless steel or copper, it sounds extraordinary and is a very stylish portable music player. Staying with the theme of luxury portable audio, French high-end audio brand Devialet unveiled its Phantom Reactor – an ultra-compact speaker that packs one hell of a punch, considering it’s small enough to be held in one hand. With a maximum volume of 98 dB SPL and an impressive 900 watts of peak power, it can be operated wirelessly via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, UPnP, or through an analogue or optical jack connection. It can be remotely controlled by an app and comes in two
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versions – the 600 (95 dB SPL – 600 watts) and 900 (98 dB SPL – 900 watts). Prices start at £990. For serious music lovers, Audeze’s LCD4z open-back, over-ear planar magnetic headphones (£3,599) offer the excellent audio quality of the brand’s flagship LCD-4 model, but without the need to use an amplifier. They can be driven from the auxiliary port of the user’s listening device. TRAVELLERS’ TECH It wasn’t all expensive high-end audio: Jet-setting business travellers might like to try the JLab Audio JBuds Air Executive true wireless earbuds (£69.99). Equipped with dual microphones and C3 calling, one microphone picks up and eliminates surrounding noise, while the other picks up your voice for perfect, crystal-clear calls. Harman Kardon, with more than 65 years of audio expertise, used Exertis Exclusive to show off its latest range of Citation smart speakers with Google Assistant, which can be use individually or as part of a 5.1 channel surround system. With on-trend fabric finishes by Danish textile company
Kvadrat, these products are designed to complement contemporary home interiors. If your customers are looking for something that’s a bit more off the wall, how about the Jarre AeroBull HD1 wireless speaker? Developed by electronic music artist Jean Michel Jarre, it’s designed in the shape of a French bulldog and offers 200 watts of power. It could the pawfect present for dog lovers this Christmas… British audio company Orbitsound launched its latest innovation at Exertis Exclusive. Visitors got to see – and hear – a world-first from the brand: the ONE P70W V2 wireless speaker (£399), which also doubles up as a soundbar. Using innovative Airsound Technology, which does away with the users’ need to sit in the ‘sweet spot’ in order to get perfect sound, the ONE P70W V2, which is available in two finishes – black and bamboo – can be placed on a furniture unit, in front of a TV, or on a shelf, and it can also be wall-mounted. Its clever new ‘Transconductance Amplification’ technology enables clear, dynamic and precise sound with very low distortion. SOUNDBAR SUPERSTARS Vizio – the number one soundbar brand in the US – made its UK debut earlier this year. Designed to be used with 40in TVs and upwards, its 36in 2.1 all-in-one soundbar with Bluetooth and built-in dual subwoofers (£149) provides an immersive audio experience, thanks to on-board DTS Virtual: X technology. German brand Canton was making noises about its slender Smart Soundbar 10 (£899), which delivers Dolby Atmos cinema sound, as well as multi-room connectivity and music streaming via
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for an easy way to get started with the smart home. At Exertis Exclusive, Lightwave demonstrated its range of products, including its smart lighting and power starter kit (£239.95), as well as smart dimmers and smart sockets. Lightwave products can be retro-fitted with no need for additional wiring and voice control is possible through Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or the Apple HomeKit.
wi-fi and Bluetooth. Also on show were Canton’s latest soundbases – the DM76 and DM101, which are said to the perfect size for contemporary large-screen TVs. For a much more compact cinematic experience, look no further than Epson’s EF-100W/B (£999.99) – the world’s smallest 3LCD laser projector. With this plug-and-play product, which measures just 23cm along its longest edge, you can project on to almost any surface – even in daylight. It can be used to show content from a phone, streaming device, laptop and games console, and is light enough to take out and about. PARTY SPEAKERS For even more fun on the move, there’s Kitsound’s portable Slam 70 Bluetooth party speaker (£99.99), with 15 hours of play time, up to 20 light modes to suit the mood and the music, and an IP67 waterproof rating – handy for those customers who will be getting away to enjoy some winter sun by the pool over the Christmas holidays. Meanwhile, back at home, for middle-aged hipsters or lovers of vintage style, Victrola has put a new spin on listening to vinyl with its retro-looking Parker Bluetooth 3-speed suitcase turntable (£89.99) – VSC-580BT, with built-in stereo speakers.
Also promoting the smart tech message was D-Link, whose dual-band EXO AC2600 smart mesh wi-fi router delivers super-fast wi-fi – combined speeds of up to 2,533 Mbps – 800 Mbps (2.4 GHz) and 1732 Mbps (5 GHz) – as well as voice-control, McAfee protection and wi-fi mesh technology to turbocharge your home network. INTELLIGENT HEATING Temperature control, security and lighting are three of the main reasons consumers look to purchase smart home products. Energenie’s affordable MiHome Installer smart home range includes lighting, heating and monitoring and is priced from £22.99 for a smart single light switch. The tado° smart radiator thermostat (£69.99) connects your radiators to the Internet and offers multi-room control, while reducing your heating costs. Swann is able to provide a complete security ecosystem, from wireless cameras and doorbells, through to professionalquality, multi-camera 4K UHD wired CCTV surveillance systems, while Ezviz’s indoor Full HD smart cam (£59.99) can be placed anywhere inside the home and also used as a baby /pet monitor. Consumers like smart tech to be simple to use – Swedish manufacturer Doro has developed an Android smartphone for the elderly. The 8080 has an intuitive interface, including a special home button, which lets the user return to the start menu with a single press.
SMART TECH The smart home is, arguably, the fastestgrowing tech market – and retailers should be making the most of stocking and selling the diverse range of products that are out there. Consumers are looking
AWESOME ACCESSORIES Christmas – and the New Year – is a great time for selling mobile phone accessories, as many customers will have received new smartphones as gifts. The Otter
+ Pop Symmetry Series from Otterbox and PopSockets lets users customise and personalise their slim, Symmetry Series protective phone cases by adding swappable PopGrips. There’s a wide range of colour options available. Zagg says its InvisibleShield Glass Elite VisionGuard + screen protector (£29.99) is the first of its kind, as it includes bacteria-fighting properties, Eyesafe technology, oil-dispersing treatment that makes fingerprints and smudges virtually invisible to the eye, and its strongest screen protection ever. Smartphones are power-hungry – STM Goods’ wireless powerbank (£49.95) is suitable for charging smartphones and other QI-enabled products. Handily, it features suction cups to attach it to the device while charging. HEALTH AND BEAUTY Christmas isn’t the best time to be thinking about getting healthy, but there’s always the New Year to mend your ways… The Withings BPM Core (£229.95) is the first over-the-counter, all-in-one health device to let you measure blood pressure, record an electrocardiogram (ECG) and listen to the heart via a digital stethoscope. The company has also launched Move ECG (£129.95) – an affordable analogue smartwatch and activity tracker that’s able to record an ECG and heart rate. From health to beauty… SmoothSkin’s new and improved Bare+ IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal system has 30% more energy to tackle stubborn areas such as under the arms and the bikini line. Light energy is absorbed by the hair follicle, which heats up and stops the hairs from growing back. The treated hairs naturally fall out over the course of a few days, to one or two weeks. Finally, one of the quirkiest products on show was the SMART Voice egg steamer, which includes spoken alerts in five different languages, as well as three different indicator lights, to let you know when your eggs have been soft, medium or hard boiled. You could say it’s an Exertis eggs-clusive…
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HOME IS WHERE THE SMART IS... The smart home is no longer the stuff of sci-films – it’s here. Retailers should get behind it and reap the rewards of this growing, multi-billion pound market. We look at some of the latest smart home tech available from Exertis, including security, heating, lighting and top class wi-fi, and find out how it can help you and your customers… There’s no denying it – smart home technology is playing an important part in more and more people’s daily lives, and that trend is only set to continue. According to a report by research firm Strategy Analytics, the global market for smart home technology is set to hit an estimated $103 billion (£80bn) in annual revenue by the end of 2019. More than half of that spend (54%) will be on smart devices and hardware, but the figure also includes smart home services (subscriptions) and installation fees. Looking further ahead, Strategy Analytics predicts that the market will reach $157bn (£122bn) in annual revenue by 2023. This means there is a huge opportunity for retailers to capitalise on this burgeoning sector. So why are more consumers suddenly getting switched-on to the benefits of smart home technology? Jack Wetherill, principal consultant at technology analyst Futuresource, says: “Voice assistant smart speakers have raised many people’s awareness of the possibilities of the smart home, as they offer the ability to control a number of devices without the need to press any buttons, or be within reach of a device.”He adds: “Most smart home products can be connected to at least two or three main platforms, such as Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Samsung SmartThings.” According to Futuresource’s Smart Home & Appliances Consumer Research study, conducted in 2018, the three entry categories for consumers purchasing their
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first smart home products are climate control (heating and cooling), security and lighting. Exertis has a wide range of smart technology products available that will cater for all your customers’ needs. SECURITY GETS SMART Safety and security is a key driver for sales of smart home accessories – consumers can use devices to keep an eye on their home, loved ones and pets. The 1080p spotlight outdoor security camera from Swann (£139.99) is packed with excellent features to deter would-be criminals, and keep consumers feeling safe and protected. Heat and motion sensors will trigger the spotlight, which also acts as a great deterrent. There is also a warning siren and the weatherproof product is equipped with colour night vision, making it easy to identify intruders. The two-way audio facility lets you talk back to people and ward them off if needs be. Hands-free operation is enabled via voice control and video can be streamed via Google Assistant and Chromecast and Google Home Hub, or via Alexa devices with a screen, such as Echo Spot, Echo Show or 4K Fire TV. The camera, which is easy to install, thanks to a wireless connection to a wi-fi router, records in Full
HD 1080p video and footage can be saved for free to a secure cloud for seven days and to local memory for two days. There is also a great add-on sales opportunity for retailers, as customers can expand their home’s smart security system with more Swann products, including wi-fi cameras, smart video doorbells and fullywired DVR (digital video recorders) and NVR (network video recorders), and manage the whole set-up with the Swann Security app.
Ring’s Video Doorbell (£89) means you can answer the door from anywhere. When a visitor presses the doorbell, or triggers the device’s built-in motion sensors, you get instant alerts and can then see, hear and speak to anyone at your door from your smartphone, tablet or PC by using the free Ring app. The doorbell, which is easy to install, has infrared night vision and is weather-resistant, too. Security specialist Yale’s innovative Conexis L1 smart lock (£TBC) lets you control access
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to your home using a smartphone, key tag, key card, phone tag or key fob. There’s also the option to send virtual ‘keys’ to those you trust and give temporary access to one-time guests and visitors. Thanks to the Conexis L1 app, you can open the door of the home with a simple tap on your smartphone screen. HEATING AND LIGHTING One of the key benefits of smart home technology is having total control of the temperature of the environment where you live. But there’s an added bonus: by only having the heating on when you need it – for example, when you’re at home – it can also save you money. Smart, eh? Tado°’s smart radiator thermostat (£69.99) uses your smartphone’s geolocation technology to control your heating. It turns it down when no one is home and starts to pre-heat the house when it detects the first person returning. It also lets you know when the heating is on and gives you control from wherever you are, via an app. The device works with all standard radiators – simply replace the old radiator thermostat – and is easy to install. The product can also be integrated into a wider connected home ecosystem using Apple HomeKit, and voice-controlled by Siri, Google Assistant or Amazon Echo. It’s not just the heating in your home that can be controlled by smart technology – your lighting can, too. This has obvious security – and energy saving – benefits, but can also be used to create suitable moods
and ambience in each room of the house. When partnered with the Philips Hue bridge product, the Hue Play light bars – in white and available as a double pack for £119.99 – can be controlled from your smartphone or tablet via the Philips Hue app. There is also the ability to set timers, notifications and alarms, or activate the lights by voice control with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Home. Users can enjoy different types of lighting during the year, such as the warm, white light of a summer sun, or the ice-cool daylight of winter. Stands are included, so the lights can be placed vertically, laid flat, or even mounted behind a TV, to create an immersive backlight effect. INTELLIGENT BLINDS Somfy offers a wide range of electric blinds and control options for the home. Whether you want to operate your blinds by a remote control, wall switch or your smartphone, it has the perfect solution. Timers or sensors can also be used to control the blinds, making your house look occupied while you’re not there. The company’s TaHoma smart home system (£TBC) allows you to open your blinds, switch off lights, or operate the garage door, just by using your smartphone. It can also connect to Amazon Alexa or Echo, allowing the system to be voice-controlled. Having a house that’s full of smart technology can put a serious strain on your
wi-fi network, but Zyxel has the answer… Its Multy X tri-band AC3000 whole home Mesh wi-fi system (£TBC) can provide a powerful wireless network, with wider coverage, stronger signal strength and
increased security. Multy’s wi-fi system can cover up to 7,500 square feet, without compromising on performance, and delivers maximum wireless speed through its dedicated 5 GHz connection (between units), and broadcasts with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wi-fi networks. To offer protection from cyber security threats, the AiShield service is available for the Multy X system. Installation is easy, thanks to Multy’s app, and the system can also be controlled remotely by a smartphone – you can turn on a guest wi-fi network for someone, even when you’re not at home. To find out further information on stocking all of these products – as well as many more smart-tech options – please contact your Exertis brand manager. It’s time for all of us to get smart!
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GAMING 2020
Get ready for a massive year in console gaming with our roundup of just a handful of the top hardware and software releases arriving in 2020 From anthropomorphic animals to new solid-state drives, 2020 is set to be a very big year for the gaming industry. Whether it’s the next generation of consoles packing unprecedented power, or the perfect game for all the family, your customers are always on the lookout for the next best thing. Each year comes with a host of new offerings, and with scheduled releases of both hotlyanticipated and overdue games, as well as the most powerful consoles to date, 2020 certainly won’t disappoint. Undeniably one of the most exciting gaming releases slated for 2020 is Microsoft’s next generation Xbox console. Codenamed Project Scarlett, Microsoft have promised their most advanced Xbox console to date will be here just in time for next Christmas, with a release date of ‘Holiday 2020’. A cleverly curated set of announcements have been drip-fed to fans since E3 2019, building excitement for the console currently shrouded in mystery. Fans’ desperate need for faster load times will be satisfied (thanks to the internal solid-state drive offering up to 40 times the speed as the Xbox One X). Set to deliver games in up to 8K resolution and offering the “most immersive console experience ever”, Project Scarlett is sure to make a very big splash indeed, when it finally arrives in just under a year’s time. To support the release of the as-yetunnamed next-gen Xbox console, Halo Infinite will launch as the first official title. It’ll be the franchise’s first outing in 5 years by the time it’s released, but nonetheless fans of the Halo games will be waiting with bated breath for the return of the Master Chief. Players will continue the Halo 5: Guardians storyline and get taken
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in, as Microsoft puts it, “ambitious and unexpected directions”. Though updates on the release are still few and far between, it has been confirmed that Halo Infinite will be available for Xbox One, Project Scarlett and Windows PC. Despite originally being announced at E3 2017, Microsoft confirmed at the 2019 event that Ori and the Will of the Wisps for Xbox One and Windows 10 will be finally released on the 11th February 2020. An engaging adventure through vast, exotic and beautiful environments, the sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) offers players the opportunity to venture further. Gamers will follow Ori, mastering new skills and journeying through unknown dangers, as they unravel the little white guardian
Project Scarlett console, the PlayStation 5 will feature a solid-state drive and raytracking for a faster and more captivating experience than ever before. With a brandnew controller shipping with the console, the PS5 is designed to deepen the level of immersion PlayStation owners currently experience – including haptic feedback to make actions feel different “so crashing into a wall in a race car feels very different to making a tackle on the football field” (Jim Ryan, President & CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment). Almost 20 years after initially launching for Nintendo 64 in its native Japan, the latest rendition of the ever-popular Animal Crossing will be released on the 20th March 2020. Originally scheduled for late
In 2020, gamers are destined for an adventure full of “ambitious and unexpected directions” spirit’s fate. Players are set to come up against incredible enemies and a catalogue of challenging puzzles. A whole host of new, meticulously crafted characters and larger-than-life bosses await players as they progress though the story. Here just in time to battle Xbox to a spot on the 2020 Christmas lists of gamers up and down the land, the Sony PlayStation 5 is set to revolutionise the abilities of Sony consoles currently on the market, as well as smashing the audio and visual limitations of today. Much like the Xbox
2019, many fans are waiting expectantly for the myriad of new features set to totally transform the tried and tested recipe, this time for Nintendo Switch. Along with the classic charm and colourful characters that seasoned players expect, Animal Crossing: New Horizons will let gamers get seriously creative as they craft the world around them – the world being a brand new deserted island getaway. Many of the old gameplay rules no longer apply, through new interactions with the environment, and the ability to collect resources to craft tools, furniture and more.
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Fast paced and competitive, Roller Champions is a free-to-play sports game from video games developer Ubisoft that will see players competing against each other in a roller-derby style contest. Releasing for PC-exclusive gameplay in early 2020, players are put right in the middle of massive arenas, the aim being to grab the ball, dodging the opposing team of 3 and scoring – all while performing tricks and thrilling the crowds, for the chance to unlock character customisation items and additional gear options. Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs Legion, launching in 2020, will put players in the heart of nearfuture, dystopian London, oppressed by power-hungry opportunists, and crying out for a resistance to rise up. Players will have to recruit from the plethora of interesting characters, all of which are playable, and all with their own backstory and skill-set. The third in the Watch Dogs franchise, players will travel through an open world, passing iconic landmarks like Big Ben or Tower Bridge and travelling through areas such as Piccadilly Circus and Camden. Again, scheduled for 2020 (but pushed back from its original February release date) and initially announced by Ubisoft at E3 2019, Gods & Monsters puts players into the shoes of a forgotten hero, exploring through a fantasy open-world environment. Wielding the powers of the gods, negotiating challenging puzzles and performing feats of gallantry, gamers must embark on a quest to save the gods of Greek lore from the deadliest monsters in mythology, and to prove themselves as legendary mythic heroes. The allure of gaming is seemingly evergreen, and whether your customers are looking to massively update their console, or reunite with a beloved franchise from their childhoods, the announcements for 2020 are sure to whet a lot of appetites. To get ahead and learn more about these great upcoming releases, as well as the whole catalogue of consoles, physical and digital releases just waiting to be discovered and embraced by you and your customers, be sure to speak to your Exertis account manager today!
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EXERTIS ENTERTAINMENT
HOT PICKS Top 5 Software Products
2. Honor and Duty All Out War Edition All Out War Edition combines Honor and Duty Remastered Arcade Edition and D-Day to create the biggest PSVR multiplayer game.
TOP PICK:
Publisher: Perp Games Format: PSVR
Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield let players enter a whole new world, catching and trading all manner of familiar and new Pokemon. Publisher: Nintendo Format: Nintendo Switch
3. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 The latest instalment in the popular Mario – Sonic crossover lets players test out 30+ Olympic sports, including ones new for Toyko! Publisher: Nintendo Format: Nintendo Switch
2. 1More Stylish True Wireless (version 2)
Top 5 New Products
The 1More Stylish True Wireless headphones offer total freedom and with 7.5hrs of battery, these are perfect for long listening sessions. Manufacturer: 1More Type: True Wireless Earphones
TOP PICK: Swann Wi-Fi Alert Indoor Security Camera Keep an eye on home, pets and loved ones when you’re out and about, with this elegant indoor security cam. Manufacturer: Swann Type: Indoor Security Camera
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Anafi 3. Parrot P The Parrot Anafi drone can film stunning high-quality, 4K HDR resolution and high outstanding photographs with the 21 outs mega-pixel camera. meg Manufacturer: Parrot Man Type: Flying 4K HDR camera
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For more information on all our Hot Picks, don’t hesitate to get in touch: STORE.EXERTIS.CO.UK BASINGSTOKE 01256 707 070 | HARLOW 01279 822 822
Top 5 Gaming Accessories TOP PICK: Turtle Beach 600X The Turtle Beach 600X headset delivers an immersive virtual surround sound for consoles - games, movies and music are brought to life.
4. Ori and the Will of the Wisps Players battle puzzles and new enemies alike as they follow the protagonist, Ori, through the beautifully crafted world.
Manufaturer: Turtle Beach Format: Xbox One
Publisher: Microsoft Format: Xbox One, Windows 10 Release date: 11th February 2020
2. Raiju Tournament Edition
5. Groundhog Day: Father Like Son
Manufacturer: Razer Format: Bluetooth & Wired for PS4
A virtual reality game based on the popular ‘90s film, Groundhog day, featuring logic puzzles and a narrative story-line. Publisher: Perp Games Format: PSVR
The Razer Raiju Tournament Edition combines the freedom of wireless, Bluetooth gaming with the assurance of a wired gameplay.
3. X Rocker PlayStation ation 2.1 Infiniti A gaming chair for PlayStation, the X Rocker Infiniti ti 2.1 has a headrestmounted 2.1 1 audio system for full immersion.. Manufacturer: acturer: X Rocker Type: Gaming Chair
4. Canton Smart Soundbox 3 Offering a powerful sound, the Canton Smart Soundbox 3 has built-in Chromecast and Spotify Connect, so streaming couldn’t be easier. Manufacturer: Canton Type: Multiroom Speaker
5. Audeze LCD-1 Compact and packed with planar magnetic technology, the LCD-1 can deliver deep bass in a lightweight and portable headset. Manufacturer: Audeze Type: Open-back headphones
4. AOC C27G1 Curved with 3-sides frameless design, the C27G1 from AOC is perfect for both the casual and competitive gamer. Manufacturer: AOC Type: Gaming Monitor 5. Xbox Wireless Controller Night Ops Camo Special Edition Connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth, Bluetooth h, the Night Ops Camo Special Edition Editio on controller for Xbox is perfect for wireless gaming. Manufacturer: Microsoft Type: Xbox Wireless Controller
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STOCKING THRILLERS We look at the top tech accessories, perfect for filling Christmas stockings or being bundled with other products this festive season. It’s all about the add-ons… 1. Hypercube
2. Otterbox Otter + Pop Symmetry Series
Christmas is a great time for customers to capture precious moments with their family and friends on their smartphone camera. The Hypercube (£29.99) by Sanho Corporation, a leading USB-C hub manufacturer, will ensure those memories are preserved – it’s a tiny device that lets you backup photos, videos and contacts on to a micro SD card or USB drive while you charge your smartphone, thanks to a free app.
The latest smartphones are always high on shoppers’ Christmas lists, so to keep that shiny, new device safe, how about a stylish and slim protective case? The Otter + Pop Symmetry Series (£34.99) can also be personalised, thanks to its PopTop designs which can be easily swapped out. Simply press, twist and remove to create a whole new look. The integrated PopGrip lays flush with the case, making it simple to slide your phone in and out of pockets.
3. Mophie Powerstation Mini
4. Speck Presidio Stay Clear cases
For those consumers who are always on the go and need to charge their smartphone while they’re out and about, the super-slim and lightweight Mophie Powerstation Mini (£29.95) universal battery is the perfect present. Its 3000 mAh battery has enough capacity to provide a full charge to any micro-USB device and, thanks to its smart technology, the Powerstation Mini can identify the type of product it’s connected to, and will deliver the right amount of power to get the device back to being fully charged.
This range of protective smartphone cases from Speck has clear benefits…
5. Cygnett Armoured Lighting to USB-A Cable – 1m
6. Zagg Invisible Shield Glass Elite VisionGuard+ for iPhone 11
Designed for use with Apple devices, the premium Cygnett Armoured Lighting to USB-A Cable (£19.95) is seriously heavy duty. Said to be the brand’s most robust and durable cable, it is made with DuPont Kevlar aramid fibre and is several times stronger than most cables on the market.
Glass Elite – Zagg’s strongest glass screen protection – has now been combined with a VisionGuard blue light filter and infused with antimicrobial properties.
The Cygnett cable supports 2.4A/12W Fast Charging, and its double braided nylon design means it’s extremely resistant to fraying and breakage.
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With a high-tech coating that resists scratches, Ultraviolet (UV) rays and oil, to help prevent discolouration, the see-through Speck Presidio Stay Clear (£19.95) series is also designed to protect your phone from pretty much any drop – including a fall of up to eight feet. The case’s raised bezel gives extra protection from scratching and shattering if the phone falls and lands face down.
This means iPhone 11 users can protect their device from impact damage and keep the screen safe from 99.99% of surface bacteria. The Glass Elite VisionGuard+ (£29.99) has silver ions embedded in the glass itself, so the anti-microbial treatment won’t wear off.
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Special Edition Controllers
Wireless Controller
Sports Blue Special Edition
Wireless Controller
Night Ops Camo Special Edition