Company News - Pages 4-5
Industry News - Page 6
Retail Achievements - Page 17
Change of address
Stay up to date
What's happening in store
ISSUE 7
Experience the Best Smartphones Inside Pages 9-11
Store of the Quarter
Competition
Product Guru
Find out who won
Win a Nokia Lumia 820
Page 23
Page 12
Get the low-down on accessories
Pages 14-15
F贸nua Customer Christmas Night Pages 20-21
For iPhone 5
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Contents
Summary
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to another exciting edition of the Fónua Magazine. For the first edition of 2013 we have decided to give our magazine a slight makeover, we hope you like the new format. We have also added some exciting new features which we are sure will provide much enjoyment over that coffee break. As we all know our manufacturers are not ones to let the grass grow under their feet and this quarter is no different, with each manufacturer announcing their newest technologies and coolest handsets for 2013 at various flagship trade shows earlier this year. Within we review these handsets and tell you exactly what sets these devices apart from the rest. We also have some exciting company news to share with you guys. Fónua will soon move our facilities to 2 new locations, skip to page 4 for the full details around our move. It really is an exciting
time for Fónua! We have kept our ear to the ground and have heard that some of you have been busy in both your work and professional lives with weddings, retail rewards and store refurbishments - all is revealed within. Until next time that’s all from me, I hope you enjoy the edition.
Fónua News
Pages 4-5
Industry News
Page 6
Review BlackBerry Z10
Page 9
Review HTC 8X
Page 10
Review Sony Xperia Z
Page 11
Competition
Page 12
Accessories
Page 13
Product Guru
Pages 14-15
Retail Achievements
Page 17
Alcatel Promo
Page 19
Fónua Christmas Party
Pages 20-21
Store of the Quarter
Page 23
Warmest Regards, Elaine Lynch Marketing Manager
Congratulations Vodafone Athlone for winning the “Store of the Quarter” Award Page 23
Retail Achievements Page 17 New Products Reviewed Pages 9-11 Congratulations to our previous issue contest winner Page 12
BlackBerry Z10
Sony Xperia Z
HTC 8X
Page 3
NEWS Page 4
Dear Customers & Partners, We would like to advise you that Fónua is moving to new facilities for both the corporate offices and logistics functions of the business in the coming weeks. The addresses for both new locations are set out on the following page. We would be grateful if you could ensure that all postal communication is addressed to our new corporate office from 1st June, 2013. We will continue to service our customers as normal and we anticipate minimal impact to our service during the period of these moves. Neither of these moves affects the Fónfix facility which will continue to operate from Sandyford Business Park. Fónua’s warehouse is a self-contained standalone secure facility, within the Geodis TAPA A facility, denoting high levels of security governing the facility. An email address has been set up for any queries you may have related to the moves. Please email moves@fónua.com and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, please feel free to contact your account manager directly.
Thank you for your continued support and custom.
FÓnua Warehouse Location Fónua c/o Geodis Ireland Ltd, Damastown Industrial Park, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 With effect from 8th April 2013
FÓnua corporate office Cairn House, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18 With effect from 1st June 2013
Page 5
Industry News
Stay up-to-date on technology industry trends Vertu TI - The Most Expensive Smartphone
Luxury mobile phone maker Vertu, having recently switched to the Android operating system, have just launched their latest device - the Vertu Ti. Vertu will offer the Ti in titanium and black leather as well as alligator and gold mixed metals. Prices for this device range from €7,900 to a whopping €16,500. Vertu’s designs are made by hand at its factory in Hampshire, with each device signed by the person who makes it. Strangely enough all handsets come with a dedicated button to speak to a private concierge service and the screen of the device can only be scratched by diamonds!
And 3rd Place Goes To? With Samsung and Apple holding strong in their positions as the market’s leading smartphone manufacturers, the battle for third place will be hotting up for the trailing manufacturers. Sony have recently launched their campaign to claim this position by the end of 2013. Pierre Perron, Sony’s president of North Western Europe said “We want to become the third biggest smartphone manufacturer in the world this year, we will achieve that through continued investment in Japan and Europe, particularly in the UK, and leveraging the Sony brand in the emerging markets.” It certainly won’t be an easy victory as rivals BlackBerry, Nokia and LG are sure to be hot on their heels!
NFC - Mobile Payment This year Visa plan to prioritise the roll-out of mobile payment services by enabling more handsets with NFC technology. They are planning a mainstream launch of the service Page 6
following on from their successful trial at the London Olympics. Already 80 mobile handsets have been certified as NFC capable. They can be used as debit or credit cards to pay for low-value transactions by simply tapping the device onto a terminal or for higher-value
Google Glass
transactions by tapping and entering a PIN number. Marc O’Brien, Visa’s UK and Ireland Managing Director said they were working to make all handsets NFC capable and that mobile payment is its “immediate priority”.
February saw Google begin to accept applications in order to choose a small group of people to buy an early version of their most recent project ‘Google Glass’. The hands-free Android glasses connect to the internet and can be used to capture pictures, record video, and share content through social networks or email all while working off voice command. Google have launched the trial in order to get creative individuals and developers exploring exciting ways to use the new headset. Unfortunately for anyone eager to get their hands on a pair Google have advised that they have no plans to launch ‘Google Glass’ in the mass market until 2014.
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See the newXperia Z range from BUMPER custom fit protective bumper, rubber outside, clear middle, access to all ports, supplied with front and rear clear protector, charges without removal, 2 year ltd warranty
GEL SHELL Custom slim fitment, rubber sides, clear back, access to all ports, charges without removal, 2 year ltd warranty BOOK CASE Side opening book case,with suede inner lining, custom slimline inner shell, magnetic closure, access to all ports, charges without removal, 2 year ltd warranty
AD SLIP CASE Slim line design, contrasting stitching, suede lining, push release cut out, 2 year ltd warranty
Page 8
Sony and Roxfit the ultimate combination
Review: BlackBerry Z10 Work Life Balance:
BlackBerry Balance keeps your professional and private information separate, giving peace of mind that your privacy is respected while your sensitive work information is protected.
NFC Technology: BlackBerry Tag incorporates NFC technology into BlackBerry user’s everyday lives exchanging data has never been easier!
Touch Screen Keyboard: The new BlackBerry keyboard provides an effortless typing experience, learning your writing style and suggesting words to help you type faster, accurately and with the least amount of effort.
In-Car Charger
Leather Pouch
Leather Executive Flip Case
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FOR BlackBerry Z10
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Page 9
Review: Windows Phone 8X by HTC World-Class Camera:
Get more people in the shot with the new ultra-wide-angle front and back cameras. The 8X takes sharp, crisp photos even in low-light conditions.
Perfect-Fit Design:
This is the most comfortable phone you’ll ever hold. Its seamless form feels great in your hand and on your ear. The ultraunique matte finish comes in a variety of distinctive colours.
Exclusive Built In Amplifier For Beats Audio™: Enjoy high-definition, uncompromised sound for all you do. Boost sound with less distortion than other phones for the ultimate entertainment experience.
Leather Executive Flip Case
Page 10
Hard Shell Case
Micro USB to HDMI Cable
PERFECT PARTNER
PERFECT PARTNER
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FOR HTC 8X
FOR HTC 8X
FOR HTC 8X
Review: ™ Sony Xperia Z Full HD Reality Display: Feel like you’re there with the razor sharp and super bright full HD screen. The Xperia Z brings you the highest level of HD available all in a 5” screen!
First Of Its Kind Camera: 13 MP camera with Exmor RS™ for mobile - Sharp, crisp and stunning shots in any light!
As Fast As Lightning: Lightning speed performance, delivering a unique experience with a Snapdragon™ S4 Pro processor with a 1.5 GHz quad core CPU.
Leather Executive Flip Case
Leather Folio Case
Sony Wireless Headset DR-BTN200M
PERFECT PARTNER
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PERFECT PARTNER
FOR SONY XPERIA Z
FOR SONY XPERIA Z
FOR SONY XPERIA Z
Page 11
Competition Win a Nokia Lumia 820
Stylish and Affordable: Keep on Trend with the Nokia Lumia 820 Experience style and affordability with the Nokia Lumia 820 with Windows Phone 8. Delivering high-end performance in a compact package, the Nokia Lumia 820 comes with an exchangeable shell design which not only allows you to select from a range of colours with the same great unibody look but also supports wireless charging accessories. Pre-loaded with free music streaming service from Nokia Mix Radio, turn-by-turn sat nav from Nokia Drive, XBOX gaming and access to over 100,000 apps such as Transport, Music, Reading and the ground breaking City Lens, the Nokia 820 is a smartphone to be reckoned with. With real time updates, faster and safer browsing and easy access to media files, Microsoft Office, Peoples Hub and Live Tiles Available now on
Nokia and F贸nua have teamed up to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a Nokia Lumia 820. Simply answer the following question:
Q: True or False - The new Nokia Lumia 820 supports wireless charging Email your answer to editor@F贸nua.com iPad Competition Winner
Congratulations to Marie McGee from Carphone Warehouse Athlone who was the lucky winner of the competition from our previous issue. Page 12
Accessories New
Sony Xperia Z ‘Made For’ Accessories
Coming Soon Accessories for Windows Phone 8X by HTC
One To Watch
SOL Republic Headphones
Page 13
Product Guru The low-down on the iPhone 5 Lightning Cable
Apple official line... “iPhone 5 features the new lightning connector that is smaller, smarter and more durable than the previous connector. The all-digital lightning connector features an adaptive interface that uses only the signals that each accessory requires, and it’s reversible so you can instantly connect to your accessories”
The unofficial line... To prevent non-compliant third-party alternatives, Apple have incorporated an authentication chip in both the lightning connector and cable.
What does this mean for you the retailer? It means quite a number of things! Apple’s certification process, or the “Made For iPhone” (MFI) approval process, is holding back the release of products by months. Apple only shared the lightning specifications with the majority of accessory manufacturers after the launch of the iPhone 5.
Page 14
This in turn has majorly delayed the release of key products, namely chargers, as companies are still researching the technology and attempting to get Apple certification.
What does this mean for the customer? The manufacturing costs of the new lightning connector have increased by a whopping 775% when compared with the legacy 30-pin connector. This has had a huge knock-on effect on the retail price of accessories. Customers might be hoping they could bypass this additional cost with the help of third-party manufacturers creating cheaper versions of the cables but it’s at a very high risk. Manufacturers can build a lightning cable that effectively looks and feels the same but the chip has to be there to guarantee full functionality. By adding the authentication chip Apple have effectively locked down the market.
KitSound - Bluetooth DockAir Adaptor Using the KitSound Bluetooth DockAir you can make any speaker dock wireless! The latest generation iOS devices with lightning connectors have caused some serious compatibility issues in the accessory market, especially when it comes to iPod/iPhone speaker docks. There is however a quick and affordable solution available, introducing the KitSound Bluetooth Dock Air Adaptor. The KitSound Dock Air is a clever little product that basically converts any Apple Dock into a wireless speaker. It will pair with ANY stereo Bluetooth phone, Smartphone, iPad, Tablet or Bluetooth-enabled MP3 player, allowing you to enjoy your favourite music wirelessly through your existing docking station. All you have to do is connect the Dock Air to the 30 pin connector on your docking station and pair up with your device via Bluetooth - mission accomplished. A simple solution which really couldn’t be any easier to use!
Scosche - My Trek Wireless Pulse Monitor
For anyone still buzzing off the back of last years London Olympics and on a mission to get fit in 2013, the Scosche My Trek Pulse Monitor is the appcessory for you. The main aim of this device is to measure your heart-rate, but it does a lot more than that. It syncs with iOS and Android devices to provide real-time updates on your pulse as well as other details of your workout such as calories burned, distance and speed reached. With loads of pre-set activities on the App, this clever little gadget is designed to be worn on the upper forearm unlike the traditional chest-strap heartrate monitor, making it more female friendly and
comfortable to use leaving you free to exercise without feeling restricted. Simply pair the device with your Smartphone via Bluetooth, download the myTrek app and you are ready to go! Other additional features include the ability to share your workout results on Facebook, Twitter, RunKeeper or MapMyFitness. Users can also pull music from existing music accounts allowing you to listen to your favourite music without exiting the app making it the perfect partner for any workout. This product is a must for all fitness enthusiasts!
Cookoo – The Connected Watch With Smartwatches currently a major topic in the industry, I thought no better time than now to review the latest iOS compatible Cookoo Smartwatch. From the off-set, the sleek design of the Cookoo watch grabs your attention. Unlike other Smartwatches the Cookoo has a circular face, so immediately it is more attractive than its current competitors. The device comes in six different colours appealing to both male and female watch lovers and provides simple, easy to read icons. To use this device all you have to do is connect your Smartphone to the watch via Bluetooth, download the app and configure the alerts for all or any of the below: • Incoming and missed calls • Text/SMS messages • Emails • Facebook chat and messages • Reminders • Find my phone alert The Cookoo Watch has some really great features, specifically the COMMAND button which can be customised to check-in on Facebook or even take a picture on you Smartphone. In my opinion, what really separates the Cookoo Watch from it’s competitors is that it doesn’t need to be charged - it runs off a regular watch battery so has an average life span of approximately 2 years. It also comes in a really cool box which can be reused as a bird house or feeder! Put simply, The Cookoo Watch will notify you when something happens on your phone in real time - even if you can’t hear, see, or reach it!
Page 15
Samsung Galaxy
Tablets and Genuine Accessories available from Fónua Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 - 7” Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 - 10”
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Accessories available for all these devices including
Samsung Galaxy Folio Cases
Samsung HD TV Adapter
Fónua – Authorised partner for Samsung OEM devices and accessories
Page 16
Samsung Universal Bluetooth Keyboard
Samsung Stylus
Retail Achievements
Just Moved The Vodafone store in Athlone recently moved unit in the shopping centre and at the same time got a fabulous refit – we think the store looks great!
Fun & Games Otterbox and Vodafone Liffey Valley recently held an in-store event including loads of fun activities and promotions – a great day was had by all!
Just Married Congratulations to Jason the manager of Vodafone Upper Grafton Street who recently got married!
Congratulations To the guys from the Vodafone store in Carlow who were recently awarded store of the quarter by Vodafone!
Page 17
designed for humans, inspired by nature
Say “Hi” to our new addition, the Galaxy SIII mini.
Page 18 © 2013 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. GS III mini available in pebble blue and marble white. Ask instore for more details.
Alcatel One Touch Promotion Our retail executives recently commenced an Alcatel One Touch brand blitz, sharing their One Touch knowledge and providing product training and demonstrations in the retail stores. The promotion was a great success and the executives got some really great feedback around the Alcatel devices.
Page 19
F贸nua Customer Christmas Night Just before Christmas we held a customer night in the Mansion House, Dublin. The evening was kicked off with a jazz band playing all the classic Christmas hits while caricaturists entertained our guests by going between tables sketching funny portraits. Everyone was full of festive cheer and a great night was had by all.
Thanks again to everyone for coming!
Page 20
Page 21
Store of the Quarter Congratulations Vodafone Retail Athlone Dear Fónua, I’d like to nominate Athlone as the store of the quarter. Lorraine and her team deserve to be nominated for their exceptional commitment to not only achieving their accessory sales targets but also making sure customers leave the store with accessories that will enhance the features of their new handset. Since October, the store has finished on over 100% of its accessory target and finishing in the top for sales of fully installed carkits and Beats by Dre headphones in December. The team’s efforts moved the store into the top 10, only a few sales behind the Vodafone Retail Grafton Street stores. Feedback from customers has also been positive with compliments received on how they were dealt with while in the store.
Regards, Lai Arogundade Accessory Account Executive Consumer
Page 23
Manager Contact your F贸nua Account Manager Contact your F贸nua Account Manager for further details. for further details.