Exertis Future Gaming

An in-depth look at social media and the gaming world

The top 5 ways to boost your PC gaming performance

AUTUMN issue 10.

THE BEST UPGRADES TO BOOST YOUR GAMING PC’S PERFORMANCE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS CHANGING THE WORLD OF GAMING

FUTURE

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Copyright ©Exertis (UK) Ltd 2017

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WHAT WILL BE UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE THIS YEAR?

HOW TO: CREATE SHAREABLE VIDEO CONTENT

XBOX ONE X - MICROSOFT’S NEW POWERHOUSE ARRIVES EXCLUSIVELY AT EXERTIS

12 WHAT WILL BE UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE THIS YEAR?

31 THE BEST UPGRADES TO BOOST YOUR GAMING PC’S PERFORMANCE

The best games and gadgets for Christmas 2017

The top 5 ways to boost your PC gaming performance

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

06 NEWS IN BRIEF

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

33 XBOX ONE X - MICROSOFT’S NEW POWERHOUSE ARRIVES EXCLUSIVELY AT EXERTIS We look at this significant advance for console gaming in detail

35 CONSUMERS TUNE IN TO PREMIUM AUDIO 16 VR: 2017 AND BEYOND

We look at what the future may hold for VR in 2017 and beyond

20 HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS CHANGING THE WORLD OF GAMING 08 MARKET STATS UPDATE We look at the current technology trends you should be aware of

09 RETAIL TRENDS

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

An in-depth look at social media and the gaming world

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

29 HOW TO: CREATE SHAREABLE VIDEO CONTENT Simple ways to make your video content more shareable

We look at the year on year success of Exertis‘ Premium Audio business

38 TOP 10 ATTACH

See our top 10 recommended range of attach products here from Exertis

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AVAILABLE NOW RELEASED 27TH OCTOBER

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Publisher Exertis Editor Lucy Hall Design Sophie Hammond

Harlow Reception: 01279 822 822

WELCOME FROM RT EXERTIS

Welcome to the final 2017 issue of The he Future Gaming and Entertainment. I’ll keep things brief, ef, as I know you’re busy, what with the Christmas as rush now well underway. To help in this frantic close to the year, the team at Exertis has gathered together the best produ product news, buying advice, and practical tips, to ensure your stores will be packed with the most desirable gifts this festive season.

There’s a guide to the hottest items i customers will be desperate to o see under their t trees on Christmas morning. We also o take a lo look at the continued success of Premium Audio io products prod and how Exertis Unlimited

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

is helping help retailers make the most of this dynamic market. Another An rapidly advancing area is VR, so we explore the cur current landscape, and see what the recent exciting announcements announce from Oculus will bring to the table.

Gamerss will be very excited about ab the imminent arrival of the new w Xbox One X, and we take t a peak under the hood to discover ver what makes it such a special device.

Additionally, thosee of a PC persuasion persuasi can make a premium rig of their own with our guide gui to optimising PC performance for or gaming. We al also examine the impact of social al media on the gaming gamin industry, plus give you some me helpful tips on how to create videos that you can n share online. Finally, our regular roundup of all the stories that you need ne to know in the world of consumer technology.

I hope you enjoy enjo the holidays, have a great Christmas and Happy New Year!

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 – 6pm Monday to Friday To buy online visit store.exertis.co.uk

Alex Croft Sales and Commercial Director

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NEWS IN BRIEF EGX 2017 BREAKS RECORDS ON ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY People flocked in their droves to the NEC in Birmingham this September to visit the UK’s largest games show – EGX 2017. This year marked the 10th year of the prestigious event, which has grown from its original 4,000 attendees to a record breaking 80,000.

One of the main attractions for visitors was the chance to play titles such as Call of Duty: World War II and Assassin’s Creed: Origins before they went on general release, alongside plenty of new products and indie games.

Exertis UK had a strong presence at the show, with a large display area hosting a range of its partners including ARK: Survival Evolved, Playseat, Thrustmaster, Arozzi, and Acer. The industry giant also made sure that visitors had plenty to do, with racing rigs, demo pods, and even a dinosaur to keep them entertained.

EXERTIS APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF PURCHASING Exertis UK announced recently that Stephen Davidson has taken up the position of Director of Purchasing for its consumer division. He brings with him a wealth of retail experience, having spent the past eight years as home innovations buying director for QVC, the home shopping television channel.

Exertis teamed up with UK retailer Box.co.uk to enable payment transactions throughout the event, and staff several stands on the site. This collaboration meant customers could enjoy the show as well as taking home some of the exciting products on offer.

Next year’s event has already been confirmed at the NEC between September 20th-23rd, with 90% of attendees to EGX 2017 saying they’d come again.

Before that, Davidson was global merchandising manager for Tesco, and also served as Category Manager with Woolworths for nearly a decade.

‘It’s exciting to be here at a time when the company is building a consolidated consumer business unit with purchasing as one of the key functions’ said Davidson. ‘I am looking forward to being part of that strategy, leading an established team of experienced buyers and developing strong business relationships with vendors in the gaming, gadgets and premium audio business categories.’

Stephen will report to UK purchasing director Mark Kahr, and will be based in the Harlow Office.

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L.A. NOIRE RETURNS ON FOUR NEW PLATFORMS WWE 2K18 GETS IN THE RING

2K Sports’ long running series of pro-wrestling titles leaps into the fray again this October with 2K18. It’s the usual crowd-pleasing fare of larger-than-life characters fighting it out with whatever special moves, or pieces of furniture, they can muster.

A new graphics engine adds some polish to the animations, with lighting effects, skin tones, and camera effects all receiving attention. Fan favourites like The Rock, Undertaker, Macho Man, and Ultimate Warrior all make a return, while players can pit them against each other in revamped eight-character brawls, including a Battle Royal.

The MyPlayer experience has been upgraded to contain eight defined combat styles for customisable player-characters, and these creations can then be used in the all-new Road to Glory mode. Here players will fight their way through the ranks, taking part in online bouts with other would-be-champions, to reach the top of the pile.

With a tradition that goes all the way back to the original PlayStation, WWE 2K18 will be a welcome addition to the series for wrestling, and fighting game fans this Christmas who’ll all be getting ready to rumble.

Rockstar has announced that its stylish detective thriller L.A. Noire is coming to the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, as well a new spinoff for VR. It’s a surprise move, as the title was originally released for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 back in 2011.

On its debut, L.A. Noire won widespread acclaim for its facial capture animation, which gave the title a movie-like quality that perfectly complemented its 1940s setting.

In an official announcement Rockstar states that the updated versions for PS4 and Xbox One will come with all the previously available DLC, and have a number of graphical upgrades, including 1080p resolution, or support for 4K on the Xbox One X and PlayStation Pro. Nintendo Switch owners can look forward to the same content, alongside ‘contextual touch screen controls for portable detective work.’

The VR edition – called L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files – will be available for the HTC Vive, although no release date has been confirmed. Featuring several stories from the original game, rebuilt specifically for virtual reality, Rockstar claim it will blend ‘breathtaking action with true detective work to deliver an unprecedented interactive experience.’

DROPMIX BRINGS PARTY GAMES TO SMARTPHONES

ASSASSIN’S CREED RETURNS TO ITS ORIGINS

After a one year hiatus, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise returns, with new gameplay ideas and settings that look certain to reinvigorate the series. Leaving behind the renaissance Europe, Caribbean islands, or Victorian London locales that have been a hallmark of the Creed universe, Assassin’s Creed: Origins takes the action back to ancient Egypt.

The developers have used the break in the series to introduce a number of new features.

These include a revamped combat system that leaves behind the traditional parry and repost mechanics, and employs a more mobile and dynamic approach instead. Then there’s the RPG elements that see characters level up their skills and weapons as they move through the game.

Plus, players can now see through the eyes of eagles that float over the Egyptian landscape, making it easy to plan assassinations.

Since its initial release back in 2007 the Assassin’s Creed franchise has sold over 100m copies, making it one of the most successful series in gaming history. With the reboot now already receiving high praise in the gaming press, and fans clamouring for the new instalment, it definitely appears to have been worth the wait.

Dropmix is the latest game from Harmonix, the developers responsible for the massively successful Rock Band series. This time around plastic musical instruments are replaced with 60 NFC chip enabled cards, an electronic game board, and compatible apps for Android and iOS. The cards represent different elements of songs, such as vocals or bass, with styles including Pop, R&B, Dance, Indie, Country, Rock and Hip-Hop. Players pair the app to the game board, then have to place cards on the relevant slots at the right time. This causes portions of hit songs to be played, with the idea to keep remixing tunes as directed by the app.

The game can be played solo in Freestyle mode, but the real draw is the Party mode where multiple players work together to keep up with the changes and complete the songs. Finally, Clash mode pits players against each other, as they battle to make the best mix.

The original Rock Band was a phenomenon, earning its creators over £500m in revenue. You can be sure then that Harmonix will be hoping to see a similar success for its new venture.

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CONSUMER TRENDS DRIVING DEMANDS

2.2 BILLION GAMERS ACROSS THE GLOBE

MOBILE GAMING WILL GENERATE

$108.9 BILLION

(Newzoo)

EXPECTED TO GENERATE

$46.1 BN THIS YEAR

OR 42% OF ALL GLOBAL

GAME REVENUES

THE MARKET FOR PC GAMES WILL

IN GAME REVENUES IN 2017

EXCEED $40BN

(Newzoo)

BY 2020

(DFC Intelligence)

CONSUMER DRONE SALES TO REACH ALMOST 4M THIS YEAR,

THE VALUE OF VR AND AR DEVICES SOLD

(Juniper Research)

(CCS Insight)

RISING TO 16M ANNUALLY BY 2020

INTO THE CHANNEL IN 2017 IS ESTIMATED TO BE $1.6 BILLION Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

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TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE

SHOPPING EXPERIENCE RETAIL TRENDS As consumers, expectations continue to develop deploying technology in the retail sector is one means of differentiating yourself in an increasingly competitive market. The good news is that consumer spending continues unabated although for bricks and mortar retailers the online trend continues, accounting for 15% of retail spending according to Retail Economics. The bad news is that the consumer is demanding more from their shopping experience.

FAST AND SEAMLESS PAYMENTS With millennials the only generation to have lived their entire lives with access to digital technology and now becoming dominant in the workplace, the pressure and demands on retailers to deliver a personalised and convenient service at the point of sale has never been stronger. Fast and seamless payments are considered to be key in the overall shopping experience. The tap and pay revolution aided

by Apple, Samsung and Android Pay has boosted the contactless payment market. More and more consumers, estimated to be as many as 40% according to a report from KPS, expect to be able to make a contactless payment from anywhere in-store. Indeed, from the same source, over half of shoppers have given up their purchase due to long check-out queues with 42% of online shoppers abandoning a purchase due to slow loading pages or a cumbersome procedure. A recent study from Worldpay has revealed that two thirds of 21 to 34 year olds would happily make a payment without human interaction.

Indeed, self-service tills are common practice in many retail outlets.

Sainsbury’s has taken that a step further, testing checkout free shopping in-store, enabling customers to pay by scanning and paying for their items using an app on their mobile, rather than queue at the checkouts, automated or not. Retailers like Shop Direct have seen their sales boosted by the growing number of mobile shoppers with smartphone devices accounting for half of their sales (53%) for the first time.

For some retailers, switching their investment from stores to on-line has been necessary to cope with the demand for convenience and to offer an omnichannel approach. Yet convenience can come at a price with research from Savvyinsight indicating that whilst 75% of shoppers are more likely to buy a product online if deliveries were quick, only 23% were willing to pay for a faster delivery service.

RETAILAINMENT IS A GROWING TREND Certainly, technology is impacting the traditional store. Retailers are having to work harder to make the in-store experience more immersive and interactive as well as more personalised. Shoppers are looking beyond just a purchase when they enter a store, they want a unique shopping experience. Fortunately, surveys such as the FTI Consulting Retail Outlook still show that the majority of shoppers prefer to touch and experience the product. Once in-store, retailers have the opportunity to offer so much more. Providing an in-store experience that can’t be easily replicated on-line and has enough interest for it to stand alone, has created a concept known as “retailainment” which as the word suggests combines entertainment with retail. This can be deployed in shopping malls where the retail area provides consumers with a reason to come and stay, providing shoppers with a range of activities or can be instigated by individual stores.

Not surprisingly, virtual reality is an area that can provide excitement and deliver tangible benefits both to consumers, who can immerse themselves in the product, and to the store which provides an experience beyond just shopping. Crystal jewellery company Swarovski has launched a VR shopping app: consumers can connect their smartphone to a compatible VR headset and browse through a collection of products, find information and watch videos about them and even purchase whilst browsing thanks to a tie-up with Mastercard. Equally, providing tablets for consumers to find additional information on a product whilst in store or a decent WiFi connection to do the same on a mobile can make the trip more worthwhile and likely to encourage an immediate purchase.

To stand out from the crowd retailers must not only provide an omnichannel route to market but their stores need to invest in retailtainment. With in-store experiences becoming increasingly important to consumers, shoppers can expect to see more retailers investing in initiatives that drive footfall, keep people in-store longer and make it as easy as possible to complete the purchase, there and then. Further evidence of how technology is changing the shopping experience.

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WHAT WILL BE UNDER THE

CHRISTMAS TREE THIS YEAR? As the festive season fast approaches, and decorations begin to appear in stores, it’s only natural that the minds of consumers turn to what they will be buying for, and receiving from, their loved ones in December.

There’s no shortage of great options of course, so we’ve gathered together a selection of what will be the most sought-after gifts this Christmas, all to ensure that your shelves start the season full and finish it empty.

These advancements have its creators calling the device simply ‘the world’s most powerful console’, and when you look under the hood it’s easy to see why.

At the heart of the Xbox One X is a chip that delivers six teraflops of graphical horsepower, which is how it can achieve the impressive feat of being the first true 4K gaming console. The Xbox One S and PlayStation Pro both offer 4K capabilities, but these often involve upscaling content or running at lower frame rates. Microsoft’s new device has the raw power to render even the most demanding games at a full resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 and 60 FPS. Technical jargon aside, this means that games on the Xbox One X will consistently look far more detailed and run smoother when the action gets busy. Perfect for intense battles or racing at breakneck speed, where precision can be the difference between success or disaster.

XBOX ONE X Microsoft recently pulled back the covers on the latest addition to its hugely popular console range – the Xbox One X. This is no slimmed down update to the previous model though. Instead, it’s packed to the rafters with the latest hardware and software optimisations, guaranteed to make it a big step up in terms of performance over its rivals.

Another big selling point for the new console is that it’s compatible with all titles currently available for the Xbox One S. So, there’s no need for customers to feel that they’re starting from scratch if they upgrade, as they’ll be able to continue playing their existing library.

Not only that, but those games will look even better on the new hardware, thanks to a technology called Super Sampling which upgrades the visuals on non-4K titles.

Finally, the Xbox One X comes complete with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray player, which makes it the ideal central component of any home cinema setup. To show off these features, it would be wise to display the console in-store, paired with a high-quality 4K TV. Then, there’s a good chance that customers might take both of them home.

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FORZA MOTORSPORT 7 The excellent Forza racing series returns this year with its most ambitious entry yet. In Forza Motorsport 7, players are given the chance to speed around some of the most famous tracks in the world, with over 700 cars to choose from. Classic Aston Martins, Ferraris, and Porsches, are all on offer, alongside hot hatchbacks, vintage single-seaters, and the latest highperformance supercars.

New ‘living’ weather conditions add even tougher challenges for drivers, with the refined graphics engine rendering rainstorms, water drenched tracks, and all other visuals in full HD on Xbox One S consoles, or glorious 4K on the new Xbox One X.

SUPER MARIO ODYSSEY One of the most popular characters in gaming history returns this Christmas, when Mario heads to the Nintendo Switch. In what is certain to be a game of the year contender, Super Mario Odyssey sees the titular plumber setting out across multiple kingdoms to rescue Princess Peach from his arch-nemesis Bowser.

The previous game in the series, Forza Horizon 3, sold over 2.5m copies, taking the total revenue from the franchise past the $1bn mark. So, expect demand to be very high this Christmas, and the incredible 4K visuals to be a strong system-seller for the new Xbox One X console.

A new character, Cappy, brings a novel angle to the franchise as it allows Mario to take control of other characters in the game, including many of the foes Mario has battled in previous titles.

Gamers wanting to experience the ultimate racing game experience could also combine the onscreen action with a Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback driving wheel, and a gaming chair such as the Xrocker or Playseat for added levels of immersion. Exertis has these and other driving accessories available, so be sure to talk to your representative about ways to maximise the opportunity that a new Forza title brings.

Players can expect the usual gorgeous animation, colourful and clever environments, plus a huge collection of 2D and 3D puzzles to solve. Already the recipient of multiple Game Critics awards at this year’s E3 (including Best of Show, Best Console Game, and Best Action/Adventure Game) Super Mario Odyssey is going to be one of the most eagerly anticipated titles of 2017. If ever there was a game that was a system seller, this is the one.

ROKU EXPRESS

DOLBY ATMOS PLANTRONICS HEADSETS

Streaming movies and TV shows is more popular than ever, thanks in no small part to the bewildering collection of premium content offered by Netflix, NowTV, Amazon Prime Video, and others. That’s why the newly released Roku Express will be the stocking filler of choice this year.

4K graphics may well be grabbing many of the headlines, but high-quality audio is an increasingly essential aspect of gaming.

In response to this, Plantronics has released a new range of Dolby Atmos compatible headsets that bring three-dimensions to the sonic landscape.

Marginally larger than a USB drive, the Express brings the best in digital content to any TV within range of a Wi-Fi connection. It’s a perfect way to upgrade an older set, or grant access to streaming services for TVs in bedrooms or elsewhere in the house.

The accompanying iOS and Android apps act as a remote control, allowing users to search for content, navigate the interface, and use headphones to discreetly listen to the on-screen content via their smartphones.

The diminutive unit is now five times faster than its predecessor, can display content up to 1080p, comes with dedicated remote control, and all for a pocket friendly price. Pile them by the checkouts, and watch them sell themselves.

Normal headsets deliver sound on a horizontal plane, either to the left or right, but Dolby Atmos introduces a vertical plane that allows players to hear what’s above or below them. This becomes a distinct advantage in frantic online multiplayer shooters. Being able to distinguish the location of an enemy through the sounds they make, gives the wearer just the edge they need to win.

The range includes three models for the Xbox platform (the RIG 400LX, 600LX, and 800LX), plus two for the PC (RIG 400 and RIG 600). Plantronics, which was the fastest growing brand of console headsets in 2016, has also signed an exclusive deal with Dolby for 2017. So, when gamers come looking for pro-level audio performance, there’s only one name to recommend.

To find out more about these products, and other hot prospects for the festive season, contact your Exertis representative today.

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VR: 2017

AND BEYOND

2017 has been a fantastic year for VR hardware in retail, thanks in large part to the successful ‘Summer of Rift’ promotion. This saw the Oculus Rift and Touch Controller bundle going on sale for £399, accompanied by amazing deals on games and software from the Oculus Store.

OCULUS ON THE GO

The impact of this initiative was noticed by media and industry analysts alike, who reported that Oculus’ share of devices on the Steam platform saw a large spike during July and August.

The advantage of the latter is that they aren’t tethered to another machine, and allow a certain amount of freedom. The Exos 2, for example, provides a lightweight, wearable casing for any smartphone (up to a 6in display), and uses the power of the inserted device to enable users to experience 360-degree videos, watch HD movies in their own private cinema, or play one of the many VR apps currently available on either the Google Play or iOS App stores.

In many ways it was perfect timing, as consumer knowledge of VR had grown significantly since the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive were released, and a slew of AAA titles such as fun shooter Robo Recall and Ubisoft’s much-praised cooperative space simulator Star Trek: Bridge Crew arrived to show off the huge potential of the platform.

The combination of lower cost hardware and top-quality games proved a powerful one, cementing the Oculus Rift as the go-to platform for high-end VR entertainment. But, with the summer long behind us, things are about to get a lot more interesting.

Up until now there have been two main types of VR headset: The premium and most powerful types that use PCs to animate their worlds (such as Oculus Rift), and the simpler smartphone housing variants like the Samsung VR or Exos 2 VR glasses.

Of course, their inexpensive prices are also another important factor when it comes to tempting customers. In fact, Samsung has confirmed that it’s sold over 5m of its VR headsets. In the last few weeks though, Oculus owners Facebook announced new products that look set to shake up the market in a big way when they arrive next year. Perhaps the most interesting of these is Oculus Go, a standalone headset that will cost an amazing £199 when it’s released in early 2018.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg describes the new device as the first ‘sweet spot’ headset, in that it’s more powerful than a smartphone powered visor, but more independent than PC VR options. Certainly, if the product lives up to its billing, then a new class of VR could be opened up in the next year, with Oculus Go right out in front.

Facebook has made significant investments in the future of its VR brand, and obviously its marketing reach is larger than most companies on the planet, so this is a product the retailers should be keeping a very close eye on.

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PROJECT SANTA CRUZ The real jewel-in-the-crown would be a PC VR level headset that is completely wireless, and Oculus is already working on this. The Santa Cruz project is essentially Oculus Rift 2, and features a completely standalone experience with premium performance. The secret to its potential is the inclusion of Inside-out tracking, which places outward facing cameras on the headset, so the device can monitor the wearer’s position and movements. This is different to the majority of high-end VR headsets now, which require sensors to be placed around the room to track the player. ‘This is a big deal’ Zuckerburg explains. ‘Because this is the first time that anyone has ever shown a complete experience of Inside-out tracking working on a standalone headset and fully tracked controllers.’

Project Santa Cruz remains in the beta stage at the moment, but development kits are promised within the year, so hopefully the next generation of VR won’t take too long to arrive.

OCULUS RIFT PRICE DROP In the meantime, there was excellent news for retailers as the current Oculus Rift headset and controller bundle was given a permanent price drop to £399. With recent analysts’ reports showing that a significant proportion of gamers were willing to spend £400 on a high-end headset, this means that the Oculus Rift is now perfectly positioned in the market.

HTC has also reduced the cost of its Vive bundle to £599, offering consumers a saving of £160. This increased competition will be great for the sector, bringing premium devices within the reach of far more people.

Another benefit of lower prices will be VR-ready PCs and graphics cards, as VR remains a strong driver of sales for PCs and components.

Newer offerings from Nvidia and AMD mean that there are now a variety of entry-level VR-ready GPU products available, so gamers and enthusiasts are no longer limited to the very high-end cards to power their headsets effectively.

VR GAMES Gaming is still one of the primary selling points of VR, and there are some huge releases arriving that will make perfect gifts over the holidays. Classic franchises such as Fallout 4, Skyrim, The Talos Principle, and Doom all get the VR makeover, while new IPs like Tractorball, Overturn, and The Trace make their debuts.

Of course, there’s a healthy collection of existing titles that are tried and tested, with Lone Echo, Robo Recall, and Star Trek: Bridge Crew all certain to be strong sellers.

FINISHING STRONG VR has had a bumper year in 2017, but there is plenty still to come.

Cheaper prices for headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the upcoming introduction of Oculus Go, plus Microsoft’s new Mixed Reality units, show that hardware is maturing rapidly. Also, the variety and quality of games and software ensures that consumers have a real-world use for these products.

Christmas holds strong promise for VR, so speak to your Exertis representative about ways to maximise the opportunities that this exciting technology presents.

HOME FROM HOME Another interesting development has been the introduction of Mixed Reality headsets from Microsoft. These units, which include offerings from Acer, Dell, Lenovo, Samsung, and HP, work with Windows 10 to overlay digital images onto the real world. These can be used for gaming, communications, or even collaborating in a workspace, with the unique benefit that you can still see the world around you when you’re wearing the headset.

Mixed Reality is a new field, and one that could seriously challenge VR in the years ahead, so, the introduction of these products is something that could well stir up interest from consumers and business alike.

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GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS CHANGING

THE WORLD OF GAMING Social media has quickly become an intrinsic part of everyday life.

From people sharing their thoughts about who should remain on Strictly this week, to certain leaders of the western world making wildly inaccurate statements on a seemingly daily basis, users of Twitter, Facebook and others sites make up a huge and engaged audience.

One area that has seen a significant growth in social media use is gaming. Dedicated platforms such as Twitch, Microsoft’s Mixer, and YouTube Gaming allow players to interact with eSports professionals, live streamers, or simply share their latest discoveries online. In fact, Twitch reports that it has over 100m monthly users worldwide, which is three times the population of Canada. This kind of reach means that social media isn’t just a footnote in gaming, but actually has the potential to become a shaping force in the years ahead.

THE GAMING REVOLUTION WILL BE TELEVISED When it comes to dedicated gaming platforms, Twitch is the one to beat. Its rise has been an impressive one, initially starting out in 2011 as a gaming channel on the live-streaming website Justin.

TV. Within three years it boasted 43m monthly viewers, with the average visitor watching an hour and half of content each day.

Soon afterwards Justin.TV was renamed Twitch, and all the nongaming content was dropped. That same year Twitch was reported

as the fourth largest source of internet traffic at peak times in the US, behind only Google, Netflix, and Apple.

This led to Amazon purchasing Twitch for just under $1bn in 2014, and since then the platform has continued to grow and adopt new features, such as the ability for gamers to purchase the latest titles on the site.

In response to this Google created a YouTube Gaming site. While, YouTube itself is already home to a huge amount of gaming related content, and remains one of the main repositories for Play-Through and review style videos, the new site offered the real-time chat and live broadcasting features that helped Twitch become so popular.

Microsoft also entered the arena with its Beam service, which was subsequently renamed Mixer.

So, what is it that makes these platforms such an attractive proposition for gamers, and what does this indicate about the future of the industry?

SHARING THE EXPERIENCE In an age where TV consumption is moving away from the shared experience, thanks to services like Netflix, NowTV, and Amazon Prime Video, gaming is going in the opposite direction.

Passive viewing is being replaced with interactive content, broadcast in real-time, where users can comment, share hints, and even discuss the title with publishers or community gamers. Gamers have battled against (or alongside) each other online for years, so it always seemed an inevitable progression that live streaming video platforms would develop the gaming market even further.

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According to research conducted by Advertising Age, authenticity is increasingly becoming a key benchmark by which millennials judge brands. Twitch, YouTube, and Microsoft’s Mixer are perfect vessels for this, as polish and production values are replaced by a host’s personality and passion.

Another important factor is that viewers can support creators directly by subscribing to their shows. Therefore, when fans find content they identify with, they can help to ensure it will continue, and possibly receive additional content for their loyalty. In turn, this gives creators the potential to build a brand and even become that newest of sensations – the social media celebrity.

THE IT CROWD PewDiePie, or Felix Kjellberg, is the most popular to channel on YouTube, with over 57m subscribers and 16bn views. Most of his content is made up of Lets-Play videos, where he commentates on games as he plays them. It’s estimated that he earns around £11m per year, and has the power to turn any Indie game into a bestseller if he plays it and likes it on the channel.

Kjellberg isn’t an outlier though, there are a number of other highprofile content creators that wield considerable influence over the games, and accessories, that viewers buy. A prominent English example is Ali A, whose two YouTube channels amass over 13m subscribers and are sponsored by some of the biggest names in gaming tech, including Turtle Beach and Alienware.

The very layout of the screens on gaming platforms shows this intent, with the main panel usually flanked by a chat window that remains active throughout a show. It’s obviously a popular feature, as Twitch revealed recently that 87m chat interactions take place on the site each month.

A second-screen approach is often popular among younger audiences, who already utilise tablets or smartphones while consuming content.

This is borne out by Twitch’s demographics, which reveal that its viewership is primarily made up of 16-24 year olds, accounting for 52% of the base. 27% are in the 25-34 age bracket, with 35-44 making up the next 14%.

While it’s commonly reported that the gender split for playing games is around 50/50 these days, Twitch’s figures are heavily tilted, showing 87% as male. This is most likely down to the fact that women are more avid mobile gamers, while console and PC titles still lean towards men. Whatever the reasons, there’s little doubt that marketing and sponsorship on the site will reflect this predominance in the immediate future.

THE MILLENNIAL AGE As these figures reveal, the core of the Twitch viewership is made up of millennials, which is significant as Forbes recently wrote that they ‘are currently the largest consumer demographic with about $1.3 trillion in buying power as at the end of 2015’. It also goes on to say that millennials often don’t watch TV, have little trust of mainstream media celebrities advertising products, and instead turn to their social media associations for advice and recommendations.

Professional gamers are also a big draw online, as they often broadcast practice matches so that fans can see how they work on in-game strategies. With eSports becoming a very serious business, and the potential for players to earn millions, interest in learning the secrets of success make pro-gamers a very popular view. As an example, Riot Games, a specialist in videos of tournaments for the popular MOBA League of Legends, has notched up a truly remarkable 923m views on Twitch.

THE FUTURE The interactive nature of modern gaming means social media is here to stay, in fact if the current trend holds then it’s likely to continue to grow in popularity. This presents interesting opportunities for retailers who are willing to embrace the format. Sponsoring channels, hosting tournaments, or buying pre-roll ads are strong options, but there are a few non-traditional avenues also open.

Creating content is the obvious route, either via fun walk-throughs, or day one demos for future title releases. Of course, watching popular channels would give a good idea of what to stock if there are recommendations.

To keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment news and updates, follow us on our twitter page @ExertisHome

PERFORMANCE AND GAMING-ON-THE-GO WITH AN INTEL®- BASED LAPTOP New laptops featuring the latest 7th Gen Intel® Core™ processors completely change the game with great responsiveness, high framerates and support for Premium VR experiences. Because gaming today isn’t just about the experience–it’s about getting immersed or lost in it.

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WHERE & HOW YOU WANT: Take your gaming rig on-the-go and use controller or mouse/keyboard FUTURE-READY: VR-Ready, Thunderbold™, and headroom for multi-tasking GAME & SHARE: Game + broadcast >60 FPS

ESPORTS AND LIVE BROADCASTING:

MASSIVE REACH • eSports; 250 Million viewers (2016) • 90% of viewers also play2 • Over 100 Million unique monthly active streams3

VIRTUAL REALITY:

THE NEXT BIG THING • £761.4 Billion† market in the next 10 years4

WHAT YOU SAY TO YOUR CUSTOMER “Imagine desktop-like performance in a high portable laptop.”

“Tired of waiting for your system? What if you could get into the game faster?”

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“Have you seen the latest designs? They’re getting thinner, faster, and hitting the price points as low as £608.36†.”

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1 Altering clock frequency or voltage may damage or reduce the useful life of the processor and other system components, and may reduce system sta §ª§²· ¬¢ ®£°¤­°« ¬¡£ °­¢³¡² µ °° ¬²§£± « · ¬­² ®®ª· §¤ ²¦£ ®°­¡£±±­° §± ­®£° ²£¢ £·­¬¢ §²± ±®£¡§ß¡ ²§­¬± ¦£¡© µ§²¦ ²¦£ « ¬³¤ ¡²³°£°± ­¤ ±·±²£« and components for additional details. For more information, visit: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/overclocking-intel-processors.html.

2 Source: Open Gaming Alliance Pinnacle Report 3 Source: NewZoo 4 Source: Twitch 5 Source: Goldman Sachs 6 Source: http://www.dell.com/en-us/ shop/productdetails/alienware-17-laptop 7 Gears of War 4* + Twitch Workload: measures average frame-rate (FPS) on Gears of War 4 while broadcasting to Twitch* using OBS on a secondary monitor. Mobile (NVIDIA GTX1080 Systems): Intel® Core™ i5-7300HQ Processor, PL1=45W TDP, 4C4T, Turbo up to 3.5GHz, measured on: MSI* Dominator Pro GT73VR, Graphics: NVIDIA* GeForce GTX 1080, Memory: 16GB Kingston DDR4-2400, Storage: 256GB Samsung* SSD, Display Resolution:1920x1080 17”, OS: Windows* 10 RS1; Intel® Core™ i7-7700HQ Processor, PL1=45W TDP, 4C8T, Turbo up to 3.8GHz, measured on: MSI* Dominator Pro GT73VR, Graphics: NVIDIA* GeForce GTX 1080, Memory: 16GB Kingston DDR4-2400, Storage: 256GB Samsung* SSD, Display Resolution:1920x1080 17”, OS: Windows* 10 RS1; Intel® Core™ i7-7820HK Processor, PL1=45W TDP, 4C8T, Turbo up to 3.9GHz, measured on: MSI*, Graphics: NVIDIA* GeForce GTX 1080, Storage: 256GB Samsung* SSD, Display Resolution:1920x1080 17”, OS: Windows* 10 RS1; Mobile Refresh System: Intel® Core™ i7-4700HQ Processor, PL1=47W TDP, 4C8T, Turbo up to 3.4GHz, measured on: ASUS* G750JZA, Graphics: NVIDIA* GTX 880M, Memory: 2x4GB LPDDR3-1600, Storage: 256GB Sandisk* SSD, Display Resolution:1920x1080 17”, OS: Windows* 10 RS1 Software and workloads used in performance tests may have been optimised for performance only on Intel microprocessors. Performance tests, such as « °© ¬¢ ­ §ª£ °© °£ «£ ±³°£¢ ³±§¬¥ ±®£¡§ß¡ ¡­«®³²£° ±·±²£«± ¡­«®­¬£¬²± ±­¤²µ °£ ­®£° ²§­¬± ¬¢ ¤³¬¡²§­¬± ¬· ¡¦ ¬¥£ ²­ ¬· ­¤ ²¦­±£ factors may cause the results to vary. You should consult other information and performance tests to assist you in fully evaluating your contemplated purchases, including the performance of that product when combined with other products. Intel processor numbers are not a measure of performance. °­¡£±±­° ¬³« £°± ¢§Þ£°£¬²§ ²£ ¤£ ²³°£± µ§²¦§¬ £ ¡¦ ®°­¡£±±­° ¤ «§ª· ¬­² ¡°­±± ¢§Þ£°£¬² ®°­¡£±±­° ¤ «§ª§£± ­ ²­ ¦²²® ``µµµ §¬²£ª ¡­«`®°­¢³¡²±` processor_number/ † $ converted to £ on 20/10/17 exchange rate.

Copyright © 2017 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Core, Intel Inside, the Intel Inside logo, Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

EXERTIS GAMING

HOT PICKS

TOP 5 SOFTWARE 1

L.A. NOIRE

SUPER LUCKY’S TALE Publisher Microsoft Format Xbox One Released 7th November 2017

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A dark and violent crime thriller set against the backdrop rop of 1940’s Los Angeles. Amid the post-war boom off Hollywood’s Golden Age, Cole Phelps, an LAPD detective ctive e is thrown headfirst into a city drowning in its own success. cesss.

Corruption is rampant, the drug trade is exploding, and d murder rates are at an all-time high. In his fight to climb the e ranks and do what’s right, Phelps must unravel the truth behind a string of arson attacks, racketeering conspiracies and brutal murders, battling the L.A. underworld and even members of his own department to uncover a secret that could shake the city to its rotten core.

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DROPMIX is a dynamic and fast-paced d music-mixing game. Players blend popularr songs from award-winning artists and d face-off with friends to master the mix. x.

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TOP 5 GAMING ACCESSORIES 1 X ROCKER® G-FORCE 2.1 FLOOR ROCKER Manufacturer X Rocker® Format Xbox One & PS4

AVAILABLE NOW Bring the style of the racetrack to your customer’s home. Featuring a headrest-mounted stereo system coupled with backrest mounted subwoofer for immersive 2.1 audio. Easy to store due to clever foldable design and flip up arms. Quick to assemble, just unfold and connect! The X Rocker® G-Force is compatible with most major gaming devices, including the PS4 and Xbox One.

PLANTRONICS® RIG 600 DOLBY GAMING HEADSET

ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINSS Publisher Ubisoft Format Xbox One & PS4 Released 27th October 2017

Manufacturer Plantronics® Format Xbox One & PS4

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XBOX MINECRAFT CREEPER AND PIG CONTROLLERS Manufacturer Microsoft Format Xbox One

WWE 2K18 Publisher Take Two Format Xbox One & PS4 Released 17th October 2017

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THRUSTMASTER T-GT Manufacturer Thrustmaster Format PS4

TURTLE BEACH® STEALTH 700

XBOX ONE WHITE STEREO HEADSET Manufacturer Microsoft Format Xbox One

Manufacturer Turtle Beach h Format Xbox One & PS4

AROZZI VERONA PRO V2 GAMING CHAIR Manufacturer Arozzi Format Universal

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HOW TO CREATE SHAREABLE

VIDEO CONTENT It wasn’t long ago that having a website for a business was seen as being on the front foot. Today, it’s merely table stakes. The rapid adoption of smartphones and tablets has changed consumer behaviour in a profound way, with most now using their devices to research products before they even set foot in a store.

In this new realm, video content is king; especially if you want to get noticed amidst the ocean of brands and distractions that compete for your customers’ attention. Recent research shows that 90% of shoppers say that product videos help them make buying decisions, and 80% remember ones they’ve watched in the past month. This trend doesn’t look set to change anytime soon. It’s estimated that video content will account for 80% of all web traffic by 2019, while YouTube reports that consumption of mobile video content doubles every year. Therefore, it’s vitally important that retailers master this essential medium. Thankfully, this isn’t as difficult as it sounds.

GET THE BASICS RIGHT The first thing to ensure is that you look professional. Even lower-tier YouTubers use proper lighting, HD cameras, and decent microphones for their bedroom vlogs, and you don’t want to come off as less adept than them. Try to use a room that is bright, quiet, and smartly laid out. Piles of open boxes, or telephones ringing in the background, aren’t going to project the kind of image you want. Take a little time to create a set, and it will greatly enhance your content.

HAVE A CONSISTENT LOOK Another important way to distinguish yourself is to be consistent in the look and feel of your content. Using the same intro music, graphics, colours, style of presenting, and length of videos, makes it easy for consumers to recognise your brand. Take a quick look at any of the popular YouTube channels and you’ll see this technique is ubiquitous. It also has the added bonus of reducing the number of decisions you need to make when creating new videos.

BORROW FROM OTHERS There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to creating your videos. Before you begin, spend some time watching content on YouTube from other creators in your field. Take note of how they structure their videos, the language used, music, cinematography, and then let that inspire your own creations.

KEEP IT SHORT Statistics show that 90% of people leave videos by the time they reach the five-minute mark. That means it’s important to keep content short and to the point.

MAKE IT USEFUL One of the main aims is to get as many people as possible to share your content with others. So, avoid making a straight advertisement, and instead focus something that people will find fun or useful. A quick tutorial on how a product can improve someone’s day-to-day life is an excellent place to start, as is demonstrating the opening levels of brand new AAA games.

MAKE YOUR CONTENT EASY TO FIND YouTube is the main depository for video content, so be sure to create a channel and upload your creations there. This will make it easy to link the content to your own website, post it on social media, and embed it in promotional emails to customers. This is important as Forbes reported recently that adding a video to marketing emails boosts the click-through rate by 200-300%.

ENGAGE WITH YOUR AUDIENCE Finally, there’s the huge advantage offered by online content, in that it provides the chance to interact and build relationships with customers.

For example, gaming retailers could use Twitch, as it’s an ideal way to quickly create live content by making play-through videos of new titles. Developing a following on a site like this not only promotes your brand, but also has the potential to become an income stream over time. Plus, it might be fun. Which is never a bad thing.

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

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THE BEST UPGRADES TO BOOST YOUR

GAMING PC’S PERFORMANCE INCREASE THE RAM The graphical demands of modern games can make it hard for a PC to keep things running smoothly.

Underpowered GPUs, lack of RAM, or slow hard disks can have drastic effects on the frames per second (FPS) rate at which action is displayed. This inevitably makes the graphics stutter if there’s lots happening on-screen, which is precisely the wrong time for it to happen.

To combat this frustration, we’ve put together the best upgrades to recommend to customers wanting to boost their gaming PC’s performance.

INSTALL A NEW GRAPHICS CARD One of the easiest and most significant upgrades to a system is the graphics card.

These days most of the heavy lifting is done by this component, so exchanging an old card for a premium model can make instant improvements. It’s also the simplest to install, which will appeal to those who just want to get on with playing.

The ASUS ROG STRIX GEFORCE GTX 1080TI is an easy card to recommend, as not only does it offer the highest levels of performance, but it also includes a dedicated VR port to ensure that users make the most of Virtual Reality headsets such as the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive.

ADD AN SSD One of the biggest bottlenecks on any system is the read/write speeds to the hard disk. This is because traditional HDD have a mechanical read/ write head that has to physically look for data, which causes long load times and numerous system-wide delays.

These issues can be alleviated by installing a Solid-State Drive (SSD), which offers massively improved speeds due to having no moving parts. Users adding an SSD such as the Samsung 850 EVO or WD Blue 3D NAND SATA SSD will notice an immediate boost in overall performance, making their PC faster than the day they bought it.

Another simple solution for slow PCs is to upgrade the RAM. Using the latest DDR4 modules, like the Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 RGB 32GB kit, is sure to keep AAA games moving along smoothly, even in the midst of massive battles. Increasing the overall amount from 8GB to 16GB or 32GB instead, will also give noticeable improvements to any PC.

REPLACE THE MOTHERBOARD AND CPU If customers have already tried some of the things listed above, or have an aged system that they want to overhaul, then a more fundamental change is to the replace the Motherboard & CPU. This will bring the PC up to the highest modern standards, and guarantee that it remains a viable gaming rig for years to come. The MSI X299 RGB Gaming Pro Carbon AC motherboard is an excellent option, especially if paired with the powerful Intel Core i97920X 12-Core X-series processor.

To accommodate the new build, retailers could also recommend a new case for the PC. A Corsair Crystal series 570X RGB ATX mid-tower is a particularly attractive option, thanks to its tempered glass exterior designed to show off the powerful components inside.

PRO-LEVEL PERIPHERALS Cheap keyboards, mice, and headsets might seem fine, but each one can cost vital fractions of a second, which can be the difference between winning and losing a match online.

Upgrading to pro-level peripherals not only improves the feel of games, due to the ergonomic designs that premium products use, but also provide the extra responsiveness and durability that dedicated gamers demand.

Corsair has an excellent range of gaming peripherals to meet, and exceed, these expectations. The STRAFE RGB mechanical keyboard and GLAIVE RGB mouse are perfect examples of these hardwearing, high-performance accessories. Then there’s the HyperX Cloud Revolver S 7.1 Dolby headset, which brings audio to life and allows gamers to hear their enemies approaching, even before they see them.

So, there you go. A few simple ways for customers to take their rigs to the next level. If you want more information, then contact your Exertis representative, who will be only too happy to help.

Launching th 7 November The world’s most powerful console.

7KH PRVW SRZHUIXO FRQVROH HYHU IHDWXULQJ 7HUDĂ RSV RI graphical processing power, true 4K gaming, and compatibility with Xbox One games and accessories.

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On November 7th Microsoft is set to release the Xbox One X, the latest and most powerful member of its console family. Revealed under the codename ‘Project Scorpio’ in April of this year, this new device marks a significant advance for console gaming, ushering in the age of true 4K performance.

Fuelled by an 8-core custom AMD chip, powerful GPU, and 12GB of GDDR5 memory, the console delivers a massive six teraflops of graphical performance, which Microsoft claims gives it 40% more power than any of its rivals. All this horsepower enables the Xbox One X to render crystal clear 4K environments with rock solid performance, something that no other console can match.

The Xbox One X boasts substantial spec upgrades over the PlayStation Pro in virtually all areas, including Microsoft’s own version of the Pro’s ‘smart’ GPU design. This means that whereas the PlayStation Pro and Xbox One S boast upscaled 4K graphics, the Xbox One X is a 4K native device, and as such is the only device that can render the full resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 at a constant 60 frames per second. So, games on the new device will look sharper, smoother, and generally superior to any of its rivals.

BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY Microsoft avoids any confusion for customers or retailers by making the new device compatible with all previous Xbox One titles. So, current Xbox owners, can now upgrade to the premium model in the knowledge that they’ll still be able to play all their games. An added bonus is that the Xbox One X will also upscale the graphics in those titles, so they’ll look better than ever before.

The same is true for accessories. Not only will the official Microsoft controllers be compatible with the new console, but so will existing peripherals such as Turtle Beach headsets, Logitech steering wheels, and third-party controllers. This prevents fragmentation in stores, and gives consumers the peace of mind that whatever they buy will work on their system.

XBOX ONE X ENHANCED Boxed copies of new games will run on all consoles in the Xbox One range, but ones marked ‘Xbox One Enhanced’, indicate that they also include 4K content for the new hardware.

Among those offering the Enhanced experience are Forza Motorsport 7, Assassin’s Creed: Origins, FIFA 18, and Far Cry 5. All of which will look stunning on UHD displays.

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UHD MOVIES & TV Xbox One X will also appeal to customers wanting to enjoy films or TV shows in ultra-high definition. A 4K UHD Blu-Ray player is included with the device, plus the built-in access to streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, ensures the console would be perfect for a home media centre.

Retailers can also pair the Xbox One X with popular 4K UHD TVs, such as the 50in Samsung MU6100 or 43in LG 43UJ630V, so customers can not only see the quality of the device, but also be tempted to upgrade their television as well.

Integration of the latest AMD media block, means users of the Xbox Game DVR are now upgraded to 4K60 using the next-gen HEVC codec, while being able to record content in full HDR.

GOOD NEWS FOR RETAIL The arrival of the Xbox One X brings with it many channels for additional sales this holiday season. The console is uniquely powerful, and as such will have strong appeal for hard-core and casual gamers alike. Plenty of 4K enhanced AAA games at launch will also make ideal Christmas presents for loved ones.

Backwards compatibility means stores can confidently stock up on software and accessories, knowing that they’ll sell to the wider base, and not just those purchasing new hardware. Rockstar’s GTA V could be a huge beneficiary of this expanded install space, and as such is a must-stock for Christmas. Plus, the chance to show off the capabilities of 4K TVs is an opportunity not to be missed. It looks like Microsoft is going to make it a very Merry Christmas this year.

As the sole UK distributor for Xbox One X, Exertis is the one stop shop for this essential product. So, be sure to contact your account manager today to see how you can make the most of this landmark launch.

CONSUMERS TUNE IN TO

PREMIUM

AUDIO The UK premium audio market continued its impressive growth in 2017, with Exertis Unlimited reporting an increase in sales of 22% year-on-year.

This trend looks likely to continue as new high-end devices from Google and Apple are introduced in the coming months, joining the already hugely popular brands like Sonos and Marshall. Consumers are taking music systems seriously again, which bodes well for the Christmas rush and beyond.

‘There’s more music being listened to than ever before because of the smartphone,’ states Glenn McClelland, Exertis Unlimited’s Group Commercial Director. ‘This has meant a huge increase in Bluetooth speakers, streaming, multi-room audio and headphones of all types, shapes and sizes. From an audio point of view, it’s fantastic that more people than ever are listening to it and they’re finding more ways of listening to it.’ While low cost speakers are popular sellers, and make perfect, inexpensive gifts, the growing success of the highend market indicates that customers are happy to pay more for a premium device.

‘Sitting above the mass market products out there, is a growing demand for products which deliver on aesthetic design as well as audio performance’ McClelland continues. ‘Brands such as VIFA, B&O Play and Jarre all offer the consumer the chance to own a product that is visually appealing and stands out from the crowd. This has also allowed us to access new retail channels, such as fashion and lifestyle outlets.’

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To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

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KEEPING IT SIMPLE Key to the growth in sales has been how Exertis Unlimited focussed on a number of important factors. One of the most significant was having a catalogue that carefully considered the brands on offer, so as to avoid repetition, and make sense to consumers.

‘We have our criteria for selection – we don’t go for products that are very similar to something we’ve already got, or are already on the market’ he says. ‘You don’t want six brands of Bluetooth speakers that all look the same and are all £100…That would just make it hard work for retailers.’

TRAINING FOR SUCCESS Another consideration was that consumers looking for premium audio often do their research. So, retailers need to be up to date on the latest products and features. To address this, Exertis Unlimited built a bespoke demonstration area, where partners can gain knowledge on the virtues of various premium devices.

‘We’re investing in training and merchandising,’ states McClelland, ‘and we’ve recently built a dedicated showroom in our Harlow office which allows us to host our customers, giving them a comprehensive overview of our portfolio.’ The site has already proved very popular, and due to its close proximity to Stansted Airport, Exertis Unlimited has been able to offer training to a number of customers from across Europe.

‘If you’re a retailer and you want to see 27 brands, you can come to one location – our showroom’ states McClelland. ‘We have in-store field trainers – if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you – and we do bespoke point-of-sale solutions and window displays. We also put merchandisers in stores for key periods of the year.’

MULTI-SPEAKER SYSTEMS McClelland has also seen a growth in the area of the connected home, where multiple devices work together to deliver content. The standard bearer for this area has been Sonos, which introduced the idea of connected devices to many consumers. ‘We have distributed Sonos into the U.K. market for more than ten years,’ McClelland reveals, ‘and the tremendous growth of the brand goes to show that consumers are highly engaged in audio, often investing in a number of zones around their homes.’

With this precision focus on premium audio, along with a comprehensive catalogue of attachment items, Exertis Unlimited has set the bar high for retail in the sector. ‘Our team are passionate about audio with a proven track record in this area,’ McClelland concludes, ‘so when we say we’re experts in audio, we really mean it.’

For more information on any of the products featured from Exertis Unlimited, please contact your account manager.

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

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