Exertis Future Mobile Magazine

There’s more to MWC than just smartphone announcements

Help your customers with the latest security tips!

S P R I N G i s s u e 7.

INCREASE MOBILE BANKING SECURITY

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MWC 2017 ROUND-UP

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CUSTOM MADE LINX FOR B2B

THE NEW SAMSUNG S8 OPPORTUNITY

CONTENTS 05 EXERTIS COMMENT Simon Woodman introduces the Spring edition of Future Mobile

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

06 NEWS IN BRIEF We round up the latest news and product releases from the world of technology

08 MARKET STATS UPDATE We take a look at the latest mobile trends that are set to unfold in 2017 and beyond

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12 MWC MOVES WITH THE TIMES There’s more to MWC than new smartphone announcements

16 PLUG IN TO EXERTIS

GROUNDBREAKING DISPLAY AND AI INTELLIGENCE FEATURE IN NEW SAMSUNG GALAXY S8

Hot off the press, the much

anticipated Samsung Galaxy S8 has arrived

The channel event of the year, we take a look at what’s in-store for mobile dealers

30 TOP 10 ATTACH 25 HOW TO INCREASE SECURITY FOR MOBILE BANKING As we move towards a cashless society, what security measures are in place to protect the consumer

27 CUSTOM MADE LINX ARE MAKING INROADS INTO THE B2B MARKET Applications for the Linx tablets in business are many and varied

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

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A device that really means business With robust security features built in, your business stays your business wherever you’re working • Work faster and smarter with Android • Enterprise grade security platform for total peace of mind • Access to industry-leading apps for forward-thinking business • 2x better battery lifespan gives you the power to keep going1 • Smart-sized, so you can keep all your emails, messages and meetings right in your pocket

Usage conditions apply. See www.sonymobile.com/gb/products/phones/xperia-x-compact/ Icons and images are simulated and are for illustrative purposes only. Sony is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Corporation. ©2016 Sony Mobile Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Network operator services not included.

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Contact your Exertis Account Manager to find out more

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Publisher Exertis Editor Nerissa Tong Design Sophie Hammond Website store.exertis.co.uk

Altham Sales: 01282 776 776 Address: Shorten Brook Way, Altham Business Park, Altham, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 5YJ

WELCOME FROM EXERTIS Welcome to the Spring edition of Future Mobile.

I am pleased to say that we enjoyed a great start to the New Year as Exertis won both the hardware and the accessories distributor of the year award at the Mobile News Awards 2017. That’s a great compliment to our team for their hard work and dedication. However, it’s also thanks to our vendors and customers for supporting us throughout the year, and with your testimonials to verify our credentials and the service that we provide. I am sure those endorsements account for a great deal with the judges.

Although many believe that smartphones can’t get much smarter, there is always a great deal of anticipation when Mobile World Congress comes around. However, it wasn’t a smartphone that stole the show. We take a look at what did make the news in this issue. One announcement that we all knew about was for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and we also feature this flagship device here.

we have our own mobile technology suite, where we will showcase products from our leading vendors and run some topical seminars hosted by industry experts during the day. You can find out more on page 16 but if you haven’t already registered for Plug In to Exertis, don’t delay because interest has been very high.

The Linx brand of Windows tablets have gained traction in many different vertical markets with a diverse range of applications. In this issue, we look at some of the businesses that have deployed these tablets.

Finally, we have our regular news feature, the hot picks that are selling fast, products that you can profitably attach to a sale, some market stats and some great product and promotional information from our vendors.

Thanks for your continued support and I look forward to meeting you at Twickenham.

On the subject of events, Exertis has announced that it will be running a major channel event at Twickenham Stadium on 11th May. The good news for you is that

Simon Woodman Director Mobile Division

To place an order please call 01282 776 776 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 Stoke Sales: 01782 648 300 Address: Innovation House, Bellringer Road, Trentham Lakes Office Village, Trentham, Stoke on Trent ST4 8GH To place an order please call 01782 648 300 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday

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the mobile phone habits of more than 4,000 UK consumers and the findings may well sound familiar. FOMO or the Fear of Missing Out seems to be behind most of the poor behaviours found in the survey. About a tenth of respondents admitted using their handsets “always” or “very often” while eating at home or in restaurants with a third regularly using their devices while with friends or watching television. One in three UK adults - and half of 18-24 year olds - said they checked their phones in the middle of the night, with instant messaging and social media the most popular activities. One in 10 smartphone owners admitted reaching for their phone as soon as they woke up - with a third grabbing the device within five minutes of waking.

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Exertis’ leadership in the Smart Tech market and its growing portfolio in categories that are growing in demand by consumers has been further emphasised by its distribution agreement with three new vendors:

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Yale, one of the best known brands for locks and home security products, will be offering its Smart Living range of door locks, smart alarms and smart CCTV systems.

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Netatmo, a revolutionary smart home company, developing groundbreaking, intuitive and beautifully-designed connected consumer electronics products will provide its complete award winning range: the Personal Weather Station and its accessories; the Smart Thermostat; Welcome, the indoor security camera with face recognition and Presence, the outdoor security camera that detects and reports on people, cars and animals.

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Nanoleaf, a manufacturer of innovative, designer and energy efficient smart lighting will offer Aurora, triangular, colour changing, domestic LED light panels and the IVY Smart Voice Activated lighting ranges.

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Further information on these vendors can be found at: https://www. exertis.co.uk/exertis-news.php or please speak to your account manager today.

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As screens and mobile internet speeds have improved, predictions that viewers would not watch full television episodes on a smartphone have proved unfounded. Figures from the BBC have revealed that excluding tablets, mobile devices now account for more than a tenth of BBC iPlayer requests.

For Netflix, a ‘pay as you go’ option on mobile would open up a new source of revenue from what is a small but growing segment of viewing. In addition, with more and more Netflix users consuming content via mobile and tablet, the streaming service is considering editing films and TV shows for these platforms so they are easier to see and more effective on small screens.

Sources: Gartner, Advanced Television, Deloitte, BBC, The Telegraph, The Independent

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Altham: 01282 776 776 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

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MWC MOVES WITH THE TIMES Mobile World Congress has always traditionally been the event where the manufacturers showcase their new phones but it was an update to an old phone which most analysts believed stole the limelight, and it wasn’t even a smartphone. Nokia’s revived 3310 is a retro phone: no touchscreen, no Android or Windows operating system, no Wi-Fi. But it does have several features not found on the original like a 2MP camera (16GB internal storage), a colour screen, Bluetooth, a headphone jack, SD card slot, FM radio and 2.5G internet connection. It’s also lighter, has more battery life (and can be charged with a standard micro USB cable), and comes in yellow and red as well as the original dark blue and grey. For a feature phone, it has a number of useful menu options, giving it abilities above the basic text messaging and calls. Plus for gamers, there’s a new edition of Snake. With its attractive price, the Nokia 3310 is already attracting significant demand even before a release date is confirmed. What’s more, the good news is that Exertis will be exclusively distributing the 3310 along with the other new Nokia phones announced at MWC. These days, it’s more difficult to make major enhancements to a smartphone. However as predicted by many it’s all about the screen as more users watch videos on their smartphones. Smaller bezels, that allow devices to accommodate larger screens within the same dimensions, are a design change that has come to fruition, with the LG6 a notable example. Nevertheless, there were a number of new models on show from Sony, Huawei, LG and Nokia with the Samsung S8 following in a separate launch. Exertis will be distributing the ones featured in this article. Check out prices and launch dates with your account manager.

SAMSUNG: NO PHONE JUST TABLETS Of course mobile isn’t just about phones and Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S3, a light (429g) thin (6mm) tablet with some significantly updated specs. With a 9.7” super AMOLED display (1536 x 2048), support for HDR content, a glass and metal frame, S Pen support, two cameras (13MP rear camera with autofocus and a 5MP front-facing camera with LED flash), four stereo speakers tuned by AKG, 32GB on-board memory (microSD support to 256GB), and a 6,000mAh battery with fast charging using USB Type-C, it’s a flagship Android tablet with much to offer. The same vendor also announced a new Windows 10 powered, 2-in-1, the Samsung Galaxy Book. Available in two different sizes the 10.6” has an Intel Core m3 processor with TFT FHD LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1280, 4GB RAM and either 64 or 128GB SSD storage whilst the larger 12” has an i5 processor with sAMOLED display with 2160x1440 resolution with a choice of 4GB RAM with 128GB storage or 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. Both models come with Samsung’s S Pen stylus and USB-C ports.

VR, AI, IOT AND 5G Change happens and MWC isn’t immune to that. So there was more than smartphones and tablets on show. Whilst virtual reality seemed to dominate the show last year, there was still plenty of evidence of how the market is expanding with a number of demonstrations showcasing virtual applications. In addition, Samsung announced that the Gear VR will soon have a companion controller to better enable consumers to interact with their virtual surroundings. The

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FUTURE NOKIA

Security is, of course, a key consideration.

Naturally, device and data security are important issues for any IT department.

Sensitive company data must always remain private. Balancing security with the user experience is a difficult task. Enterprise mobility provides little distinction between professional and personal life. The same device is being used to check e-mails, run business apps, post on social media or play a game. Human error is one of the main reasons for data breaches and malicious intrusions, therefore protecting company data and adding extra security to access apps, for example, is vital. Employees also need to be aware of their obligations in terms of what they share, where they share it and how they store their information, as well as having a clear understanding of the company’s BYOD policy.

SONY Sony launched the Sony Xperia XZ Premium, the Sony Xperia XA1, and the Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra. The Xperia XZ Premium features a 5.5-inch screen with the world’s first 4K HDR display plus Sony’s revolutionary Motion Eye camera system, which provides 960fps super slow motion video capture and playback, four times slower than any other smartphone on the market. It also features Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, IP68 waterproofing, 2,900mAh battery and two cameras (13MP front facing, 19MP rear).

LG move to a stand-alone VR headset or at least one that isn’t tethered to a smartphone or desktop PC is likely to be around the corner. That could well have some useful applications in the enterprise space.

AI also featured prominently amongst the product news with the ability of machines to not only analyse big data but also to potentially change the way mobile technology is being used. Profiling customer behaviours resulting in more personalised consumer engagement is already developing fast. Voice assistants on phones is an on-going battleground with Alexa and Siri driving demand in the connected home market. Robots replacing some human jobs seem a distinct possibility.

IoT was also a hot topic at MWC. It seems that almost everything has to be connected. Of course, there are plenty of examples of how IoT is already making strides in many vertical markets from healthcare to smart cities. So, not surprisingly, the automotive industry also featured at the show with Ford, Seat, Mercedes and Jaguar all showcasing the advantages of the connected car. Whilst fully autonomous driving may be a few years off, there are other opportunities such as an incar fuel payment system to alleviate the burdensome task of having to pay at the pump or the counter!

There was also plenty of noise about 5G boosted by the GSMA predicting that there would be 1.1 billion 5G connections by 2025, even though the faster speeds will not be available to consumers until 2020. Apparently, if this prediction is true one in eight mobile connections globally in 2025 will be 5G connections.

For more informaton on any of the smartphones or technologies mentioned in this article please speak to your account manager today.

Rather than the typical 16:9 aspect ratio seen on almost every other smartphone, LG opts for an 18:9 ratio display (basically 2:1) that provides a taller display in a smaller body. It’s virtually bezel-less. The 5.7-inch screen takes up roughly 80 percent of the phone and with QHD+ resolution, and Dolby Vision, it has superior picture quality. It’s IP68 water-resistant and features Google’s signature AI, Assistant, natively. Whilst the battery is sealed, it’s bigger at 3300mAh, with 32GB on-board storage and two 13MP cameras.

HUAWEI The P10 and P10 Plus are Huawei’s flagship phones and reviewers see these as real challengers to the major players. The new devices have improved designs, enhanced camera technology and a few other upgrades that refine an already impressive predecessor.

The P10 comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage with the P10 Plus offering either 4GB or 6GB of RAM with 128GB of storage on both.

Huawei has continued its partnership with Leica and has included a 12MP RGB (colour) sensor that works in tandem with a 20MP monochrome (black and white) sensor. The P10 has a 5.1” full HD display and the Plus packs a higher 5.5” QHD screen. A fingerprint sensor is on the front of both phones.

Interestingly, Huawei has teamed up with the Pantone Colour Institute which provides some trendy colour options.

13

Voyager 5200 UC ®

Your voice, your day, your way.

Today any place can be a workplace, whether it’s a coffee shop, a cubicle, a conference room or a cab, you can be sure that with every call, your mobile workers can focus on the voice on the line, not the wind or noise around them. Featuring our most advanced, adaptive noise cancelling and WindSmart® technology to cancel out disruptive noise, enabling you to be heard so no one ever sounds less than professional.

It is not how far you travel. It is how close you sound.

Superior audio on both sides of the call • Four adaptive microphones and proprietary DSP work together to reduce disruptive background noise • Six layers of WindSmart technology ensure your voice comes through clearly Intuitive features • Smart sensors answer calls by simply putting on the headset and transfer calls between mobile phone and headset • Up to 30 metres/98 feet of range from supported smartphone or laptop with BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter • Enhanced voice alerts announce caller ID, mute, connection status and talk time level • Rigorously-tested ergonomic design for all-day comfort Simply say “answer” or “ignore” to manage incoming calls • Activate Siri, Google Now, or Cortana with the touch of a dedicated button Worry-free mute assurance

• Dynamic mute alert senses and alerts you when you begin to speak while muted

• Dedicated mute button for quick mute access and timed voice alerts announce mute status • Visual mute status shown on BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter and desktop screen* *Requires Plantronics Hub.

Contact your Exertis Account Manager to learn more!

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MOBILE

PLUG IN TO EXERTIS Future Mobile caught up with Simon Woodman, mobile director at Exertis on why he sees this as a compelling channel event for their customers.

WHAT CAN CUSTOMERS LOOK FORWARD TO AT PLUG IN TO EXERTIS? We have planned a day where our customers have the option to intensify their knowledge in an area in which they currently specialise or to look at other opportunities in complementary areas.

Or indeed both. We’ll have over 80 of our market leading vendors exhibiting their products and solutions across our technology areas from consumer through to enterprise. We will have five dedicated technology suites: consumer, AV, print, enterprise and of course mobile. Each will showcase their vendors and run a number of seminars on relevant topics from industry experts.

To start the day, we will have a keynote from Paul Bryan, our UK managing director, which will elaborate on the Plug in to Exertis concept and how customers can best take advantage of a distributor that is unique in its technology coverage, yet maintains the specialist skills and expertise that help our customers win business across a wide variety of vertical markets. And to get us in the winning mentality

who better to motivate you than rugby legend Will Greenwood who will outline the synergies between high performance in sport and business.

To end the day, there will be more networking opportunities with an evening pitch side reception with drinks and canapés.

I suppose to sum up, customers should expect to come away with a greater understanding about how Exertis can benefit their teams, more insight into opportunities to help them grow profitable business with the solutions that our vendors provide and how they might extend their portfolio into complementary technology areas.

That sounds like a day well spent.

AND SPECIFICALLY FOR MOBILE? We have the strongest line-up of hardware mobile vendors in the industry for handsets, tablets, and laptops and probably the widest range of mobile accessories in the market. Our mobile technology suite is designed to enable our vendors to showcase their latest flagship devices and solutions, and engage with our customers. In addition, we will offer a number of seminar topics hosted by industry experts. Of course, our customers have diverse requirements across retail, etail, telco and B2B. Our experienced team has developed a flexible approach to product supply, logistics and value added services. My message would be, come and meet with us and discuss your requirements.

WHAT TO EXPECT: • • • • •

80+ of our leading vendors showcasing their products and solutions Technology suites with seminars on key topics from industry experts Keynotes from our UK MD Paul Bryan and rugby legend Will Greenwood on Winning in Business An evening pitch side reception with drinks and canapés

Register today: exertis.co.uk/plugin

Altham: 01282 776 776 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | Stoke: 01782 648 300 | store.exertis.co.uk

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To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

A MESSAGE FROM PAUL BRYAN, EXERTIS UK MANAGING DIRECTOR CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE SEMINAR TOPICS? If customers want to find out what’s in store for the industry, then our GfK seminar will look at the topics and trends shaping the market in 2017 and beyond. Their insight could well help shape a customer’s business portfolio and solutions. If you’re looking for areas of growth and opportunity, then the B2B market could well be of interest. Mobiles are increasingly being used in business, fuelled by the trends of BYOD and the need for companies to cut costs. We have two different seminars that outline why Android is a good fit for enterprise deployment.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE EVENT AND HOW CAN RESELLERS REGISTER? It’s on 11th May at Twickenham Stadium and customers can quite simply go to our microsite: www.exertis.co.uk/plugin. We are adding content to this event on a regular basis, so they should check out the site for the latest information.

HERE IS A LIST OF OUR VENDORS WHO WILL BE ATTENDING THIS YEAR’S EVENT:

There are many reasons why you should join our Plug in to Exertis channel event. But perhaps the most important one is to gain a better understanding of what Exertis looks like and stands for today. Over the last few years, we have managed to acquire a number of businesses in very different technology areas. We have indeed become a powerhouse of technology distribution from consumer to enterprise. However, we have always maintained a specialist approach in every area ensuring that we provide both the products and solutions, and the expertise and knowledge to support you. Not just by providing the core competencies of logistics and credit expected of all distributors but also in aligning our sales and marketing teams to your specialist areas, taking into account the services that you value.

We recognise that our customers are equally diverse and require different value-added services. Our focus is, and always will be, customer centric. That’s why I hope that you will also use this event as a mechanism to: provide feedback on how you want to do business with us, whether that’s in one or all of the technology areas that we cover; tell us where we can improve and how we can make it as easy as possible for you to plug in to any of Exertis’ technology areas, whether that’s through one contact or several.

Being big brings economies of scale but it isn’t an excuse for not being flexible and agile. As consumerisation of IT grows, we see opportunities for our customers to look to Exertis across different technology sectors.

Plug in to Exertis gives you that chance. Please take the opportunity to meet with us and discuss your requirements.

17

Neon Flip Cover A cover that glows to keep you in the know.

Incoming notifications light up with orange neon edge lighting so you can view incoming calls, messages, the alarm and time with the cover closed.

Available for A3 & A5 in the below colours.

Clear View Cover Stay stylish and in the know with a cover that allows you to see all of your notifications with a glance. And with shock resistance, rest easy knowing your A5 is protected.

Available for A5 only in the below colours.

S View Standing Cover Designed to better suit your view. Its adaptable protective flap can fold into a stand so you can watch your preferred multimedia content or view chat at a more comfortable angle.

Available for A5 in the below colours.

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HOT PICKS

EXERTIS MOBILE

22 0

TOP 5 NEW DEVICES 1

SONY XZ PREMIUM The world’s first smartphone with a 4K HDR display, using Sony BRAVIA TV technology for content so clear and lifelike, it can take your customer’s breath away.

Pre-order now

LG G6 Encased in an elegant metal and glass body, the LG G6 provides authentic cinematic viewing experiences with a 5.7” Quad HD+ FullVision™ display and still fits comfortably in the palm of any user’s hand.

Pre-order now

SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 | S8 + Introducing the all new Galaxy S8 and S8 plus, featuring rounded-corner infinity display and symmetrical metal sides that blend effortlessly for a seamless look. Get ready for a fully immersive experience, thanks to the Galaxy S8’s ultra-thin bezel and 18.5:9 ratio display.

Coming Soon

TOP 5 ACCESSORIES BELKIN POWERHOUSE CHARGE DOCK FOR APPLE WATCH + IPHONE

1

Charge and display your Apple Watch and iPhone simultaneously with the 2-in-1 PowerHouse Charge Dock for Apple Watch + iPhone. Stylish and sophisticated.

Part code BELF8J200vfWHT

TARGUS UNIVERSAL IN CAR TABLET HOLDER The in car tablet holder from Targus is designed to turn any user’s tablet into a mobile entertainment system which will keeps back-seat passengers entertained on those long car journeys.

Part code TARAWE77EU

OTTERBOX DEFENDER FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 Outfitted with quad-layer defence, the rugged Galaxy S7 case deflects abuse to survive the whole day.

Part code OTT77-52909@OTT

Altham: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: Basingstoke: 01782 01256 648 300 707| Basingstoke: 070 | Stoke: 01782 01256 648 707 300 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

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To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

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TOP BEST SELLERS 1

LG K SERIES 2017 Best for price. The LG K Series smartphones are the first to offer their glossy pebble design for a contemporary, premium look and feel at an affordable price. Don’t settle for anything less.

Part code S10135625 | S10135629 | S10135634

SAMSUNG GALAXY A SERIES 2017 Best for style. Discover a range of phones that effortlessly blend style, revolutionary features and functionality into one. Made from premium materials, the water and dust resistant design will ensure your phone stays looking its best.

NOKIA 3310 Nokia made waves this year by announcing their retro rework of the 3310. This feature phone will stay true to its heritage, with key features including a long battery life and everyone’s favourite classic game, Snake.

Part code A3 2017 - SAMA320GLD | SAMA320BLK | SAMA320BLU A5 2017 - SAMA520BLU | SAMA520GLD | SAMA520BLK

SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 EDGE

Coming soon

Best for business. This is what a perfect balance between form and function looks like.

Elegantly curved front and back, to fit perfectly in anyone’s palm. It’s as beautiful to look at as it is to use.

HUAWEI HONOR 8 DUAL CAMERA Beautiful design, top-flight specs, gamechanging camera technology, and maximum power.

Part code SAMG935BLK | SAMG935GLD | SAMG935BLU | SAMG935PKGLD

5 Part code HUAHON8BLACK@HUA

STACKED SPEED CASE BUNDLE FOR IPHONE Wirelessly charge your iPhones with a magnetic weight battery pack. At 10.7mm, the 360 Speed Case is the world’s thinnest, lightest and most efficient wireless charging case on the market.

Part code STCSPD7UK01

BELKIN VALET CHARGER POWER PACK FOR APPLE WATCH AND IPHONE A built-in Magnetic Charging Module offers a battery boost for the Apple Watch when on the go.

Part code BELF8J201BTSLV

SONY XPERIA XZ Best for camera. Xperia XZ perfects the fundamentals of a great smartphone. Packed with innovations in technology, it boasts a photopro’s camera, an intelligent battery and smart adaptable features.

Part code SONYXPXZBLK | SONYXPXZBLU | SONYXPXZPLAT

WILEYFOX SWIFT 2+ Best all-rounder. Meet Swift 2 Plus: the same slim, elegant curves and amazing design of Swift 2 but with added extras.

For more media and gaming, there’s more storage capacity. For more image quality, there’s more camera technology.

Part code WILEYSWIFT2PLUSPINK | WILEYSWIFT2PLUSGOLD | WILEYSWIFT2PLUSBLUE

5

Linx 10

v

Kick back and enjoy the view.

Brilliantly portable and perfectly productive, the Linx 10V32 gives you a tablet experience without limits. Powered by a quad-core Intel® Atom™ x5 processor and Windows 10 Home, all of your favourite games, apps and videos are brought to life on the stunning 10.1" display.

AVAILABLE WITH 32GB OR 64GB INTERNAL STORAGE.

For more information contact your Exertis

Linx 12

v

Look. No hands.

With an integrated kickstand forged from aluminium, the Linx 12V brings hands-free viewing that gives you the best experience whether you're watching blockbuster movies and TV programmes, playing games, or staying productive.

AVAILABLE WITH 32GB OR 64GB INTERNAL STORAGE.

Exertis recommends Windows Devices.

Account Manager today or visit www.exertis.co.uk

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

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According to Statista, there will be 4.77bn mobile phone users worldwide in 2017 and those users are doing far more than surfing the internet. Indeed, there is a growing trend to use the smartphone and other mobile devices as the preferred payment system. A recent survey by VISA towards the end of last year revealed that the number of Europeans regularly using a mobile device for payments has tripled since 2015 (54% vs 18%) with 74% of UK consumers using a mobile to either manage their money or make payments. Whilst millennials are the most regular users, perhaps surprisingly, the fastest growth rate (33%) for mobile banking adoption is with 55-64 year olds.

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Convenience is one of the key reasons. One device that provides all your communication and information needs, and can aid purchasing is compelling for anyone. No need for a bulky wallet with cash or credit cards, when your smartphone can perform all the tasks you need. Contactless payments may well have been a factor in boosting the confidence of consumers. The VISA research maintained that across all age ranges, contactless payments are commonplace. In the UK, more than half of the people surveyed (58%) used contactless payments last year up from 20% the year before. The study revealed that contactless card users are more interested in using a mobile device as a payment method in a shop, restaurant or via a retailer app.

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design and should not be a mixture of light or dark colour displayed on the customer’s mobile that changes every 20 minutes.

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Research from the Nationwide Building Society found the average UK adult now has to remember six different passwords - and one in four people has more than 10 passwords to remember. It has adopted fingerprint log-ins to its banking app and witnessed a 10% growth in its usage. In addition, it has developed a prototype within its mobile banking app, which could provide an extra layer of “behavioural biometrics” security by recognising unique patterns from people’s natural interactions with their smartphone or tablet.

guide.com Iconography palette he brand hub at www.exertisbrandguide.com fraudsters and although mobile payments rely on wireless carrier infrastructure, which is open and designed to share rather than with security in mind, there are additional security options. Samsung Pay, Android Pay and Apple Pay use a one–time transaction token.

Although you load your card into the payment app, the actual card number isn’t shared with the merchant when you pay. Instead a unique code is created.

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Iconography palette hub atBIOMETRICS www.exertisbrandguide.com IS THE FUTURE Iconography palette Iconography pa Marketing Security Retail Mobile Services Revenue Microsoft Mobile DVDs and Marketing Computing Consumables Consumer Lighting Marketing Microsoft Mobile Servic There are other possibilities. Mastercard announced, last October, a European roll-out of its Identity Check Mobile, a new payment technology application that uses biometrics such as fingerprints or facial recognition to verify identity. Typically, existing identity verification methods take shoppers away from a retailer’s website or mobile app where they are often required to remember and enter a password. The process can be time consuming and can result in a shopper abandoning their purchase or having the transaction declined if they enter their password incorrectly. Mastercard Identity Check Mobile eliminates the need for cardholders to recall passwords, dramatically speeding up the digital checkout experience while also improving security. Instead, the cardholder can verify their identity by using the fingerprint scanner on their smartphone or via facial recognition technology by taking a “selfie” photo.

Digital Consumables Consumer Entertainment

Biometrics isn’t new for smartphone users, research from Deloitte in September 2016 maintained that 21% of smartphone users in the UK are using fingerprints for authentication. Moreover, research from Intelligent Environments revealed that 25% of consumers would like their bank to introduce biometric security, trusting this method rather than passwords. Challenger Bank Atom has been employing face and voice recognition in addition to passcodes.

Biometrics is the future for mobile phone security, analysts believe that retina scanners will be built into devices within 10 years, with some suggesting that a whole face scanner will be the way to unlock the mobile phones of the future.

Microsoft Mobile

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Sources: VISA, Mastercard, Nationwide Building Society, Raconteur, Gemalto, Entrepreneur.com

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CUSTOM MADE LINX ARE MAKING INROADS INTO THE B2B MARKET Linx has clearly established itself as a leading Windows tablet brand as recognised by its OEM partner of the year award from Microsoft last year. Originally destined for retail, the product range has successfully made inroads into the business and enterprise market by extending its range into the B2B sector building customised, own branded tablets. This has led to the requirement from some areas for a ruggedised tablet which was also been successfully produced.

In addition, for a number of different markets, a Linx plug-n-play Mobile POS solution has been developed which Exertis believes will disrupt the payment market in the same way it has done in the Windows tablet category. Linx Pay is an umbrella for integrated payment and mobile payment solutions designed with the needs of the hospitality vertical in mind.

Working with reseller partners, Exertis has successfully extended the range into the B2B sector in a variety of vertical markets including: retail - Next, Whistles and the Co-Operative; and in hospitality Pizza Express and Hollywood Bowl; in manufacturing Astra Zeneca and Unilever; in transportation the AA, RAC and Hitachi rail; in automotive Citroen and Peugeot; in the Service industry OCS, Morgan Sindall and TUV SUD and in academia, dozens of Academies, New Charter and Manchester College.

THE LINX TABLET HAS MANY DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS In education, it has been deployed by specialist IT reseller Digital Inc. The primary objective of the parties involved was to reduce the vast numbers of digitally excluded students and school children across the country by providing them with a unique and exclusive 4G educational tariff powered by EE and a Linx Windows tablet. This has been successfully implemented via a number of local authorities.

In entertainment, it has been used at Hollywood Bowl where a robust, reliable tablet was required to manage the players’ scoring system. Working with Image Holders a supplier of Exertis, the company redesigned the enclosure, built a 5 volt power supply and

added their own software app to the windows product key. The tablets are connected via Wi-Fi to the master server. The touchscreen capability of Windows 10 has been ideal in this scenario.

In retail, it has been used by large outlets like Next where it has been trialled to increase the customer experience in-store with assistants being able to reference the Next catalogue and match accessories to a chosen product. The possibility of using VR in the future to visualise the products in-store is a further attraction. For small retailers that operate as Hermes ParcelShops, Exertis has designed a customer self-service Linx tablet with a hand held bar code reader and chip and pin payment device to make the process for parcel despatch and delivery simpler and faster.

In local authorities, Newcastle city council has attached Linx tablets to grass cutters. With 3G and GPS tracking the parks department can maximise productivity of its workforce.

In the automated drinks industry Vimto has removed the need for paper based systems by enabling their agents to track delivery of supplies and record maintenance of machines using the tablets.

Indeed digitisation of paper systems has been a driver for the use of tablets with organisations like the AA taking advantage of the technology. As Linx runs Windows 10, it has the advantage that users are accustomed to the operating system and other office apps.

In sport and medicine BPM Pro has used it to help clients analyse fitness and reduce the need for post-operative visits to hospitals.

Affordability, reliability and functionality together with a familiar operating system are major attractions for customers. Exertis is happy to help resellers with opportunities to deploy and customise Linx tablets.

For further information on products go to www.linxtablets.com or speak to your Exertis account manager today to find out more.

CLEAR CASE

CLEAR SCREEN

KEEP YOUR PHONE BRAND NEW WITH THE GALAXY A SERIES CLEARLY PROTECTED CASES FROM OTTERBOX

Symmetry Clear Clear Series

AVAILABLE FOR MULTIPLE DEVICES More from the Otterbox Range

Series

Crafted Protection

AVAILABLE FOR MULTIPLE DEVICES

Available from Exertis.

OTTERBOX CERTIFIED DROP + PROTECTION

TESTED BY US. BUILT FOR YOU. Day in, day out – your device is protected.

OtterBox Certified Drop+ Protection means your case undergoes 24+ tests and 238+ hours of testing.

Beat that!

AVAILABLE FOR MULTIPLE DEVICES

THE

To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

29

GROUND BREAKING DISPLAY AND AI INTELLIGENCE FEATURE IN NEW SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 After weeks of speculation, rumour and leaks which have dominated the trade and national press, the truth is finally out. Such is the interest in, and presence of, Samsung in the smartphone market that it can afford to announce its new flagship device outside of traditional launch pads like Mobile World Congress. The early indications are that the new Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S Plus have been worth the wait, living up to the high expectations of the Android market leader.

The Galaxy S8’s rounded corner Infinity Display and symmetrical metal sides blend effortlessly for a seamless look in a boundary-breaking design with its ultra-thin bezel and 18.5:9 ratio display. The two new Galaxy handsets feature a larger 5.8” and 6.2” display with a higher resolution panel 2,960 x 1,440 pixels. The home button no longer features beneath the screen and as a result Samsung has been able to cram incredibly large Quad HD Dual edge Super AMOLED displays into remarkably compact devices.

Bixby, Samsung’s new digital voice assistant debuts on the new phones which will have a set of pre-installed applications that will enable you to control your phone with your voice and interact with the app to complete actions.

Gartner reckons that by 2019, digital assistants will be the primary way consumers interact with their smart homes.

Naturally, there are two cameras: a rear Dual Pixel 12MP camera with F1.7 lens and enhanced image processing, and an 8MP front camera with facial recognition for smart autofocus. Other major features include: an iris scanner for greater security; IP68 rated water and dust resistance; 4GB RAM and 64GB storage: 3,000mAh (Galaxy S) and 3,500mAh (Galaxy S+) batteries, Android 7.0 (Nougat) operating system; Octa core, 64 bit, 10 nm processor and AKG-tune earphones.

With the Galaxy S8 you can control all of your Samsung smart devices remotely with Samsung Connect. It can also be used with the Gear VR and Gear 360, so you can experience spectacular VR videos and games. You can also view all of your Samsung smartphone content on a large screen with Samsung DeX. Third party Accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S8 Here’s our round-up of some of the best accessory treats for the new Samsung Galaxy S8:

DEFENDER SERIES FROM OTTERBOX • • •

Triple-layer defence: inner shell, outer cover and touchscreen protector Port covers: stop dirt, dust and lint from getting into jacks and ports Holster: works as a belt clip and a hands-free kickstand

Part code: OTT7754515 | Colours available: Black

SYMMETRY SERIES FROM OTTERBOX • • •

Ultra-slim: sleek profile follows your phone’s precision lines Unlimited style: take your pick from an array of colour and style options Sleek Design: slips easily in and out of pockets and purses

Part code: OTT7754660 | Colours available: Black

SURVIVOR CLEAR® FROM GRIFFIN Survivor Clear for the Samsung Galaxy S8 delivers superior drop protection - 1.2 metre drop tested with internal ribs to absorb impact without the bulk. See-through polycarbonate back shows off the new phone design, and provides a scratch resistant 6H hardness rating. A premium dual-moulded bumper protects sides and screen edges and comes with an anti-yellowing UV-treated TPU. Part code: GRIGB43421 | Colours available: Black/Smoke/Clear

CYGNETT AEROSHIELD SLIM PROTECTIVE CASE Show off the sleek design of your Galaxy S8 while protecting it against drops and shocks with the AeroShield case. A low profile design that doesn’t add bulk, the AeroShield combines a fingerprint resistant frosted shell with a shock-absorbent polyurethane frame Also available in a clear polycarbonate shell with a shock-absorbent polyurethane frame. Raised edges for lay-flat screen protection and covered power and volume buttons further protect the device.

Part code: GRIGB43421 | Colours available: Black/Smoke/Clear

ZAGG INVISIBLESHIELD GLASS CONTOUR • • •

Precisely curved edges fit your screen perfectly for premium edge-to-edge protection.

High-quality tempered glass delivers maximum image clarity, an ultra-smooth feel and remarkable touch sensitivity.

If your Glass Contour ever gets worn or damaged, ZAGG will replace it for the life of your device.

Part code: ZAGG8ECGSF00 | ZAGGS8CGSF00 For more information on any of the products mentioned please speak to your Exertis account manager today.

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MOBILE ATTACH

TOP 10

7

1

1

OTTERBOX SYMMETRY SERIES

Slip into the sleek iPhone 7 case for stylish protection that expresses the user’s personal style, while staying protected from the wear and tear it is subject to every day.

3

4

SAMSUNG NEON FLIP COVER FOR A3/A5

RRP: £24.00 Colour: Black Part Code: SAMEF-FA320PBEGWW

5

MOPHIE POWERSTATION PLUS XL

Compatible with both Apple and micro USB devices, this 12,000mAh battery gives users more than four additional charges on smartphones or one extra charge for tablets.

RRP: £99.95 Colour: Silver Part Code: 3461PSPLS6K2N1SGYBLK@DSG

SAMSUNG GEAR VR 2 BLUE BLACK

RRP: £71.00 Colour: Blue Black Part Code: SAMSM-R323NBKABTU

TARGUS USB-C MULTIPLEXER DONGLE

RRP: £50.00 Colour: Black Part Code: TARACA41EUZ

BELKIN THUNDERBOLT 2 EXPRESS DOCK HD WITH THUNDERBOLT CABLE

Connect up to 8 devices (including dual displays) to your laptop or desktop and take full advantage of Thunderbolt 2 data transfer speeds and 4K cinema resolution.

RRP: £199.99 Colour: Silver Part Code: BELF4U085VF

6

TARGUS 2-IN-1 USB WALL CHARGER & POWER BANK

Never get caught without power for your phone or tablet again with this combined charger and power bank. Use with all your USB-A charged devices including wearables.

RRP: £34.99 Colour: White Part Code: TARAPD752EU

8

KENSINGTON BLACK BELT 2ND DEGREE CASE

This case features military-grade drop protection with a hand strap for worry-free carrying. The Type Cover can be easily attached or detached with the case on.

RRP: £54.99 Colour: Black Part code: KENK97442WW

Simplify the transition to USB-C with the Targus Multiplexer Dongle, designed so you can use USB-C hardware with your existing Targus Powered Docking Stations.

10

The highest quality tempered glass gives users the ultimate edge-to-edge protection with ultra HD® image clarity, a silky-smooth feel and unprecedented touchscreen sensitivity.

RRP: £34.99 Colour: Black Part Code: ZAGG7ECGS-BK0

A cover that glows to keep you in the know. Incoming notifications illuminate with orange neon edge lighting for incoming calls, messages, alarms and time.

5

2

ZAGG GLASS CONTOUR FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY S7

RRP: £21.99 Colour: Black Part Code: OTT77-53947@OTT

The Gear VR turns user’s Samsung Galaxy smartphone into a completely portable and wireless virtual reality machine as soon as they snap their phone into the headset.

9

MOBILE

10

SAMSUNG GEAR 360

Capture life as it happens with Gear 360. The front and rear lenses each capture 180 degrees horizontally and vertically, creating a seamless and complete 360-degree field of view.

RRP: £349.00 Colour: White Part Code: SAMSM-C200NZWABTUWHT

Altham: 01282 776 776 | Stoke: Basingstoke: 01782 01256 648 300 707| Basingstoke: 070 | Stoke: 01782 01256 648 707 300 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

Samsung Partner Programme The Samsung Partner Programme offers a distinct competitive advantage by allowing you to promote your business as an Accredited Samsung Partner.

You will be provided with logos for use on your website and within your sales and marketing material, a dedicated 5 days a week support line and much more.

Programme benefits • Dedicated channel support • Marketing funding • Bespoke incentives • Seeding devices • Marketing assets (co-branded) • Access to training • Product news and information • Sales tools kits

To find out more and to register

visit www.samsungpartnerprogramme.com

Join us at the channel technology event of the year!

11th May 2017 - Twickenham Stadium Want to discover the latest solutions and hear from industry experts specialising in your areas of interest? You can! Interested in diversifying into other technology markets that could grow your business? That’s fine too!

At “Plug in to Exertis” we’ve got technology covered. It’s what we do best, distributing a technology range from consumer to enterprise with market leading vendors and teams of skilled professionals dedicated to providing expertise and support for our partners. So whether you’re a new or existing customer, this is the channel event for you!

WHAT TO EXPECT: 80+ of our leading vendors showcasing their products and solutions Technology suites with seminars on key topics from industry experts Keynotes from our UK MD Paul Bryan and rugby legend Will Greenwood on Winning in Business An evening pitch side reception with drinks and canapes

Register today:

exertis.co.uk/plugin PlugIn_A4_Advert_Feb.indd 2

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