Exertis: The Future Mobile Issue 3

All the lastest highlights from MWC

New opportunities for Mobile dealers and SMBs

SPRING issue 3.

THE RISE OF CONTACTLESS PAYMENT

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MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2016

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A PC-like experience powered by your phone.

Introducing Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL with Continuum for phone. Connect your monitor, keyboard and mouse to a Microsoft Display Dock, and you can control what’s on screen just like a PC.* Microsoft Lumia. It’s your business. Mobile. *Microsoft Display Dock and compatible accessories all sold separately.

External display with DisplayPort, HDMI connector or compatible adapter required.

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WHAT PLACE DOES THE TV HAVE IN A MOBILE AGE?

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TIME TO WIN WITH SAMSUNG

CONTENTS 05 EXERTIS COMMENT

25 HOW TO MARKETING

Simon Woodman introduces the latest edition of the Future

Handy hints and tips to maximise your marketing to end customers

06 NEWS IN BRIEF

27 CONNECTED SPEAKER MARKET BRINGS MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

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

We take a look at the influx in vendors entering this lucrative market

08 MARKET STATS UPDATE We take a look at the latest mobile trends that are set to unfold in 2016 and beyond

10 MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS What were the key takeaways from this year’s MWC in Barcelona

17 WOULD YOU LIKE TO PAY

BY CASH, CARD….OR MOBILE PHONE? The rise of mobile contactless payment, and what it means for the industry

20 WHAT PLACE DOES THE TV HAVE IN A MOBILE AGE? How mobile consumption demand has affected the role of TV in our lives

22 HOT PICKS 14 SECURITY FOR KIDS ON MOBILE DEVICES How to keep your kids safe on their mobile devices

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

29 TIME TO WIN WITH SAMSUNG 2-IN-1 Samsung have re-entered the PC market in a big way with this 2-in-1 device

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

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Speak to your account manager to find out more about the LG G5 and Friends.

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Publisher Exertis Editor Nerissa Tong Design Amber-sky Glasscock Website store.exertis.co.uk

Altham Sales: 01282 776 776

WELCOME FROM EXERTIS Welcome to the latest edition of Future Mobile. We’ve some great promotions and interesting articles on a variety of topics. Here’s a flavour of what to expect.

Of course, Mobile World Congress has just finished with a record number of over 100,000 attendees from in excess of 200 countries and with more than 2,200 companies exhibiting. We take a look at some of the highlights, particularly VR which seemed to be the major talking point at the show. By the way, you can get the LG G5 with Friends and the Samsung S7 now from Exertis.

Address: Shorten Brook Way, Altham Business Park, Altham, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 5YJ To place an order please call 01282 776 776 between 9am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday With the number of children using tablets and Smartphones continuing to rise, we feature how parents can keep their children safe using their mobile devices.

There’s also some handy tips on maximising your marketing in a digital age.

Finally, I’m pleased to say that our team was rewarded for their dedication and commitment to customer service by winning the 2016 Mobile News Accessories distributor of the year award. Thanks for your business and continued support.

After you have taken a look at our Hot Picks, read up on the new Galaxy TabPro S, which is a great product and exclusive to Exertis.

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

On a different note, we discuss how mobile consumption is affecting the way we view our TV and staying in the home, we look at the number of vendors vying for leadership in the connected speaker market.

Address: Innovation House, Bellringer Road, Trentham Lakes Office Village, Trentham, Stoke on Trent ST4 8GH

Simon Woodman Director Mobile Division

To place an order please call 01782 648 300 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday

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its recent launch. Intended as an entry-level business Windows 10 Smartphone, one feature that’s noticeable by its absence is Continuum. This has been one of Microsoft’s big selling features for the new OS, and enables you to connect your phone to a TV or monitor and use it much like a PC. This means you can work on documents within Word, or watch films that are on your phone on a big screen. However, it’s considered as a safe bet for businesses committed to Microsoft products and wary of the threats to security posed by Android devices.

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If you want something different in a Smartphone then the LG G5 certainly offers that. It’s the first snap-in modular Smartphone that features a battery unit that slides out the bottom of the phone to be replaced by what LG has called Friends. The current ‘Friends’ include a module with additional physical buttons for improved camera control, called the Cam Plus, and a unit with high quality audio processing components that improves music playback, called the Hi-Fi Plus. The LG G5 has also innovated the camera design with two lenses and two sensors, one for regular shots and one for wide angle. Another design plus is that the G5 has a luxurious full-metal chassis. However, the G5 is a traditional phone in many senses, with a fixed set of features common to many of its rivals: a Snapdragon 820 chipset, 5.3-inch screen, 16-Megapixel camera (plus an eightMegapixel secondary unit) and 32GB of storage.

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Aside from the new modules, LG has announced three more ‘Friends’ for the LG G5. The first is a VR headset called 360 VR, then there’s a 360 camera called the 360 Cam, and the third is a sweet little BB-8alike robot called the Rolling Bot. These seamlessly connect to the LG G5 via the LG Friends Manager app.

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The LG G5 is now available from Exertis

Alongside its low cost, its best features seem to lie in its design with many reviewers commenting on its slim, sleek design with a brushed metal band which gives it a more expensive look. For its price, it comes with a decent camera 16MP on the back and 8MP front facing. It has a 5” screen and is powered by a Snapdragon 212 processor, has 1MB RAM, 16GB of internal storage plus a micro SD slot.

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This is predicted to rise to $3.7tn by 2020, with 32 million jobs directly and indirectly supported, rising to 36 million. In 2016, the industry will contribute $430bn in public funding based on current levels of taxation. This is expected to rise to $480bn at the end of the decade, excluding spectrum licence fees, which will add another $90bn.

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What caught the eye at Mobile World Congress 2016 wasn’t the latest features in a Smartphone, it was mobile VR, which according to most journalists, was the standout feature at the show. The Smartphone virtual reality headsets sparked huge interest at a time when the increasingly-saturated Smartphone market begins to slow.

Research firm TrendForce predicts global Smartphone sales will grow by 8.1 percent in 2016, down from 10.3 percent last year. Mobile VR is on track to reach $861 million in revenues this year, according to data firm SuperData Research and research firm CCS Insight predicts the number of virtual reality devices sold will grow from 2.2 million last year to 20 million in 2018, with Smartphone-based devices representing the vast majority. Investment bank Goldman Sachs is predicting VR will grow to $110 billion by 2020 if you also include the related augmented reality space that combines virtual imagery with the physical World.

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Moreover, two of the biggest names in mobile will be pushing VR hard this year. Samsung’s offer of a free Samsung Gear VR headset with pre-orders for a Samsung S7 or S7 Edge is bound to provide some early adopters and LG has launched its LG 360 VR. It would be surprising if others didn’t follow to take advantage of the market potential.

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Fitbit, the leader in health and fitness wrist bands, has made its move into the smartwatch area of the wearables market with the launch of Blaze. Even with traditional smartwatch features, it still focuses on fitness and health. It will track daily steps, sleep, calories burned, and 15 different types of exercises. In addition, the fitness tracker will automatically recognise activities like running, tennis, basketball and football without having to start an activity. As with other Fitbits, activity data can be shared wirelessly to iOS, Android, and Windows Phone Smartphones, as well as desktops.

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It provides the expected notification options: calls, texts and calendar notifications but has a new call rejection option. It doesn’t have built-in GPS but can pull data and control music from a connected Smartphone. It boasts a five-day battery life.

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The number of Paym payments, which are sent from a mobile to another mobile using a number, is almost doubling every six months, with 1.46 million payments sent in the second half of 2015, up from 774,628 in the first six months of the year, according to Paym.

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More than 3.2 million people have registered their mobile number to receive payments via Paym, and the mobile banking apps of more than nine out of 10 current accounts have Paym capabilities built-in.

Since its launch in April 2014, over £146m has been sent via Paym according to a report in Computer Weekly.

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MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2016 The mobile World has never been more essential to everyday lives. 2016 sees more than a quarter of the World’s population using a Smartphone, with research showing we spend around 3.5 connected hours a day using mobile devices. Business is adopting strategies for BYOD and technology is extending into areas that give mobile devices an even more central role. Think the connected home, wearables, the Internet of Things – the list can appear seemingly endless.

Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is where the great and the good gather to show their latest products and project their prophecies for the future. This year though it was more evolution than revolution for many of the core market segments, but even with no major forward leaps there was plenty to interest and excite.

PHONES – DRIVEN BY CUSTOMERS AND EXPERIENCE The cacophony of announcements seen at previous events was a bit muted this year. Whilst many vendors like HTC, Sony and Lenovo announced spec changes and developments to mid-market ranges,

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headlines were less about specs and sizes and more about customers and delivering a better phone.

S7 Cutting-Edge – Samsung provided most of the headline fireworks and perhaps none more so than the S7 and S7 Edge. In addition to the advancements you’d expect from a flagship model they deliver new standards of refinement and comfort with more curviness. Features have been reintroduced, such as the MicroSD card slot and a waterproof body (now IP68 water and dust resistance rated), and improvements made to low-light camera functionality, battery life, and charging via quick charging and wireless charging. The Gear VR ships with it free at launch – more later.

LG Champions Modularity – Perhaps the most interesting announcement was from LG. Modular phone design has been kicking around for years, but LG’s first all metal phone is lauded as being a stunning piece of high-spec, streamlined mobile design. The potential genius here though is its modularity, the bottom pops out giving the potential to pop in upgrade modules, accessories, and other plug-ins. Two bolt-ons elevate the quality aspect of the phone - the Cam-Plus means phone becomes more camera, and the Hi-Fi Plus, produced and tuned with Bang & Olufsen Play, is a 32-bit DAC boosting audio performance.

VIRTUAL BECOMING A REALITY? Aside from these two major announcements, much of the buzz was around VR and what you can do with your phone. Samsung’s headlining Galaxy Unpacked event ensured VR, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, took a major stride forward and was the largest mass VR

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

demonstration in history. The Samsung Gear VR, part powered by Facebook owned Oculus, is the headset for the Galaxy range and a stepping stone to the more advanced Oculus Rift.

Not to be outdone, other vendors showed their VR capabilities, LG’s 360VR, the World’s lightest, highly compact VR headset, is controlled via USB connection to the G5 phone, and HTC’s (and Valve’s) Vive VR headset, seen last year, had release details confirmed. It will ship with everything required to get going - motion controllers, base stations, and even a couple of games – and will link via Bluetooth to your phone for calls and notifications.

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WEARABLES WEARING THIN? Unlike previous years, this year’s MWC was light on major wearable advances. There were plenty of watches on show, but no major breakout product.

Ignoring the wrist though, one interesting product was seen as part of Sony’s conceptual showing.

Time will tell whether the Xperia Ear will popularise Bluetooth headsets, but it is an in-ear personal digital assistant, not only handling calls but verbally providing schedules, social updates, search results, news, weather - all handsfree.

A 360 DEGREE VIEW In conjunction with the excitement about VR, the prospect of 360 video was eagerly anticipated. Here is the Facebook connection with their new 'Social VR team' exploring connecting and sharing VR socially. LG’s claimed lipstick-sized, definitely pocket-sized, 360CAM and Samsung’s Gear 360 could be the kind of catalysts for VR adoption, via 360 video uploads to You Tube and Facebook, on a much larger scale than previously seen.

TABLETS SWALLOW A BITTER PILL? The tablet market has seen better days no doubt, however the doom-mongers predicting it has seen its day may be a little premature in their predictions. With growth predicted in the 2-in-1 market, Huawei weighed in heavily with its sleek and powerful Windows 10 MateBook. Aiming at the iPad Pro and Surface 4 market, its all metal, slim 6.9mm body features a 12”, 2160 x 1400 display, detachable keyboard cover, MatePen stylus and side fingerprint sensor.

OUT-TAKES AND TAKE-OUTS With the halls packed with new products and announcements for the future, there was also the mix of the conceptual showing the application of technology into less mainstream products: ZTE’s Spro Plus raises the bar in the tablet come portable projector World; Sony’s Xperia Projector highlighted what voice, gesture and touch control can look like in portable form; LG’s Rolling Bot is exactly that, a phone-controlled rolling robot with a camera and laser pointer; and perhaps a view of future phone differentiation is the Cyrcle from Dtoor ('Designing the opposite of rectangle'), round, colourful, fun Android phones.

For the future? If VR is ever to breakout into the mainstream and realise Zuckerberg’s dream then the networks need to be able to enable major leaps forward in transmission speeds. Products also will need to be able to bend to the needs of true mobile use. The World of 5G, Li-Fi and graphene, discussed in the break outs and bars at MWC may seem far off but foretell enormous changes in the global, connected, mobile World.

Exertis is committed to staying ahead of the curve for innovation in the market. We sent a number of our mobile experts to the event to ensure we can fully support our channel partners in keeping ahead of the competition. Make sure you call us today to find out how we can help you take advantage of these new opportunities.

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SECURITY FOR KIDS ON MOBILE DEVICES If you want to know how many children own a mobile device, what they use it for and the concerns parents have about their use by their children, then there is no shortage of data out there. Indeed the Ofcom Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report is about as comprehensive as it gets with over 200 pages dedicated to this subject with so much data that even the most ardent statistician would be overwhelmed by its detail.

That said, we have to pick out some of the key numbers, findings and concerns because as an industry we are responsible for the technology that has led to this change in social behaviour.

• 12 to 15 year olds are more likely to own a Smartphone than a tablet and are more likely to use their phones than their tablet to go online • Smartphones have overtaken laptops as the most popular device for getting online • 8 to 11 year olds spend on average eleven hours a week online and 12 to 15 year olds spend almost 19 hours a week on average online: more than double in the last ten years for both age groups • More children have access to the Internet at home and more have access in their bedrooms And according to Carphone Warehouse:

First some numbers. According to Ofcom:

• More than 2.8 million children now own a Smartphone, including a million under the age of 12 • The number of children accessing social media sites on their mobile phones has more than doubled from 15% to 36% • Gaming is the most popular online activity amongst 8 to 15 year olds

• Over half of 3 to 4 year olds and three quarters of 12 to 15 year olds used a tablet in 2015 • The number of children that own their own tablet has also increased to one in seven for 3 to 4 year olds and two in five for 5 to 15 year olds • A quarter of 8 to 11 year olds and seven in ten 12 to 15 year olds now own a Smartphone

No one can deny the benefits that a laptop or tablet can provide when it comes to children’s education. Indeed, we are witnessing a period when our children have grown up with the Internet. What’s more, knowing precisely where your kids are or having the ability to contact them at any time is a very good reason for giving them a Smartphone, in addition to the educational and amusement value it may provide.

INDISPUTABLE FACTS THAT KIDS AND MOBILE DEVICES GO HAND IN HAND

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MOBILITY AND SECURITY ARE CONSTANT COMPANIONS

PRECAUTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

However, as with all mobile devices, there are always increased risks that need to be addressed, particularly with regard to children.

Parents and technology need to work hand in hand to minimise risk: cyberbullying, accessing inappropriate web content, talking to strangers, screen dependency and racking up hefty charges through calls, texts and apps. Ofcom suggested that parents are now more aware of technical resolutions to potential issues than they were in the past. Yet, whilst we are more likely to install some protection on our PC and laptop, we are seemingly less diligent when it comes to the Smartphone. Some of the security risks associated with mobile devices are because of the very thing that makes them so convenient — their mobility. Unlike computers, they contain GPS devices that track our every move.

In addition, there is also a good choice of software from the established players in the AV market: Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky and Panda. Apple’s sandboxing of its iOS operating system combined with its tight controls on what gets into its iTunes app store makes it tough to stumble across malicious apps. But the open nature of the Android operating system can be more easily manipulated to cause threats and potential risks. It’s wise to check with an expert from the Exertis team to check exactly what is covered by each of the vendors but in general they offer the following features:

In turn, many popular apps report your locations on the Internet.

Flaws in these apps, or malware that has been accidentally downloaded, could report your whereabouts to unknown parties, particularly an issue with children in mind. Moreover, because we carry our mobile devices around with us constantly, they are at much greater risk of being lost or stolen.

PARENTAL CONTROLS EXIST For some basic security, many phones and network operators offer parental controls. These can either be found on the phone’s setting or by checking with the network operator to enable them to be activated. These can restrict access to adult content and according to Carphone Warehouse, 21% of children reported having accessed websites featuring unsuitable content via their mobile phone. Their research showed that only 13% of children had parental restrictions on their mobile phone, compared to 44% of children who had them on their laptop despite both devices having similar capabilities.

However, be aware that most free content filtering features from ISPs do not work over Wi-Fi or on a Smartphone. Some mobile operators also offer a warning of unexpected increase in usage or have the ability to lock certain features of the device.

APPS: GOOD AND BAD Apps Storing confidential or personal information on a mobile device is another area of concern. Downloads and file sharing can lead to this information getting into the wrong hands and there is an increased risk of viruses and spam. Installing apps is also open to issues. On average, there are more than 35 installed apps on a Smartphone. It is always advisable to download apps from recognised app stores and where applicable check the content ratings of the app for suitability.

Navigation apps may ask permission to use your current location in order to provide accurate directions and location information. Photo editing apps may ask for access to your photos. Parents need to be aware of apps asking for permissions beyond what is required for the app to function. Rogue apps exist and provide cybercriminals with access to your personal data. Many apps, whether free or paid for, offer optional extras at a cost. Known as in-app purchases, these can be an easy way to get an unwanted bill. There are tools available to control that and some operating systems allow you to require a password for any additional download.

Naturally, there are also apps that provide parental control and security features that can be downloaded to your mobile device: Mobile Guardian, Screen Time, Qustido, Net Nanny, Teensale. A good summary can be found at www.tigermobiles.com.

• Scan apps for malware, privacy and other risks* • Protect against unsafe websites* • Block unwanted calls and text messages* • Remotely lock your missing device* • Wipe the data on your lost or stolen device* • Instantly lock your phone if SIM card is removed* • Take a photo of anyone using your missing device (webcam-enabled devices only)* • Pinpoint your lost or stolen device on a map • Set off an alarm so you can quickly find your missing device • Save your contact information so it can be easily restored *Android Only In short, better to be protected than seek a cure.

HEALTH WARNING IN A HEALTHY MARKET Of course, like most things in life, mobile phone usage also comes with a health warning. Whilst research carried out to date has not found any clear evidence of a link between mobile phone use and childhood cancers such as leukaemia, it is recommended by some quarters in the health sector that children only use mobile phones for essential purposes and keep all calls short as a precaution. (Children might be more vulnerable to any health risks from the use of mobile phones because their body and nervous system are still developing).

Whilst this shouldn’t be dismissed, the practicality of doing this in the digital age may prove difficult for parents in a climate of continued healthy growth in the mobile market.

Device security at all levels is of paramount importance to Exertis, and we offer a large portfolio of fantastic security products which are available now, make sure you speak to your Exertis account manager for more details.

Sources and Acknowledgements: Ofcom, Carphone Warehouse, Tigermobiles

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO PAY BY CASH, CARD… OR MOBILE PHONE? Whilst contactless mobile payment systems are not yet mainstream, there are clear signs that momentum is building. According to a report last year by Deloitte, 5% of the 600-650 million near field communication (NFC) equipped phones will have been used at least once a month to make contactless in-store payments at retail outlets.

Indeed as more consumers become familiar and confident with the process aligned with more banks and merchants accepting this form of transaction, the growth in contactless mobile payments is inevitable alongside that of contactless credit cards.

SECURITY Perhaps the biggest prohibitor to growth, at least in the short term, relates to security. For merchants, NFC-equipped phones can enable fast payments and for retailers perhaps the opportunity to make a sale. All forms of payment have risk attached. Cash requires change and a float, credit cards require PINs or signatures but contactless payment requires only a card or device to be placed on a compatible reader. Up till now, most contactless card transactions have been set at a small limit, typically around £20-£30. A clear benefit with some contactless Smartphone payment systems is that the spending limit could be on a par with the spender’s credit card limit. According to Deloitte in the UK, the average value of a contactless payment transaction was one seventh of the average transaction value of a credit card payment.

Certainly, for financial institutions, contactless payments provide efficiency and improvement to their business models. They levy a commission on the transaction value which they may share with a handset vendor, they underwrite the risk on the payment and they impose the transaction limits much the same as they would on a credit card transaction. However, the Smartphone has the potential to offer even greater security when payments are made with phones featuring either builtin or SIM-based token facilities. The use of tokens as additional protection for online payments or transfers have been in place for some time.

PAYPAL HERE PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN CONTACTLESS BOOM Anyone who has paid online has either used or known about PayPal, considered to be the industry leader in online money transfer and with a reputation for enabling secure transactions. PayPal’s large user base is testament to its trustworthiness in the market. For many

small businesses, PayPal Here (a NFC-enabled card reader) is a great solution by providing a more flexible means of accepting payments as well as anticipating the growth in contactless payments. PayPal Here is aimed specifically at the 5.1 million (95%) microbusinesses in the UK. Ideal for business owners that trade seasonally or are on the move such as plumbers, beauticians, taxi drivers, photographers, market stall vendors etc., there are no monthly fees or fixed term with PayPal Here. Businesses make just a one-off payment for the device £79.95 (incl VAT) and 2.75% (to as low as 1.9% + 20p) per transaction, considerably less than the usual integration costs with banks that can run into hundreds.

The NFC-enabled card reader accepts contactless card payments from debit and credit cards (Visa, Maestro, MasterCard, Amex) and Apple Pay. The card reader, which pairs with a Smartphone or tablet (IOS or Android devices) via Bluetooth, continues to accept Chip and PIN payments as well as those taken by swiping the magnetic stripe.

Cameron McLean, managing director, PayPal UK, said it was a game changer for businesses wanting to respond to customer demand for “tap and go” payments. PayPal Here not only accepts credit and debit card payments, it also enables businesses to log cash and cheques, send electronic receipts and invoices. The free downloadable app has many additional features.

The good news for mobile dealers is that the PayPal Here device is available as a SKU from Exertis and can be added to a mobile solution for your customers.

PHONE, CARD OR WALLET For most consumers, the adoption of NFC-equipped smartphones for making payments will depend on whether the process is simpler, more convenient and has added advantages in the forms of digital coupons or discounts over and above the use of a credit or debit card. Deloitte believes that given a choice, individuals will ultimately opt to pay using their phone rather than a contactless card, particularly if higher ticket items can be paid for using this method. For retailers, there is the added advantage of displaying special offers in store to NFCbased devices to increase the customer experience and the opportunity to make a sale. What is certain is that we are moving to an increasingly cashless society and your wallet may well become a piece of memorabilia.

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Designed to make a lasting impression Rethink what a phone can do The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are designed to deliver enterprise performance that satisfies even the most demanding users, thanks to improved battery endurance, fast and wireless charging, and expandable storage.

You can count on S7 and S7 edge whatever you need to do, whenever you need to do it.

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There’s no doubt that over the past few years our viewing habits have changed. Not only in what we are watching and how broadcasters are producing the output but also the type of device that we use to watch the content. In a recent report from Accenture entitled 'Digital Video and the Connected Consumer', the viewing of content, such as movies, on an actual TV screen has declined globally by 13% over a twelve month period. “We are seeing a definitive pendulum shift away from traditional TV viewing,” said Gavin Mann, Accenture’s Global Broadcast Industry Lead. “TV shows and movies are now a viewing staple on mobile devices of all shapes and sizes, thanks to improved streaming and longer battery life.” That picture seems to be confirmed by programmatic technology experts RadiumOne whose 2015 research revealed that 30% of Britons over 16 use some form of connected device to watch TV: laptops (19%) being the most popular ahead of tablets (11%), desktop computers (10%) and Smartphones (9%) and the games console (4%).

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of people (89% of the UK population) have gained access to the Internet using different devices. Ofcom stated that over half (56%) of UK homes had a TV connected to the Internet at the end of 2014, either via a set-top box or a Smart TV, a figure that had doubled in a year and likely to be higher when other third party devices which can be used to connect TVs to the Internet, such as games consoles or streaming devices like Chromecast are included. Smart TVs had increased their market share to 54% as a proportion of all TV sales by the beginning of 2015. Accenture reported that amongst those who planned to buy a TV, 61% expected to buy a connected TV and 25% planned to purchase a 4KTV, a substantial increase from the year before.

However, with more than two thirds of adults owning a Smartphone and an increasing number of children too (see page 14), it has become the most important device for connecting to the Internet. Despite its multiple uses, it is still primarily a communications device for texts, email, social networks, instant messages and calls (voice or video) accounting for three quarters of the phones use according to Ofcom.

Hardly surprising, due to the smaller screen size of a Smartphone, they are more likely to be used for watching short video films rather than an online film or television service.

A MULTI-SCREEN, MULTITASKING SOCIETY So what has changed? If half of all adults still maintain that the focal point of their living room, according to research by the UK Internet Advertising Bureau, remains to be the TV, the change in our behaviour is that we have become a multi-screen, multitasking society. The IAB’s Real Living study revealed that 70% of people used a mobile device whilst watching TV, rising to 87% among 16 to 34 year olds and peaking between 6pm and 9pm. Rather than just watch the television, we prefer to: check emails, use an app, send an instant message or text on our Smartphone; browse the web, read email, read the news and social media on our tablet according to TECHanalysis Research. Perhaps that says something about the quality of the TV content as much as the increase in ownership of mobile devices. Tim Elkington, the chief strategy officer at the IAB, said: “Second screening is ingrained to such a degree that all screens are now equal, there’s no hierarchy, only fragmentation of attention – actually switch-screening is a much more accurate

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term. Furthermore, entertainment is only a small part of the living room media activity. It’s now a multifunctional space where people jump between individual and group activities, be it shopping, social media, emails, work or messaging.” Linking the two devices we are watching automatically may be the next big advance in technology.

TV VIEWING IS DEPENDENT ON GOOD CONTENT Interestingly, having more devices at home does not translate to more television viewing according to Viscom who argue that devices provide a route to content rather than fuel the desire to watch more TV. The one exception may be with kids who have the opportunity to watch traditional TV, Netflix or YouTube on their tablet rather than lose a battle for the remote control. Certainly the opportunity to watch the programme you want at the time that suits you has become a bonus for many. According to Ofcom, the most popular use of the Internet on a connected TV is to watch free broadcaster catch-up services and increasingly getting content provided via a subscription to a video-on-demand service such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

According to CCS Insight, mobile devices should no longer be viewed as a second screen, as an increasing number of people, especially millennials, are watching live TV as well as downloading content on mobile devices. Nevertheless, they point out there are still opportunities to use mobile devices to provide users with an immersive second-screen experience, although as more providers launch online video services they should take a mobile-first approach to reach new audiences.

Globally, the Smartphone is the most frequent companion to the TV but the fact remains that the TV itself will continue to remain the dominant feature in most living rooms not least because it provides the best opportunity for collective viewing.

Exertis provide a wide portfolio of smart TVs suitable for a range of viewing requirements. Speak to your account manager today for more details.

Sources and acknowledgements: Accenture, CCS Insight, Internet Advertising Bureau, OfCom, TECHanalysis and Viscom

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Discover the benefits of a seamless cross-device Windows 10 experience in a precision crafted package. Refined performance & premium design, it’s the smart choice for business.

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ionThe about our businesskey thattechnology differentiates ourservices brand from comp icons represent areas, areas and Chan Home Entertainme Growth Cloud Components Channel Clearance Heating & Cloud Cooling Clearan Business Gaming Growth Games Clearance In rough figures, 80% of adults have a Smartphone, 90% have them to hand 24/7 and 95% use them as their primary device to access content. It’s reasonable to assume then that near 100% of your potential customers are reachable through their phone. And yet, in the marketing World the topic of mobile is often treated as a bolt-on, if it’s considered at all. Your customers, and potential buyers, expect your site to be easy to access and navigate, look great, and function consistently whatever device they’re on. Here are some key tips to ensure mobile is a central and vital element of your marketing – in 2016 it is no longer an option.

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Considering most buyers will access content first via their mobile it’s odd that content creators consider mobile content second – it is typically scaled down existing content. Go mobile first and create short, crisp, visual content that can be scaled up. Keep messaging simple and create emails, web forms, layouts, even buttons with the mobile user in mind. An example is the most thumb-friendly button size is between 44 and 57 pixels. It’s not all high tech - SMS alerts have a great complementary role to play for many businesses.

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One obvious factor is ‘do I sell locally’? If it’s a ‘yes’ then mobile is a must because of location based services – long tail search with location in your site and content pays off here.

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To truly embrace mobile then why not have your own app? It could simplify all kinds of communication, presentation or enablement functions, from publications to on-boarding and installations. And don’t forget that social media is primarily an app World now (over 50% of LinkedIn page views are via mobile) so use your social presence to signpost your content and to keep your market up to date with your business.

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Content seekers and web surfers on mobile are more demanding – they are time poor, relative to desktop browsers, and are certainly screen disadvantaged. So cater for them. Have a mobile optimised site, either a separate mobile site, see John Lewis for an example, or a responsive design, where content type and layout adjusts automatically to the screen size and type of device, and saves content creation and updates on separate platforms. Make sure content is swift to load – large image files and complex forms are a killer.

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How relevant mobile is will vary according to many factors. However, if you don’t currently integrate it into your marketing then start right now - Google now penalises non-optimised sites, so don’t risk sliding down the rankings and losing visibility.

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The World’s best camera in a Smartphone Capture split-second moments with ultra-fast auto focus.

Tested against leading Smartphones 2015.

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Based on the Z5 main camera resolution, speed of autofocus and image quality assessment by 200 UK consumers of the leading Smartphones of 2015. Specification verification and consumer testing carried out by Strategy Analytics. For more information, go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults/. Sony is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Corporation. ©2015 Sony Mobile Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Network operator services not included.

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CONNECTED SPEAKER MARKET BRINGS MUSIC TO YOUR EARS How we listen to music has changed immensely over the last few years. Previously, we were either faced with a hi-fi set up at home that sat fixed in one room with speakers located in the corners and wires running underneath carpets or attached to the skirting boards with a tangled mess of cables attached to the system. Or fed up with the cables, the only alternative was a professional installed a music system which involved a major reconstruction job of walls and ceilings in an attempt to hide unsightly wires. The thought of moving the music system to another room or outside on a sunny day would either be met with horror in the first instance or not even contemplated in the latter scenario.

works with Apple mobile products so you can’t stream music to an Airplay speaker from an Android device. Bluetooth is the most established wireless streaming system and supports many more devices. Bluetooth works by pairing, so a device can only stream to a single speaker set at a time. Many can run on rechargeable batteries with smaller footprint making them extremely portable.

The Internet, our mobile device and the rise of digital music suddenly made it much easier to take your music collection with you and listen to it wherever you went. However, it was the Wi-Fi revolution which transformed the picture completely, enabling users to enjoy music in any part of the home on wireless systems broadcasting high quality sound at an affordable price streamed from a Smartphone.

As an alternative to Bluetooth and AirPlay, several companies like Sonos and Qualcomm offer their own Wi-Fi-based wireless platform and Polk, Wren, Definitive and Phorus all share the DTS PlayFi standard. In addition, in 2015 Google introduced its own technology called Google Cast supported by established brands like Denon, LG and Sony. The 2016 CES seemed to demonstrate a movement towards Google’s more broadly focused standard for broadcasting audio and video content supported by a number of multi-room products announced there from Bang and Olufsen, Philips, Raumfeld, Harmon Kardon, Onkyo, and Pioneer. Of the major global consumer electronics brands, only Samsung with its proprietary standard and Panasonic are now absent in supporting Google Cast in their Wi-Fi connected audio products. Much may depend on how Google and Sonos position themselves in the home automation market but analysts seem to believe that both will be seen as dominant forces in this market.

SONOS FACES THE COMPETITION

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Wireless speakers have been growing in popularity for quite a few years; allowing you to stream audio from a range of mobile devices.

The majority of these are point to point wireless speakers which can be positioned in different areas of your home or portable enough to move around connected mostly through Bluetooth which requires the device to be in reasonably close proximity to the speaker for pairing purposes. Sonos was the first company to launch a multiroom system enabling you to connect to a number of wireless speakers simultaneously. However by using a Smartphone app, it became possible to stream music to a specific speaker and, even more versatile, to stream to more than one speaker at a time or play different music in different rooms at the same time. Sonos has led the way in this category but their success has led to other wellknown high street and audio brands to enter the market including Denon, Definitive, Samsung, LG, Bluesound, Bose and Naim. Indeed, high street retailer John Lewis has reported that 70% of all its audio sales are now wireless and ReportsnReports.com forecasted that the global Bluetooth speaker market is set to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 38.73% during the period 2014-2019.

However, aside from connectivity standards, there are other criteria that matter in choosing a multi-room speaker system. Perhaps the most important is sound quality and how this can be adjusted on the system. Larger speakers generally offer fuller sound and richer bass, but they can be more expensive and are often not portable. Some speakers, including most Wi-Fi-based ones, are significantly larger and need to be plugged into power at all times. This might seem incongruous, but it has its own advantages. The size and constant power means these speakers can get much louder. Next is probably the range of music sources supported like Spotify, Tidal, Rhapsody, Pandora or content from an Internet radio channel (Sonos is certainly seen as a leader in this department), how flexible the multi-room speaker system is in connecting up multiple speakers and how many different sources can be streamed simultaneously. Of course, the whole point of a multi-room speaker system is to make life easier so set up needs to be simple. Most experts point to Sonos having set the standard with a particularly feature rich yet intuitive app for iPhone, Android, PC and Mac which continues to improve with new releases. Moreover, you will want your speakers to fit with the interior design of your house and there are many different looking designs to choose from. Lastly, your choice may come down to price but there are plenty of options at both ends of the market and it’s possible to gradually build your system to spread the investment.

WHICH WIRELESS CONNECTION? Speakers can vary wildly in size, shape, quality and price but some may not be interchangeable locking you into one ecosystem. In addition, various wireless connection systems are used: some hook into your broadband router’s Wi-Fi, others create their own ad hoc network and many use Bluetooth. AirPlay is Apple’s wireless audio feature that lets iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Mac users stream their iTunes libraries simultaneously to multiple speakers. Not surprisingly, it only

Here at Exertis we have a team of experts in the audio market who are more than willing to help you decide what system is most suitable for your customers’ requirements, give them a call today.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, Daily Telegraph, PC Mag, HIS Technology.

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A Galaxy of Experiences Keep your health kick going with a built in fitness app

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TIME TO WIN WITH SAMSUNG 2-IN-1 Samsung have given the channel a major boost and growth opportunity through their return to the PC market and the launch of the Galaxy TabPro S 2-in-1 device. It is a significant, and timely, statement from Samsung, with the market poised for growth.

Samsung’s World-class design, engineering and marketing muscle coupled with the increasing rate of Windows 10 adoption are twin factors presenting resellers with an opportunity to ride the wave of growth anticipated for this segment over the next few years. Galaxy TabPro S is available now and exclusively from Exertis.

Galaxy TabPro S is a Windows 10 powered premium portable product that integrates the best of the tablet World with the power required of a notebook PC. Samsung brings the svelte, sublime appeal of its mobile product design to a highly engineered product and is poised to be a major challenger in a sector previously defined by traditional PC manufacturers approaching 2-in-1 design from an evolved laptop perspective.

Galaxy TabPro S blends the best of Samsung’s renowned Galaxy Tab with the wealth of features Windows 10 provides business and home users alike. Galaxy TabPro S is positioned to provide “the most advanced tablet experience on the market” according to Dongjin Ko, Samsung’s President and Head of Mobile Communications Business. Here’s the spec at a glance: Sleek, Portable and High Productivity • Full PC functionality with Window 10 Home, or Windows 10 Pro for business and integration with existing IT infrastructure • Weighs 693 grams and is 6.3mm thin for all day portability • Full-sized keyboard cover with touchpad, POGO pin so no separate charging or pairing, and flexible keyboard hinge for optimal, dual angle viewing • Options include a multi-port adapter (HDMI, USB A & C), Bluetooth pen and cases Superior, Best-in-Class Viewing • World’s first Super AMOLED Window’s display – a lightweight power-efficient 12-inch (2160 x 1440) display • Multi-touch screen, deeper colour contrast with 94% of natural tones to show true-to-life colours and precision details • View video, games, presentations and all content in unprecedented clarity and colour accuracy Market Defining Performance and Power • World’s first Windows powered 2-in-1 to support LTE Cat 6 – delivering the fastest and most advanced connected experience. LTE Cat 6 accesses higher frequency 4G for the fastest download speeds • Full battery charge in only 2.5 hours for up to 10.5 hours of life • Latest 6th generation, highly efficient, Intel Core M dual core processor consumes only 4.5W of power, no need for a fan and eliminates noise • 4GB of RAM with 128GB or 256GB SSD storage

2-IN-1 – START TO GROW WITH THE FASTEST GROWING PC SEGMENT Samsung’s entry into the 2-in-1 segment is significant. Microsoft has spent countless millions of R&D and marketing dollars to define the segment, and set the tone for product functionality and design.

However, the pace of change is increasing, and whereas traditional PC manufacturers have, arguably, ‘evolved’ laptops, the market is increasingly demanding style as well as substance. Witness the arrival of Apple and the iPad Pro. Windows 10 is seen by many as the catalyst for the predicted rapid growth in the market. IDC show that by 2017 the Compound Annual Growth Rate for the B2B 2-in-1 market will have been 36% as businesses adapt to a more connected and mobile working World, at the same time pure slate tablet shipments continue to fall. Microsoft is energised to ensure Windows remains the dominant business operating platform, and Windows 10 is its best bet yet to ensure business customers upgrade. It is something borne out by what is happening in the market: •

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Spiceworks, the enterprise networking company, surveyed business users and found 73% plan to deploy Windows 10 within two years, 64% citing the Start menu return and user familiarity as a key reason Gartner found 80% of businesses – including UK businesses – will have completed their “testing and evaluation of Windows 10” within the next year, and 60% within nine months IDC predicts the detachable tablet, or 2-in-1, market to grow 75% in 2016, and the 9”-13” segment to grow to 55% market share by 2019

The market now has the right conditions for rapid and profitable growth - Ranjit Atwal from Gartner states: “Given the shorter testing and evaluation period, many businesses could start to migrate by the end of 2016. By the end of 2017, many business are looking to move as much as 40% of their installed base onto new Windows 10 devices, mainly driven by the appeal [of the] hybrid touchscreen 2-1.

This will be the catalyst for growth in the PC market in 2017”.

Simon Barnard, Exertis PC General Manager sums up: “Now business is set to increasingly adopt Windows 10, the pent up need for greater mobility can be realised with 2-in1 devices set to be the winners. Samsung bring a highly engineered, beautiful device, to market at just the right time to allow resellers the opportunity to benefit from this growth right now”.

The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S is available now, exclusively from Exertis.

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MOBILE ATTACH

TOP 10

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1

MOBILE

BELKIN TYPE-C USB HOME CHARGER WITH REMOVABLE USB-C CHARGE & SYNC CABLE

The USB-C Cable + Home Charger makes it easy to charge your USB-C Smartphone or tablet.

RRP: £24.99 Colour: Black Part Code: BELF7U001UK06-BLK

3

SAMSUNG GEAR S2 CLASSIC

With elegant curves and premium finishes, the Samsung Gear S2 classic will turn heads.

RRP: £299.99 Colour: Black Part Code: SAMSM-R7320ZKABTU

5

5

MICROSOFT CONTINUUM WIRELESS ADAPTER

Share what’s on your tablet, laptop, or smartphone on an HDTV or monitor with Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.

RRP: £59.99 Colour: Black Part Code: MSCG400003BLK

7

SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 CLEAR VIEW COVER

Stand out with a translucent finish.

RRP: £44.99 Colour: Black, Gold, Silver Part Code: SAMEF-ZG930CBEGWWBLK

9 10

TECH 21 IPHONE 6 CASE

Tech21’s Evo Mesh Case powerfully safeguards your iPhone with intelligent impact protection.

RRP: £29.99 Colour: Clear, Black Part Code: TECH215009

2

BELKIN TYPE-C USB CAR CHARGER WITH REMOVABLE USB-C CHARGE & SYNC CABLE

The USB-C Cable + Car Charger makes it easy to charge your USB-C Smartphone or tablet in your car.

RRP: £19.99 Colour: Black Part Code:BELF7U002BT06-BLK

4

SAMSUNG GEAR VR

With the Samsung Gear VR, you can play amazing games, watch the best movies in your own private cinema, and so much more.

RRP: £79.99 Colour: White Part Code: SAMSM-R322NZWABTU

6

MICROSOFT UNIVERSAL FOLDABLE KEYBOARD FOR IA2 Universal Foldable Keyboard is the perfect travel companion, you can get more done on your tablet or Smartphone no matter where you are.

RRP: £99.99 Colour: Black Part Code: MSGU5-00005BLK

8

SAMSUNG AFC WIRELESS FAST CHARGING PAD

Charge your phone using both wired and wireless connections.

RRP: £39.99 Colour: Black, White Part Code: SAMEP-PN920BBEGWWBLK

10

TECH 21 IPHONE 6 SCREEN PROTECTOR

Our Impact Shield screen protector for the iPhone 6 contains an advanced multi-layer system.

RRP: £24.99 Colour: n/a Part Code: TECH214244

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

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To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

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&

Instantly Extend Your Tablet & Laptop Connectivity

Use the Travel Dock with your Ultrabook, 2-in-1 Laptop, Win Tablet or Macbook Add dual video HDMI and VGA ports | Gigabit Ethernet | USB 3.0 ports x 2 | Micro-USB for power input x 1

Connect & Present

Connect & Work

Connect & Enjoy

Better prepared, more professional

Connect up to two screens

Connect to a TV

Speak to your Exertis Account Manager to find out more

Microsoft Lumia 650 with Windows 10 It’s eye-catching and easy to use. It can save you time and boost your productivity. It comes with the latest security features enabled. It works seamlessly with your other Windows 10 devices.* It’s the phone that allows you to do more when and wherever you are.

A sharp 5” HD display offers a crisp clear viewing experience while the highly polished, diamond cut metal frame adds an all-important touch of class. Make more moments memorable using an 8MP camera on the Microsoft Lumia 650.

Cortana is your very own personal assistant on the Microsoft Lumia 650.

She’s available to make your life easier.† * Features may vary by device and market. See www.microsoft.com/en/mobile/windows10 for more details. Lumia comes with Office apps built-in. Office licences sold separately on some PCs and Tablets.

Microsoft account and Wi-Fi or data network connection required for some features; carrier fees apply. † Cortana available in select markets at launch; experience may vary by region and device.