Future Entertainment Issue 22

FULL SCREEN AHEAD

INSTALL EXPERTS

IF THE WATCH FITS

SOUND WORKING PRACTICE

With at-home streaming more popular than ever, we roundup some of the best TVs to upgrade home entertainment for every budget

We look at new opportunities in CI and home automation, and meet the new Exertis team dedicated to all things home installation

We dive into some of the top wearables available for the whole family, from kid’s smartwatches to brilliant fitness trackers

From clinking coffee mugs to family life, the work place soundtrack has changed – we look at the best audio kit for jazzing up the home office

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APRIL 2021 ENTERTAINMENT ISSUE 22

GENERATION GAMER As scientific studies show video games benefit kids’ cognitive development, we look at the next-gen consoles, peripherals and software for the younger-gen

Wi-Fi

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MOBILE PAY

RECON 70

HISENSE TV

DELVE INTO THE RISE OF DIGITAL WALLETS AND MOBILE PAYMENTS

MULTIPLATFORM GAMING WITH TURTLE BEACH’S RECON 70

WE LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE WITH HISENSE’S 100L5 LASER TV

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CONTENTS 05 EXERTIS COMMENT Exertis’ Mike Buley introduces Issue 22 of Future Entertainment magazine

12 SOUND WORKING PRACTICE We delve into speakers and headphones to roundup some of the best audio products for jazzing up the WFH environment

22 FULL SCREEN AHEAD We roundup the top TVs for upgrading the living room cinema experience

25 IF THE WATCH FITS, WEAR IT We look at some of the best wearables for keeping the whole family connected

06 CONSUMER TRENDS Current trends from across the technology industry that you should be aware of

07 LOOK, NO CASH! A quick look at the rise in digital payments and what it means for the future of retail

08 NEWS IN BRIEF The latest news from the gaming, audio, smart home and consumer tech markets

10 SOUNDS LIKE VICTORY We take a look at Turtle Beach’s brilliant multiplatform gaming headset, Recon 70

14 HOME SMART HOME We look at some of the best smart home tech that’ll help your customers start building their very own connected home

16 ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL To celebrate the the launch of Exertis One, we look at the CI market and meet the team dedicated to everything custom install

18 SCREEN TIME To make the most from screen time, we dive into some of the best kit and software options for family-friendly gaming

26 CINEMA EVERYTHING! We delve into Hisense’s 100L5 Laser TV and how to easily add high end AV to the home

28 HOT PICKS Some of the top-selling consumer products, perfect for making you more margin

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ROCCAT Vulcan 120 AIMO Feel the impact

The Vulcan lets you sense its performance from the first key stroke.

Developed following the renowned principles of German design and engineering, it is the best keyboard ROCCAT has ever built.

TITAN SWITCH TACTILE

DURABLE DESIGN

AIMO ILLUMINATION

DEBOUNCED SWITCH

Developed by ROCCAT, the Titan Switch Tactile was designed for gamers who desired a swift, precise key stroke that didn’t sacrifice the desirable responsive and crisp mechanical feel.

An anodised aluminium top plate reinforces the overall structural integrity of the Vulcan, protecting it against standard wear and tear and significantly extending its lifespan.

AIMO is the living illumination eco-system from ROCCAT. Its functionality grows exponentially based on your computing behaviour and the number of AIMO-enabled devices connected.

The switch chatters less during actuation thanks to high quality materials and componentry. This allows the firmware to reliably identify key stroke signals 20% faster than competing keyboards.

Call your Exertis Account Manager for more information or to place an order.

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WELCOME FROM EXERTIS Spring into 2021 with top tech from Exertis From great games for families to “working from home” audio and the best TVs available, in this issue of Future Entertainment, we look at teching up the home for the new normal

Publisher Exertis Editor Dominic Dawes Deputy Editor Niamh Jarvis Design Alice Himfen Contributors Sean Hannam As we mark a year of the global pandemic, we take a look at all the tech your customers will need to keep up the at-home fun, while simultaneously being perfect as normal services resume.

We profile our new team dedicated to all things custom install and smart home, and look at how they can help installers, resellers and their customers make the most from their home technology.

Similarly, in this issue we roundup some of the top products – from lightbulbs and radiators to speakers and security cameras – that will help your customers get on the smart home train.

As many of us are still working from home, the soundtrack to the work day is much less chinking mugs and tapping keyboards and more about family life. We explore the top audio tech for jazzing up the daily grind.

As viewers shift to streaming the latest movies, tv shows and digital content from the comfort of their living rooms, we round-up some of the top TVs to optimise home entertainment.

Hisense are renowned for their top-quality TVs. We take a look at the brand’s 100in L5 Laser TV, packed with features to maximise home cinematic viewing.

Globally renowned for its innovative gaming headsets, we take a look at Turtle Beach’s Recon 70 headset, designed to offer great audio across platforms, and all at an affordable price.

Even with the fear of increased screen time, today’s kids are digital natives. We take a look at some of the top consoles, games and peripherals for the whole family to enjoy gaming safely.

From smartwatches to fitness trackers, the world’s obsessed with wearable tech. We explore some of the top options for the whole family.

We’d like to thank all our customers for their continued support as we look forward to the new financial year.

MIKE BULEY CHIEF SALES OFFICER

Harlow Reception: 01279 822 800 Address St George House Parkway Harlow Business Park Essex CM19 5QF To place an order please call 01279 822 800 between 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday

Basingstoke Reception: 01256 707 070 Address Ashwood Chineham Business Park Chineham Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 8EH To place an order please call 01256 707 070 between 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday To buy online visit store.exertis.co.uk

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CONSUMER TRENDS Driving Demand Worldwide gamer numbers

are estimated to reach

2.8 billion in 2021 NEWZOO

80p of every £1 spend on home entertainment in 2020 was in digital format ERA

By 2025, there is estimated to be over 34 billion connected

smart products worldwide THE ECO EXPERTS

40%

of mobile phone owners

to shop

online daily 6

Cloud gaming

revenues

are expected to surpass $1bn NEWZOO

use their devices

YOUGOV

In 2021,

1 in 7 Britons are esports fans

YOUGOV

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LOOK, NO CASH! More consumers than ever are using digital wallets and mobile payments, so it’s important that retailers cater to these changing shopping habits Covid-19 has led to many of us drastically altering our shopping habits. With the nonessential stores shuttered during lockdown, consumers have been turning online in droves to fulfil their purchasing needs during the pandemic.

the Bank of England show that only 23% of all payments in 2019 were made using cash. This is a major decrease in popularity, down from just under 60% a decade earlier, as people increasingly turn to other methods such as debit cards and digital payments.

Nearly two in five UK consumers (36%) said that their spending habits had altered recently, according to the NatWest Retail and Leisure Outlook Report 2021. In 2020, online sales in the retail sector saw a mammoth five years’ worth of growth in just 12 months, as pandemic restrictions and lockdowns shifted spending online.

According to the Bank of England, during the Covid-19 pandemic the way people use cash has changed, with less being used for transactions. That is in part due to a overall consumer spending having fallen, but also reflect wider concerns about the risk of banknotes transmitting the virus.

Additionally, almost half of shoppers (46%) made a new online purchase last year that they would have previously made in-store, the report said. Statistics show that online sales accounted for 28% of retail spending in 2020 – up from just 19% back in 2019.

BEHAVIOUR With consumers migrating online to fulfil their shopping needs comes another shift in behaviour: many more consumers are now relying on digital wallets, such as PayPal, and mobile payment services, like Apple Pay, to complete transactions.

In the age of Covid, cash is no longer king.

Those stores that have been allowed to remain open during lockdown are keen for shoppers to pay with contactless credit or debit cards, or digital and mobile options, rather than cash, to reduce the risks of physical contact between staff and customers at the point of sale.

That said, cash payments were already on the decrease prior to Covid. Statistics from

More consumers are now using digital wallets and mobile payment services. In the age of Covid-19, cash is no longer king Recent data from the FIS 2020 Global Payments Report shows that nearly a third of UK consumers are now using digital and mobile wallets to pay for goods that they are purchasing online.

The UK is currently the biggest e-commerce market in the world – set to be worth over $319 billion by 2023 (up 37%). Meanwhile, digital wallets are anticipated to be the most popular method of online payments, valuing

33% of the market. “Consumers now want frictionless payments that can be completed with ease and on the go,” says Pete Wickes, SVP Corporate, Worldpay Merchant Solutions, FIS. “Digital and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal cater for this consumer need and as a result we have seen their popularity rise, with nearly a third (29%) of UK consumers using one of these methods to pay for goods online in 2019.”

BUY NOW, PAY LATER The study also found a significant rise in the use of Buy Now, Pay Later services (BNPL): “BNPL companies such as Klarna, Clearpay, Laybuy and PayL8r have taken the nation by storm and show no signs of slowing down, as British consumers crave an alternative to traditional forms of credit,” says Wickes.

“Our data shows that to be competitive in these increasingly challenging times, retailers should be exploring new and emerging payment products such as BNPL, mobile and digital wallets.”

Many customers like using services such as Apple Pay as, unlike contactless card payments (limited to a £100 spend), there are no restrictions with mobile, meaning bigger purchases can be made without touching a chip and pin machine.

In a post-Covid world, paying digitally will quickly become the norm. Which is great news for most consumers, but maybe not so good if you’re one of those people who tries to get out of buying a round in the pub by saying you haven’t got any cash...

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NEWS IN BRIEF The latest news from the home of technology 1. EXERTIS SIGNS DEAL WITH WEARABLES EXPERTS FITBIT Exertis has signed a distribution partnership with Fitbit, a brand globally renowned for its range of high-tech smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Exertis will drive the brand into a range of alternative consumer channels, as well as corporate wellbeing schemes.

Using smart sensors to offer a variety of health readings, from step counting and exercise recording, to heart-rate, body temperature and even sleep tracking, Fitbit’s range ensures customers live a healthier, more active life.

easier, much more cost-effective and also more sustainable, the TCP Smart Digital Electrical Radiator is controlled via a simple and stable smartphone app, making it easy to set timers, and control the temperature with better visibility of energy usage.

With easy installation minus the faff, this radiator simply requires plugging into the mains for reliable heating.

Using energy-efficient thermal fluid means greater output from lower energy than the traditional gas fuel found in many radiators.

Caroline Hope, Exertis’ Consumer Commercial Director, said, “We’re really excited by the opportunity that Fitbit presents to Exertis. Health and wellbeing are more important than ever as businesses look at new initiatives to offer benefits to their employees. We’re looking forward to enabling the channel within this dynamic growth area.”

3. EXERTIS GROWS CUSTOM INSTALL PORTFOLIO As the largest distributer of Smart Home technologies in the UK, Exertis has launched a dedicated team designed to help customers make the most of custom install.

2. TCP SMART LAUNCHES NEW SMART RADIATOR TCP Smart, a brand known for offering affordable, accessible home smart tech has released their first Digital Electrical Radiator. Making heating the home

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A team of top professionals offering support to installers, consultants, smart home specialists and more, the Exertis One team is dedicated to helping customers expand their expertise and offer a broader range of products to the developing home installation market.

Supported by major brands in smart home, domestic networking, AV and

smart energy including Samsung TV, Netgear, Swann Security and Yale, plus Exertis own-brands Flexson and SoundXtra, Exertis One helps retailers expand their portfolio and optimise revenue. Via the Exertis web store, orders can be placed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with next day delivery options and flexible logistics to accommodate deliveries to suit projects. As a single point of ordering for key brands, retailers can save time as well as decreasing freight costs.

4. JABRA LAUNCHES BRAND NEW BLUEPARROT HEADSET Known for creating high-quality audio for on the go, around the home and for business connectivity, Jabra has launched its brand new BlueParrot M300-XT headset, its smallest and lightest yet. Designed with two noisecancelling microphones – achieving 80% noise-cancellation – wearers can keep connected on the go. The M300XT offers up to 14 hours of use from a single charge, plus rated IP54 for dust and water protection. Also ideal for working from home, a wireless range of 100 metres ensures connection even when walking away from the linked device, perfect for staying dialled into your meeting if you need to move away from your laptop.

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5. EXERTIS SIGNS RETRO CLOUD GAMING ANTSTREAM ARCADE Cloud gaming platform Antstream Arcade has joined Exertis’ established gaming portfolio, giving Exertis customers access to thousands of the most iconic classic arcade games of all time. With the largest collection of retro games in the world, Antstream Arcade delivers iconic titles such as Space Invaders, Pacman and Mortal Kombat and more, from top publishers including Disney, Warner Bros, Bandai Namco, and Taito.

charge, the Sonos Roam is the perfect accompaniment to listening around the house, in the garden or when you’re out exploring.

Rated IP67, the Sonos Roam is drop-, water- and dust-resistant, perfect for getting outside. Equipped with Airplay 2 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity (the latter through the Sonos app), as well as pairing with additional Sonos devices for a multi-room surround-sound setup, the Roam adds flexibility and convenience to your listening experience.

“Antstream is a fantastic addition to our gaming portfolio and we’re really excited by the opportunity it presents to the Exertis Group”, says Exertis’ Global Head of Gaming, Ross Holt, “Retro gaming is here to stay and has never been more fun or accessible.”

Speaking of the new partnership, Sam Butler, Antstream Arcade’s Director of Business Development, says, “This new partnership opens up a whole array of new opportunities for both companies.

We’re looking forward to continuing Antstream’s exponential growth by streaming our huge library of iconic games to the millions of customers served by Exertis’ retail and digital partners every day.”

6. SONOS ANNOUNCES NEW PORTABLE SPEAKER Sonos has announced its smallest and most portable speaker to date: the Sonos Roam. Weighing only 430g, the Roam is engineered to produce the same clarity of sound expected from a much larger speaker, but in a compact build that’s easy to handle. Offering up to 10 hours of playback on a single

7. EXERTIS SIGNS AUDIO INNOVATORS AFTERSHOKZ Exertis has added AfterShokz, experts in bone-conducting audio, to its premium audio portfolio for distribution into the retail channels across the UK. Unlike traditional earphones, AfterShokz uses patented bone-conducting technology to send mini vibrations to deliver sound to the inner-ear, just like the natural phenomenon that is experienced when you crunch crisps, for example. Perfect for anyone that’s listening on-the-go, AfterShokz uses an open-ear design to retain situational awareness, ideal for runners, cyclists and commuters.

for Premium Audio, said: “We’re very excited to be working with AfterShokz in the UK. AfterShokz is the market leader in bone conducting headphones and is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable audio experience for users. The addition of the brand will strengthen our premium audio portfolio, as health, fitness and wellbeing are more important to consumers than ever.”

8. NINTENDO SWITCH OUTSELLS 3DS The family-friendly Nintendo Switch has outsold its predecessor, the 3DS, despite having been on the market for a significantly shorter time.

Since launching in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch (in combination with the Switch Lite) has sold close to 80 million units worldwide, while, in comparison, the 3DS sold 75.94 million units over its nine-and-a-half-year lifetime – Nintendo ended production of the handheld console in September 2020. Within the last nine months of 2020 alone, a total of 24.1 million units were sold, with demand being 35.8% higher than the same period the year before. During this period, the brand also saw hits with a number of its first-party releases, not least Animal Crossing: New Horizons with its gentle gameplay and escapism exceeding all expectations and smashing Nintendo Switch game records.

The Switch does have some way to go before it overtakes the brand’s classic handheld consoles: the Game Boy, Game Boy Advanced and Nintendo DS, plus that noughties classic, the Nintendo Wii.

When asked about the partnership, Carl Eagle, Exertis’ General Manager

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RECON 70

BUILT FOR VICTORY CHECK OUT THE RANGE:

KEY FEATURES: LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT

FLIP-UP MIC

HIGH-QUALITY 40MM SPEAKERS

MULTIPLATFORM COMPATIBILITY

A lightweight headset design ensures complete comfort during those hours-long gaming sessions featuring a padded headband and ear cushions.

Turtle Beach’s renowned highsensitivity mic picks up your voice loud and clear to ensure your commands are always heard. Plus, it flips up out of the way to Mute when not in use and blends into the headset’s design.

Superior 40mm over-ear speakers deliver amazing game sound so you hear every crisp high and thundering low.

Designed for Xbox and PlayStation® controllers with a 3.5mm jack as well as the 3.5mm jack on the Nintendo Switch™. Also works great with PC and mobile devices equipped with 3.5mm connections.

Call your Exertis Account Manager for more information or to place an order.

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ADVERTORIAL

SOUNDS LIKE VICTORY Experience more with the Turtle Beach Recon 70 The first-class multiplatform gaming headset with an incredibly affordable price tag Perfect for putting players right at the heart of the action, amplifying every sound and enabling communication with team mates, a great headset is one of the most crucial pieces of kit in any gamer’s arsenal. By investing in a quality gaming headset, as opposed to headphones manufactured mainly for everyday use, gamers are getting a product that’s been engineered specifically to take their gaming to the next level.

Leading gaming peripherals brand Turtle Beach craft each of their top headsets to create the most immersive and fulfilling gaming experience. A fan-favourite across the world, Turtle Beach offers pioneering features and innovations to deliver quality, comfort-driven gaming headsets for gamers of all levels, from beginner to seasoned pro.

Combining victorious design and build with affordability, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 range offers a brilliant performance. Priced at only £29.99 and with compatibility across multiple gaming platforms, the Recon 70 immerses players in the game without conceding style, comfort and functionality.

Formulated for multiplatform compatibility, Turtle Beach has enabled the Recon 70 to be used with Xbox, PlayStation and the

Nintendo Switch consoles, as well as suiting PC and mobiles with a 3.5mm Jack connection (or adaptor).

Packed with high-quality 40mm over-ear speakers, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 headset can deliver crystal clear game audio, from crisp highs to thundering lows. This means that players can immerse themselves further in the game, hearing every sound with perfect clarity, whether that’s the enemy approaching or their team mates discussing group tactics. Also, for those pairing the Recon 70 with Xbox X|S, the headset is

Turtle Beach Recon 70 headset can deliver crystal clear game audio, from crisp highs to thundering lows. optimised to deliver Microsoft’s immersive Windows Sonic for Headphones surround sound on games, movies and music.

Speaking of team chatter, the Recon 70 is equipped with Turtle Beach’s renowned high-sensitivity mic, so voices are picked up loud and clear, preventing any frustrating muffling and making it all the easier to discuss team tactics. Additionally, when not in use, the mic is styled to blend in with the design of the headset and can be flipped up and away from the mouth to mute.

The Recon 70 comes in a series of colours designed to match consoles – green, blue and red detailing to suit Xbox, PS and Switch respectively – as well as a number of decorative and patterned designs including camo print and all-over silver.

For comfort during gaming sessions, the Recon 70 headset is lightweight and has padding around the headband. Synthetic leather-wrapped ear cushions also enhance comfort, plus improving the bass response and promising for better noise-isolation.

With Turtle Beach, it’s easy to ensure your customers are primed and ready for any adventure their console can take them on.

The Recon 70 is a great headset for both beginners looking to take a dip into the world of gaming headsets, and experienced players on the lookout for a dependable headset with reliable quality and comfort.

To learn more about stocking the Recon 70 and more great gaming headsets from Turtle Beach, designed for every generation of gaming consoles, speak to Exertis today.

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SOUND WORKING PRACTICES The modern home office has never sounded so good Working from home comes with all the distractions of everyday domestic life. Customers can cut out the background noise with some the latest portable home office audio products For many of us, home has become the new office. During the first lockdown last year, almost half of people in employment – 46.6% – carried out some form of work at home and of those that did, 86% did so as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic (Office For National Statistics, April 2020).

Listening to music can help people manage anxiety, become motivated and stay more productive Being based at home can definitely have its advantages – you don’t have to listen to your colleagues complaining, or telling you what they saw on TV the night before – but it can also be a difficult environment for working in, as there are lots of distractions, be it the family, the TV or the fridge.

So what’s the solution?

You need to create a suitable soundtrack for your homeworking space – research has shown that music can improve productivity and cognitive performance, especially in adults. According to an article published by The Guardian in April last year, listening to music can help people manage anxiety, become more motivated and stay productive. Making the right playlist is key.

One of the music therapists quoted in the article suggests starting off with Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles – a track that should gradually bring you into a state of productivity

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rather than force you there. Their advice is to then find your ‘power song’ – researchers have found that a faster track speed can result in increased performance. In one study that examined the relationship between the music tempo and productivity, most test subjects performed best while listening to songs paced at around 121bpm.

Streaming service Spotify has even created a Work From Home playlist – eight hours of music (145 songs) designed to carry you through the day, although sadly it doesn’t include Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, which was the third most popular working from home song according to a study by Business Comparison, or Work From Home by Fifth Harmony feat. Ty Dolla $ign, which was number one in the poll. There’s also no room in the Spotify selection for Johnny Paycheck’s Take This Job and Shove It… STREAMING Music has played a vital part in helping people stay sane during lockdown. More than 155 million albums were bought or streamed in 2020, an increase of 8.2%

according to record label body, the BPI. Songs streamed on platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music increased by 22% and streaming now accounts for approximately 80.6% of music consumption in the UK. With more and more of us streaming music while we work at home, there’s a great opportunity for retailers to make the most of this sonic boom. Consumers are on the lookout for stylish and portable audio products that can sit comfortably in a home office space, and which sound great.

Bang and Olufsen’s Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) waterproof Bluetooth speaker (£200 and available in Black Anthracite or Grey Mist colours) has a compact design and is ultraportable – handy if you want to move it from room to room, or work outside in the garden when the weather improves.

Delivering ‘True360’ omnidirectional sound and up to 18 hours of playtime at typical listening volumes, the A1 has a Multipoint feature, which lets two devices connect and

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immersive spatial sound from Meridian, these headphones have built-in dual microphones for maximum call clarity.

control the tunes. This durable product is also waterproof – useful if you spill a drink on it while you’re working at your desk.

It also supports Amazon Alexa, so you can easily turn the volume down with your voice if you need to answer a phone call. The microphone doubles up as a conference speaker for those all-important meetings.

conjunction with premium British audio specialist Meridian. It has a sleek, rounded design and a rubberised finish, which means it’s easy to hold and fits comfortably in your hand.

This feature is particularly useful when you need to have a quick conversation – ideal if you suddenly have to speak to a member of your family while you’re enjoying your work-from-home playlist.

SPEAKERPHONE The PowerConf Bluetooth speakerphone from Anker, available in black (£119), is designed to offer users professional-quality conference calls at home and its compact build is perfect for a small space.

The six in-built microphones are arranged in a 360-degree array to pick up voices from all directions, and Smart Voice Enhancement technology uses a custom DSP algorithm to optimise your voice in real-time, as well as to effectively reduce background noise.

The close in-ear fit blocks out background noise and, thanks to the Ambient Sound Mode, a simple tap on your earbuds makes sure you’re fully aware of your surroundings.

PREMIUM This weather-proof product, which is also compatible with Google Assistant on an Android phone, or Siri on iOS, has 10-hours of battery life on a single charge, more than enough to last a typical working day.

Music has played a vital part in helping people stay sane during lockdown The device can be connected to a phone via Bluetooth, or to your computer with a USB-C cable, without needing to install any drivers. It’s also Zoom-certified and is compatible with all of the popular online conferencing platforms. A lightweight compact travel case protects it while you’re moving around the house.

These speakers are great on their own, but can also be wirelessly linked to another Go PL2 to pump up the sound output, perfect for transitioning from work to play. Once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and we all socialising again, who’s to say we won’t need a great audio system for those “rule of six” garden parties once more?

LG’s XBoom Go PL2 speaker (£49.99 for the black version, or £59.99 in blue) was developed by the Korean brand in

Also available from the same brand are the LG Tone Free wireless earbuds (£149.99 – in black or white). Providing clear and

Brand new from Danish audio equipment manufacturer Jabra is the BlueParrott M300-XT (price TBC) – the brand’s smallest and lightest ever headset. Engineered to keep you connected on the go, its two microphones deliver 80% noisecancellation, meaning your calls will come across loud and clear, wherever you are.

Talk time is up to 14 hours from a single charge and this ultra-light product has a wireless range of up to 300 feet (100m).

You can get on with what you need to do without worrying whether your headset will be able to keep up.

If your customers find working from home to a music soundtrack too distracting, or they’re missing the buzz of a busy office, why not suggest they visit website The Sound of Colleagues (www.soundofcolleagues. com) which lets you listen to the typical background noises of a workspace, including the printer, a coffee machine, people, keyboards and rain on the window.

Get them to crank it up on a decent home audio device that you’ve sold them, and they’ll soon forget it’s actually just another day not at the office.

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HOME SMART HOME Smart tech integration has never been a smarter idea Technological advances have made it easy to install and use smart home products.

We look at some of the latest trends and devices out there The idea of having a “smart home” was once a thing of the future. However, in recent years, more and more homeowners are buying into smart tech: from chatty smart speakers to lights and home security solutions, we round up just a handful of great products, ideal for smart home beginners and seasoned pros alike.

Smart home tech was a booming sector of the consumer electronics market before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, but now, with more of us working from home, the benefits of having a connected home are truly coming into their own.

Usually, for a house to be “smart” requires two or more devices connected together, often via a central hub. It is estimated that there are currently 2.22 million smart

81% of owners find themselves saying “please” and “thank you” to their smart speakers at least some of the time homes in the UK today. Additionally, a YouGov survey found that new fewer than 23% of British households own at least one smart home device.

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According to Deloitte’s Digital Consumer Trends 2020 report, which surveyed digital habits of 4,150 respondents between the ages of 16 and 75 in May last year, one in five UK adults purchased at least one new digital device as a result of spending more time at home because of Covid.

SMART SPEAKERS Smart speakers are the most popular smart home device, with a survey conducted by YouGov finding that one in four consumers

in the UK own at least one. Smart speakers are increasingly being used as the hub, or central device, for smart ecosystems, and are the perfect gateway to a new smart home. The Google Home Mini smart speaker’s stylish design and small footprint enable it to fit seamlessly into the home.

Thanks to Google Assistant, it can be used to control other smart home devices such as lights, switches and thermostats using only your voice. It works with over 200 smart devices from more than 50 brands.

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The Sonos One is a powerful smart speaker that offers rich, roomfilling sound. It has both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice controls built-in, but it can also be controlled via the Sonos app as well as Apple AirPlay2. The unit’s compact design means it will fit onto just about any surface in the home and blend in.

ENERGY USAGE A report by the Connected Devices Alliance says that by turning your house into a smart home, you can reduce your energy usage by about 30%.

This would mean a £180 per year saving for the average UK home, which spends £582 on heating annually, according to a 2021 government report.

New this year from TCP Smart is the Digital Electrical Radiator (£279.99), which aims to cut the costs associated with heating the home (and improve sustainability) by offering an easy to use and intelligent solution.

The device, which utilises efficient thermal fluid, connects directly to your wi-fi – you simply download the TCP Smart app.

A report by the Connected Devices Alliance says that by turning your house into a smart home, you can reduce your energy usage by about 30%.

For the average UK household, this reduction would mean an annual saving of around £450, according to website The Eco Experts. The Energy Saving Trust says that by using smart plugs and power strips to set scheduled times that your TV, laptop, and other electronic devices turn off – instead of just putting them on standby – you could save up to £35 per year.

German tech brand Tado, also suggest that using a smart thermostat can help to save up to 31% on heating costs.

There’s no need for expensive hubs or routers. The app makes it possible to control your heating remotely, ensuring you’ll never arrive home to a cold home, and it can also monitor energy use and track your expenditure. TCP also offers a range of intelligent lighting products. Its smart wi-fi LED classic bulbs (SRP £12.99) – can be controlled by your voice or using a smartphone app. You can set timers or routines, dim the light or set the ambience with 16 million colours.

Similarly, the brand’s wi-fi LED tape light (SRP £36.99), plus additional extenders, lets you enhance your room with brilliant hues.

Great for adding a warm glow, or offering the kids an introduction to smart tech in their rooms, TCP Smart products are very intuitive to use. Compatible with voice assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant, you can control lighting by using simple voice commands.

SECURITY Heating and lighting control are two of the key elements of a smart home, but security is also an important factor. Swann’s weather-resistant, wire-free 1080p security camera (SRP £149.99) is easy to install and includes face recognition and heat detection technology, a microphone and speaker for talk back, and hands-free voice control functionality.

And while we’re on the subject of talking to people, adorably, 81% of people say “please” and/or “thank you” to their smart speaker at least some of the time. If you can get your customers switched-on to the benefits of owning a smart home, they’ll be thanking you in next to no time!

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ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL Exertis’ new team is dedicated to helping installers and resellers capitalise on growth in the home automation and Custom Install markets We take a look at why partnering with Exertis is the smart choice for all your CI needs The custom integration market has enjoyed a surge in home network installations since the outbreak of coronavirus just over a year ago.

According to data recorded in a worldwide survey conducted by The Farnsworth Group on behalf of CEDIA – the trade association for companies that design, manufacture, and integrate technology in the home – in April last year (the height of Lockdown 1.0), 8% of integrators said their home network projects were up significantly, and another 30% said that their AV sub-system business had increased slightly.

This trend clearly correlates with increased dependence on the home for the whole work-life balance, and points to the growth in home offices and the reliance homeowners have on their Internet connections while they are stuck at home.

Speaking to Exertis’ Future Entertainment, CEDIA said its members had reported healthy business since the outbreak of the pandemic.

It attributes a large part of this to lockeddown consumers choosing to renovate homes or upgrade AV systems and products while spending more time indoors.

Custom installation has enjoyed a surge in popularity as customers rediscovered their appreciation for smart home tech, top-quality AV and reliable connectivity STREAMING More time at home has also given many customers a renewed appreciation for highend entertainment and clever installation solutions. People who have been bingeing on box-sets or streaming more music have been looking for better-quality AV solutions that can be easily integrated into their homes.

With many international holidays put on the backburner due to Covid restrictions, some consumers have more disposable income in their pockets as a result and are opting to spend it on home improvements.

There’s also been the “elastic band” effect from the first lockdown, which resulted in many of those halted projects coming back on stream during 2020, in a compressed

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time frame, as people had more time to think about jobs around the house.

Matt Nimmons, managing director for CEDIA EMEA, said many of its members had been ‘flat out’ over the past 12 months or so.

SMART IDEA There are an estimated 2.22 million “smart homes” in the UK and this figure will only increase dramatically in the years ahead, as more of us get switched-on to the benefits of having a connected living space.

In a survey of 1,250 people undertaken by Coldwell Banker Real Estate, more than half of respondents – 54% – said that when it comes to buying a house, they’d choose a smart home over an identical house which

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didn’t have smart technology. And 65% of people said they’d pay more for a smart home, according to a John Burns Real Estate Consulting survey of 22,000 people.

OPPORTUNITIES Exertis, which is the UK’s largest distributor of smart home technologies, estimates the UK custom installation (CI) market to be worth a mammoth £6 billion.

In order to capitalise on the huge retail and profit opportunities that are available with custom installation (both residential and commercial) Exertis has created Exertis One, a new team offering professional support to installers, specifiers, consultants, contractors, CEDIA members, independents and smart home specialists.

The team’s tagline is “Exertis One – the One team for smart installers”, and its main objective is to help customers expand their knowledge and expertise in CI and also to widen the range of products and services offered in the rapidly developing home installation market. For example, if a pro installer is installing a Nest thermostat, the Exertis team can help to recommend compatible products, such as Radbot smart thermostatic radiator valves.

Customers have access to a broad range of major brands in consumer and domestic networking – wired and wireless, infrastructure and cabling – as well as smart home, AV and smart energy.

Key brands available from Exertis One are: Samsung, Hisense, Netgear, Devolo, Swann

Exertis One’s dedicated account managers can understand your business and its needs, offering you a personal and effective service.

Security, TP-Link, Canton, Devialet, Flexson, Sonos, SoundXtra, EO Charging, Vestel EV Charging, LG, Google Nest, Netatmo, Yale, Hive and Radbot.

customers can order items outside of usual business hours, offering great flexbility and helping you manage your time more easily and conveniently than ever before.

“Our expertise is in solution selling – we’ll help you expand your portfolio and revenue potential by partnering with the biggest brands in smart home, and the smartest brands in emerging market opportunities,” says Rod Slater, Head of Smart Tech at Exertis.

Thirdly, Exertis One’s dedicated account managers can understand your business and its needs, offering you a personal and effective service every time.

These opportunities include: • Electrical Vehicle (EV) Charging • Outdoor technology • CCTV and smart security • Smart doorbells BENEFITS So what are some of the benefits of using the new Exertis One team? First of all it’s a one-stop shop, providing a single point of ordering for many key brands. This is brilliant for clawing back a few minutes from the time spent on admin, as well as making an all-important saving on any freight costs that may be incurred.

Secondly, thanks to the Exertis One Store,

MEET THE TEAM The Exertis One team is made up of a group of specialists, including Richard Goodall, Exertis One’s UK Sales Manager, the UK Sales Team Nick Foster, Louiza Kavalierou, Greg Speller, Rory Haynes and Nick Weston, and Amanda Henley, Consumer Specialist for Exertis One. Ordering through the web store is available 24/7 and Exertis offers next-day delivery and flexible logistics to accommodate delivering products for any project, from the tiniest to the most humungous.

By working with Exertis One, you can benefit from: • Exertis’ extensive and growing portfolio of manufacturers • Our dedicated and experienced personal account managers.

• The emerging market opportunities we can bring to you.

When it comes to your smart home and CI needs, the new team at Exertis represents a new level of portfolio diversity, service standard and convenience. Get in touch with us now to find out more or you can place your order by calling 01256 378550 or by sending an email to exertisone@exertis.co.uk.

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GENERATION GAMER Exciting family-friendly gaming: perfect for click-happy kiddies and competitive parents alike!

With kids getting more involved in gaming from an earlier age, we take a look at the best games consoles, software and accessories suitable for junior players Gaming has been a mainstay in the home for decades, from Space Invaders and Pac Man on the Atari, to Sonic the Hedgehog on the Game Boy Advance and the everpopular Italian plumbers who have spent 35 years saving Princess Peach on each and every Nintendo system.

According to a survey conducted by the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board in December 2020, over 8 million households in the UK own at least one games console that is connected to a TV (not inclusive of handheld consoles such as the Switch Lite).

This figure represents a growth of almost 11% compared to the year before.

The majority of kids in the UK have access to, and regular use of, phones, tablets and gaming consoles to browse online, stream video content and play games. As screen time increases, researchers are investigating the benefits of gaming in young players. A National Literacy Trust survey among 11 to 15-year olds found that video games can help to provide routes for improvement in reading, creativity and empathy, as well as offering support to mental wellbeing by providing an escape from stress and a space to communicate with friends.

Nintendo has long been a favourite amongst families due to its inherently cute content, as well as its broad range of games for older kids and adults. Widely considered the best console for families and kids among the top reviewers and tech-experts, the Nintendo Switch is designed to fit into family life. The Switch cleverly combines at-home and onthe-go gaming, swapping easily between TV display, tabletop mode and handheld play, all without having to pause the game!

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Gaming can offer kids the opportunity to develop all their literacy, cognitive and emotional skills The intuitive user interface means it’s easy for the little ones to pick up and navigate to their games, while the wide range of games available for Switch (and its handheld-only counterpart the Nintendo Switch Lite) makes it the perfect choice for families who wish to play together. Additionally, by utilising the free mobile app, parents can to limit screen time, prevent their little ones accessing any games too advanced or inappropriate, and customise online features for each member of the family individually.

SUITABLE SOFTWARE The perfect escape for kids and grownups alike, Animal Crossing: New Horizons (rated Pegi 3), sees players enter the gentle

world of anthropomorphic residents and business-savvy raccoons to craft furniture, catch fish and swim off the shores of their very own tropical island. An evolving game designed to keep the attention of players for the long-run, players can constantly add upgrades and develop their island paradise as the seasons, special events and activities change throughout the year.

Bringing classic Mario adventure to Switch, Super Mario 3D World sees players explore worlds, overcome obstacles and run, jump and climbing through numerous colourful stages in hope of beating Bowser and his minions. Complete with Nintendo’s iconic catalogue of Super Mario characters,

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including Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad, players use a whole host of fun and useful power-ups to tackle the levels and defeat enemies. Families can play together on one device, or across multiple Switch consoles either locally or via online connectivity.

With 40 popular songs to dance along to, including options for kid-friendly tunes and choreography, Ubisoft’s Just Dance 2021 brings the dancefloor to the living room.

Squishies for PSVR is a single player puzzle game, perfect for kids. Rated PEGI 3, the aim of the game is to safely push and pull the Squishies around mazes to guide them to the end gates while avoiding obstacles, gathering crystals and earning medals.

Players can enjoy over 100 mazes across five worlds, and using the in-game tools, can build their own levels to challenge themselves and their friends, or to share with the Squishies community online.

In December 2020, over 8 million households in the United Kingdom owned at least one games console Great for getting the kids up and moving while still having fun, “Sweat Mode” helps to make exercising fun! “Co-op Mode” sees the whole family working together to get the highest score. For enthusiastic dancers, the Just Dance Unlimited subscription service unlocks over 600 additional songs.

Inspired by the offbeat mobile game and based on the popular kids movie, The Angry Birds Movie 2 VR: Under Pressure lets up to 4 players (one with the PSVR headset and another three via the TV in “couch co-op mode”) join the birds and pigs to run, jump, grab and throw your way through 30 fun levels, exploring an underwater world and finding hidden treasure.

KID-SIZED PERIPHERALS Designed with young gamers in mind, the JBuddies Play Gaming Wireless Kids Headset from JLAB Audio make gaming comfortable and audio clear, while remaining safe for developing ears. Limited to a max 85db and build for kids 6-and-up, the JBuddies Play offers 22+ hours of wireless connectivity and are specially tuned to suit both mobile and console. A handy retractable boom

mic extends out for kids to chat to their team-mates, but neatly hides away for solo game-play or listening to music.

Any gaming enthusiast will tell you that the perfect gaming chair is critical to comfort and performance. While many are built with teens and adults in mind, X Rocker has expanded its range to include great chairs specifically for little gamers. The Official Super Mario X Rocker Video Rocker is built for kids, and comes in a range of designs, each with an iconic character from the Mario franchise.

The X Rocker Video Rocker collection is compact and foldable for easy storage and quick setup when it’s time to play – perfect for integrating into family life. A wipe-clean faux leather exterior is safe from spills and crumbs from mid-game snacks.

With all the technical comforts of the full-size X Rocker Agility gaming chair, the Agility JR esports gaming chair is sized for younger players looking for comfort during serious game play. The removable neck and lumbar support cushions can be vertically adapted, and height adjustment makes sure the user is always in a gameready (or homework-ready!) position.

These customisable features are ideal for creating an ergonomic position, even as the user hits a growth spurt.

Gaming can help kids develop their literacy, cognitive and emotional skills, as well as enjoy a little time with their friends. Speak to your Exertis Account Manager today to learn more about our broad offering of consoles, software and peripherals for immersing little ones in the pixelated world.

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Worl’ds No. 1 OLED TV brand for 7 consecutive years

The most innovative technology in TV

Contact your Exertis account manager for more information or to place an order

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FULL SCREEN AHEAD Who doesn’t want a great TV screen to binge the latest boxset!

We look at how Covid has affected the TV market and drool over the latest models available from Exertis The UK is certainly a nation of TV lovers, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only fuelled our habit for sitting in front of the box. A survey by communications regulator Ofcom has shown that there was a surge in screen time during the height of lockdown, with adults spending an average of 40% of their day watching TV and online video services.

As people across the UK followed official health advice to stay home during April 2020, they kept themselves informed and entertained by spending six hours and 25 minutes each day on average – or nearly 45 hours a week – watching TV and online video content – a rise of almost a third (31%) on the year before.

While “direct-to-video” may have once been a phrase used to describe sub-par content that by-passed the cinema, it now means topquality Hollywood blockbusters ready for you to stream at home. The biggest factor behind viewing increases was people spending twice as much time enjoying subscription streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video – one hour 11 minutes per day on average in April 2020. With recent and time-honoured hits, cult classics and awardwinning original content, popular streaming services offer something for everyone.

The trend for streaming was even more pronounced among 16-34s, who streamed for an average of two hours each day in the same month. However, even the older generation were getting more onboard with streaming services during 2020, with almost a third of the 55-64 age group investing in subscription viewing on demand, up from 25% pre-lockdown.

The initial lockdown in March 2020 helped to boost the sales of TVs, as Nick Simon, client insight director for consumer electronics at analyst GfK, explains: “There was a big surge in 32in TVs – but not particularly high-end models. People were buying secondary sets for kids’ gaming or home offices, or they just needed an extra set because they had more people at home than normal.”

For those customers in the market for a new TV this year, there’s a whole host of superb products out there to cater for every budget, room size, design taste and viewing style.

He adds: “We almost went back to the situation we had about five years ago, when there were well over 60 million TVs in the households of Britain. The pandemic completely changed expectations. The cancellation of the ‘Summer of Sport’ and other events created a totally different trading scenario, which, nonetheless, saw a dramatic increase in sales.”

...there was a surge in screen time during the height of lockdown adults spent 40% of their day watching TV and online video services.

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Sharing some statistics, he says: “The TV market performed spectacularly well – right up until the end of the year. It was 15 or 16% up in units. Overall, it went from just under six million units in 2019 to just under seven million in 2020.”

HISENSE With cinemas remaining closed until midMay at the earliest, due to the on-going Coronavirus restrictions, many customers are still looking to recreate that cinematic experience in their own home.

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LG’s powerful a9 Gen3 8K processor is said to deliver the ultimate image and sound quality – Dolby Atmos provides quality three-dimensional sound, and 2K or 4K content can be upscaled into life-like 8K. If that isn’t clever enough, the ZX offers LG’s award-winning smart TV platform, LG webOS so users can access content from BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV and more. Thanks to LG’s intelligent ThinQ AI technology, the TV can be controlled by voice recognition. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are also built-in. Now look who’s talking!

AFFORDABLE For those consumers who can’t stretch to spending almost 30 grand on a telly, LG has some more affordable OLED options.

Hisense’s 100in model, the 100L5 4K HDR Laser TV (SRP £3,999), can offer just that.

The light you see on a Laser TV screen isn’t shone directly into your eyes but is instead reflected. First the light is thrown from the Laser TV’s console onto the screen, and then it is reflected from the screen to reach your eyes. Hisense says this means that the way you watch a Laser TV mirrors the way we see the world around us, allowing for a more natural viewing experience.

Let the Laser show begin! By utilising less harmful blue light, the Hisense 100L5 Laser TV has been certified by technical services provider TÜV Rheinland as a low blue light hardware solution, which reduces eye strain for more comfortable, safer viewing.

It’s also easy on the eye when it comes to design, delivers over 136 per cent more screen area than a standard 65in LED TV, has embedded 30W speakers and supports Dolby Atmos technology for that truly immersive home cinema experience.

LG Unveiled at the CES 2020 tech exhibition in Las Vegas, the stunning ZX 88in 8K Signature OLED from TV heavy-weights LG really was one of the stars of the show,

though it does possess a somewhat hefty price tag that’s perfect if you’ve won the jackpot– £29,999.

The WX 65in 4K smart OLED TV (£3,999) is powered by the a9 Gen3 processor and has Dolby Atmos sound and the webOS smart platform, as well as an ultra-slim and flush ‘wallpaper’ design that’s only 3.85mm deep and blends seamlessly into your home interior.

In contrast to LED TV technology that uses backlight, this LG OLED screen has SELF-LIT pixels, which work independently to emit their own light. This allows for perfect black levels, outstanding colours, infinite contrasts and the sharpest details, which is especially useful if you’re watching films or TV shows with dark scenes in them.

Added detail and clarity means that viewers can see every minute feature and enjoy the most thrilling movie and TV sequences of all time just as the director intended.

When not in use, the TV can be turned into a ‘painting’ thanks to the gallery feature.

How’s that for life imitating art?

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by creating extra images between images and black segments between scenes. Sony says this results in less blur and afterimage, meaning more flowing motion.

The set is equipped with Dolby Vision, which helps to bring film and TV scenes to life with striking highlights, deeper blacks and vibrant colours, in turn creating a more immersive and engaging cinematic experience in the home, while Dolby Atmos sound puts you right at the heart of the action.

LG’s CX 48in 4K Smart OLED TV shares the tech attributes of the WX, but is even more affordable (£1,499) and differs in looks – it has a premium thin design and comes with a sleek, metallic stand.

The Android TV smart functionality lets users choose from a wide variety of movies, shows, music, games and sport simply by talking to the TV.

All the LG TV models are ideal for gamers as they are crafted to offer a clearer, smoother and more lifelike gaming experience, with less stutter, lag and flicker. This ensures you won’t, ahem, lag behind the competition.

questions on the big screen with Google Voice Assistant, or Amazon Alexa. Perfect if you like shouting at the telly! With in-built Chromecast, users can cast movies, shows and photos from all of the family’s smart devices, so viewing is never limited.

When it comes to picture quality, the TV’s TRU Micro Dimming and TRU Resolution features provide better contrast and upscaled, more refined images. Enhanced sound is also taken care of by Dolby Audio Processing and Onkyo speakers which are incorporated into the TV. Gamers aren’t forgotten either. The Toshiba Gaming Mode optimises the vibrancy of the graphics for a more exciting experience.

Plus, the TV is all set-up for supporting HDR games too, so it’s very much game

SONY The 75in XH80 BRAVIA LED TV from Sony (£1,599) boasts a whole host of features and tech, including 4K UHD, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and great smart functionality courtesy of the Android TV platform.

For an improved picture quality, with more colour, contrast and clarity, Sony’s powerful 4K HDR processor X1 uses advanced algorithms to cut ‘noise’ and boost detail.

Chromecast is built-in, meaning you can enjoy mobile apps on your TV, and with Google Assistant and smart speakers, you can control TV and smart devices with your

Movie buffs, serious gamers or box-set bingers, there are plenty of top-class TVs available from Exertis that will satisfy all of your customers’ needs Images filmed in 2K and even Full HD are upscaled close to 4K resolution by 4K X-Reality PRO, using a 4K database, for an even better picture quality every time.

A more precise range of colours is achieved

by Sony’s TRILUMINOS display technology, while its Motionflow feature keeps every on-screen movement smooth and clear

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voice. Cleverly, the XH80 from Sony can function as an essential part of your smart home ecosystem.

TOSHIBA Also on the Android platform, Toshiba’s 50in Ultra HD Smart Android TV (£449) lets you enjoy thousands of movies, shows and games, as well as get answers to your

on! Toshiba also offers voice control on its 32in HD Ready Smart TV with Alexa built-in (£209). For flexibility, Google Assistant is also an option.

The company’s TRU Picture technology provides smooth more detailed viewing and upscaled resolution, HDR enhances colour contrast, making blacks darker and whites brighter, while Dolby Vision HDR makes for a more captivating experience.

Combining Dolby Audio Processing and Onkyo speakers, the viewing experience is enhanced by a perfectly tuned sound.

Whether your customers are movie buffs, serious gamers or box-set bingers, there are some top-class TVs out there that will satisfy their needs. Why not let Exertis put you in the picture? Speak to your Account Manager today to learn more.

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IF THE WATCH FITS, WEAR IT Smartwatches, fitness trackers and health monitors – oh my!

We take a dive into the world of wearables to highlight some of the very best smartwatches and fitness trackers available for the whole family Wearable technology is growing in use, with many customers investing in smartwatches, fitness trackers and health monitors to record movement, answer calls and stay connected. The UK wearables market is estimated to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 39.5% between 2020 and 2025, with the major driving factors including improved communication and integration with existing devices, as well as the miniaturisation of the technology for more stylish devices.

FINESSING FITNESS Products designed to fit seamlessly into everyday life and help wearers achieve their health and fitness goals, Fitbit is one of the leading wearables brands globally. The Fitbit Sense (SRP: £299.99) combines a fashionable design with fitness and health tracking functionality, while the Versa 3 (SRP: £199.99) offers personalisation and activity motivation and the Charge 4 (SRP: £129.99) is packed with features to push activity goals further. All three are packed with a range of functionalities to enable health and wellbeing.

Fitbit smartwatches also offer 6+ days of charge, so no need to worry about low battery during an energy-fuelled workout or enjoying some relaxing guided breathing. Over 20 goal-based exercise modes recording activity in real-time, while steps, distance and floors climbed are tracked all day. All three of these Fitbit

smartwatches enable phone message notifications, as well as offering Fitbit pay for contactless payments on-the-go.

The Fitbit Sense, Versa 3 and Charge 4 – as well as all of the brand’s other smartwatches and fitness trackers – are compatible with both Apple (iOS 12.2 or higher) and Android (OS 7.0 or higher) smartphones and tablets, with the great Fitbit OS features accessible via the Fitbit App. KIT FOR KIDS The new Spacetalk Adventurer (£189) smartwatch and fitness tracker marries independence for kids with parental peace of mind. The Adventurer offers enhanced messaging and calling capabilities over reliable 4G, though for online safety, there is no open internet or social media access.

Connected with the Spacetalk App, parents have control over accessible features, while also tracking the whereabouts of the watch and wearer – great for keeping track of the kids while they’re playing outside. With a built-in 5 mega-pixel camera, kids can

The UK wearables market is estimated to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 39.5% between 2020 and 2025

capture memories and share with friends and family. School Mode promises for distraction free learning, allowing parents to limit functionality during school hours and homework time.

Designed to give kids independence and the ability to safely communicate with friends and loved ones, the Vodafone Neo enables calls and messages with an inbuilt SIM card, while parental controls allow parents and carers to set a circle of pre-determined contacts. The Neo encourages kids to get up and exercise, equipped with fitness tracking such as step counter and one-hour activity goal each day. For peace of mind while little ones are out exploring, the Neo connects to Vodafone’s global network for reliable GPS tracking. Featuring content from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel, kids can pick their favourite character to take along with them, from Buzz Lightyear to Baby Yoda. Both the Spacetalk Adventurer and Vodafone Neo are equipped with water and dust resistance.

As we move into spring, why not offer your customers a way to stay connected and record their fitness, without needing to keep their phones in their hands? Contact Exertis today to learn more about stocking these and more great wearable tech.

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ADVERTORIAL

CINEMA EVERYTHING! Home entertainment with Hisense With Hisense’s 100L5 Laser TV, integrating high-end AV into the home couldn’t be easier In 2020, consumers in the UK spent a record of £9.05 billion across the home entertainment sector. From original movies to the most talked about TV series, we live in a world obsessed with watching tv. With many of the latest blockbusters from the likes of Disney, Universal, now available for home viewing at the same time that they appear in cinemas, in today’s climate, home entertainment and top-quality equipment couldn’t be more important.

The 100L5 Laser TV from Hisense offers the very best in-home entertainment, from ultra clear 4K HDR images to an immersive Dolby Atmos sound stage,as well as more comfortable, eye-friendly viewing with less harmful blue light. Consisting of a powerful ultra-short throw laser engine, designed to deliver a clear, precise picture, and 100inch screen built to offer a natural viewing experience, the Hisense 100L5 ups the ante for home entertainment and creates an immersive cinematic experience.

The ultra-short throw projecting console can be positioned as close as 28.7cm from the wall to still enjoy the full 100” image.

The 100L5 integrates into the home easily as, unlike many conventional projectors, this Laser TV is perfect for positioning on a table or side-board which meets the minimum dimensions, and thus eliminates the need for complicated ceiling mounting and awkward power cable routing (though it can also be ceiling mounted if desired).

By registering a new Hisense Laser TV, your customers can enjoy free professional installation of both screen and console, to make the most from their new home entertainment setup.

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The 100” ambient light-rejecting screen is cleverly built to accommodate watching in any room, at any time of the day, without external light sources, like sunlight coming through any windows opposite the screen, effecting the viewing experience.

Designed to reflect only the light aimed at it by the projecting console placed below, the screen is anti-reflective to light that hits it straight on, from above, or from either side.

Hisense’s patented laser-source technology helps to distribute light and colour evenly over the screen for immersive viewing.

PICTURE PERFECT The Hisense 100L5 Laser TV also produces stunning 4K UHD resolution for a pin-sharp, detailed image. With 4 times more pixels than traditional Full HD, the 4K picture sets

The 100L5 Laser TV from Hisense offers the very best in-home entertainment, from crystal-clear 4K images and an immersive Dolby Atmos sound stage the standard for both quality and clarity.

Additionally, HDR (High Dynamic Range) ensures a vibrant picture with rich colours and contrasts; the precision of the laser light source also helps the 100L5 to exceed the standard spectrum of true-to-life colours expected from conventional UHD 4K. With a powerful UHD AI Upscaler, the Hisense 100L5 effortlessly enhances content to near 4K Ultra HD quality, so viewers catch every

single second of their favourite sports, or every tiny detail of movies and tv shows, all in amazing clarity.

The X-Fusion blue laser light source can deliver more precise, sharper images, while also avoiding any unwanted light dispersion. The Hisense 100L5 Laser TV also promises more than 25,000 hours of entertainment from its Laser console.

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AUDIO-VISUAL EXCELLENCE With embedded speakers supporting Dolby Atmos, the cinematic experience is heightened with the 100L5. Creating a multi-dimensional audio effect around the room – including overhead – the in-build sound system helps to surround the viewer with clear, rich and in-depth audio that puts you right in the heart of the action, from thrilling movie cliff hangers to the top sporting events.

For personalised, intuitive and smart access to traditional tv channels and a selection of the top streaming services, Hisense Laser TV is equipped with it’s VIDAA Smart TV operating system.

This allows for customisation for a seamless viewing experience; you can enjoy top tv and movies from across Freeview Play and the top streaming services. Incorporating a built-in TV tuner, viewers can enjoy live television across all 100 inches of screen without the need for any additional external devices.

For faster access to streaming, the Hisense 100L5’s remote has dedicated buttons for many of the top streaming platforms on the internet, from Netflix and Prime Video to YouTube and more.

The continued popularity in great home entertainment and online streaming has left many rediscovering the importance of great kit, for that cinematic experience at home.

Mirroring human visual perception, the light given off by Hisense’s Laser TV is reflected, rather than generated directly, lowering the glare and promising greater eye comfort even after long viewing sessions.

On detection, the console reduces the light strength and then powers of, so there’s no need to worry about curious little ones or nosy pets getting too close to the light.

To learn more about the Hisense Laser TV range, including the 100L5, speak to your Exertis Account Manager today.

Many of the devices we’re exposed to daily, from TVs and computers to smartphones and tablets, give off high levels of blue light, which can be damaging to our eyes.

Hisense’s Laser TVs are certified as low in harmful blue light by TUV Rheinland, thus creating a safer viewing experience, even after prolonged viewing or gaming.

Great for use in family homes, the Laser TV console has an in-built sensor to detect if anything – or anyone – passes too close to the light source, for added peace of mind.

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EXERTIS ENTERTAINMENT

HOT

PICKS

Top 5 Home Technology

1

Top Pick 1. HIVE ACTIVE HEATING AND HOT WATER THERMOSTAT Making it easier to control heating and hot water from anywhere, the Active Heating and Hot Water Thermostat helps customers heat their homes, without wasting energy and money.

2. NETATMO SMART VIDEO DOORBELL The Smart Video Doorbell from Netatmo offers simple and straightforward installation and operation to see and speak to visitors even when away from home.

Type: Smart Doorbell

3. DEVOLO MAGIC 2 WIFI NEXT Simultaneously providing multiple devices with the best possible wireless connection, the Magic 2 Wifi Next Starter Kit plugs into the wall for a mesh network in seconds.

Type: Smart Thermostat Type: Home Network Solution

Top 5 Must Haves 1

Top Pick

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1. HISENSE 100L5 LASER TV Designed to produce a high-quality watching experience, the 100L5 Laser TV pairs an ultra short-throw console and ALR screen (complete with 4K HDR picture quality), plus Dolby Atmos for a complete home cinema experience.

2. SPACETALK KIDS This savvy smartwatch gives kids more independence and the ability to communicate safely with friends and family – Spacetalk Kids does more than just telling the time.

3. KITSOUND FUNK 35 The Funk 35 are the perfect accessory for listening on-thego, with a true wireless design that offers 6 hour listening time, plus 24 hours of top up from the charging case.

Type: Laser TV

Type: Children’s Smartwatch

Type: True Wireless Earphones

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Top 5 Gaming Accessories 1

Top Pick 1. TURTLE BEACH RECON 70 Designed to offer an immersive gaming experience across platforms, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 delivers comfort and quality to gameplay.

Type: Gaming Headset

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4. TCP SMART DIGITAL RADIATOR The TCP Smart Digital Electrical Radiator is controlled via smartphone for an easier, more cost-effective and more sustainable heating solution.

2. NURA GAMING MIC Combining innovative and personalised audio with clear gaming communication, the Nura Gaming Mic makes for an immersive gaming experience.

Type: Gaming Microphone

Type: Smart Wi-Fi Radiator

5. SWANN WIRE-FREE 1080P CAMERA Using True Detect technology for reliable alerts, the Wire-Free 1080p Security Camera records crystal-clear footage 24/7, while the 180-degree viewing angle limits blind spots.

3. XBOX SERIES X The fastest and most powerful Xbox console to date, packed with visual optimisation and True 4K, games look better and play better with the Xbox Series X.

Type: Smart Security Camera

Type: Xbox Next-Gen Console

4. ROCCAT VULCAN 120 AIMO The Vulcan 120 AIMO is equipped with ROCCAT’s Titan Switches and AIMO lighting eco-system for the ultimate gaming setup and ultra-precise gameplay.

Type: Gaming Keyboard 4. FLEXSON SR-MTC The Flexson Mountable Travel Case for Sonos Roam pairs a protective shell with mounting via wall attachments, carabiner clips and more, so you can Roam even further.

5. TRIANGLE BOREA BR03 A stylish, compact bookshelf speaker with the high-fidelity audio performance of a much bigger floorstanding speaker, the Borea BR03 creates a powerful, natural sound.

Type: Case for Sonos Roam

Type: HiFi Bookshelf Speakers

5. BACKBONE ONE Designed to make the most from mobile gaming, Backbone One is the lowest power and latency gaming accessory for iPhone, and promises responsive gaming on the go.

Type: Mobile Gaming Controller

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