Consumer Electronics Daily News

Definitive Technology Launches "This is Sound" Campaign Featuring John Legend

 Definitive Technology®, a leader in offering high-end loudspeaker solutions, has announced a comprehensive media campaign featuring brand partner and nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist, John Legend, deservedly titled "This is Sound." In support of the campaign, a video encompassing the brand's dedication to precision audio features Legend discussing his love of music, quality craftsmanship and unique partnership with Definitive Technology.

Featured throughout the video and print ads are Definitive Technology's newest generation of speakers—the Mythos ST-L super tower, SoloCinema Studio sound bar, Incline desktop speakers, and the Sound Cylinder portable speaker with Bluetooth® wireless technology—which are now available throughout Magnolia Home Theater in specially designed endcap displays, as well as hundreds of authorized Definitive Technology dealers throughout the U.S. The portable Cube speaker with Bluetooth wireless technology will also be coming soon to retail.

"After unveiling our latest generation of speaker solutions at CEDIA, we've received overwhelming response from Definitive Technology fans and audiophiles," said Dave Peet, Executive Vice President of Definitive Technology. "As part of our legacy in high-end audio, partnering with John Legend to launch creative campaigns around our latest product offerings has been integral in telling our brand story. We seek to express John's enthusiasm for music, home audio and classic design throughout our program together."

Previously announced in September, Definitive Technology's new lines of speakers embody what Legend looks for in a product and audio solution. The SoloCinema Studio sound bar ($1,199) with DTS and Dolby Digital surround processing provides listeners an immersive home theater experience while the Incline desktop speakers ($399) feature Definitive Technology's bi-polar driver design for rich desktop listening. The Cube speaker ($399) with its convenient "go anywhere" design envelopes listeners in loud, quality sound all within a compact design and lastly, the Mythos ST-L super tower ($2,499 each) offers users a high-performance solution with a luxury finish complementary of today's modern homes.

In addition to launching the campaign in retail, Definitive Technology is engaging Facebook fans for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to see John Legend perform in January in Las Vegas. To enter, fans can "Like" the Definitive Technology Facebook page and obtain an additional two entries by encouraging others to "Like" the page as well. The contest runs now through Dec. 21, 2013 and winners will receive two tickets to the concert, two roundtrip airline tickets and hotel stay at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

For more information and pricing, visit definitivetech.com/thisissound.

About Definitive Technology
Definitive Technology is where precision sound meets iconic design. Definitive has been building beautifully designed, superior sounding home audio and home theater loudspeakers since 1990. Definitive Technology loudspeakers are among the most positively reviewed and honored high performance loudspeakers on the market. Based in Baltimore, Definitive Technology is part of the Sound United family of consumer electronics brands. Audio/video specialty retailers throughout the United States and more than 40 countries around the world proudly sell Definitive Technology loudspeakers. For more information and the location of your nearest Definitive retailer visit www.definitivetech.com, or call us at (800) 228-7148 (USAand Canada). Outside of North America, call +1 (410) 363-7148. For more information about Definitive Technology, please visit http://www.definitivetech.com; for Sound United http://www.soundunited.com.

Bullitt Group Hires Industry Executive as Chief Operating Officer

Bullitt Group, Britain's fastest growing and most successful mobile phone and consumer electronics company, has hired a senior HTC executive to become its Chief Operating Officer.

Bullitt, which has seen rapid growth since its formation in 2009, is delighted to announce that Oliver Schulte, most recently Vice President for Commercial Operations in EMEA for HTC, has joined its fast growing challenger business.

Colin Batt, Bullitt co-CEO, said, "We're thrilled Oliver is joining us and look forward to working with him. He will be a valuable addition to our management team, with deep knowledge and understanding of the mobile phone business combined with the drive to continue and build on our success to date."

Prior to his most recent role at HTC, Schulte was the Commercial Director for Europe and before that the Finance Director forEurope. He was one of the original leadership team credited with turning the Company into a dominant global brand. His focus was ensuring the commercial operations of the company were performing to the highest possible level. Before working with the mobile phone manufacturer, he was a Commercial Manager with Siemens.

Oliver Schulte said, "Bullitt is an innovative, dynamic business, working with a number of established global brands to create new products for the consumer electronics market. I am really excited to be joining Bullitt at such an exciting time, and look forward to being part of the team that drives Bullitt's next phase of growth."

Bullitt designs, markets and sells consumer electronics devices in partnership with global brands. It is the worldwide licensee for a number of major brands including Caterpillar Inc., for 'rugged' mobile devices and accessories.

Bullitt is led by an experienced team of three co-CEOs who create a unique balance, each contributing different skills and perspective: Colin Batt and Dave Floyd (both of whom previously held senior positions at Motorola) and Richard Wharton (who has deep sales and marketing experience within the media and consumer electronics markets). The Company recently appeared in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 as 'One to Watch'.

More than 820 Western U.S. Companies Slated to Exhibit at 2014 International CES

More than 820 technology companies based in the western region of the United States (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming) will debut their latest consumer technology innovations at the 2014 International CES®. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, the 2014 CES will run Tuesday, January 7-Friday, January 10, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nev.

"Consumer Electronics Daily News always looks forward to covering all the best and most exciting technologies at the show, and CES is a premier opportunity for us to talk with so many of the industry's leaders in one place at one time," said Lee Oser, publisher of Arizona-based Consumer Electronics Daily News, which will be exhibiting in both the North and South Halls and distributing its daily publication at various venues in and around the show.
 
“CES puts your hands directly on the pulse of what's happening in electronics and computer technology,” said Perry Solomon, President and CEO of Aleratec, Inc., based in Chatsworth, Calif.  “At this CES, we're showcasing our latest innovations for the digital world, including new charge and sync stations for multiple mobile and tablet devices and, as always, we expect a highly-productive show.”
 
The 2014 CES will feature more than 20 market-specific TechZones. New hot spots at the 2014 CES include the 3D Printing TechZone, showcasing the transformational shift bringing 3D printing technology from the manufacturing world into the home, making 3D printing more accessible for today’s consumer, and Cisco’s Internet of Everything (IoE), where attendees can experience IoE in action and learn about the unprecedented opportunities it creates by bringing together people, process, data and things to make networked connections more relevant and valuable than ever before.
 
“CES has proven year after year to be one of the best and most concentrated venues for us to directly connect with the decision makers at our customers,” said Drue Freeman, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Americas, NXP Semiconductors, based in San Jose, Calif. “This year we plan on highlighting a variety of innovative solutions that are enabling ‘Secure Connections for a Smarter World’.”
 
Other popular TechZones highlighting the latest technology at the 2014 CES include Academia Tech, Eureka Park, FashionWare, Gaming Showcase, GoElectricDrive, High-Res Audio, iLounge Pavilion,  MotionTech, [email protected], Robotics, TransformingEDU,WristRevolution and Zigbee. Additionally, lifestyle TechZones featured at the 2014 CES include: Digital Health Summit, [email protected],MommyTech, Silvers Summit and Fitness Tech.
 
“We look forward to exhibiting at the 2014 CES. It is absolutely the best opportunity to connect our technology with strategic industry partners,” said Robert Chappell, President and CEO of EyeTech Digital Systems, based in Mesa, Ariz. “This year we’re showcasing solutions from industry partners as well as our new XEye technology which will enable eye tracking anywhere."
 
The 2014 CES conference program will feature 300 robust sessions and 850 speakers, including keynotes from the leaders of Intel, Audi, Sony, Cisco and Yahoo. Additionally, the Entertainment Matters program, sponsored by Variety, is back for its fourth year with exhibits, conference programs and special events for professionals in the entertainment community and will feature Extra TV host Maria Menounous as the program’s ambassador.
 
“CES is the premier venue for technology innovators to share groundbreaking ideas, emerging technology, and products to revolutionize the consumer electronics industry,” said Dr. Christophe Ramstein, President and CEO of San Francisco-based Novasentis, Inc. “We are excited to introduce our highly versatile electro-mechanical polymer (EMP) technology to spark a new era of man-machine interfaces. Our polymer-based technology is ultrathin, light and flexible and provides vibrations, morphing and sounds to create a powerful cornerstone for the Neo-Sensory Age.” 
 
The 2014 CES will feature more than 3,200 exhibitors unveiling the latest consumer technology products and services across the entire ecosystem of consumer technologies. For more information on the 2014 CES, visit CESweb.org.
 
“We're excited to participate in the International CES again in 2014,” said Sanjay Dhawan, President and CEO, Symphony Teleca Corporation, headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. “This year, we will be showcasing our latest offerings in automotive, consumer electronics, mobile devices, professional audio/video, media and broadcast and digital health sectors as well as announcing several key partnerships with major industry players. We look forward to a great show."
 
To learn more about other exhibitors in the Western region, or for a complete listing of CES exhibitors,  visit the 2014 CES Exhibitor Directory.

Playstation®Store For Playstation®Mobile Expands To 18 Countries

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it will launch PlayStation®Store (PS Store)^*1 for PlayStation®Mobile (PSM) in nine new countries starting December 18^th, 2013.  With this expansion, SCE will offer a wide variety of exciting content via PS Store to users in total of 18 countries including Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, as well as in newly added countries including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and New Zealand.

Prior to the PS Store expansion for PSM, SCE will offer the PSM Developer Program which includes distribution of the official PSM SDK^*2 in the newly added countries starting December 5^th, 2013.

Allowing a wider range of developers - from indie to large publishers - to create dedicated content for PSM, the PSM Developer Program has been available since November 20^th, 2012, in Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany,Italy, Spain and Australia, followed by the launch in Hong Kong and Taiwan on January 21^st, 2013.  With the addition of nine new countries, developers in a total of 20 countries will be able to create entertainment content for multiple mobile devices, further expanding the world of PlayStation  to an open operating system^*3 through PSM.

This program enables developers, who have entered into the licensing agreements with SCE^*4, to easily distribute content through the PS Store on a commercial basis. It also allows them to market their games to millions of dedicated gamers around the world that own a PlayStation™Certified^*5 device or PlayStation®Vita.

(Please refer to the special site link for more detailed information)
https://psm.playstation.net/portal/

SCE will continue to collaborate with content developers to deliver compelling entertainment experiences only available on PlayStation to a rapidly expanding audience through PSM.

*1  PS Store offers vast digital content including games for PS4, PS3, PSP, PS Vita and PS Certified devices.
*2  A set of development tools and software libraries for PlayStation®Mobile.
*3  As of November 22, 2013, Android based PS Certified devices and PS Vita.
*4  The fee differs by countries and regions. After closing the license agreement, developers are able to use PlayStation®Mobile SDK and conduct verification on PS Certified devices and PS Vita to distribute their content on PS Store. PlayStation®Mobile SDK itself is free of charge.
*5  The license program to expand accessibility to PlayStation®Mobile, dedicated for portable hardware manufacturers. SCE will not only license logos but also provide necessary development support. Please kindly refer to the URL for the line-up of PS Certified devices as of today.

http://www.playstation.com/psm/certified.html

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes, develops and markets the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system.  SCEI has revolutionized home entertainment since they launched PlayStation in 1994.  PlayStation®2 further enhanced the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment.  PSP® broadens the entertainment experiences into the portable arena.  PS3® is a computer entertainment system, incorporating the powerful Cell Broadband Engine and RSX processors.  PSNSM, that includes PlayStation®Store, delivers unparalleled online gaming experience to PlayStation users.  PS Vita is an ultimate portable entertainment system that offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity.  SCEI also delivers the PlayStation® experience to open operating systems through PlayStation®Mobile, a cross device platform. PlayStation®4 redefines rich and immersive gameplay with powerful graphics and speed, intelligent personalization and deeply integrated social capabilities.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI, along with its affiliated companies, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and its division companies, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia develops, publishes, markets and distributes hardware and software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide.

PlayStation is a registered of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.  All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

With Electronic Gifts at High Risk of Damage by Kids and Pets, Consumers Turn to Service Contracts

Consumers are expected to spend $66.5 billion on electronics this holiday season and a record number will protect them with service contracts, given the high risk that portable electronics will be broken or damaged.

"After spending a lot of money to purchase electronic devices, the last thing consumers want is to reach back into their wallets to repair or replace them," said Tim Meenan, executive director of the Service Contract Industry Council.  "Service contracts take the worry out of an expensive electronic purchase, because, if they become inoperable due to a defect, they're either repaired or replaced. Most service contracts also provide coverage for accidental damage from handling so before purchasing read to make sure you understand the coverage you are buying."

Damage is common, given how expensive portable electronics have become and how often they are entrusted to children.  According to studies by SCIC member organization SquareTrade:

• Half of American parents say their kids have damaged a mobile phone, and 61 percent of the damaged devices were not covered by a warranty – costing parents more than $2.8 billion in repair and replacement costs.
• 17 percent of iPhone users have damaged their phones more than once, costing them $5.9 billion a year in repairs.
• Consumers spend $3 billion a year repairing electronics destroyed by their pets.
• 23 million Americans have reported damaging their phone while watching a sporting event by dropping it, throwing it or spilling something on it.

A survey by the Consumer Electronic Association found that one in five consumers plans to purchase an emerging technology device this year, including such things as fitness watches, wearable body monitors and smart scales. 

To help consumers navigate the purchase of an extended warranty or service contract, SCIC has produced a pocket buying guide that can be downloaded at http://go-scic.com/news/free_pocket_buying_card. The guide includes key questions consumers should ask when deciding whether to purchase an extended warranty this holiday season.

Among the features SCIC says consumers should look for or expect in a service contract are these:

• A 30-day "free look" period
• 24-hour toll-free technical support
• Access to pre-qualified repair and service professionals
• In-home repair service
• Free or discounted product repair and replacement
• Power outage and surge damage protection
• Routine maintenance, such as cleanings and tune-ups
• Free shipping
• Accidental damage from handling coverage

The Service Contract Industry Council is a national trade association whose member companies collectively offer about 80 percent of the service contracts sold in the U.S. for home, auto and consumer goods. The SCIC educates consumers about service contracts, encourages its members to pursue high standards of customer satisfaction, and develops and promotes model legislation to regulate the industry with standards designed to protect the consumer and the industry.

Worldwide Launch of Xbox One Sparks Global Celebration For a New Generation in Games and Entertainment

Xbox One hits store shelves and becomes available online Friday, delighting millions of fans participating in global launch celebrations, watching a live broadcast on Spike TV and lining up at retail stores to be among the first to grab an Xbox One. The hotly anticipated, new-generation games and entertainment system from Microsoft Corp. brings the best games, live TV, Skype, sports, fitness, music and more to one single device at the center of the living room, all available at the command of your voice, powered by Kinect and Bing.^* Xbox One is available now in 13 markets worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy,Ireland and Austria.

An epic night around the world

From New Zealand to Los Angeles, fan excitement reached a fever pitch around the world. In New Zealand, fans partied at Shed 10 in Auckland as the iconic Sky Tower pulsed green, and one fan made the world's first official Xbox One purchase. Across the world in London, Xbox One turned entertainment epicenter Leicester Square into Xbox One Square with a glowing, green nexus and fan festivities throughout the day. In New York, zombies, Roman soldiers and jaw-dropping supercars converged on Times Square. As billboards glowed green, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis helped 1,000 fans count down to midnight with an electrifying performance at Best Buy Theater, while thousands more celebrated in Times Square. Across the country in Los Angeles, Hollywood's biggest gamers walked the green carpet and mingled with fans who came out to try Xbox One games and enjoy beats courtesy of deadmau5. Similar spectacular celebrations also occurred in the other Xbox One launch markets.

"We have the best community of gamers around the world, and this was on full display last night," said Marc Whitten, Chief Product Officer, Xbox. "The launch of Xbox One is truly Day One. Today is the beginning of the future of entertainment, and we could not be more proud to deliver Xbox One to fans around the world."

All-in-one games and entertainment system

Xbox One brings together the best games, the best multiplayer experiences through Xbox Live and the hottest entertainment offerings in a system built to deliver best-in-class experiences for the future, today and every day after. The new-generation Kinect offers improved voice and motion control, seamlessly responding to your commands and gestures and making new gaming experiences possible.

Xbox One also brings you the best, exclusive games lineup that won 111 awards at E3, the top industry trade show, including "Forza Motorsport 5," "Dead Rising 3," "Ryse: Son of Rome," "Killer Instinct" and "Zoo Tycoon." In addition, popular third-party blockbusters will be available on Xbox One with early exclusivity for downloadable content in "Call of Duty^®: Ghosts," "FIFA 14," "Battlefield 4" and more. Expect more huge launches as well, with the release of next-generation experiences, such as "Titanfall," "Project Spark" and "Sunset Overdrive" in 2014. For more on Xbox One launch titles, visit http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2013/nov13/11-21XboxOneLaunchGamesPR.aspx.

Thanks to the power of the cloud in more than 300,000 servers, Xbox Live on Xbox One makes gamers better. The multiplayer experience has evolved to include features such as Smart Match, which finds the perfect match for you and is supported by a new community-powered reputation system. Starting with "Xbox Record That," you can also record, edit and share your favorite gaming moments like never before through Game DVR and Upload Studio.^* All these new features mean you get more value for your Xbox Live Gold Membership, which seamlessly transfers over from Xbox 360. Xbox Live remains the place where all your friends play, with more than a decade of high-quality service and 48 million members on Xbox 360 — and they're all invited to jump into new experiences on Xbox One.

"We believe a truly next-generation system must deliver not only incredible games but also all of the entertainment you love in one device," said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of Marketing, Strategy and Business, Xbox. "From your favorite games, to the hottest TV shows, movies and music, to surfing the Web, to Skype conversations with your family and friends, only on Xbox One can you instantly switch between all of your entertainment and snap them together — all with the sound of your voice."

Xbox One's innovative architecture means you no longer have to choose between your games and entertainment. Get multiplayer alerts while you watch TV, and keep watching TV while you play. Snap your NFL fantasy football stats next to the game. Jump instantly from a game to TV, movies, fitness, music, sports, the Internet and Skype video chat with the sound of your voice. With Xbox One, you never have to stop playing to talk to a friend, surf the Web or watch live TV. You also have access to a new generation of TV experiences, and starting in the U.S. and coming to many markets soon, OneGuide will allow you to access your favorite shows, channels, apps or games with the Bing natural language voice search.

Xbox One sells for $499.99 (ERP) in the U.S., and quantities are limited. For the latest on Xbox One availability in your market, visit Xbox.com. For more details about Xbox One, including the full games lineup, visit http://news.xbox.com. For press releases and media assets, visit http://news.xbox.com/media.

 

About Xbox

Xbox is Microsoft's premier entertainment brand for the TV, phone, PC and tablet. In living rooms or on the go, Xbox is home to the best and broadest games, as well as one of the world's largest libraries of movies, TV, music and sports. Your favorite games, TV and entertainment come to life in new ways through the power of Kinect, Xbox SmartGlass and Xbox Live, the world's premier social entertainment network. More information about Xbox can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

 

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

The information contained in this press release relates to a pre-release product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when first commercially released. The press release is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the press release or the information contained in it.

^* Advanced TV hardware required. Initial setup and some games and features require broadband Internet; ISP fees apply. Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately) and/or additional requirements apply for some features, including online multiplayer, Xbox Music, Xbox Fitness, Skype, Game DVR, The NFL on Xbox One and Upload Studio. Game DVR and Upload Studio available in supported games. Multiplayer between Xbox 360 and Xbox One not supported. Kinect voice support only available in supported locales and languages. See http://www.xbox.com/xboxone/kinect-speech-recognition.

Look What We Have Up Our Sleeve Just in Time for the Holidays!

Samsung Canada, leaders of innovation and one of the first to introduce wearable technology to the Canadian marketplace, announced today the expanded compatibility of the GALAXY Gear with the GALAXY S4, GALAXY S4 mini, GALAXY SIII, GALAXY Note 3 (previously available) and the GALAXY Note II. Arriving just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, the GALAXY Gear is the perfect companion for premium GALAXY smartphones, combining smart device connectivity, tailored technological features and stylish design.

"The GALAXY Gear has launched Samsung to the forefront of wearable technology by delivering true innovation beyond what anyone else in the industry currently offers," said Paul Brannen, Senior Vice President, Enterprise and Mobile Solutions, Samsung Canada. "Canadians want technology that helps make their lives easier and more enjoyable, which is why we're excited to extend the compatibility of the GALAXY Gear to our growing GALAXY family of devices."

Combining smart device connectivity, tailored features and an impressive, stylish design, GALAXY Gear is the perfect companion device that enhances everyday life. This device offers a host of features such as Quick Glance to preview messages sent to the phone, Voice Memo to capture important thoughts or conversations from the wrist and Auto Lock, which locks the smartphone screen when it is more than 1.5 metres from GALAXY Gear.

The GALAXY Gear is the perfect companion for:

• The Multi-tasking Mom: The built-in speaker lets busy moms make hands-free calls directly from the Gear, helping them get things done on the go. When in a rush, the Find My Device feature helps users locate their phone instantly by making their GALAXY smart device beep, illuminate and vibrate. Additionally, snapping photos of the kids on the playground is easy with the Memographer feature, a 1.9 Megapixel camera built directly into the Gear.
  
  
• The Trend Setting Fashionista: Make the GALAXY Gear your signature feature. With an understated elegance, refined design and high-quality finishes, GALAXY Gear is more than just a beautiful accessory, it's a game changer. Canada'sfashionistas can personalize the devices with 10 preloaded clock options to complement any style or season. In addition to the previously announced colours (Jet Black, Wild Orange and Oatmeal Beige), the new Mocha Gray colour is perfect for versatility.
  
  
• The On-the-go Professional: Switch things into high gear with the GALAXY Gear. Perfect for the busy professional running from meetings to business dinners, the GALAXY Gear boasts a premium look and feel as well as useful features to help stay organized. Stay on top of important messages while chatting with the boss by glancing at the notifications on your Gear which summarizes all calls, texts and emails. Talk it out with S Voice which allows you to draft notes, create new calendar items and check the weather on the GALAXY Gear directly.
  
  
• The Fitness Fanatic: The GALAXY Gear makes working out more enjoyable with a Pedometer to help track your walking activity using its built-in sensor technology. Whether you are on your daily run, at the gym or walking to work, the Gear will automatically monitor every step. With a quick swipe, users can also control the music played on their Samsung GALAXY device.

Availability:

The GALAXY Gear is currently available on the GALAXY Note 3 and will be available on the GALAXY S4, GALAXY S4 mini, GALAXY SIII and the GALAXY Note II starting on November 29th, 2013 (timing varies by device and carrier/retailer) in Jet Black, Wild Orange and Oatmeal Beige and now Mocha Gray (colour availability varies by carrier/retailer) at the following locations: Bell, Best Buy, Future Shop, London Drugs, Rogers, Samsung Experience Shops at select Best Buy and Future Shop locations, Samsung Experience Store, Tbooth wireless, TELUS, The Source, Videotron, WIND Mobile and WIRELESSWAVE.

Additionally, Canadians who purchase the GALAXY Gear beginning on Black Friday (November 29) through to December 2, 2013 will receive $50.00 off the retail price (MSRP $329.99) at participating carriers and retailers.*

Samsung GALAXY Gear Product Specifications**

Processor	800 MHz processor
Display	1.63 inch (41.4mm) Super AMOLED (320 x 320)
Camera	1.9 Megapixel BSI Sensor, Auto Focus Camera / Sound & Shot
Video	Codec: H.264 Format: MP4 HD(720p) Playback & Recording
Audio	Codec: AAC Format : M4A
Featured Apps	Evernote watch app makes it easy to remember things by quickly capturing images and memories and bringing important reminders right to GALAXY Gear.
	MyFitnessPal tracks your nutrition and exercise, empowering you to achieve your personal health and fitness goals.
	Pocket, the leading way to save web content to view later on any device, brings text-to-speech article playback to GALAXY Gear.
	TripIt from Concur makes it easy to organize travel plans in one place.
	Vivino Wine Scanner allows you to take a photo of any wine and get to know all about it instantly.
Samsung Services	Samsung Apps
	ChatON: mobile communication service
Additional Features	Smart Relay, S Voice, Memographer, Voice Memo
	Auto Lock, Find My Device, Media Controller, Pedometer, Stopwatch, Timer
	2 Microphones (Noise Cancellation), 1 Speaker
Connectivity	Bluetooth® v 4.0 + BLE
Sensor	Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Memory	4GB Internal memory + 512 MB (RAM)
Dimension	36.8 x 56.6 x 11.1 mm, 73.8g
Battery	Standard battery, Li-ion 315mAh

 

*Certain conditions apply. While supplies last.  Available colours may vary. No rain checks. Participating retailers may vary. Offer valid between November 29 and December 2, 2013.

** All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other trademarks and logos remain the property of their respective owners.

About Samsung Electronics Canada

Samsung Electronics Canada offers a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics including televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. The Canadian arm, selected in 2013 as one of Strategy Magazine's Brands of the Year, upholds Samsung's global mission to open new possibilities for young minded consumers everywhere, providing users premium experiences that are unparalleled due to Samsung's innovative technology and stylish design. As a result, Samsung has become a true leader in the consumer electronics industry both in terms of business leadership and brand strength. In 2013, Samsung was ranked #8 in the Interbrand 100 Best Global Brands and was named as one of Marketing Magazine's 2012 Top 10 Marketers of the Year inCanada.

To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Follow Samsung Canada at facebook.com/SamsungCanada or on Twitter @SamsungCanada.

Compass Intelligence Predicts that Tablet PCs will Overtake Laptops as the Dominant Business Computing Platform

Compass Intelligence is proud to announce the release of its latest report on the Global Tablets Market. This new report, authored by J. Gerry Purdy, Ph.D. and Kate Pearce provides a forecast for the market through 2018. The global market for Tablets is expected to grow from 187.5 million units in 2013 to over 525.9 million units in 2018 at an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.9 percent.

There is a major paradigm shift in the mobile and wireless computing market. Consumers and businesses are starting the move from desktop and laptop computing to more mobility-driven solutions such as smartphones and tablet PCs. This shift has captured the attention of countless hardware vendors that want to capture attention and achieve growth objectives in this rapidly expanding market.

"The tablet market is the fastest growing segment of the mobile device market," said Dr. Purdy, Chief Mobility Analyst at Compass Intelligence.  "Tablets are being used more during travel because they are small and light enough to be carried around with you all day. And, they provide a better visual experience than using a smartphone."

"Although the annual growth rate will fall over the next five years, the overall growth shows that that tablets will zoom past PC sales and become second only to smartphones in annual sales", said Kate Pearce, Sr. Strategist at Compass Intelligence and responsible for the forecast.

The research was produced as the first deliverable in the new Mobility Research service at Compass Intelligence. The tablet market forecast takes various external and internal factors into considerations and the Compass Intelligence team has made painstaking efforts to future tablet sales and transitions that are likely to occur in a rapidly changing market.

Highlights from the tablet report:

• The report provides details on the large vendors in the tablet market. Some highlights include:
  • Market share (and forecast) for the tablet market; by vendor, by operating system, and by form factor.
  • Breakdown of the tablet market by region, consumer vs. business, and embedded wireless.
• While providing data about the tablet market and how we foresee market shares and technology changing over the next five years, the value of the report is in the qualitative insights that will help companies in the ecosystem understand how they must advance to survive in this rapidly-evolving market.

It is essential for vendors and service providers to really be nimble to sustain growth in the tablet market. Computing devices are an extension of user's personalities and traits and understanding these trends can help companies succeed in the diverse global market.

To order the report or get more information, please contact Gerry Purdy ([email protected]).

 

About Compass Intelligence

Compass Intelligence, a market analytics and consulting firm, specializes in strategy acceleration and insights for the high-tech and telecom industries while providing clients tailored services through excellent customer support. Compass Intelligence provides executive insights, market sizing/modeling, competitive analysis, strategic consulting, and expert recommendations on multiple markets. Visit us at http://www.compassintelligence.com.  Follow Compass Intelligence on Twitter at @CompassIntel.

MetroPCS Introduces Samsung Galaxy Mega, Supersizes its Lineup with New 6.3-inch Smartphone

Consumers deciding between a smartphone and a tablet now have the best of both worlds with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Mega™ from MetroPCS, a brand of T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE:  TMUS). The Galaxy Mega brings the convenience of a smartphone together with the display power of a tablet for as low as $349 plus tax, after instant rebates, making it easily affordable to have a phone and computer in one without paying the price for both. The smartphone will be available on November 25 in MetroPCS stores and online, including in 15 new MetroPCS markets that are launching today, giving even more consumers access to nationwide 4G LTE at a tremendous value.

Riding on T-Mobile's nationwide 4G LTE network, the new Galaxy Mega can be paired with any of MetroPCS' affordable unlimited data, talk and text service plans starting at just "$40, period" – taxes and regulatory fees included. Consumers in all 45 MetroPCS markets will be able to take advantage of MetroPCS' unlimited no annual contract wireless service and great phones like the Galaxy Mega to get even more from their wireless service.

"MetroPCS wants consumers to get the most for their money, and by eliminating the need and cost of two separate devices and delivering a premium 4G LTE mobile experience for as low as $40 a month, we're providing quality and value in a mega way," said Tom Keys, COO and executive vice president of MetroPCS. "The Galaxy Mega offers a large screen experience on-the-go with the portability of a smartphone and the larger viewing display of a tablet and we're delivering it on an advanced nationwide 4G LTE network."                                                                                            

To celebrate the holiday season, MetroPCS will offer a $100 instant rebate on the Samsung Galaxy Mega's $499 price tag at launch, so consumers can walk out with a great phone for just $399 plus tax. New customers purchasing the Galaxy Mega in-store can also take advantage of an additional $50 instant rebate, dropping the price even more to the low cost of $349 plus tax. Both rebate offers are available for a limited time and are a part of MetroPCS' holiday promotion that starts today.

With a 6.3-inch HD Super Clear LCD screen, the Galaxy Mega packs a number of innovative features Samsung Galaxy users have come to expect into its sleek body, including:

• A 1.7 GHz dual-core processor delivers quick application response and smooth video playback.
• The 8 megapixel rear camera with flash and 1.9 megapixel front camera let users choose the best shooting mode for every photo, including panorama for beautiful landscapes or Drama Shot™ to capture action.
• 1080p video recording and playback with plenty of screen room let users see all the details.
• WatchON™ allows users to control their television using the Galaxy Mega as a remote control. Users can share content from the Galaxy Mega to a TV effortlessly, as well as look for something to watch in a new way that lets them browse by genre, search by title or receive recommendations based on their interests.
• Multi Window takes advantage of the large screen to have more than one window open at a time, so users can view two different apps at once. For instance, taking notes while watching a video or looking up an address in Google Maps while reading a text or email.
• Multi Window™ makes multitasking simple by placing videos, applications and other information all across the same screen – a great benefit of a sizeable screen.
• Air View™ lets users preview content like email, photos and video just by hovering a finger over the screen.
• The robust 3200 mAh battery keeps entertainment and the crystal clear screen powered for extended use on a single charge.

Today's brand expansion into 15 new markets brings MetroPCS' plans and services available to value-conscious consumers in 45 total markets across the country. All markets also have access to T-Mobile's advanced nationwide 4G LTE network and legacy markets have seen average 4G LTE data speeds up to 7X faster than previously experienced.

For more information, please visit:
Details about the Samsung Galaxy Mega: www.metropcs.com/samsunggalaxymega 
Details on rate plans and service features: www.metropcs.com/plans 
MetroPCS Terms and Conditions of Service: http://www.metropcs.com/terms  
Press resources: www.metropcs.com/presscenter  
Follow MetroPCS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/metropcs 
Become a fan of MetroPCS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/metropcs  
View MetroPCS' latest videos: www.YouTube.com/metropcs

Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy Mega, WatchOn, Drama Shot and Air View are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.

About MetroPCS

MetroPCS provides the freedom and convenience of unlimited, no-annual-contract wireless services on an advanced nationwide 4G LTE network for a flat rate. With MetroPCS, customers get great value and a wide variety of device choices from leading brands. A flagship brand operated by T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: "TMUS"), MetroPCS products and services are available online and across the United States through a network of company-owned stores, authorized dealer locations, and leading national retailers. For more information, please visit www.metropcs.com.

iQi Mobile Wireless Charger for iPhone Reaches $30k Indiegogo Campaign Target 10 Days Early with Remarkable Success

Fonesalesman reports excellent response to its Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the iQi Mobile Wireless Charger for the iPhone by reaching their $30k mark just 10 days shy of their target date. So far, over 520 funders have risen to support the campaign to bring the conveniently streamlined charging system to market in time for Christmas. Clearly filling a need for iPhone users, the iQi Mobile simply plugs conveniently through the lightning connector, and seamlessly disappears into the back of any soft protective case. The size of a credit card and Qi compatible, the wireless charging receiver, when placed on charging pad, like the Koolpuck Charger, produces power for the iPhone 5, 5C, 5S or iPod Touch (5G) wirelessly.

"The response we've received really doesn't come as a shock because the iQi Mobile is what every iPhone user with a new iPhone needs for wireless charging.  Being only 0.5mm thick, the product is revolutionary. There is virtually no addition to the streamlined look or feel of the iPhone once our product is added," said Bavan Palasanthiran, founder of Fonesalesman and designer of iQi Mobile. "We want to keep the momentum and continue to expand our offerings of wireless products. The market has shown us there is a huge interest in wireless charging."

The campaign showed early signs of success by selling out of their Early bird perks. And to ensure they continue to meet the demands, a new stretch goal of $50k has been set and all bundle perks will get a free iPhone 5/5S crystal clear case.

Fonesalesman is based in London, UK and is a leading supplier of innovative wireless charging systems.  The company supplies Koolpuck Charger, Koolpad, The Thinnest Qi Wireless Charging Receiver Card for Samsung's Galaxy S4, as well as their newest product, the iQi Mobile for iPhone.  

For more information about Fonesalesman, visit http://www.fonesalesman.com.

To make an investment in the iQi crowdfunding project visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/iqi-for-iphone-seemless-wireless-charging-for-iphone/x/1757393

To watch a video about the product on YouTube click on http://youtu.be/S_gAnsLDJ-w.