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Slight Q1 Growth For PC Monitor Market, Curved Monitors Surge

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The worldwide PC monitor market recorded 0.5 per cent year-on-year growth in the 2016 first quarter, with curved monitors posting 495 per cent year-on-year growth, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Monitor Tracker.In total, 29.3 million units were shipped in the quarter, the IDC found, with curved monitors capturing a 1.2 per cent market share.

Compared to the previous quarter, shipments were down 5.7 per cent, with Maura Fitzgerald, IDC Worldwide Trackers senior research analyst, stating the IDC expects the market “will continue to decline at rates around 3 per cent year-over-year from 2018 through 2020”.

“However, there should be some pockets of growth along the way, as illustrated by the Middle East and Africa region, which experienced its second sequential gain in a row, recording 3.8 per cent quarter-over-quarter growth in 1Q16,” Fitzgerald commented.

Currently, the IDC forecasts that 114 million PC monitor units will be shipped for the 2016 full-year, and expects to see a 7.4 per cent year-on-year decline in worldwide shipments to 27.1 million units in the 2017 first quarter.

By 2020, the IDC states that “worldwide shipments are expected to be less than 100 million units as the adoption of mobile devices at lower price points is expected to continue”.

Of the top 10 screen sizes, 23.8″-wide and 31.5″-wide screens recorded the largest year-on-year growth at 91.4 per cent and 183.2 per cent, respectively, the IDC found.

The IDC expects monitors with TV tuners to grow 1.3 per cent year-on-year to a 5.7 per cent market share in 2017, up from 5.1 per cent in 2015, led by LG and Samsung with a combined market share of 99 per cent in the category.

Dell maintained its top position in the first quarter, commanding a 16.8 per cent market share, posting 6.1 per cent year-on-year growth, with HP in second position, claiming an 11.7 per cent market share and posting 1.6 per cent growth.

Samsung claimed third position with an 11 per cent market share, posting a year-on-year decline of 13.9 per cent, followed by LG with a 9.9 per cent market share, posting 1.7 per cent growth, and AOC with an 8.8 per cent market share, posting 9.7 per cent growth.

Cash-Averse Aussies Keen On Latest Payment Tech

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New research from PayPal Australia shows that a quarter of Australians now refuse to shop at cash-only businesses.Australians are keen to support small business, with four in five Australians stating that they will support small business wherever possible, however this comes with the proviso that they are equipped with the latest payment technology.

To be competitive, 70 per cent of Australians believe small businesses need to be decked out with the latest payment technology, according to the research.

“Our support for the ‘little guy’ is often at odds with our expectation to be able to pay via whichever method we choose,” Emma Hunt, PayPal Australia director of small business, commented.

“Consumers now expect the same level of technology from their local market stall as they experience at leading retailers, and that level of expectation can be challenging and expensive for Aussie small businesses.”

PayPal is “hoping to bridge that divide” with the local launch of its NFC-enabled PayPal Here Tap-and-Go device, engineered to enable businesses to accept contactless card payments from debit and credit cards on-the-go.

PayPal states preference for chip-and-PIN technology “is rapidly being superseded by tap-and-go”, stating that, when asked for their preference, 71 per cent of Australians cited speed and 69 per cent ease of use as the top factors for using tap-and-go over chip-and-PIN.

PayPal states that on average Australians can save up to three hours and 54 minutes of transaction time every month by only using tap-and-go when making purchases.

Huawei P9 Flagship Smartphone Launching In Oz July 5

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Huawei is bringing its Huawei P9 smartphone to the local market, with the flagship set to launch in Australia from July 5.The P9 will be available through Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Leica Boutique and digiDIRECT.

Huawei states the P9, created in collaboration with Leica, “sets a new standard in smartphone photography”.

Decked out with an “industry-first dual-camera design that unleashes the power of Leica’s optical lenses”, the P9 sports a dual-lens 12 MP camera with RGB and BW sensors, along with laser-assisted focus.

Sporting a 5.2″ full-HD display, the P9 is powered by Huawei’s latest Kirin 955 chipset, runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, using the Huawei Emotion UI 4.1 interface, comes with fingerprint recognition and is equipped

with USB Type-C connectivity.

Huawei states a virtual-triple-antenna architecture provides “for robust and seamless connectivity to cellular and Wi-Fi networks”.

“As Australians increasingly rely on their smartphones to capture life’s important events, mobile camera technology needs to keep pace,” Marc Di Giacomo, Huawei Australia head of consumer marketing, commented.

“By leveraging Leica’s market-leading lens technology, the P9 provides mobile photographers with an unmatched experience of clarity, richness and authenticity in a powerful smartphone that looks and feels incredible.”

Sporting a brushed metallic finish, available in titanium grey with 32 GB onboard storage, the P9 will be priced at $799 RRP.

Netgear Introduces 4×4 Wave 2 AC Wireless Access Point

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Netgear has added to its business 802.11ac wireless product portfolio, introducing the ProSAFE Premium 802.11ac 4×4 Wave 2 Wireless Access Point (WAC740).Netgear states that the controller-managed WAC740 “delivers high performance with maximum client density for enterprises and organisations requiring ubiquitous and reliable wireless for all business applications, especially seamless video streaming”.

Based on Wave 2 802.11ac Wi-Fi, it operates with MU-MIMO, delivering “more efficient use of RF spectrum frequency and capacity”, capable of achieving combined throughput up to 2.3 Gbps, 600 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz channel and 1.7 Gbps at 5 GHz.

Netgear states that Wave 2 802.11ac Wi-Fi also provides “more robust signal encoding for improved signal integrity, and supports a fourth data stream for greater performance and more reliable wireless coverage”.

The WAC740 comes with integrated 802.3at Power over Ethernet (PoE+) support or a power adaptor as an accessory, with it capable of operating either with two bonded 1G Ethernet connections or with its single multi-gigabit 2.5G Ethernet port, which when connected to a 2.5 Gbps-capable switch “allows the Wi-Fi to reach its full potential through a single wire”.

“This solution eliminates the bottlenecks associated with standard gigabit Ethernet, where the throughput is capped at 1 Gbps with a single port – thus allowing easier wiring installation while still achieving high performance,” Netgear states.

Up to 600 WAC740 access points can be configured and centrally managed through a single management dashboard, with a selection of Netgear wireless controllers for small to mid-size to large-size deployments.

“Our customers are looking for ultra-robust, reliable wireless solutions that leverage the improved performance enabled by the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, and which make it easy for them to add more users to their networks quickly and in denser deployment scenarios,” Richard Jonker, Netgear vice president of product line management for SMB products, commented.

“Resellers and systems integrators who are searching for cost-effective solutions for their business customers will especially appreciate the overall value offered by our ProSAFE WAC740 Wave 2 Wi-Fi Access Point in terms of performance, scalability, reliability, easy management and warranty coverage.”

Priced at $1,299 RRP, the WAC740 will be available from mid-November.

Further information can be found here.

WAC740 features:

– Premium business-class access point with 802.11ac performance (up to 2.3 Gbps)
– Reliable wireless coverage with four streams of data based on 4×4 (transmit and receive) optimised internal antennas
– MU-MIMO technology enabling maximum client density deployments
– Easy centralised management for multiple access points via Netgear wireless controllers (WC7500, WC7600, WC9500)
– Powered by industry standard 802.3at (PoE+) or DC power inputs
– Multi-gigabit connectivity (2.5 Gbps) allows a single wired connection to a multi-gigabit switch for ease of installation
– Internal or external antennas option for flexible deployment
– Netgear ProSAFE lifetime hardware warranty, lifetime next business day shipping for part replacement and lifetime technical support via online chat where available

LG G5 And Friends Oz Pricing And Availability Revealed

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LG has revealed Australian pricing and availability for its LG G5 smartphone, which is set to land in the local market from May 2.The metal modular-design G5 with an always-on display will be priced at $1,099 RRP, and will be available from Telstra, Optus and Harvey Norman.

Optus and Harvey Norman will be selling the G5 from May 2, with Telstra to be selling it from May 3.

The G5 sports a 5.3″ quad-HD IPS quantum display, and is decked out with two rear cameras, a primary rear 16 MP camera with a 78-degree lens, with optical image stabilisation, and a second 8 MP 135-degree wide-angle camera, along with a front 8 MP camera.

It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, comes with 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM, 32 GB storage, with microSD capacity of up to 2 TB, and is equipped with a 2,800 mAh battery.

“This is a standout device in the smartphone world, with a unique design, removable battery, innovative camera setup and collection of compatible companion devices,” Gino Casha, LG general manager mobile communications for Australia and New Zealand, commented.

“Everything about the LG G5 has been designed to enable users to have more fun with their phone and give them a new experience –  we think Australian consumers will love the G5.”

A range of LG Friends companion devices are also set to land in the Australian market.

The LG 360 Cam, equipped with two 13 MP wide-angle cameras, allowing users to capture a 360-degree image of their surroundings, will be priced at $399 RRP and will be available at selected Telstra stores from May 3 and selected Optus stores from May 2.

The LG Rolling Bot, equipped with an 8 MP camera, rolling like a ball, capturing images and videos, will be priced at $399 RRP and will be available from June.

The LG Cam Plus camera module, with physical buttons for power, shutter, record, zoom and LED battery indicator, that attaches through the battery slot, will be priced at $129 RRP, available from selected Optus stores from May 2.

The LG Hi-Fi Plus portable Hi-Fi DAC, supporting 32-bit, 384 KHz high-resolution audio playback, which can be used either with the G5 or as a separate Hi-Fi DAC by USB connection to other smartphones or PCs, will be available for $229 RRP at selected Telstra stores from May 3 and selected Optus stores from May 2.

LG states that other distribution channels for its companion devices will be announced at a later date.

The LG G5 Battery Charging Kit will be available for $69.95 RRP at selected Telstra stores from mid-May, with other distribution channels to be announced at a later date.

LG X Power Is Decked Out To Deliver Long Battery Life

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The LG X Power smartphone, designed to deliver long battery life, is launching in the Australian market.The X Power is equipped with 4,100 mAh battery capacity, sporting a 5.3″ HD screen, and measures in at 7.9 mm thick.

PhoneArena in a recent article placed the X Power at the top of its smarthphone battery rankings, with a battery score of 15 hours and 18 minutes (measured by running a custom web-script, designed to replicate the power consumption of typical real-life usage, with test devices’ displays set at 200-nit brightness).

Running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, the X Power is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core (MT6735) processor, comes with 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal memory, with expandable memory via microSD, and is decked out with a 13 MP rear-facing camera and a 5 MP front-facing camera.

The X Power will be ranged in JB Hi-Fi stores across Australia, priced at $349 RRP.

Specifications:

– Form factor: full touchscreen
– Frequency: GSM, HSPA, LTE
– Operating system: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
– Processor: 1.3 GHz quad-core (MT6735)
– Battery: 4,100 mAh non-removable battery
– Fast charging: yes
– Camera: 13 MP rear-facing camera/5 MP front-facing selfie camera
– Internal memory: 16 GB (expandable memory via microSD)
– RAM: 2 GB

Swann Wi-Fi Security Kit Provides Mobile Monitoring

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Swann’s Wi-Fi Security Kit Micro Monitoring System with two day/night cameras and smartphone connectivity provides users the ability to monitor live security footage while away from the home or office.Decked out with 720p HD live viewing and playback, Swann states the system’s “crisp and clear security footage boasts 10 times the image sharpness compared to traditional security systems”.

“Constantly connected and in the palm of your hand, the Swann Wi-Fi Security Kit Micro Monitoring System allows users to view live or recorded video on any smartphone or tablet using the free SwannView Plus app,” Swann states.

“It’s perfect for anyone who is frequently away from their home or office for long periods of time, as the free

app provides users 24/7 access to their properties anywhere in the world, activity triggered push notifications, and peace of mind.”

Designed for easy Wi-Fi connection, users can add another two cameras for full four-channel monitoring, while, equipped with 500 GB of storage, users can add any 2.5″ SATA hard drive for continuous recording.

Swann states the cameras eliminate blurry night images and muted audio, with users able see in the dark up to 15 m with built-in IR cut filters, providing enhanced night vision, and built-in microphones to capture audio.

The Swann Wi-Fi Security Kit is available now at JB Hi-Fi for $699 RRP, and will be available at Harvey Norman from October 1.

Tablet Market To Fall Again In 2016

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Global tablet shipments are set to fall again in 2016, although at a lower rate than last year, according to a new report from Digitimes Research.While global tablet shipments declined 17.9 per cent in 2015, they are on their way to a 4.8 per cent decline this year, Digitimes found, with most brands, with the exception of Microsoft and Huawei, to experience flat growth or a small decline in shipments.

Among other key trends, Digitimes expects a continued declining demand for 7″ consumer price-friendly Wi-Fi tablets and tablets with phone features.

Meanwhile, Digitimes also expects to see the increased popularity of Microsoft’s Surface series and Windows 10, along with slight year-on-year growth for Apple.

Following years of steep growth, the tablet market is now reinventing itself, bringing consumers new product categories amid the emergence of hybrid devices.

Gartner recently forecast that ultramobile (basic and utility tablets) device shipments will decline slightly in 2016, enjoying a slight rise in growth in 2017 and 2018, with hybrid touchscreen 2-in-1 devices to prove a growth area in the PC market.

Following CES in January, Ovum noted that many of the tablets launched at the tradeshow were 2-in-1 devices.

With many tablet models based on Windows 10 launched at CES, including from Dell, HP and Lenovo, Ovum ranked the Samsung TabPro S as “the most surprising announcement”, stating that it is well positioned to compete with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 and Apple’s iPad Pro throughout the year.

Skipping The 6: Galaxy Note 7 On Its Way?

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Will the Samsung Galaxy Note 6, in fact, be the Galaxy Note 7?According to Korean website ETnews, Samsung is set to skip over the “6” in naming its next Note flagship smartphone, instead opting for “7”, which will bring it into line with its other flagship series, the Galaxy S7, released earlier this year.

ETnews reports multiple telecommunications industry representatives as stating that Samsung will go with the Galaxy Note 7 title for its next Note smartphone.

By going with the Note 7, this would not only synchronise the naming of Samsung’s flagship devices, but also serve to reinforce that the Note will be sporting the latest in premium smartphone tech.

“When Galaxy Note 6 that has its model number lower than Galaxy S7, which is the newest model, is released, it can give out a feeling that it is an outdated phone,” ETnews reported a high-ranking representative of the telecommunications industry as stating.

“It is known that Samsung Electronics has made the numbers same to unify a premium image.”

Should Samsung follow a similar timeline to last year, its upcoming Note device will be launched in August.

Amazon Launches Thinnest And Lightest Ever Kindle Oasis

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Amazon has launched its eighth generation Kindle, the Kindle Oasis, its thinnest and lightest Kindle ever.Weighing in at 131 g and 3.4 mm at its thinnest point, the Oasis is 30 per cent thinner on average and over 20 per cent lighter than any other preceding Kindle, sporting a featherweight polymer frame plated with metal by structural electroplating.

The Oasis is designed to shift the centre of gravity to the reader’s palm, with Amazon stating that it rests in the hand “like the spine of a book so that the device feels balanced for one-handed reading”.

Pages can be turned with either the touch display or physical buttons, and a built-in accelerometer detects whether the reader is reading with their left or right hand, automatically rotating the page and page turn buttons to match.

The Oasis is equipped with a dual-battery system, delivering “months of battery life” – when the leather cover is connected, a battery in the cover begins recharging the Oasis automatically, while the device and

cover can be charged simultaneously when both are snapped together and plugged in.

Amazon states that the Oasis is decked out with the “latest-generation high-resolution 300 ppi Paperwhite display for crisp, laser-quality text”.

“A redesigned built-in front light features 60 per cent more LEDs for our brightest Kindle display ever and leverages new cylindrical diffractive patterns to increase the consistency and range of screen brightness for improved reading in all types of lighting,” Amazon states,

“The new Paperwhite display on Oasis is the first Kindle display designed using a groundbreaking 200 micron display backplane that is as thin as a single sheet of aluminium foil, but is robust enough for you to throw in your bag and take with you on-the-go, combined with a custom cover glass engineered from chemically reinforced glass.”

Priced at $449 RRP, the Oasis is available for pre-order from Amazon and Officeworks, with Amazon stating that it will start shipping in the coming weeks.