NR 1 - 2018 CONTINEW A STEP INTO THE FUTURE Bluetooth 20 years young Trend: Wireless Charging The future of Face ID New: Mixed Reality
Matt has been working in the promotional CONTINEW CONTRIBUT0RS market for over 20 years and prides himself with being up to speed on the latest technological developments. His enthusiasm for the tech industry is very contagious. He loves to share his knowledge and spreads the word in different media on a regular basis. Matt Pluckrose PROMOTIONAL GADGET EXPERT TechGirl.nl is the go-to technology website for women, created by Anke Horstman. TechGirl is proof that a tech website for women really doesn’t mean that every smartphone should be pink, but that style awareness is key. Here you will find everything about technology, media and lifestyle. #techgirl: the new #fitgirl Christel Slagt EDITOR Anke Horstman TECHGIRL.NL ContiNEW Magazine is a publication of INTRACO TRADING BV. www.intraco.nl info@intraco.nl www.linkedin.com/company/intraco-trading-bv www.facebook.com/intracotradingbv Michel van der Wardt GRAPHIC DESIGN 2 - 3 We Are Gadgets 4 - 7 20 years of Bluetooth 8 - 9 Biometric authentication 10 - 11 The Kooduu 12 - 15 Wireless Charging 16 - 17 Xoopar 18 - 19 Self driving cars 20 - 21 The Square Stereo Set 22 - 23 Mixed Reality 24 - 25 Top 3 energy drainers 26 - 27 Sony 28 - 29 The future of Face ID 30 - 31 Visto 32 - 33 Meet Product Management CONTINEW -1 34 Blaupunkt 35 Valenta 36 - 37 USB Type-C 38 - 39 Edition1 40 Pictar Content
FUTURE I am Mark and “we are GADGETS”! Welcome to the latest edition of ContiNEW, our regular TECH update on what’s happening in the world of technology in general and of course promotional gadgets. I was very pleased to be asked to be the guest editor for this issue and introduce both some of the latest trends to hit our market place and give an insight into one of my main roles within the organisation: managing our global supply chain for the business. Intraco has now been trading for over 25 years and I have been with the business for 18 of these years. I guess you could say gadgets are in my blood! I am so proud of what we have achieved and sometimes amazed at the changes that have occurred over the years. Especially in the last three to fi ve years. I am extremely excited about the future and very lucky to be able to help guide the business in terms of products for the future… the exciting stuff! Following our recent product development trips in the earlier part of the year (Las Vegas, Hong Kong, China and Germany), we are seeing a rapid adoption of many new technologies from giant manufacturers such as Google, Apple and Samsung. Our specialist design and supply partners such as Xoopar, Moyoo and Zens also respond to the current trends rapidly. We are observing an explosion in demand in product areas around home automation, Bluetooth 5, VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), AI (Artifi cial Intelligence), Biometric Authentication, RFID, Face ID and now what’s being called products for “The Internet of Everything“. The pace of change and requirement to be “fi rst to market” makes my role a challenging and exciting one. Sourcing a great and innovative product is one thing. Making sure it is fully compliant and fi t for purpose is a whole different game! My team is spread all over the world and works tirelessly to make sure all the new gadgets we are launching this year meet and surpass the stringent regulations across all our global markets. This means checking and updating each of our “Product Files” several times each year as regulations are updated. Product compliance, social & ethical responsibility and management of the supply chain is probably the biggest single market change I have seen over the years. I am pleased and proud to say we have always put this at the heart of our business philosophy. The team includes a wide diversity of skills. Professionals from many business disciplines which includes product designers, engineers, technicians, stock controllers, buyers, social and ethical auditing professionals, legal advisors, packaging designers and cardboard engineers. We also work with external agencies such as the brilliant Product IP in Hong Kong. They keep us updated on all the latest legislation in our market. Together we make a great team and ensure your brand is protected when you choose one of our items. You can rest assured we have designed the product to last, ensure your logo is reproduced correctly, the product has been made in an ethical manufacturing facility and the product arrives when you expect it to. In summary, we are GADGETS, and therefore we are one of the very few specialists in our area. I hope you enjoy our ContiNEW magazine and I am certainly looking forward to the next 18 years. Warm regards, MARK
Mark van Heesch General Manager
20 years young! Happy Birthday Bluetooth This year marks the 20th birthday of “Bluetooth”. Chances are you use this technology every day for your wireless headphones, speakers, controllers for your game console or maybe even for the wireless transferral of fi les. However, there is much more to it! HISTORY In 1994, the Swedish company Ericsson was looking for a more advantageous manner of connecting a mobile phone with a headset without having to use wires. Simultaneously, the solution had to make a wired connection between a computer and peripherals unnecessary. It was the Dutch Jaap Haartsen from Ericsson who developed the technology under the working title Bluetooth, named after the Viking king Harald Blåtand (Blåtand means blue tooth). It was Harald Blåtand who connected Scandinavia and Europe. As they could not fi nd a better name, Bluetooth became the offi cial name, together with a logo that is based on the H and B in runes. But unlike many other inventions, more parties were working on the similar idea at the same time. And as the market would profi t from having one standard, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba united in the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) in 1998. They worked together on this standard, on a fully ‘open’, royalty-free platform. 4- CONTINEW
20 YEARS OF BLUETOOTH Not long after Bluetooth 1.0 had arrived and even before the end of its fi rst year, Bluetooth SIG consisted of more than 4.000 members. As the Bluetooth standard had to be easily accessible, the team chose a relatively cheap radio technology and searched for a frequency that was available throughout the entire world. That is why Bluetooth is on the 2,4 GHz frequency, which is free for use by ‘Short Range Devices’ such as baby monitors, wireless telephones, microwaves and the (at that time not yet available) Wi-Fi applications. Good got better… Bluetooth 1.0 was designed to compete with the energy-consuming RS-232 cable which was the standard at that time. This brought Bluetooth to a large range of applications with an energy-effi cient aspect. Files were transferred between devices such as computers and mobile phones, images and documents between computers and printers, keystrokes between a keyboard and a computer, etc. At this time… the internet was still only scarcely available (and slow). Bluetooth seemed ideal to sync a PDA and exchange ringtones. Because of the swift development of multiple devices and technologies, Bluetooth has been updated a few times. Time and time again, safety, data speed and the energy-saving aspects were improved. In 2010, Bluetooth 4.0 came out. Thanks to the Low Energy Protocol (LE), this version saves so much energy that Bluetooth opened to the usage of accessories powered by button cell batteries. Think of devices such as Bluetooth headsets for your car or the heart rate tracker from your sports watch. And to the … best! 2016 saw the launch of the latest release with more and more devices equipped with Bluetooth 5.0. It might not come as a surprise: even less energy-consuming, smarter and faster when connecting and transferring between two devices. Another important improvement with Bluetooth 5.0 is the enlargement of the range between devices. The range is over 4 times bigger compared to the previous version. You used to be able to go to a maximum of 200 feet (60 m) depending on the capability of the device. Now you can go to a maximum of 400 feet or 120m. So, if you run upstairs or outside to the garden with your headphones on, your music will not cut out or lose connection to your phone when left downstairs. The increased range together with the enhanced Low Energy Protocol from version 4.0 and a feature that makes it possible for more than two devices to communicate without having to connect fi rst, makes Bluetooth 5.0 a technology with many possibilities. For example, with The Internet of Things, where two devices are connected to the internet and each other via a router. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, these devices can communicate without interference of the internet. And don’t forget about the endless new possibilities in retail, in which ‘Bluetooth beacons’ can notify you about promotions, discounts or other marketing updates concerning products of interest via your smartphone. According to SIG, even the percentage of new cars that are equipped with Bluetooth in 2018 has already grown to 86%. In summary …Bluetooth is not just a passing fashion, it has evolved and continues to do so. It becomes the standard we use for our digital lifestyle. Bluetooth turns out to be ‘a golden oldie’ that can keep up with time… here’s to the next 20 years! Attend shoppers of discounts or other important information about a product via their smartphone CONTINEW -5
BLUETOOTH “SPIN THOSE RECORDS” - WIRELESS - Vinyl is back and playing your LP records is easier than ever: “Just” wireless! Lenco LBT-120BK With this record player from Lenco you can play all your favourite old and new albums via Bluetooth. Simply pair the record player to your home speaker. The feeling of the past, with the technology of today. Simply use the USB connection to easily store your music collection digitally in MP3 format. Perfect for any playlist! This is the ultimate lifestyle gadget to reward your team or customers. 6- CONTINEW
BLUETOOTH 4.1 Bluetooth Sunglasses The perfect 2-in-1 combination of bone conduction technology and Bluetooth. This is a pair of sunglasses which allows you to listen to your music through your skull rather than your ears and even includes a MIC for hands-free calling. An absolute must-have with subtle branding possibilities. BLUETOOTH 4.0 Activity Tracker Premium This activity tracker is equipped with the popular BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY (BLE). BLE is a wireless signal for short distances, has a lower battery consumption and offers a higher data transfer speed than older Bluetooth versions. Most smartphones and tablets have a BLECHIP and are therefore compatible for this activity tracker. The movement tracker in the shape of a bracelet keeps track of all kinds of activities, such as your heart rate, calories burned, number of steps and your sleep. While connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0, you receive notifi cations of incoming phone calls, WhatsApp, Tweets, social media and calendar appointments via vibrations and the screen. Trendy and handy! NEW -7NE
BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION IT AFFECTS US ALL: BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION Anke Horstman Biometrics is to determine the measurable characteristics of living organisms, such as the general body temperature. Nowadays biometrics are known for the way we identify people, like large scale DNA research during criminal investigations or Apple Face ID.
BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION With Apple’s Face ID, Infrared lighting is used to retrieve a good image of a person’s face to unlock a smartphone or tablet. While biometric authentication is increasingly being used, it has been included in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). From Herschel to the mainframe The use of biometrics has grown enormously over the past years. You can unlock your smartphone by simply using your fi ngerprint and you are able to go through customs at the airport by scanning your eye. It may seem very common, but it is still highly advanced technology. However, William Herschel used biometric information in 1858 already to identify employees by their handprint and North American Aviation introduced a signature recognition system back in 1965. These are great examples of biometric authentication, but it was only in the early 80’s that the relation with technology was acknowledged. In that time this concerned the security of big, expensive mainframe computers. It was really something special for expensive devices which were vulnerable for attacks. In the meantime, we have experienced how useful biometric authentication can be. No need to remember codes or change your password repeatedly: you always carry your biometric information with you and within the blink of an eye it will provide you access. It is not something people just started to use on a small-scale before it became this popular. Governments use biometric information for passports and the CIA even used a facial recognition technology to be 95% sure it was really Osama Bin Laden that had been killed. We seem to really trust the use and results of biometric authentication. Hack, hash, encrypt? Biometric authentication is not an issue-free solution. If something happens to your eye, you will not simply ‘get’ a new one. Or if you cut your fi nger, your phone might not fi nd your input trustworthy. And, as often shown in espionage movies: fi ngerprints are everywhere. Your biometric information will probably not get stolen off your wine glass, but they might be hacked via your iPhone. In China it is even easier to steal someone’s identity: Chinese people can unlock each other’s iPhones by means of Face ID, which apparently is not able to make a good distinction in Chinese facial features. Can we do something about this? Thankfully we can, but like securing your home from burglars: no matter how many obstacles you create, if he wants to get in, he will succeed eventually. An option is to hash biometric characteristics, which means you use one-way encryption. Encryption creates a code behind every biometric characteristic. For example, a fi ngerprint is adapted by technology and can be printed just like a barcode. This makes it harder to copy the fi ngerprint. Sounds useful, but it has its cons. Hashing makes it more diffi cult for the owner of the fi ngerprint to be recognised swiftly, as hashing means you must put your fi nger on a scanner even more precisely. A tiny millimetre could confuse the system, especially because the original fingerprint has been adjusted. It is not ideal, but at this moment hashing is one of the best methods of securing and encrypting biometric information. And as the GDPR suggests: if you do not want your (biometric) information to be stored, you always have the right to have them removed. Article 9.1 of the GDPR Processing personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, processing genetic data, biometric data for uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or data concerning a person’s sexual behaviour or sexual orientation is prohibited.
Music Light Cooler
The change that Wireless Charging entails A new, booming product trend is coming: Wireless Charging! And we must act quickly if we want to take full advantage of this trend before mass production starts. Especially now the new Apple iPhone 8 and X can also be charged wirelessly using the worldwide Qi technology. FUN FACT: Check here whether a brand is affiliated with the Wireless Power Consortium: wirelesspowerconsortium.com/member-list 12- CONTINEW
A GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY The time of wireless charging has arrived! New technologies and so-called “game changing” products are not very common in our industry. Looking back over the past years, we have seen a lot of gadgets coming and going, such as mouse pads, memory sticks, digital photo frames, portable power banks and charging cables. These products are usually the result of major developments and changes in consumer behaviour, funded by large companies such as Apple, Microsoft and Google that launch innovative, ground-breaking products, such as the iPod, iPhone, iPad and of course ... the internet. Well, now wireless charging is here! Wireless charging via Qi technology is the transfer of power via electromagnetic induction fi elds, which makes charging cables, plugs and adapters unnecessary. All you need is a Qi charging station (transmitter) and a phone with wireless charging options (receiver). As soon as the device is placed on the station, the phone starts charging immediately. Smart, simple and fast! Wireless charging offers the consumer endless benefi ts and research has shown that a whopping 76% are eagerly looking forward to it. Without Apple entering the market with wireless chargers, Wireless Charging products were diffi cult to embrace for potential customers and our Gifts & Premiums market struggled with this new technology. Marketers were not sure if their premium gift was compatible with the phones of their target audience. This is all changing now, and marketers can be sharp as a knife. This huge increase in popularity also means there are players on the market who offer wireless chargers while they are not affi liated with the Wireless Power Consortium. This does not only result in products with lower market quality, but also to potentially dangerous products. We remember the moment when the popularity of power banks increased, which led to cheap products and poor global market quality; a number of these products were literally caught on fi re. Safety has always been important but has become even more important nowadays. THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF WIRELESS CHARGERS: 1. Qi certifi ed products; from manufacturers or brands affi liated with the Qi Wireless Power Consortium these products stop charging if overheating is perceived, to ensure safety. 2. Qi standard products; products that are not certifi ed but comply to the standards and requirements of the Qi consortium. However, while there is a lack of control, the quality of this category is diffi cult to determine. 3. Non-Qi standard; these products are not manufactured according to the Qi standard and are therefore extremely dangerous since there is no security regarding overheating. Smart, simple and fast charging via Qi technology The total global market for wireless chargers is expected to grow to 1 billion users by 2020, according to IHS. This is the time to embrace this new technology, to explore this subject and take advantage of this incredible “game changer”. CONTINEW -13 (Source IHS: https://www.computerworld.com/article/3229750/mobile-wireless/is-wireless-charging-bad-for-your-smartphone.html)
CHARGED, ONLINE AND CONNECTED ZENS IS THE FIRST TO LAUNCH A SERIES OF WIRELESS CHARGERS WITH APPLE FAST CHARGING ZENS, pioneer and developer of innovative wireless charging solutions, launches three new Qi certifi ed wireless chargers with Apple fast charging that all meet and even exceed most stringent consumer requirements. These wireless chargers offer the fastest way to charge the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. Wherever you are, with these products you always stay charged, online and connected. Apple fast charging The Apple iOS update 11.2, available since Dec 2017, supports fast charging for the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X with wireless chargers based Qi technology. This new range of ZENS products cr an effi cient and simple way to charge iPhones at home or in the offi ce quickly and wirelessly. c ased ZENS Ultra-Fast Wireless Charging Stand optimised for Apple iPhone ZENS Single Ultra-Fast Wireless Charger optimised for Apple iPhone An empty battery, never again! The ZENS Single UltraFast Wireless Charger is easy to use, durable and designed to charge a single device anywhere at any time. The charger supports both Apple and Samsung fast charging and offers a maximum transition power of 15W. The ultra slim, timeless and modest design makes it the perfect wireless charger for at home or at the offi ce. Simply connect the charger to the enclosed EU / UK / US plug and the charging begins. ZENS Ultra-Fast Wireless Charging Stand optimised for Apple iPhone The ZENS Ultra-Fast Wireless Charging Stand supports both Apple and Samsung fast charging. With a 15W output, this is currently the fastest way to charge your phone. Thanks to the adjustable design you can easily switch between a standing and horizontal charger. The charger works with all phones that support Qi wireless charging and functions perfectly with a phone case around the phone. ZENS Dual Ultra-Fast Wireless Charger optimised for Apple iPhone Multiple mobile phones in use? The ZENS Dual UltraFast Wireless Charger is the ideal charger for charging two phones quickly and effi ciently at the same time. This charger supports both Apple and Samsung fast charging and offers a maximum transition power up to 30W (2x15W). Perfect if you have a separate work phone or to share with your loved ones. The charger has an EU / UK / US plug. Simply attach it to the charger and the charging begins. 14- CONTINEW
CHARGED, ONLINE AND CONNECTED GOOD TO KNOW All ZENS products are Qi certifi ed. ZENS Single Ultra-Fast Wireless Charger optimised for Apple iPhone ZENS Dual Ultra-Fast Wireless Charger optimised for Apple iPhone ZENS is the innovative specialist for wireless charging. For over 7 years, ZENS has dedicated itself to the development, production and marketing of a wide range of wireless charging solutions for both companies and consumers. With R&D in Eindhoven, production facilities in Asia and sales all over the world, ZENS is a worldwide category leader in the fi eld of wireless charging. NEW
WIRELESS CHARGING THE FUN & EDGY WAY Joy in Technology The award-winning tech gadget supplier Xoopar also responds to this trend and launches 2 brand new Wireless Charging models. GEO DOCK The sexiest fast wireless charger for all Qi enabled phones 7.5 to 10 Watt Fast Charging, compatible for Apple and Android smartphones With this model, Xoopar expands its Geo range consisting of a speaker, mouse and power bank. Strengthened by its typical patented Geo light, this range is a dream team for any offi ce. DUO WIRELESS CHARGER Next level foldable design with photo frame style logo area and USB port 5 to 10 Watt Fast Charging, compatible for Apple and Android smartphones As always, Xoopar challenges the industry with this unique wireless charging model which allows to charge one additional device at the same time and extra-large Full Colour logo area. 16- CONTINEW
Joy in Technology XOOPAR BOY STEREO (X5) UNLEASH SURROUND SOUND Xoopar brings you another fun item, the Xoopar Boy Stereo. Combine amazing sound quality with stereo pairing. The Xoopar Boy Stereo’s lighting body provides a one-of-a-kind music experience and brings music to life from your smartphone, computer or TF card. An incoming phone calls? Thanks to the built-in microphone you can easily make hands-free phone calls. A must-have TWS home speaker!
TECHNOLOGY IS FASTER THAN LIGHTNING It is no longer just about driving in a self driving car Anke Horstman The TECH giants such as Google and Tesla are not there yet when it comes to fully autonomous driving cars, but the ground work is done. Self-driving cars currently remain within the lines and slows down when its predecessor does so but there is so much more to it than this. Let’s review some of the issues facing the manufacturers, governments and of course consumers. When can we expect fully autonomous cars? Currently it is still very important that the driver pays close attention behind the wheel. The self-driving car is not intelligent enough yet to realise it must brake for a red traffi c light. And it does not yet know whether you want to go left to get to your destination. It is still a matter of steering and intervening yourself. In fact, the car literally demands that you regularly keep your hands on the wheel, which serves as feedback that you are really alert. Technically speaking, we are not that far, that we can let the car do whatever it is programmed to do. Legally, there any many issues to consider. If we would make a car responsible for a safe drive, is the car also accountable for damage or even worse outcomes? Worldwide we see the trend of insurers, governments and lawyers looking into what is and is not feasible in this matter. Technology is faster than lightning Multiple car manufacturers have shown they are well advanced in the development of their self-driving cars, including all peripherals necessary. By placing sensors in traffi c, a car can easily recognise when it is approaching traffi c lights or a priority road. And with the arrival of 5G, cars can retrieve real-time information with minimal latency meaning the future of autonomous cars looks exciting. But what if self-driving cars really do bring us from point A to point B in the future, without you having to pay attention and interfere? If only 18- CONTINEW
TECHNOLOGY IS FASTER THAN LIGHTNING “Comfort” comfort comfort entering a destination address would be enough? What will be left to consider when wanting to purchase a car? Comfort, comfort, comfort In the past, you would demand your car to steer smoothly or to have a clear view from all windows and mirrors. In the future this will be less important when making your purchase decision. Comfortable seating remains important. However, entertainment will become a much more important argument in the buying process of a self-driving car. Consumers want to spend their travel time in a fun or productive and useful manner, as of now they just must sit and wait until they reach their destination. How people want to be entertained will depend on regional and cultural differences whether it is watching a movie or working while on route. Reading a paper book is perhaps becoming a little “old-fashioned”, while reading an e-book in the pop-up refl ection of the car window is much more advanced. Charging your smartphone will simply be a matter of placing it on the wireless dock in the car. And searching for information will be conducted via the built-in, smart speakers linked to the internet via Wi-Fi, which empower the user to make use of their own Android or iOS software. It comes as no surprise that software will increasingly be used as one of the major decision-making reasons for buying or not buying a car. Hardware and software cannot exist without each other in this world of unlimited possibilities and consumers know it. CONTINEW -19
EXPERIENCE TRUE STEREO SOUND AND PROMOTE YOUR BRAND WITH THESE AMAZING MINI SPEAKERS This wireless power duo is small in size, but produces a market beating sound with bass and clarity. Simply pair the TWS speakers to enjoy a high quality 3W stereo sound. With a subtle engraved logo, this compact set looks amazing on any desk and makes for the perfect gift set!
“SMALL SIZE, IMPECIBLE STEREO SOUND“
THERE’S A NEW KID IN TOWN Anke Horstman The world we live in will become a huge game Watch out! There’s a new kid in town: Mixed Reality (MR). Forget about Virtual and Augmented Reality, because those technologies are hopelessly outdated when looking at their successor...
THERE’S A NEW KID IN TOWN VR glasses take you to a whole other dimension VR, AR, SR, MR, huh? So many applications, so many names. VR, AR and MR all belong to Reality technologies, but there are quite some differences when we compare the many different features of them all though... Virtual Reality (VR): we all know it. You put on VR-glasses and suddenly you are in a totally different dimension. You are watching a movie in which you can walk around through a specifi c scene. Only up to a certain level though, while the playing fi eld is not infi nite. Moreover, the space is mostly limited to a few square meters. Augmented Reality (AR): Augmented Reality is extremely useful for marketing purposes or to educate children. A smartphone scans a QR code that belongs to a custom developed AR app. Your company’s AR app for example. The user does not just see the reality through the camera of his smartphone, he also receives extra information. This can be textual, or a (moving) graphic. It can be anything, as it is a layer on top of reality. Sensory Reality (SR): this technology combines Virtual Reality with a scent and orientation experience. VR-glasses take you to a whole other dimension. The cabin you are sitting in spreads a scent and warmth that reminds you of a tropical island for example. This might be the next step in going on a vacation. Too bad this technology is not quite ready to be applied in the real world. Mixed Reality (MR): Mixed Reality seems to combine AR and VR, but it goes a lot further than that. The user (usually) puts an MR-kit on and looks through the glasses. (You stay in the real reality, just like AR). However, you can fully adapt this world to your liking. That means you can make a virtual world of your own real world and make real-time adjustments. Let’s take a closer look at that: What are the advantages of MR? Mixed Reality belongs to one of the possibilities we can implement in our business life. These are a few practical examples in which Mixed Reality could function perfectly: • Suppose your leg is broken and you are unable to go to work, but you would like to join a meeting with your colleagues face to face. If everyone puts on their MR glasses, they can virtually take a seat on your sofa. You can look each other in the eye, even though you are not actually in the same room together. • What if you wish to decorate a new store, but you have no clue if ten wooden shelves would look better than ten metal ones. Put your MR goggles on while you are in the building and you can get the images of the wooden shelves off the internet real-time in the store. Place them against the wall and decide what suits you best. Not satisfi ed? No problem, you can easily remove them and mix it up. • Another excellent example of Mixed Reality is the APP of paint brand Flexa that allows you to visualise colours in your home directly using the APP and the camera of your smartphone. • The last example: a customer walks past your store while wearing his MR glasses. How amazing would it be if he could see which products you have on offer on the inside from the outside? Without having to visit your website, it can be visualised in a hologram that pops up in the MR glasses. Soon more and more (small) businesses will make use of the power that MR brings. It is the ideal way of looking at products and testing them before starting an expensive production line. And when consumers are fi nally ready for a Google Glass-like product, there are many great opportunities of advertisement in the glasses based on geocaching. Mixed Reality, here we come! CONTINEW -23
HELP TOP ENERGY DRAINERS We have all been there… Exactly when you need your smartphone the most, the battery lets you down. Too bad you don’t get to make that unique movie you wanted to post on social media. You did not arrive at your destination yet and you’re not getting anywhere without your GPS? Or a truly urgent matter while you had to make that important phone call with your boss? Panic arises! But what are the biggest smartphone battery drainers and what can you do to prevent situations like these? 1. Video & Music streaming Videos and music unfortunately harms the battery of your phone the most. Understandably, you want to keep entertained by your favourite series, videos and playlists while on the road or at home, but please consider that you are consuming a load of energy from your phone. The 6,000 mAh Xoopar PowerBoard including silicone band and mini USB-C, Micro-USB and Lightning cable can provide you with a power boost. anytime, anywhere. 24- CONTINEW
ENERGY DRAINERS 2. Running background apps Mobile apps you do not actively use but run in the background keep sending notifications on a regular basis. These apps can be just as energy draining as the apps you use! With this ultra-strong power bank with 10,000 mAh at hand you will never have to worry about an empty battery again. 3. Searching for an active signal Are you an active smartphone user and on the road a lot? Chances are your smartphone is constantly looking for an active Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GPS signal. As soon this is enabled in your phone, your battery may drain faster than you would wish for. That is why you should try this credit card sized, ultra slim power bank that can provide you with just that extra bit of power when in need. CONTINEW -25
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Whether you’re at work, rest or play, choose Sony for the very best in style and sound. CONTINEW -27
WHAT IF YOUR FACE IS A TRIGGER? We are all getting used to the idea of facial recognition. Where it used to be digital cameras that would fi nd the position of your face and what to focus on, now this technology has upgraded immensely. Think about it, you can pay for things by simply using Face ID. What can we expect in the future? From barcode to RFID and Face ID We are familiar with barcodes. You put your groceries on the conveyor-belt and the cashier scans the barcode of each product. After that you put your groceries in your shopping cart and you pay for the scanned items. As it may sound like a diffuse system, it is much more advanced than having to memorise all product prices separately. While only a small amount of information can be stored on a barcode, it can be called old-school anyway. Radio Frequency Identifi cation (RFID) is a much more advanced technology. These are very small chips that can be scanned from a distance. Depending on the type of RFID chip, it can channel a signal on its own. This practical example will give you a better idea of what this technology entails: Chances are you use it daily: a debit card which allows proximity payments, enabled by the RFID chip inside of the hardware. When you hold your card near a pay terminal that is RFID compatible, the amount will be withdrawn from your account. If you reached your daily limit, the card will make you use your pin code for all other payments that day. Amongst others, entrance badges, keys and public transport chip cards make use of this type of technology as well 28- CONTINEW
THE FUTURE OF FACE ID In the future cashiers will no longer be involved when shopping The latest method of payment is executed via Face ID. In many countries you can pay with Apple Pay nowadays, that uses Face ID for verifi cation. Less known in the Western world is the APP WeChat, that is used by over 902 million people in Asia. In China people literally do everything via their phone. From paying bills to making a hospital appointment, everything is done via WeChat. And guess what: it uses Face ID. Amazon Go From barcode to RFID to Face ID and go on and on. One technology is not even fully adopted before it is replaced already. Amazon proofs we should go with the fl ow with Amazon Go, which combines the best of multiple worlds in one super intelligent concept store. Artifi cial Intelligence, ‘deep learning’ algorithms and (RFID) sensors are all combined. You just grab and go, and everything is transferred from your bank account. Wait, what?! How does this work? Log in via the Amazon Go APP before you walk into the store. Once inside, the cameras keep track of your purchases using a facial recognition software. The APP has checked you in, while it recognises your phone at that location. The products in the store all contain a RFID chip that registers where the product is located, so if you are the one grabbing a bag of crisps, these are automatically connected to your account as you are recognised at the crisps aisle in the store. If you put them back, they will be disconnected from your account, so you do not pay for something you did not take. Amazon calls this the ‘Just Walk Out Technology’ as cashiers are not needed. Check in anywhere anytime with Face ID Amazon Go is a very futuristic store, but the fact that there are six of these stores in the making already, proofs it is a growing concept. But according to Luis Perez-Brava, innovation expert at MIT, we need to “watch out”. In an interview with business magazine Quartz he says “automation in retail results in employees being cut off without good reason. Keep in mind these people are experts for customers that cannot fi nd what they are looking for online. A healthy mixture between online and offl ine service will always be of great value, even if it is just to have a friendly, human face within your store”. CONTINEW -29
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING DOES NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE Visto products protect cyclists, runners and walkers in the dark using high visibility LED’s.
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT CREATIVITY, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE The role of Product Management is a critical one within our organisation. Here we briefly examine and look at the roles of two of our key staff members – Tom and Kirsten. Legislation is becoming ever stricter, supervision is being intensified and the need to stay informed is critical in our area of promotional technology. Managing the product lifecycle and maintaining 100% compliance is a principal part of their job. Especially now technology is developing more rapidly than ever. Management of the supply chain is not all about product detail though. Tom, Kirsten and their team now must consider the wider social, economic and environmental impacts that our products have on the market and globe. Tom and Kirsten spend much of their time analysing the economic and environmental challenges that affect products such as packaging design to minimise waste, recycling opportunities, carbon footprint and shipping economies to name just a few topics for how the product is transported. This is essential, as the demand for sustainable products and manufacturing grows in our daily lives as well. The social and ethical side of our supply chain management is one of the most important factors in our business. At Intraco Trading, we believe in “partnership” throughout the supply chain and to ensure that everyone is treated fairly on a “win: win” basis. Tom is responsible for this 32- CONTINEW side of the team and has a group of people working under him who regularly inspect and audit all our suppliers and manufacturing facilities to ensure fair play for all work done within them. Every product needs to surpass our compliance check and obtain certificates before passing as a potential bestselling item. Intraco Trading has established itself as a specialist in promotional tech gadgets with over 25 years of experience. Being a specialist means we choose our range very carefully and have a panel of experts which include a mix of skills and professionals with product management, sales, senior management and procurement experience. This cross section of people means we
I am Tom I am Kirsten get different perspectives and sometimes don’t always agree! Luckily however, after several meetings we always fi nish up with a wide range of innovative and NEW ideas for next season, including our beloved catalogue. Once the selection team agrees on a new range of products Tom and Kirsten’s job really starts. Good products must appeal to both the consumer and marketer. Many of our items are given as rewards or gifts so the design, colour and presentation are very important. This is Kirsten’s area of expertise and she carefully researches changing trends and fashion to make sure our products are on trend. The use of trim colours, high-end photography and creative and inspiring text is a critical part of the marketing and sales activities of our range. We pride ourselves in this and being a global company, we employ copy writers from around the world to ensure our products are understood and clear in terms of copy, instruction manuals, warnings, catalogue text and website info. We can say that the role of product management is a wide, challenging and complex role which changes daily with no two days being the same. Integral to our organisation we are very proud of our team and delighted they do such a great job! CONTINEW -33
THE BLUE DOT IS BACK! This world-renowned German technology brand has expanded and can no longer only be found in cars. Enjoy a fantastic sound experience at home with a soundbar or headphones with sl And when going out and about, the smart bracelet keeps tr daily performance. pande tic so th sl eps t ded ound l tr
At Valenta they love leather and have one big passion: to create top quality cases that surpass the expectations of customers. The use of first class, genuine leather guarantees long-lasting satisfaction. The aluminium card holder protects your (bank) cards against damage and unwanted RFID-attacks. Every product is handcrafted to ensure a perfect fit and maximum protection. A truly memorable gift. CONTINEW -35
USB TYPE-C THE CONNECTION OF THE FUTURE USB-C is one of the latest connections used on most recently released smartphones, computers, laptops and peripherals. It gradually replaces the older USB types. The port is not only smaller but is an improvement in many other ways in comparison to the USB ports that were used up till now. e these benefi ts for you as a user? e these ben The USB-C connection supports USB 3.1 with a maximum transfer rate of up to 10Gbit per second. This means that USB-C is twice as fast, and you can easily transfer large fi les. The USB-C port is reversible. It does not matter how you plug the connector into the device, it always fi ts. Convenient in the dark. ally all relevant onics companies e changed their andard to USB-C, including big names a on e ch includin such as Apple, Samsung and Microsoft. and Mic 3 USB ports at your disposal. our disposal Multi-usable USB hub including a USB-C port and wireless presenter. 36- CONTINEW
Multi charging cable in combination with a 1,000 mAh power bank USB-C transfers enough power to charge larger devices. That is why in the future you will not only be able to charge your smartphone, but also your tablet and laptop with USB-C. Replace all old devices straight away? This is not necessary. With an adapter cable, adapter or so-called ‘hub’ you can easily connect devices with a different USB type connection to the USB-C device. USB-C adapts to the speed of the older device. In just a few years, chances are you will only need one cable that fi ts all your devices. The USB-C will eventually even replace the well-known HDMI or DisplayPort. USB TYPEC If y ou pla to choose CONTIN Devices with USB-C ports can charge each other. For example, if you connect an Apple MacBook to a Google Pixel laptop, the MacBook will be charged automatically. ou plan to purchase a new device soon, it is advisable to choose USB-C. So you are prepared for the future ... NEW -37
PERSONALISED PACKAGING AND BROCHURES THE POWER OF PERSONALISATION Engaging your customers is essential nowadays. We believe you should listen to their stories and also show them that you are listening. This is where we come in, since we know how to personalise your products and services. Let’s join forces and improve your customer experience, increase your revenue and gain their loyalty. Let them know they are valued. The same way, we’d like to show… that you matter to us. COMING SOON A NEW PRINTING PLATFORM WWW.EDITION1.IO SMALL BATCHES CHOOSE THE AMOUNT YOU LIKE. ONE IS ALWAYS AN OPTION. CREATE IT JUST THE WAY YOU LIKE IT. CREATE A PREMIUM QUALITY PRINTING WITH SO MUCH PRECISION AND LOVE FOR DETAIL. Create a personal catalogue in just a few steps. PRINTED & SHIPPED WITHIN A DAY SO FAST, YOU CAN’T BELIEVE IT ALREADY ARRIVED. 381- CONTINEW Choose your: Design Colours Branding Copy Visuals Content YOU NAME IT. WE MAKE IT.
YOU ARE ONE STEP AWAY FROM PERSONALISED BROCHURES & PACKAGING Our revolutionary printing platform cuts the ridiculous cost of small batch production. That way consumers and companies are enabled to truly get personal in print. At the right price. SIZE DOESN’T MATTER Well, of course it does. Especially if you need seamless packaging. That’s why we always have the size that suits you best. HAVE NO FEAR PERSONALISATION IS (ALMOST) HERE Connect with your users. Nowadays, it isn’t just about the inside anymore. Make sure the packaging becomes part of the experience. IF YOU JUST NEED ONE JUST BUY ONE You never have to buy more than you need. Why? This is simply because we don’t want to leave you with leftovers. SEEN ON THE PSI TRADE SHOW 2018, DÜSSELDORF. COMING SOON Our new personalisation and packaging platform is almost there. Would you like to be the first one in line? Please go to our website edition1.io, subscribe to our newsletter and stay tuned. SALES@EDITION1.IO WWW.EDITION1.IO CONTINEW -2 -39
CAPTURE EVERY MOMENT! Exposure control wheel Smart wheel Shutter release Cold shoe mount Zoom ring Smartphone Selfie button IS SUPPORTED BY MOST IPHONES AND RECENT ANDROID MODELS. 40- CONTINEW
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