PRESS RELEASE
(3rd June, 2014) Currys & PC World, the UK's leading specialist electrical retailing and services company, is launching new SMART Tech zones in five of its biggest stores (Staples Corner, Thurrock, Cribbs Causeway, Stockton, J9) - the first of their kind in the country. The areas will be divided by four category pillars: Smart Home, Smart Health, Smart Watches and Smart Gadgets, providing consumers with a new hands-on experience allowing them to test the most innovative and cutting edge products in one dedicated retail space.
Customers to the stores will be transported into the future of technology as they are immersed in brand new products from some of the leading names in innovation technology, including Heatmiser, Jawbone, NetGear and Sphero. Visitors will be able to get a feel for how the gadgets work and how they reflect the ever-growing need for ‘connected' products that link the mobile world we live in with the technological essentials we desire.
Katie Bickerstaffe, Dixons Retail UK & Ireland CEO, said: ""The future is here, right now, and it's connected. Our new SMART Tech offering aims to create a fresh and inspiring in-store experience for customers that showcases major advancements in connected consumer technology. We know that our customers are looking for convenience and have an ever-growing need for connected products that they can access remotely, as well as the latest gadgets, and these innovative zones offer just that. Backed by our colleagues' expertise and comprehensive support services, including installation, they create a new and refreshed way for people to find out what's on offer and determine the right products for them."
Not only will consumers be able to experience the SMART Tech offering in-store, backed by specially trained colleagues, but a new, dedicated space will be visible on the Currys & PC World websites (www.currys.co.uk/smarttech and www.pcworld.co.uk/smarttech) where online browsers can explore detailed product information.
About some of the products the SMART Tech Zones have to offer:
Jawbone
Jawbone has created the UP System - allowing you to understand how you eat, move and sleep through a wristband so you can make smarter lifestyle choices. The wristband connects wirelessly to a new app, UP24, available on iOS and Android, displaying movement and sleep data, delivering key insights, celebrating milestones, and challenging you to make each day better.
Heatmiser
Neo by Heatmiser allows consumers to control the heating of their home directly from their smartphone or tablet providing better efficiency. Featuring ‘Control From Anywhere' functionality Heatmiser's ‘neoStat' thermostats are fitted into each room and contain a built-in frost protection feature as well as a programmer that can be controlled remotely so your home is at the right temperature for when you arrive there. What's more, adding additional neoStats throughout the home provides multi-zone heating control which can be controlled individually from the neoApp. Neo uses Mesh networking technology to send communication data around the home offering a more robust system than a standard RF system.
Martyn Kay, CEO of Heatmiser says: "Heatmiser offers products that aim to help people in their day-to-day lives. In a world where we are working longer hours, travelling more, and connecting through mobile networks, it is important to offer a service that helps life be more practical. Seeing is very much believing and we understand that giving consumers an opportunity to get a feel for the product will help them make the right choice of purchase."
Sphero
Sphero is a robotic ball and unlike any other game you've seen before. It's a robotic ball gaming device that you control with a tilt, touch, or swing of your smartphone or tablet. Powered with a new engine, Sphero 2.0 is capable of rolling at speeds of up to 7 feet per second meaning users will be able to enjoy games at a new level. With over 30 apps now available for Sphero, you'll never run out of ways to play. Sphero is compatible with iOS 4.0+ or Android devices with operating system 2.2+.
Netgear VueZone
Netgear VueZone is a video system that allows you to keep an eye on things at home or at work whilst you are out and about. Connected to your smartphone, tablet or computer VueZone transmits footage from completely wireless cameras so you are able to check on everything from the kids to the safe delivery of parcels. What's more the night vision capability means you will be able to see and detect motion in total darkness using the included infrared lamp, for total peace of mind.
For further information visit www.currys.co.uk/smarttech and www.pcworld.co.uk/smarttech
About Currys & PC World:
Currys & PC World are part of Dixons Retail plc. Dixons Retail is one of Europe's leading specialist electrical multi-channel retailing and services company, employing some 30,000 people in 10 countries. More than 100 million customers shop with us every year, online and in over 900 Dixons Group stores.
Dixons Retail has built a successful and sustainable multichannel approach to electrical retailing. Focused on the customer, the business offers a comprehensive range of after sales services, including support from Knowhow, the UK's leading provider of technology solutions, support, expertise and repairs.
For more information about Currys & PC World, please visit www.currys.co.uk or www.pcworld.co.uk or www.dixonsretail.com
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