Signalling the continued momentum in the tablet market, Samsung has announced the Galaxy Tab 3 8-inch and 10.1-inch.

Designed to be held in one hand, the 8-inch has been designed for viewing videos, playing enhanced games and reading e-books. It has a 1.5GHz dual core processor, runs on the Android 4.2 and has 5MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front facing camera. To help travel and discovery more effortless, the 8-inch features the S Translator, which was debuted in the release of the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Meanwhile the 10-inch is equipped with Intel’s 3G and 4G LTE solutions, and powered by the Intel Atom Z2560 SoC (“Clover Trail+”) platform, which helps deliver double the compute performance and 3x graphics capabilities compared to the previous-generation Intel Atom processors platform. It’s the ideal device for everyday family use and multimedia consumption. It also features a Smart Remote and MHL capabilities so it can be integrated into the household media environment.

“Samsung Electronics Australia can confirm that the Galaxy Tab 3 range will be launching in Australia later this year. We will share more information around the availability of this exciting new range in the coming week,” Samsung Electronics Australia told TT.

Sweat-proof, washable and designed for extra road safety are the key features for Monster’s new range of athlete’s headphones, which includes the iSport Intensity, iSport Victory and iSport Strive.

The iSport Intensity (RRP $129) headphones is the first in-ear headphones to incorporate Monster’s new, patented earpipe design minimising intrusion into the inner ear. This means users no longer have to remove headphones to hear traffic or people speaking to them while working out.

Next is the iSport Victory (RRP $189) headphones that have been designed for comfort with the iSport earhook design, as well as an omnitip for maximum flexibility and fit. It offers superior noise isolation so users can stay focused on intense workouts and extreme outdoor sports without external distractions.

Like the Intensity headphones, the iSport Strive (RRP $99) headphones also sport a striking, bright image with a flexible and super comfortable ear tip. The semi-open design of these in-ear headphones allows users to stay completely aware of their surrounds while still enjoying incredible sound quality.

“The new iSport range is the perfect combination of technology, sound and sport, making them the ultimate accessory for athletes wanting to push themselves to new levels of intensity when training,” Geoff Matthews, CEO of Australian Monster distributor Convoy, said.

“Whether it’s a passion for running, cycling or base-jumping, users of the iSport headphones can enjoy the power of music in their sports sessions – safe in the knowledge they’ll still be able to hear external noise”.

The new range of Monster iSport headphones will be available from Harvey Norman and selected JB HiFi stores in August.

Bose is moving into new audio territory with the imminent launch of a mini Bluetooth speaker and the company’s first in-ear noise cancelling headphones.

Bose Australia director of marketing, Max Sides, told TT, the SoundLink mini speaker and QuietComfort 20 headphones are expected to appeal to younger, mobile customers and product distribution would reflect this.

Sides added that the new lines will receive appropriate advertising support in media channels that efficiently reach a younger demographic.

First to launch is the SoundLink mini Bluetooth speaker that fits neatly into the hand for easy wireless connection to a smart device or tablet. At 680g, the new speaker comes with scratch-resistant anodised aluminium housing and for the first time carries discrete Bose branding on the front of the speaker grille. Inside are a number of what the company said were engineering advancements that include two passive radiators to reproduce the lowest low notes. These are driven by new custom-designed, high efficiency Bose transducers that claim to move twice the air as conventional same-size transducers to deliver clear mid and high frequencies. The speaker is easy to pair and play and the six most recently used Bluetooth devices can be stored in memory, eliminating the need to pair again. The SoundLink mini speaker comes with a charging cradle, rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to seven hours of listening, plus accessory soft covers in orange, blue and green and a travel bag. RRP for the speaker is $249, covers are $29.95 and the travel bag is $54.95. The speaker and accessories will be launched on July 1.

Following a month later are the QuietComfort 20 noise-cancelling headphones, designed to shut out the world and keep connected.  There are two tiny microphones in each ear bud, one senses  approaching sound and the other measures the sound inside. These measurements are then sent to a digital electronic chip, claimed an industry first, that calculates an equal and opposite noise cancelling signal said to be within a fraction of a millisecond. (The demonstration at the launch certainly confirmed these noise reduction claims.) Users can choose to block out noise or, with the push of a button, switch to new ‘aware’ mode which keeps the music playing but allows surrounding noise to be clearly heard, without having to remove the headphones. The rechargeable battery provides about 16 hours of power and when the battery is depleted or power is turned off, the music plays on.

The headphones come with an integrated inline microphone and controls for taking calls. Available in two models, QC20 for most Android, Windows and BlackBerry phones and the QC20i for selected iPhone, iPad and iPod models, retailing at $399.

This year’s Good Food & Wine Show will mark some significance for Fisher & Paykel as they prepare to launch their new 60cm built-in oven range at the event.

The 60cm built-in oven will sport a 77 litre capacity, which is 30 per cent larger than traditional European ovens. It is also smart thanks to the ActiveVen System, used in conjunction with up to 11 cooking functions, optimises the balance between excellent cooking performance, condensation management and energy consumption.

Its OB60SL11 models (RRP $2699) is even smarter. It cleans up after itself with a pyrolytic self-cleaning function. Meanwhile the non-pyrolytic OB60SL9 model (RRP $1799) has catalytic liners that break down oil and fat splashes for easy cleaning. The catalytic liners are optional for the OB60SL7 model ($1299).

All three models are finished in black reflective glass and stainless steel that blends elegant, minimalist aesthetic with design for durability.

“Our visual branding is inherent in all of our new kitchen appliances so consumers can streamline their kitchen design. We have a whole family of kitchen appliances that have been designed to match – from our cooktops, to our ActiveSmart refrigerators, freestanding and built-in ovens, CoolDrawers and DishDrawer dishwashers,” said Fisher & Paykel general marketing manager, Peter Russell.

The new ovens will be on show at Fisher & Paykel’s Good Food & Wine Show stand and at the Celebrity Theatre. It will also be in use at the Fisher & Paykel YUM Kitchen where attendees will be able to sit into a 90 minute cooking class where they will prep, cook and enjoy a two course meal under the guidance of Fisher & Paykel’s cooking school partners.

“We now have a strong network of 11 partner schools across the country so decided to do something different at this year’s Good Food & Wine Show. This is an opportunity to showcase the schools and our appliances to a different audience and engage them in a meaningful hands-on experience,” Russell said.

The Good Food & Wine Show will be held in Melbourne this long weekend, in Sydney on
June 28-30, Perth July 19-21 and Brisbane November 8-10.

The craze now appears to be about providing touch functionality to the latest technology products and Sony Australia is not about to let that go unnoticed launching its new VAIO notebooks and ultrabooks range all featuring a touch screen LCD.

The range includes the VAIO Pro ultrabook, VAIO Duo tablet and PC-in-one, and VAIO Fit and Fit E notebook.

Sony has also confirmed Near Field Communication (NFC), which Sony has branded as ‘one-touch’ connectivity, has been introduced to the entire range enabling users to connect their VAIO to a wide variety of NFC compatible devices with just one touch.

Jun Yoon, marketing Manager, Network Entertainment at Sony Australia said touch is the theme of Sony’s new VAIO range.

“Having a touch screen on every VAIO enables users to have the best experience of any Windows 8 device,” he said.

“Combined with technologies such as TRILUMINOS Display and X-Reality, Sony is able to continually produce best-in-class products like the VAIO Pro – the world’s lightest touch ultrabook.”

Sony’s new VAIO Pro 11-inch (RRP $1299) and 13-inch (RRP $1399) is encased in a carbon fibre body, making it the world’s lightest ultrabooks with the Pro 11 weighing only 0.87kg and the Pro 13 only 1.06kg.

The 13-inch VAIO Duo (RRP $1699) is a slider ultrabook. When in tablet mode is has a 10-point multi-touchscreen or users can use the supplied N-trig DuoSensePen to take natural handwritten notes or draw a quick diagram or picture. Sliding the screen back while in tablet mode also reveals a keyboard and integrated touch pad.

Meanwhile, the VAIO Fit ($1499) features a 15-inch full HD LCD and has a hybrid HDD, giving it three times faster accessibility and speed than standard HDD. It’s also integrated with flash-memory cache and 750GB storage.

The 15-inch VAIO Fit E ($999) has been designed for audio enthusiasts as it features an integrated subwoofer and the same ClearAudio+ and XLoud technologies found in the VAIO Duo and Pro models, and is available in black, white and pink.

All models are out now and can be purchased from Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and via Sony’s direct channels with the exception of the VAIO Duo 13, which is due for release in early July.

K-pop sensation PSY has signed a partnership deal with Soul Electronics to collaborate on developing his own special-edition headphones and speakers to represent the brand throughout the year.

“PSY has taken pop culture by storm and is globally recognized for his irresistible sound and entertaining performances,” said Lan Kennedy-Davis, CEO Soul Electronics USA.

“Merging PSY’s distinct style with the superior quality and performance of Soul’s headphones and audio speakers will create an undeniable product line suitable for tastemakers and music enthusiasts alike.”

PSY will be featured alongside Soul’s other brand ambassadors, including Grammy-winning artist and actor, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, renowned American football player and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, and Usain Bolt. The Soul brand ambassadors demonstrate the versatility of the brand’s offerings and international appeal.

“I want to give my fans the best music and performance possible, and by working with Soul, I can now offer the ultimate sound experience with PSY style that fans can make their own.”

Building on the company’s expertise in display technology, which has already been exemplified in the monitor and TV space, LG has launched its new line up of IT products and a refreshed range of smartphones.

The company has entered into the Australia’s consumer PC market with two new Hybrid PC products – the Z160 and H160 Tab-Book – and the Z360 Ultrabook.

Speaking to TT, LG Electronics Australia home entertainment marketing manager, Russ Prendergast, said the tablets market has grown significantly with values sales for 2012 versus 2011 having grown by 90 per cent and LG plans to reap the benefits from this growth.

“Our take out of this is people are looking for a number of things. First and foremost consumers are looking for that portability and on-the-go access to the world. They also need high connectivity when they go about doing that. These are key things we’ve been looking at in developing in our portfolio,” he said.

LG’s high-spec Intel Core i5 Z160 and low-spec Atom processor H160 Tab-Book, which will retail for $1499 and $999 respectively when both are released exclusively to Harvey Norman in early July, can be used as either a notebook or tablet.

Each feature an IPS (In Plan Switching) 5-point multi-touch screen that pops up to reveal a QWERTY keyboard. The 11.6 inch screen also has a wide 178-degree viewing angle and sits at a comfortable 40 degrees when pushed up. With providing connectivity high on the agenda for LG, the Tab-Books are integrated with Wi-Di, 4.0 Blu USB 3.0 ports and HDMi ports.

The Tab-Books also run on Windows 8. “What we’re trying to do is target consumers who are use to using Windows in the office environment and when they get home they want one operating system that connects and works with everything that they use. So from our perspective Windows 8 is the best vehicle to launch our products,” Prendergast said.

LG also plans to target the UltraBook category. According to LG Australia marketing general manager, Lambro Skropidis, there’s still a lot room for the company to grow significantly in the Ultrabook space despite the general slowdown in the category. “When everything aligns for this brand it has no problem getting double digits market share because of the brand trust and the technology that goes into our products.”

Winning a prestigious 2013 Red Dot design award, the Z360 Ultrabook has a white matte finish. Extremely thin at just 13.6mm and weighing only 1.15kg, the Z360, which will retail for $1399 when it’s released in early July, incorporates a 13.3-inch Full HD screen, a third generation Intel Core processor, a SATA 3 solid state drive, WiDi, IPS Display and allows for 178-degree viewing angle. It too will also run on Windows 8.

A key unique feature of the Z60 is the hot keys, which gives back the functionality that has gone amiss with removal of the Windows start button. “People are already familiar with what an Ultrabook is, our differentiation is the mid-tier price point we’re going in but because of the hardware configuration we’re punching above our weight and will actually be challenging some of the top tier products out there as well, plus utilising the hot keys places us in a unique position,” Prendergast said.

The launch of its new PC range will be supported online and in-store, including providing information on its website, in-store wall displays, information towers and lightening to highlight its products.

LG is also working on localising a TVC with the help of its global creative team. The H160 Tab-Book will be the star of the TVC. “There’s a lot more visually that we can generate interest with consumers so it’s going to be the hero in terms of our communication piece,” Prendergast said.

On the smartphone front, the company is focusing on tapping into the mid-range 4G market with the launch of its F series, specifically the Optimus F5, which will be available for $299 prepaid or $0 for 24 months on a $35 plan with Optus. The F5 will have a 4.3-inch qHD IPS display combined with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 processor, which will help deliver the 4G technology.

“There’s now a pretty significant movement by telcos to shift their 3G customers to 4G, they can’t do all of that with high end products. They need other options to shift that customer base which is where this product fits perfectly into that mix,” said Brad Reed, LG Australia mobile communications, content and applications senior marketing manager.

The company has also refreshed its Optimus L Series comprising L2,  L3, L5,  L7 and L9 and  will be made available through a range of local operators, open distribution channels, and retailer partners over coming months, with the  L3 available now for $99 prepaid at Telstra, and the flagship L7  being launched through Optus for $229 prepaid in June. Remaining models are scheduled to enter the market during Q3 and Q4, 2013, including the L5 that will be released in July through Boost Mobile for $179 prepaid.

“L Series is what we have built our market on in the last 18 months. We have now become number two prepaid smartphone vendor and the number three Android vendor in the marketplace and that has really been built off our portfolio of prepaid handsets. So we’ve got really good success with the original L3, L5, L7 handsets so we can now expand on those products and that’s really our volume end of the market,” Reed said.

Hisense Australia continues to make its mark in the Australian market with the introduction of two new Ultra high definition televisions – XT900 and XT880.

The 84-inch XT900 UHD LED edge-lit LCD will feature 3840×2160 resolution that will be able to support 3D images. To support the quality images, speakers will be mounted in a box as will the woofer. It will all sit on a swivel base for easy viewing.

All XT900 purchases will include trained Hisense staff personally delivering and installing the 84 inch TV for the customer in their home.

Meanwhile, the XT880 UHD LED edge-lit LCD will come in two sizes – 65-inches and 58-inches. It too will support 3D viewing at the same resolution as the 84-inch XT900.

Both models are web-enabled allowing users to browse the internet, gain access to social networking, games and be able to use Skype. Users will also be able to record television shows from the electronic program guide and on standby. There’s also a digital media player for music, video, photos and text.

“The XT880 and XT900 series of televisions are the most advanced TV’s Hisense has ever released,” said Andre Iannuzzi head of marketing , Hisense Australia. “Quality and services have been our focus, we’re excited to bring to market something we feel will revolutionise the TV industry.”

Details of pricing is to be confirmed with the televisions to be available in Australia from the end of June, 2013.

A recent survey conducted by McAfee found the average Australian values their digital assets to be worth over $33,000 with now 52 per cent of Australians owning between three to six digital devices per household.

Yet despite the amount of devices they buy and how much their value their assets, only 65 per cent of laptops, 56 per cent of PC desktops, 22 per cent of smartphones and 13 per cent of tablets are being protected. Apple products also rated lower in terms of being secured with Mac Desktops (4 per cent) and Mac Laptops (such as the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini) at 6 per cent.

As a result, McAfee together with Intel have launched McAfee LiveSafe that provides unlimited device security for PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets against viruses, malware and spam.

“It’s not about single devices, consumers now own multiple devices so we have moved away fron user-centric security to device-based security and offering unlimited device protection,” said McAfee APAC consumer marketing director, Melanie Duca.

It also features an intuitive cloud-based “safety deposit box” called Personal Locker for users to store their most sensitive documents, including financial records, copies of IDs and passports. Users access their documents through biometric authentication using voice, face and device recognition technologies provided by Intel Anti-Theft technology and Intel Identity Protection Technology.

Intel Australia/New Zealand general manager, Kate Burleigh, said energy efficiency, security and connectivity are the big focus for Intel and this will be reflected in the technology provided in McAfee LiveSafe.

Beginning in July 2013, McAfee LiveSafe service will be available through JB-HIFI and other selected retailers. McAfee LiveSafe will be available for $19.95 for a 12-month subscription when purchased with a new PC or tablet, and AU$74.95 for a 12-month subscription for consumers’ existing PCs and tablets. McAfee LiveSafe will come pre-installed on Dell Ultrabook devices and PCs in Australia starting on June 11, 2013.

Harvey Norman is providing free recycling drop-off points for televisions at 140 of its stores as part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, the Hon Amanda Rishworth said it is great Harvey Norman are partners in the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, as it assists people around Australia to have a wide range of recycling options available for their e-waste.

“The recycling service at Harvey Norman enables householders and small businesses to drop-off unwanted televisions for recycling, free of charge. It makes sense to have these services at retail outlets as they are generally easily accessible and convenient, and their location is well-known to the local community,” she said.

The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme provides a long-term response to the challenges of managing television and computer waste, as well as opportunities for the community to recycle their unwanted televisions and computers free of charge.

“There are now over 380 ongoing recycling services available in every state and territory, and in every capital city—including 230 at retail outlets, as part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. Over 20,000 tonnes of unwanted televisions and computers have already been recycled since the scheme started operation in May last year. That’s equivalent to the weight of 50 full Boeing 747s,” Rishworth said.

The services at the Harvey Norman stores are provided in partnership with DHL, who has been approved by the Australian Government to provide services under the scheme.
As well as retail sites, drop-off points are also available at some local council recycling facilities and transfer stations. Drop-off points can elect to accept only televisions or computer products or both products.

Rishworth said Officeworks and Domayne are also already providing free collection points at a number of their outlets. While Officeworks is collecting unwanted computers, Domayne is collecting unwanted televisions.

“The numbers of retail outlets accepting products will increase with other major retailers also planning to provide recycling services under the scheme.”