James Blog

Nokia and Windows will Push Hard

Mon, 21 May 2012 22:54:00 GMT

Nokia and Windows will Push Hard

Who would of thought just a few short years ago that we would see such an explosion of personal devices designed to keep us in touch with our friends, play games, check the weather, search for a cafe, shop for clothes, read a magazine, or even order a Pizza?

Windows is a bit of a late starter in the Smart Phone scene, but from all reports are determined to make their presence felt in a big way around the world. Partnering with Nokia, one of the true giants in mobile phones, we will see a range of Windows based handsets in Australia targeting the business user, and the social network scene. Evidence of this is the introduction of the new Pizza Hut "App" designed to make Pizza ordering a breeze. Complete with the ability to save Pizza preferences and one touch saved ordering, you can specify a delivery time, and in a future version will also be able to watch the count down to delivery.

I hear you say, "how ridiculous" but have you ever been sitting at home on a Friday night and decide Pizza would be a good idea? Then the ensuing arguments about who will call the order through, who is having what Pizza, do we want garlic bread? Selecting your Pizza on an "App" all of a sudden seems like a good idea. No awkward conversations with some Pizza delivery boy that really hates answering the phone, no need to scribble out the order on a scrap of paper, and best of all, no arguments about who calls the order through. With the prolific use of smart phones today, everyone is ready to order Pizza !

Make mine a large Pepperoni with mushrooms.

iPhone 5 Rumours ramping up

Sun, 20 May 2012 22:56:00 GMT

iPhone 5 Rumours Ramping Up

There are more rumours doing the rounds again about the imminent release of the iPhone 5. At least that is what we all think it may be called, but given Apple's latest label for the iPad 3, actually referring to it as "The New iPad" it is a little more difficult to know what they might name the new iPhone.

The latest talk is around Apple placing substantial orders for 4" displays with their suppliers of screens. Naturally this indicates the new iPhone will offer a larger 4" display, up from the 3.5" used since the iPhone was first introduced back in 2007.

Given end users are using their mobile phones for more than making calls and SMS, and are taking advantage of the "Apps" available for social media and games, watching videos and photography with the higher specced cameras included in todays smart phones.... it only seems right that the next iPhone boasts a larger display. Especially to stay current with the latest crop of large screen displays from manufacturers such as Samsung, HTC, Sony and even the chinese brands

Who knows? The iPhone may even sport a Retina display like the new iPad, to help Apple push their Smart Phone ahead of the pack again. This could well be a smart ploy by Apple, given that Samsung Smart Phones now outsell the Apple iPhone.

Whatever Apple does with the new iPhone, we can be sure this next device will be the step up Apple fans have been waiting for, after being some-what disappointed with the minor upgrades of the iPhone 4S.

Maybe the iPhone 4 will move to Pre-paid as well with the release of a new iPhone later this year. Although I am sure the price will be high for Pre-Paid, there is a market out there willing to pay a premium for Apple products.

Time will tell. Are you an Apple fan? Do you have an iPhone?

Where to with Mobile Networks

Sun, 20 May 2012 22:28:00 GMT

Where to with Mobile Networks?

Where are we headed in Australia with the Mobile Networks?

We have all heard the hype around 4G, but what does this really mean to the consumer?

4G is the buzzword terminology being used in the market, but strictly speaking this is not what is on offer. In actual fact, the correct name for our "4G" network is LTE (Long Term Evolution) but I feel it is OK to call it 4G (and simpler) because this is the 4th generation of mobile service being offered in Australia and around the world today.

We started with an analogue Mobile network, which was the first introduction to Cell Networks where Mobile phones could roam between towers around the country. Then the introduction of Digital Mobile, known as the 2nd generation of Mobile communications. Following 2G, we saw improvements in data handling, leading to some networks naming the service 2.5G, and of course we now have 3G and even 3.5G offering fast data speeds and generally a better mobile experience. With the introduction of 3G came the widespread use of Mobile Broadband. This is still the fastest growing sector for 3G services but is now being challenged by huge take up of the "Smart Phone"... thanks to the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy products, and also the less expensive Prepaid Smart Phones now available in the market.

What do all these improvements mean to us? A faster data connection and a stronger signal basically. Optus have been testing LTE in regional NSW and Victoria, recording download speeds of 70Mbps. That's about 20 times faster than the typical broadband speed at home over the existing wired network. This means faster web browsing, quicker song and movie downloads and seamless streaming of content to our mobile devices.

What does this mean to retailers like you? It means more sales ! Consumers will want to upgrade their handsets and Broadband devices to take advantage of the faster speeds on offer using 4G (LTE) services. So, mobile products will continue to become a larger part of you business as Australians embrace technology, usually faster than the rest of the world, wanting the latest and best.

Keep watching, because this industry is not standing still.

Is Social Media right for your Business

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:10:00 GMT

Is Social Media right for your Business?

I just had a phone call to interview me about the use of Social Media for our business, and this got me thinking about the benefits and reasons that it makes sense to embrace Media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, blogging and other forms of media.

After answering a couple of questions, I realised that Social Media, like this blog or the Jenlist Facebook page, actually target an audience that are interested in what you have to say or offer. That's one of the great things about inviting people to "like" your Facebook page, or follow your blog or Twitter feeds. People have a choice. If they choose to follow you then they are interested in the things you have to say or the products and services you may be offering.

It's about giving people choice. Then the challenge is to keep your followers and readers interested in the things you want to say.

How does this work in retail? I believe Facebook is a great place to start and thousands of retailers have a unique opportunity to get their customers to follow them on Facebook. My idea is that you should have a "live" computer in store, and ask people to like you on Facebook while they are shopping in your store. You can offer an incentive, to sweeten the deal, like a free gift or a 10% discount on toady's purchase. Something simple makes sense.

Then what? Posting to Facebook is easy, and with practice you soon learn that the time to do so is relatively little. I think it is wise to keep your posts as relevant and focussed as possible.

What to Post? Posting something like "we are open 7 Days" or Come in and browse our range" has little effect and creates no interest. Better you try and focus on a red hot special, or remind your customers that it is a $30 Million dollar Lotto night. Maybe you have just got a new product or range in and would like to share that with your customers. Being a local retailer means you can also use local events to make your posts interesting and relevant. Maybe a staff members birthday, or information about an upcoming event in the community. What about sporting results of the local Football team you sponsor?

One thing is for sure, if you think it is time to start using Social Media in your business, you're right !

Icecream Sandwich on my Samsung Galaxy S2

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:57:00 GMT

Icecream Sandwich on my Samsung Galaxy S2

A couple of weeks ago I loaded the new Android operating system on to my Samsung Galaxy S2.

Named as Icecream Sandwich...Google insist on having these strange names for their Android versions... this version 4.03 is designed for the latest crop of handsets and tablets running Android.

The main things I have noticed, as far as improvements are concerend are related to multi tasking. The phone generally runs smoother, and switches between applications swiftly and effectively.

It takes a little bit of time to recognise some of the changes as you delve deeper in to the day to day use of a smart phone. There has been upgrades to the Email client, using my work Exchange account, and it took me a couple of days to figure out some of the improvements. It's now easier to attach a file to an email, and like a desk top PC, I can attach any file on my phone, or I can take a photo and share that easily. Speaking of photos, renaming, cropping, rotating and editing photos is much easier. The Galaxy S2 takes great 8MP photos by the way, and I love the panorama shooting mode. (See photo of the Hiroshima Peace Park below)

The menu system has been changed slightly, and I have found the settings are easier to find and adjust. Things like accessing the the data usage menu, and being able to set data limits and warnings are great, given that a Smart phone can easily use a lot of data if you are not mindful of this. Power saving features have improved, and I am getting about 30% more from my battery life, which is fantastic!

If you are considering a Smart phone, or looking to upgrade one, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy S2 as one of the most user friendly and highly specced phones on the market today, and now with the upgrade to ANDROID 4.0, it's even better. As a matter of fact, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus that is being heavily promoted as the first ANDROID 4.0 phone on the Australian market is actually an older phone with lower features, so now that the Galaxy S2 has been given this upgrade... it's definitely my choice.

South Australian Newsagents Awards

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:35:00 GMT

South Australian Newsagents Awards

On the 3rd April the South Australian Annual Newsagents Awards were held at the Donato Reception Centre, Adelaide.

Our National Sales Manager, Simon Davidson, attended the evening and presented the "News Technologies" Newsagents of the year to Phil and Leonie Jenner, owners of Port Mall Newsagency. Congratulations !

A big thank you once again to Colin Shipton, ANF SA Branch Manager for again organising this years awards celebration. The night was an overall success and enjoyed by all attending.

Simon Davidson(left) presenting the "New Technologies Award" to Leonie and Phill Jenner

Below is a list of the category winners from the 2012 SA Newsagents Awards:

Western Union Best New Site:
Victoria Square
Western Union Top Performing Site:
Arndale Kilkenny

Jenlist New Technology Newsagent of the Year:
Runner –up- Peterborough
Winner: Port Mall

Promotion of the Year:
Ardrossan

Industry Representative of the Year:
Allan Oman- Fairfax Media

Service to the Industry:
Graeme Hand Ancol/ Newspower

Best SA Lotteries Newsagent:
Kylie Browns

Newsagent Employee of the Year:

Nel Middleton- Mount Barker Central

Distribution Newsagent of the Year:
Blackwood Newspaper Delivery Service

Retail Newsagent of the Year:
Peterborough

Unlocked Handsets Open new Doors

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:38:00 GMT

Unlocked Handsets Open New Doors

It never ceases to amaze me how Australia with a population of some 22.5 Million people can sustain a Telco industry with nearly 25 million mobile phone services. Staggering figures, I know !

How can this be? The answer is not that difficult to understand when you take into account all the reasons and combine them. It all starts to make sense.

What are these reasons? Some people carry two phones. This is more common than you think. One for work and one for family. Some might even have a third service, for a sporting team, club, etc. Then there are all the Mobile Broadband services. This area has proven to be very lucrative for the Telcos, with the continued strong growth of Mobile Broadband over the past 24 months. Now add in the extra services of the Tablet explosion, as more and more people purchase the iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and many other devices... of which more than 70% are 3G enabled and therefore have a Mobile Broadband SIM... hence a new mobile service. Now it is easy to see how Australia can have so many Mobile services... more than people in the country!

What can all of this mean to retailers? I thought that might be obvious. With so many services there are huge opportunities for retailers to stock and sell all types of Mobile devices, from inexpensive Pre-Paid Handsets to top of the range Tablets, and everything else in between.

One market that is relatively easy to tap into is the "Replacement Handset" sale. Most people today cannot live without their mobile phone for more than an hour or so. When they are stuck with a broken or dead handset, it can be "any port in a storm" for them. I mean, they will seek and purchase the first available replacement handset. even if it is not a permanent solution for them, but rather to just get them mobile again.

So, stocking UNLOCKED Handsets starts to make more sense for general route retailers, and the one pictured above is one of our latest additions to the Jenlist Distributors range. This is a fabulous new handset from Nokia, offering features like BlueTooth, 5MP camera and email access, hybrid touch screen and keyboard as well as access to FaceBook and social sites.

What really sets this great handset apart is the compatibility it offers. The Nokia Asha 300 is a 3G QUADBAND Handset... meaning fully compatible with all Australian networks. It works perfectly on Optus Dual Band 3G, as it does on Telstra's NEXT G network and Vodafone's 3G network. The Nokia Asha 300 offers full 3G connectivity for all networks in metro and regional Australia. So it's like "One phone suits all" solution. Retail is only $149.

If you think you should have Unlocked handsets in your shop, then this is the one to have. Check it out here.

Icecream Sandwich anyone?

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:47:00 GMT

Icecream Sandwich Anyone?

If you are wondering why I am talking about an Icecream Sandwich, it's because this is the latest Operating System (OS) for all things Android.

Icecream Sandwich (or Android 4.0) has been designed for the latest Smart Phones and Tablets running the Android OS and improves on the Gingerbread and Honeycomb OS for Android.

Gingerbread (Android 2.3) was the previous OS for Smart Phones, while most later tablets such as theSamsung Galaxy 10.1 and Optus Dell Streak 7 use Honeycomb (Android 3.0 - 3.2)

I installed the new Icecream Sandwich on my much loved Samsung Galaxy SII mobile phone last night, thanks to Optus being the first Australian carrier to make the new OS available for the very popular Samsung Galaxy SII via Samsung Keis. This is the software loaded to your PC to sync all your music, photos, videos, etc and for software updates. A little like iTunes for Apple iPhone.

So, what's new in the latest OS from Android? Quite a lot behind the scenes I believe, that brings faster web browsing and better mutli-tasking, with a slicker and easier to navigate menu system. Considering I only loaded this new OS last night, it's too early for me to comment on how I am finding using Icecream Sandwich on my phone, but I am looking forward to testing some of the things I have read about... like the faster web browsing and mult-tasking. However, most important to me is the improvement in battery life I have heard of, mainly due to smarter bedhind the scenes control of my Smart Phone.

Time will tell, and I will give you an update in a week or so to let you know how I am getting on.

Replacement Remote ?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:45:00 GMT

Replacement Remote?

You might think that stocking a Harmony Remote control for sale in your shop is a silly idea. Why would someone buy a TV remote from you? Wouldn't they go to an electronics store?

Not necessarily ! Think about it. The Harmony 300 pictured here is a simple to use universal remote control capable of controlling up to 4 seperate devices. Programming is as simple as plugging it into your computer via USB and choosing your dvices to be controlled.

Having one remote to control 4 devices is convenient, but better still this Harmony 300 makes a great replacement remote for that broken or lost remote control you have been wondering what to do about.

At $39.95 rrp, it is cheaper than purchasing a genuine replacement remote from your TV or DVD manufacturer, and gives the added bonus of controlling multiple devices.

Shouldn't you stock the Harmony 300 at only $39.95 rrr ? Harmony 300

Newspapers and Mobile Recharge

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:20:00 GMT

Newspapers and Mobile Recharge?

There's a lot of talk about where newspaper sales are going... on line, home delivery, shop sales. I have read that the publishers are not sure which direction to head, where to offer their support, or indeed where their business will be in the short and long term future.

There's also a lot of talk about Mobile Recharge... the decline in sales in some areas, while other retailers grow recharge sales.

I see there is some similarity between Newspaper sales and Mobile Recharge sales. this is because I believe sales of such convenient items are really up to the retailer. It's one thing for the publishers or the Telco's to produce a product that creates demand at store level, but like any product being sold at retail, newspapers and recharge need the support and push from the retailer. After all, isn't that what retailing is about?

Promoting and driving sales in store is a part of day to day business in today's retail environment, and store owners and managers that have forgotten this fundamental sales tool are the one's that will be watching sales slip away. Don't get ne wrong, I have seen lots of good retailers out there, working hard on improving sales, keeping a clean tidy shop and looking for new products and ways to drive sales.

However, I think it is important to remember that core products still need sales effort! It's easy to focus on new products, and even easier to forget about the products that used to sell themselves. We are in a competitive retail market where there is little or no loyalty between shops in centres or strip shops.

As a retailer, it is up to you to promote and drive sales of both new lines and traditional core lines. Don't complain about the decline in newspaper sales, rather, do something about it. Simple things like knowing what the headlines are in todays paper gives you the opportunity to open discussion about the newspaper at the counter, allowing you to recommend a purchase that may have been missed.

Mobile recharge is another often forgotten product that has been around for years now, and typically most retailer wait to be asked. I think you should "prompt" the sale with a simple question. "Would you like some Mobile Recharge while you are here?"

I am simply trying to point out that in today's busy environment, it is easy to forget what retailing is all about. It's hard work and demands constant focus.

I would love to hear your thoughts about retailing... what works and what doesn't. Have you a good news story you would like to share with fellow retailers?

Take a Break, on Lovatts

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:25:00 GMT

Take a break.... on Lovatts.

Thanks to our very good friends at Lovatts, the premier Australian and New Zealand crossword and puzzle publishers, Jenlist Distributors is proud to bring you our daily "Wordsearch" absolutely free!

Lovatts Crossword & Puzzles was established by husband and wife team, James and Christine in 1978 and has become well known for the best puzzle books in the industry, loved by consumers and retailers a like.

Newsagents around the country have been supporting the large range of Lovatts Crosswords & Puzzles for many years, and speaking from experience, I can tell you the Lovatts range are great sellers... a welcome product for any newsagent or retailer. Their fabulous puzzles can be found not only in the range of books published by Lovatts but also regularly found in Woman's Day, Women's Weekly, the TV Week and many other well known publications. When flying on Qantas Lovatts Puzzles feature in the Qantas magazine.

Well done Lovatts, another great Australian family business ! Thank you for adding to our web site and giving our valued retailers a break.

Check out our daily Lovatts Wordsearch here and check the Lovatts Web site. www.lovatts.com.au

iPad 3, iPad 3, iPad3

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:13:00 GMT

iPad 3, iPad 3, iPad 3

    It seems that all the tech media talk in recent weeks was the imminent release of the Apple iPad 3. Such a lot of media and consumer attention for such a small change in design.
    I am not saying the iPad 3 is not a good piece of kit, but it is not a quantum leap that encourages consumers to upgrade from the iPad 2. Only if you feel the absolute need for higher resolution graphics does it make any sense. In ordinary use day by day, I do not believe the higher res screen will make much difference when using the iPad 3 to access the web, or even watching YouTube.
    Maybe there is enough graphics grunt to make movie watching a little more pleasurable, but this really is a personal thing given the size of the screen and the unlikeliness of a family sitting around their much lauded iPad 3 in the lounge room watching Ice Age 4.
    What all this hype does show is that Apple have managed to create more than a user friendly tablet and smart phone (iPhone). They have pulled the ultimate marketing coup... creating buying frenzies and media attention around the world, all talking about the next release device from Apple. Even going so far as to encourage rumours about upcoming product upgrades, what might or might not be included or improved on. Talk about controlling a market.
    I am even guilty of joining in the hype, discussing the Apple iPad 3 here or even the iPhone in earlier blog posts.
Those that know me know that I am a fan of Android, but even the best competitor against the iPad 3, Samsung's beautiful Galaxy Tab 10.1 leaves me feeling a little under whelmed. Don't get me wrong. I love my Samsung tablet, lighter than the iPad, thin, bright screen and all. But why did Samsung remove the advantages they had over the iPad by using a propriety connector in stead of micro USB? Why did they remove the ability to upgrade memory via micro SD card slot.     These were the things that made Samsung competitive with the original Galaxy Tab 7.

newsXpress National Conference builds for the future

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:59:00 GMT

newsXpress conference builds for the Future

This years annual newsXpress Conference builds towards a future for newsagents. Members were treated to the comedic genius of Elliot Goblet as MC and enjoyed a day packed full of useful forward thinking information.

This was supported with the announcement by Jenlist Distributors of the winners of the Virgin Broadband Promotion run by Jenlist Distributors, Virgin Mobile and the Nexus Program.

newsXpress consumers won 2 x Motor Scooters valued at $5,000 and lucky newsXpress Sandgate took out the major store prize... riding home on their own brand new motor scooter.

Jenlist also awarded $1,500 in cash and gave away 3 x Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Tablets valued at nearly $2,000.

Just goes to show the value of getting involved and enjoying the exclusive promotions available through partnerships like those between JENLIST DISTRIBUTORS, newsXpress and Pacific Magazines.

PS: newsXpress Sandgate just called after hearing the news of their win.... very excited ! (unfortunaltey they were unable to attend the conference). This is their 3rd major win with Jenlist Distributors. Shows the power of a store willing to get behind promotions and give anything a go... well done Jim and Rebecca!

Is a Change as Good as a Holiday?

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:16:00 GMT

Is a Change as Good as a Holiday ?

I have often said, like millions before me that have used the phrase, "a change is as good as a Holiday"

It's true... change in life can be just the ticket to get the blood flowing, the thoughts happening and give a general overal feeling of accomplishment and achievement.

Bernard Shaw once said, "A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell."

Again, I can relate to this where constanlty being on holidays can be worse than work... no direction, no challenge, nothing to strive for. Not much fun in that either I'm afraid.

Finding a balance of work and play is a challenge for anyone, but I recently found a way to unwind and rejuvinate that suited Donna and I at this time down to a tee. No golf... but just about everything else.

Rock Climbing, jogging, weights, bicycling, eating, dancing, drinking, eating, movies, swimming, casino, eating, live shows, BBQ's, sightseeing, relaxing, eating, sleeping, reading.... did I mention eating? Yep, all these things and more were enough for us to relax, kick back and recharge the batteries readying ourselves for a fantastic 2012. If you have ever thought it would be nice to take a cruise and relax, let me tell you, you are right. It is nice... so much, or so little to do. It's up to you.

Yes, we have just returned from a 14 night cruise aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas to Singapore. Just the ticket to get away and rejuvenate the senses.

I know this has nothing to do with Technology (although the tech in a cruise ship is something to behold) but I will mention some of the tech stuff in my next blog that I noted on ship and land whilst we cruised Australia, Bali and Singapore.

Where is your next holiday going to take you?

Smart Phones make us Sexier

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:28:00 GMT

Smart Phones make us Sexier

Well, it's now official. At least according to a Canadian survey reported by the Vancouver Sun. They state that 62 percent of Android users are likely to have sex on the first date, compared to 57percent of iPhone users and 48 percent of Blackberry users.

Does this mean Android users are sexier then iPhone users? Or does it actually mean that iPhone users are more loyal people less likely to change partners or phones.

We can read all sorts of things into such a survey, and many of the posts I have read do just that.

Mind you, the survey was conducted interviewing 1,000 users on "match.com"... so I reckon these people are more likely to be a little more promiscuous then if the survey was interviewing 1,000 members of "LinkedIn" or similar.

You can be the judge... are you sexier because you have a "Smart Phone"