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Flat Third Quarter Sales For Harvey Norman

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Harvey Norman announced that total sales for the nine months ended 31 March 2010 rose 2.2 per cent to $4.64 billion. However, the company has also recorded flat total sales, with like-for-like sales rising only 1.2 per cent in Australia.
According to the 3rd quarter sales document submitted to the Australian Securities Exchange, sales from the franchised “Harvey Norman” complexes, commercial divisions and other sales outlets in Australia, New Zealand, Slovenia and Ireland (excluding Singapore) totalled $4.64 billion for the nine months ended 31 March 2010.

When compared to sales for the period 1 July 2008 to 31 March 2009, the increase was 2.2 per cent. Like for like sales when compared to the same period ended 31 March 2009, increased by 1.4 per cent.
 
The company said that its sales data has been affected by the weakened global currencies.

“It should be noted that the above sales data has been negatively affected by a 2.9 per cent deterioration in the NZ$, a 13.6 per cent deterioration in the Euro and a 21.6 per cent deterioration in the UK Pound,” said the company.

Shares in Harvey Norman were down 4.76 per cent this morning and is now at $3.40.

HTC Desire Available Today

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Telstra announced that the HTC Desire is now available to its customers. According to the company, it is released a week ahead of schedule due to strong consumer interest.

The Desire runs on Google’s latest Android operating system and will utilise Telstra’s Next G network. Read our full review of the Desire here.

Telstra’s Executive Director of Mobility Products, Ross Fielding said, “In response to massive interest from Australian consumers, Telstra has moved the launch of HTC Desire forward by almost a week to today. The accelerated launch means Australians will be the first in Asia-Pacific to experience this breakthrough smartphone.”

“Telstra’s flagship [T]life stores in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth will be the first to stock the new smartphone with Telstra stores across Australia receiving deliveries by the end of the week,” added Fielding.

Customers can also purchase the smartphone immediately online at Telstra.com.au, while those who pre-registered their interest in HTC Desire were contacted to ensure that they are amongst the first to be offered the smartphone.

“We are also pleased to announce that HTC Desire will now be exclusive to Telstra for six months – a three month extension on our previous arrangement,”  continued Fielding.

HTC Desire will be available to purchase online from today or initially from three [T]Life stores:
·    [T]Life Sydney – 400 George Street Sydney, NSW, 2000.
·    [T]Life Melbourne – 246 Bourke Street (Cnr Swanston & Bourke) Melbourne, VIC, 3000.
·    [T]Life Perth – 667-669 Hay Street Mall, Perth, WA, 6000.

Telstra stores and dealers across Australia will receive deliveries of the HTC Desire progressively through the week with most stores expected to have stock by Friday ahead of the long weekend.

HTC Desire will be available on a range of plans including for $0 on Telstra’s $60 consumer Phone Plan for 24 months (minimum total price $1440) or $0 upfront on a $85 Ultimate plan for 24 months including 150 MB data (minimum cost $2040), or can be purchased outright with a RRP of $779. 

3G Wireless Router Shrinks In Size

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The NetComm MyZone is a credit card-sized 3G router that allows up to 10 users to connect to the Internet wirelessly. It is thin, small, mobile, and can last for up to six hours.


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The MyZone is compact and lightweight, with the unit measuring 97 x 60.6 x 9mm and weighing 77 grams. Users do not need to plug the unit all the time as it comes with a Li-ion battery built in. It supports tri-band 3G (850/1900/2100 Mhz) and promises download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps.

Setting up the unit is a snap. All a user needs to do is to put a SIM card in (prepaid or postpaid), turn the unit on, and wait until the 3G indicator flashes. As soon as the light flashes, a user can use a wi-fi enabled device to search for the wireless network named Netcomm MyZone.

You will then be required to put in a default password (the default in this case is password). As soon as that is done, the device will now be connected to the Internet.

 

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If a user is happy with the default password (password), then he/she no longer has to do anything. But those who want to change the SSID, network authentication, and password can type my.zone on an Internet browser to access the web-based interface.

The interface will show you the battery level, 3G signal strength, and the mobile broadband carrier and SIM status on the front page. Clicking on the Login tab will allow you to configure wireless, 3G settings or to see the status of your connection.

While the device automatically connects to the 3G service, a user can also manually choose from a list of APNs on the device. The list includes Telstra, Optus, Three, Vodafone, DoDo, Virgin Mobile, Blink, Internode, Primus, TPG, and Exetel.


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Despite having a ‘Strong’ signal from the included Telstra SIM, this WiFi router wasn’t as fast as we expected it to be. Using the website Speedtest.net, we were only to achieve a download speed of 0.34Mbps and an upload speed of 0.24Mbps. This resulted to various image-heavy websites to load slower than usual. The battery lasted for about 5 hours before we had to recharge the device (via USB or AC).

Overall, the NetComm MyZone is a very portable device that makes any location a wi-fi hotspot. Those who own 3G USB dongles, notebooks with 3G SIM card slots, and iPad Wi-Fi + 3G may not see the need for this device, but for others who want to stay connected, this is the way to go.

Apple will sell this device exclusively for eight weeks for $299. 

Nielsen To Measure Yahoo7 Online Video Traffic

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Yahoo7 announced that it is the first company in Australia to sign up for independent third-party video measurement services with Nielsen.Yahoo7’s National Media Sales Director, Damon Scarr said, “We’re pleased to be the first publisher on board supporting this new measurement tool and we recognise the opportunities that online video represent for both our audience and our advertisers. Our advertisers are telling us they want reliable insights and intelligence on online video, and with Nielsen’s video analytics and market intelligence services we will certainly be able to provide this.”

According to Nielsen’s 2010 Internet & Technology Report, 41 percent of Australian Internet users download or stream videos and, significantly, a further 44 percent intent to increase their online video streaming and 33 percent plan to download more online video content in the year ahead.

Nielsen Australia’s Managing Director, Online Business, Matt Bruce said, “In comparison to many other countries around the world, Australians are extensive users of online video. For the digital industry, this love of video represents vast advertising opportunities.”

“As publishers such as Yahoo!7 commit to transparent audience measurement, the confidence of agencies, media buyers and advertisers will increase, translating to strong growth in online video advertising revenues,” added Bruce. 

Telstra To Double Wireless Broadband Speeds

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Telstra will be doubling the data speeds over its Next G network later this year. The company also said that regional Australians will be among the first to experience and enjoy these new speeds.Telstra’s CEO, David Thodey said that 100 regional towns and cities including Albury, Alice Springs, Orange, Broome, Ballarat, Roxby Downs, Port Lincoln and Newcastle will benefit from the new 3G modem when it becomes available to customers.

According to the company, customers using the new device called the Telstra Ultimate USB will be able to download files or surf the Internet up to twice as fast as those using the next-fastest 3G modem currently available on an Australian national network.

“Telstra will make this new technology available in 100 selected regional towns and cities at the same time as many capital cities, underlining our commitment to provide the best technology to Australians no matter where they live,” Mr Thodey said.

“Telstra has been investing in regional and rural Australia for more than 100 years, including through Telstra Country Wide for the past ten years, to improve the quality of life for people living and working in regional and rural Australia.”

“The first decade of Telstra Country Wide is just the beginning. Telstra is committed to continuing its investment in regional and rural Australia so we can provide local consumers, businesses, governments, schools and health services with the same leading edge services that are available elsewhere in Australia,” he said.

In addition to this announcement, Thodey also said that that the company had recently commissioned its 7,000th Next G base station, expanding Australia’s fastest national mobile broadband network.

Optus To Sell Garmin-Asus Navigation Phone

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Optus announced that the Garmin-Asus A10 smartphone will be available to its customers from 7 June 2010. The A10 is not only a dual band smartphone, but is also a Garmin navigation device.


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The smartphone offers Garmin’s premium navigation services including access to a huge range of maps and map updates, Fuel Search, and access to over 30,000 apps now available via Android Marketplace.

The A10 comes with a powered audio windscreen mount that
magnifies the volume of the device’s voice commands and any incoming
calls. Detailed maps are also preloaded on
the A10 so that customers can receive turn-by-turn, voice-prompted
navigation. The A10 comes with a 3.2- inch HVGA touch screen,
electronic compass and 1500mAh battery. As with other
Garmin-Asus Android-powered devices, the A10’s GPS capabilities are
optimised to ensure that customers have the best location and navigation
experience.

Austin R. Bryan, Marketing Director, Optus Consumer said, “GPS devices are hugely popular in Australia but until now we haven’t seen a combined navigation and mobile phone solution that provides the detail and quality of stand alone GPS units. Partnering with Garmin allows us to deliver a first class navigation system to our customers on an awesome Android smartphone and at $0 upfront on an Optus ‘yes’ Social $29 plan (over 24 months) it’s a steal.”

Matt DeMoss, National Sales and Marketing Manager Australia, Garmin-Asus said “The new A10 navigation savvy smartphone really gets to grips with all the location based services and the thousands of applications available through the Android market. Because the A10’s navigation functionalities are deeply integrated into the device, users can, for example, navigate to an address, which is stored in an email, text message, on a web site or in the contact list. On request, the A10 will even navigate users to a location where they have previously taken a geo-tagged photograph with the integrated camera or one that has been downloaded from Panoramio.”

The Garmin-Asus A10 is available to consumers for $0 Upfront on the ‘yes’ Social $29 plan over 24 months (including 200MB of data per month) and to small business customers for $0 Upfront on the ‘yes’ Business Complete $49 plan over 24 months (including 500MB^ of data per month).

Telstra To Sell Blackberry Pearl 3G Tomorrow

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Telstra announced that the new Blackberry Pearl 3G will be available from tomorrow. The company is the first carrier in the world to sell the smartphone and is exclusive to Telstra for three months.


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Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Adele Beachley, Managing Director for RIM Australia and New Zealand said that the BlackBerry Pearl is aimed at first time smartphone users. “We believe the BlackBerry Pearl 3G will appeal to many customers who want a smartphone that offers both fashion and function.”

“Considering the fast growing consumer interest in smartphones, we think the new BlackBerry Pearl 3G addresses a substantial market opportunity in Australia. It allows customers to upgrade their traditional mobile phone to a full-featured 3G BlackBerry smartphone that supports BlackBerry Messenger and many other apps, while also providing a design that looks stunning and feels very familiar and comfortable,” added Beachley.

The BlackBerry Pearl 3G sports a 20-key condensed QWERTY keyboard and RIM’s SureType software, uses the same processor as the Blackberry Bold 9700, and supports 802.11n. It measures less than 50 mm wide, weighs only 93grams, includes GPS, and sports a sharp, high-resolution display. It also features an optical trackpad for smooth navigation, dedicated volume and media keys for added convenience, a 3.2 MP camera with flash, and can store up to 32GB (via a microSD/SDHC memory card).

 

Telstra’s Executive Director, Mobility Products, Ross Fielding said, “The BlackBerry Pearl 3G smartphone is a beautifully designed smartphone that’s easy to use, compact, lightweight and stylish. Combined with our new and great value BlackBerry Cap plan, this smartphone makes it easy and affordable for social people to connect, exchange messages quickly, access info as it happens and share favourite moments.”

Telstra is offering the Pearl 3G for $0 on a $59 plan. This plan will provide unlimited push email, unlimited access to Facebook and Twitter, and unlimited Internet browsing in Australia on the BlackBerry browser delivered over Australia’s largest and fastest national mobile network. The $59 plan also comes with up to $400 worth of standard calls and SMS.

Those who just want the smartphone can purchase it for $679.

It is available in royal purple (exclusive to Fone Zone until the end of June) and piano black.

The BlackBerry Pearl 3G will be available to purchase from tomorrow online at www.telstra.com/blackberrypearl, from selected Fone Zone and JB Hi-Fi outlets, or, from three T[life] stores initially:

·    T[life] Sydney – 400 George Street Sydney, NSW, 2000.
·    T[life] Melbourne – 246 Bourke Street (cnr Swanston & Bourke) Melbourne, VIC, 3000.
·    T[life] Perth – 667-669 Hay Street Mall, Perth, WA, 6000.
Telstra stores and dealers across Australia will offer the Pearl 3G smartphone from 1 June.

Telstra Business customers can purchase the BlackBerry Pearl 3G smartphone for $0 upfront on a $55 per month (or higher) mobile plus plan (the minimum cost over 24 months is $1320). Business customers can also purchase the BlackBerry Pearl 3G smartphone for $0 upfront on a $59 per month (or higher) business mobile cap plan (the minimum cost over 24 months is $1416). Both plans include unlimited BlackBerry email and Internet browsing in Australia through the BlackBerry browser.

Better Business Broadband Plans From Telstra

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Telstra has cut prices and simplified its business broadband plans in an attempt to offer better value to small and medium businesses (SMBs).


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According to the company, all connections are now high speed ADSL where available, excess data charges have been halved and are capped at $400 per month.  Prices are further reduced for customers who also have eligible voice services with Telstra.
 
Telstra Business Executive Director Brian Harcourt said, “We understand how important fast, consistent, business-grade broadband is for small business, which is why we’ve updated Telstra Business Broadband plans to make them simpler and better value.”
 
“Nine out of ten Australian small businesses now regard broadband as an integral part of their day-to-day business, to communicate with customers and suppliers and for buying and selling online.
 
“These new plans give all customers the fastest possible connection while reducing the possibility of bill shock by halving, and capping excess data charges and rewarding customers who also have a fixed service with Telstra Business,” Mr Harcourt said.

The new plans are now cheaper or offer higher download limits, while excess data charges have been halved to 4c per MB or 3c per MB (on plans bundled with an eligible voice service) and capped to $400 a month. In addition, customers who have other eligible Telstra Business fixed line or voice service contracts receive price cuts of between $10 to $30 per month.

Full details of the new plans and pricing are at telstrabusiness.com.

Fujitsu Notebook For Users On The Go

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Fujitsu unveiled a notebook designed for travellers and professionals. The P770 uses the latest i7 processor from Intel, weighs 1.4 kg, and can last up to 6.5 hours.


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The LifeBook P770 has a magnesium cover, features a spill-resistant keyboard to protect the motherboard from accidental spills, and has 3D Shock Sensor which uses an advanced 3D accelerometer to protect against damage to the hard disk from vibrations and shocks.

In addition, the company said that the LifeBook P770 provides up to 6.5 hours of battery life with further extension of up to 1.5 times if the ECO button is utilised. Activating the ECO button instantly switches the P770 to a power saving mode for low power consumption tasks like simple Internet surfing or playing your favourite songs.

Te LifeBook P770 has a 12.1-inch bright SuperFine WXGA back-light LED screen with 300nits brightness and has an HDMI output connector that can be used to hook the notebook up to an HDTV.

Finally, the LifeBook P770 is equipped with a built-in 2.0 Mega Pixel camera and microphone for smooth and seamless communication through optimized Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) while on the move.

The Fujitsu LifeBook P770 is available now starting from $1899. A 3G model is also available for $3099. 

Vodafone Offers Unlimited iPad Data Plan

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Vodafone and 3 Mobile have finally announced its data plans for the Apple iPad. Vodafone is set to offer an unlimited iPad pre-paid data plan for $49.95, while 3 will offer 4GB of data for $29.


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Vodafone and 3 Plans for the iPad

Vodafone Hutchison Australia’s CEO, Nigel Dews said, “Vodafone and 3 are bringing consumers the best value iPad data plans, with the best $15 plan from 3 and Australia’s only truly ‘unlimited data’ plan on Vodafone – so consumers can spend as much time as they like doing what they love online.”

“Vodafone and 3’s iPad plans are simple, affordable and packed with unbeatable value,”  added Dews.

All the iPad plans come with a free Micro SIM Starter Pack and is limited to one customer.

Vodafone customers can enjoy the following data plans:

– $9.95 for 250MB (30 days)
– $14.95 for 1GB (30 days)
– $29.95 for 4GB (30 days)
– $49.95 for unlimited use (30 days)
– $100 6GB (180 days)
– $150 12GB (1 year)

 

Looking at the terms and conditions, Vodafone stated:

Data is for use in Australia only. Recharge only available using an eligible Australian credit card via www.vodafone.com/ipad or via the Vodafone iPad app. Included data must only be used on the Apple iPad Wifi + 3G device. If you recharge within the relevant expiry period, unused credit can
rollover (for all recharges except the $49.95 Recharge, a maximum of
14GB can be accumulated). For the $49.95 Recharge, included data cannot
be used on any Peer-to-Peer services. Usage is calculated in per MB
increments.

3 Mobile, on the other hand, is offering the following pre-paid plans:

– $15 for 500MB + 1GB (30 days)
– $29 for 2GB + 2GB (30 days)
– $49 for 4GB + 2GB (30 days)
– $149 for 12GB (1 year)

3 Mobile will also offer month-by-month plans: $15 for 1.5GB and $30 for 4GB.