Not long ago, the idea of “one world” was akin to a science fiction fantasy. Although nations on the other side of the world remain hours away by flight – they are now instantaneous through smartphones and portable tablets – we are now as connected virtually everywhere – anywhere we want to be and when we want to be.
When it comes to opinions about mobile devices, Statisticbrain.com’s May 26, 2016 report yields some outstanding insight, notably for promotional products distributors: 29 percent of respondents stated their phone/tablet is the first and last thing they look at each day; 18 percent asserted they “need to have the latest mobile technology,” 37 percent check their mobile device every 30 minutes or less; and 65 percent believe using their mobile device makes them better parents. Further, 76 percent responded that “mobile technology is mostly helpful.”
What do phone/tablet users do with this technology at least twice a week? They use it to browse and search the internet, listen to music, take pictures, read about current events/news, shop online, use GPS to navigate, use their social media, and play games.
“The majority of people have a cell phone, and many have both cell phone and tablet,’ acknowledges Cheryl Gallagher of Starline. “There is always a need to stay ‘in touch’ and ‘on the grid,’ which makes accessories like a power bank very popular, especially for awards or incentive programs. This is a product that people will want and will use.”
Key Selections
Several suppliers’ new products reflect the most desirable accessories for phones and tablets – and may therefore make outstanding offerings to clients seeking to reward or provide incentives for the upcoming new year.
New from High Caliber Line are several wireless speakers. Maestro (T602), features high definition audio, built-in microphone, radio, and rechargeable battery that allows for up to six hours of playing time. The Maestro delivers a total of 6 watts (2 internal 3W speakers) of powerful sounds with soaring highs and deep booming bass. The speaker 4.0 wireless and audio prompt technology makes pairing conveniently easy. The Maestro plays music up to 30 feet from any Bluetooth™ device such as a smartphone, notebook, or tablet.
The Karlovy Wireless Speaker (T600) is a compact wireless speaker that can go anywhere, especially for salespeople on the road a lot. This 2-watt wireless speaker has a rechargeable lithium battery that will provide up to three hours of entertainment. It’s accented with a neon caliber blue LED, and basic buttons to back track or advance in the end-user’s play list. A USB/audio cable included.
New from iClick is the Qi100 Wireless Charging Pad for all Qi-compatible devices. Users simply set their device on to the non-slip rubber grip top and wireless charging begins. Also new from iClick is the LON Speaker. Featuring a proprietary design, this 2" x 2" Bluetooth speaker provides wireless sound for up to five hours. It has no docks, no plugs, no connectors, so it may be carried from room to room or toted in a bag. Each speaker comes packaged in a white tuck box and can feature an imprint using full-color process. It can be paired to a hand-held device by enabling the Bluetooth functionality and search for LON Speaker. It can connect wirelessly from up to 30 feet away and it works with all Bluetooth enabled phones, tablets, note-books and desktop computers.
iClick’s lightweight Power Pack C700 comes in four colors, and you can make your client’s logo pop with 3D UV printing (full-color process and screen printing are also available). It rapidly charges a smartphone with its 3600mAh power capacity. The soft leather loop provides extra carrying convenience with micro USB input cord included.
Selfie-sticks, which enable the user to widen the scope of a photo, continue to be popular, and anyone would appreciate and use a promotional selfie stick. The Starlet Plug-In Selfie Pole (UQ5109) is new from Sweda. It features telescoping handle, wrist strap, secure device/phone clamp, and shutter button on the handle. It doesn’t require Bluetooth or charging, plugs directly into earphone jack; and is compatible with most devices. It is available in six colors.
Also new from Sweda is the Snap It Up Mobile Wallet and Stand (kMB4110). Your client’s end-user can give his/her phone a card pouch and portable stand that adheres directly to the smartphone with the mobile credit card phone holder. The holder’s soft rubberized wings snap up into a stand for watching movies, or taking hands-free calls while the card pouch holds multiple business, ID, or credit cards, Secure 3M adhesive is semi-permanent and removes without residue. It is compatible with all flat-backed smart phones. Imprint only in White, Red, Yellow, and Black.
Most people today are on the go – some to far-flung cities, while others racking up local miles doing errands and shuttling family members between bouts of work. Carrying cases are also great to provide. New from Mobile Edge is the Herringbone Tablet/Ulbrabook Totes, with classic styling, designed for toting tablets safely and stylishly. The integrated workstation helps organize compact accessories such as keys, MP3 player, pens, USB flash drives, SD cards, etc. The removable shoulder strap allows the end-user to carry gear, hands-free. The supplier also offers a similar style, Corduroy Table Toe with poly-fur lined pocket, polished hardware, and easy access front pocket for mobile phone; it also has the integrated workstation.
Although higher price points than, say, pens, or mugs, any phone or tablet accessory provides outstanding ROI and end-user value. Your client and/or buyer likely has a device, so why not ask immediately what he or she uses as accessories, and what is his/her favorite feature? This serves as a great icebreaker to start this conversation.
Gallagher advises, “These types of products are great as a demonstration product, instead of just a straight sales pitch. Have fun playing up with a selfie stick, have power banks as a self-promotion and leave them as samples or have your own personal story about the accessory and how you use it,” she suggests.
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The Listen Up Combo Kit from Bay State
The nicely appointed case in the Listen Up Combo Kit from Bay State includes micro fiber cloth, universal micro USB charger cord, head phones and stylus for today's electronics. Clean up, charge and listen to your favorite tunes with this kit.
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| The Rotating Case Tech Padfolio from BIC Graphic rotates 360 degrees and offers six different hands-free viewing positions giving you the optimal angle for presentations or web browsing on your iPad. The notepad on the right allows you to take notes. It has an elastic closure with metal plate for laser engraving. |
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Promo Loops from EMT stop cell phone damage from drops and makes one handed operation a breeze. Promo Loops™ work with any cell phone and case.
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Charge multiple devices on the go with this portable water resistant solar powered charger from Makana Line. The shockproof 8000 mAh power bank features a LED torch light, dual USB output, indicator lights to show battery level and carabiner that can attach to your backpack or purse/bag. Silicone shell makes it drop-resistant.
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The Verve power Bank from Starline has a Grade A 3000 mAh battery with an output capacity of 1A. Features include a battery capacity/recharging/energy indicator. A micro/USB cable and lanyard are included.
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This silicone cell phone suction handle from Webb Company is a fun and unique accessory for mobile phones. Great for the travel industry, tech programs, marathons and more.
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