For more information please contact liz@raniericoms.com

SoundFreaq, a developer of high quality audio accessories, announces the launch of its flagship Bluetooth speaker system, The Sound Platform. Designed to combine exceptional acoustic performance with the possibilities of Bluetooth wireless technology, The Sound Platform is compatible with any Bluetooth enabled device, including Apple’s iPhone, iPad, MacBook and MacBook Pro.

The Sound Platform by SoundFreaq has been created with three primary objectives in mind: Performance, Experience and Design. The result is a scintillating, room filling sound, powered by a beautifully engineered unit that would not look out of place in any room.

To achieve optimum sound performance, The Sound Platform’s drivers are custom made and fit into a fine tuned, dual port design. This results in accurate vocal clarity and bass response. The acoustics have been tested extensively, both in the lab and with audio experts, to tune the system to achieve optimal performance.

The Sound Platform benefits from Bluetooth wireless technology, a feature that frees devices from the inconvenience of being docked and helps to achieve an unparalleled listening experience. Pairing is easy and can be achieved by simply pressing the pair button on The Sound Platform, turning on your device’s Bluetooth and letting the two find each other.

Music on The Sound Platform can be controlled wirelessly directly from your iPad, iPhone or other Bluetooth device or for added functionality and control you can download the complimentary iPhone or iPad app from the iTunes App store. It does also include a dock, which allows for playing and charging of the Apple iPod and iPhone.

Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail can be seen in The Sound Platform’s hi-gloss black finish, and its unique design. A team of world class industrial designers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and acoustic engineers worked together to meet the requirement for sound design.

According to Nolan Newman, UK and EU Sales and Marketing Director for SoundFreaq, “After a lifetime of being ‘wired’ to our favourite tunes, The Sound Platform can liberate your music to produce the ultimate sound experience. We believe that it is the next generation of the home audio system.”

Where to buy The Sound Platform by SoundFreaq
The Sound Platform by SoundFreaq will be available from November 2010 in selected retailers for £199.99.

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About SoundFreaq
SoundFreaq specialises in designing and developing high quality audio products with wireless capability.

For further information, please visit http://www.youtube.com/user/SoundFreaq

Join the ‘Club’
The BeBook ‘Club’ is the latest addition to the BeBook family of eBook readers. Based on the multiple award winning BeBook ‘Neo’, the BeBook ‘Club’ is the ideal reading companion for the average and occasional reader. It is fully featured, just like it’s big brother the BeBook Neo, and with it’s unique eInk Vizplex, screen reading satisfaction is guaranteed!

Features
Like all of the current BeBook eReaders, the BeBook ‘Club’ uses E-ink technology to ensure reading from the BeBook Club is the closest experience users will find to reading from traditional paper. This technology ensures users have maximum contrast and readability, just like a regular book and the best part is; users can even read in the brightest sunlight.

To enhance users reading experience the BeBook ‘Club’ has a 6 inch screen and contains all features users expect from an eReader, such as the ability to change and enlarge the text and apply bookmarks.

In true BeBook tradition, all popular file formats are supported. Of course the BeBook Club supports the PDF and ePub format, both with and without Adobe DRM (copy protection). But there’s more: the reader can take their own documents ‘on the road’ with a broad range of file formats: .doc, .txt, .HTML, .djvu, .chm, .fb2, mobipocket (non DRM). Almost any file format containing text can be used on the BeBook Club!

There’s more
The reader can even take their pictures and music on the road: for music playback MP3, and WAV formats can be used and for pictures Jpg, Tiff, Gif, Png and Bmp are all supported. The improved battery life gives up to 12.000 page views, 25 hours plus of music playback, or a combination of both. By using the USB cable (included) and the USB 2.0 port to upload hundreds of books from the user’s computer and in minutes and read for at least a month on a single battery charge!

Peter Zieleman Marketing Director of BeBook says the biggest benefit is that it is ‘brilliantly affordable’;

“After extensive market research it became crystal clear that there’s a strong demand for an affordable reader with all the popular features. We combined just that: all the features users expect from an eReader, at just a fraction of the cost! It is also possible to expand the internal memory on the BeBook ‘Club’ just by using the SD card expansion slot.

Besides all the technical features, the BeBook club has a distinguished and fashionable design. It’s classic, elegant and modern at the same time.”

So what’s new … ?

iOS4.1
Apple’s latest iPhone operating system (iOS4) is only a couple months old, but Apple has needed to make some vital changes, mainly to satisfy its existing millions of iPhone 3G users. For the gamers amongst us, players will be able to hook up with friends or make new ones – if they have none already.

iPods
In iPod world, the full range received an overhaul, which saw the nano revert back to a square design and the touch get its usual post-iPhone launch feature update. While the shuffle regained its buttons and got thinner!

iTunes 10
Ping — yep you heard it right (Microsoft will love Apple for this)— iIs simply social networking for music. You can follow artists and friends within iTunes, provided that they participate in the service.

Apple TV
For us, probably the most significant development was Apple TV, (obviously ITV won the legal battle here). The new hardware is 80 percent smaller than the previous Apple TV — small enough to fit into your palm of your hand — but it can only stream media as it has no hard drive. The biggest difference is the price; which see its come in at a fraction of the original Apple TV.

Apple has also come up with another idea to extract our hard earned cash for TV programmes. In the UK, we are lucky to have numerous free-to-air channels, so there has been reluctance to pay for TV programmes. The new TV Show rental from Apple may start to address this, allowing you the option to ‘rent’ a programme, then delete it, for slightly less money.

Of course, with all updated Apple products, comes a host of new products to support them. So keep a look out for products from a host of our clients to see what innovative ideas they have come up with.

The LA robe MacBook Pro range comes in sizes 13”, 15” and 17”. The sleeves utilise low resilience polyurethane technology, as well as a 5mm lining, to ensure heightened protection for laptops. The trendy design complements the contents of the sleeve beautifully and prevents scratches.

The LA garde robe laptop bag is custom fitted for the MacBook Pro 13”. At only 375g, it provides comfort, style and impressive functionality – affording room for the MacBook Pro charger, A4 documents and any other small necessity you wish to carry. As the top-selling sleeve for Apple laptops, it is a must have back to school item.

For further information, high resolution images or a sample for review, please contact Khristina Benning on Khristina@raniericoms.com

Virtually matching the size of a match box, the sWaP NOVA range includes red or black models, as well as a version designed for all fashionistas — the sWaP NOVA Crystal – Special Edition. This version is encrusted with white Swarovski crystals and bound in supple white leather. It also includes a protective white leather case. Both versions operate across all networks (except ‘3’), offering Quad-band connectivity. As with all current sWaP products, the NOVA is not network restricted and will allow users to make and receive calls in high clarity. The phone is available now for £199.99 (Nova) and Crystal-Special Edition for £299.99. Both models are available from 1st October 2010.

The sWaP NOVA is impressively lightweight at only 43g and measures a compact 68.5 x 38 x 16.2mm — the equivalent size of a match box. The sWaP NOVA is chrome-finished, perfect for hanging to a bunch of keys. The NOVA Crystal- Special Edition is Swarovski encrusted, ideal for slipping into a handbag or for those special occasions. Both versions feature a 1.76” TFT full colour touch screen display, a mini stylus and arrive complete with a key-chain loop and neck lanyard. The loop can be attached to a keyring, while the lanyard provided will allow for hanging around the neck -ideal for hands-free usage or listening to music on the incorporated FM radio or in-built music player.

The NOVA features a 230mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, providing users with up to 82 hours of stand-by time and 150 minutes of talk time. The NOVA is cable free, allowing users to simply recharge the device by sliding out the unique in-built USB port and plugging it straight into a laptop or PC for instant data transfer and charge. The plug-and-play functionality enables users to conveniently charge and transfer any data, such as sound clips, music, pictures or videos while at home, travelling or at work.

sWaP NOVA features a 2GB Micro SD card, which is expandable to 8GB, enabling users to store all contacts, music, movies and pictures with ease, while leaving plenty of memory for future use, or simply storing various work files. The NOVA arrives with sWaP’s own earphones and the ability to connect to almost any Bluetooth device.

There are a selection of additional features, including 25 ring-tones, seven profile settings (including flight mode), a speakerphone, wallpapers, backgrounds and animation. The NOVA also includes a mini stylus, which is neatly contained within the side of the device to help assist with dialling and text. Other day-to-day functions included are a calendar, alarm, calculator, to-do list and WAP internet connection.

The NOVA is not fixed to any contract or limited to specific network providers, allowing users to take full advantage of the flexibility in receiving and making calls with either their existing SIM cards or by purchasing a Pay As You Go SIM.

The sWaP NOVA mobile phone comes complete with wired earphones, USB data transfer cable, mini stylus and user guide. The NOVA arrives contained within an attractive and compact presentation box.

Price and Availability
The sWaP NOVA is likely to be priced at £199.99 (including VAT) and available from many well known high street and internet stores including Harrods, F Hinds, Amazon, IWantOneOfThose.com and many more.

The sWaP NOVA Crystal-Special Edition is likely to be priced at £299.99 (including VAT) and also available from Harrods, F Hinds, Amazon and IWantOneOfThose.com.

For a full list of stockists, visit www.s-w-a-p.co.uk

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About sWaP
sWaP (smart Watch and Phone) was established in October 2008. sWaP is a watch-phone product brand developed by three key business partners, all of whom have substantial experience in high technology industries. The realisation for the requirement of ever more transportable means of communication led to the creation of sWaP, with the watch-phone being selected as the most viable for this purpose. For more information visit www.s-w-a-p.co.uk

For further information, hi-res images or a sample, please email Khristina@raniericoms.com.

Like previous iPhone and iPod launches Scosche, will offer its signature kickBACK case with an integrated kickstand for landscape video viewing on the iPod Touch gen 4. The new kickBACK t4™features a glossy polycarbonate exterior with a flexible impact resistant rubber interior and will be available in black, grey and white with grey molding.

Similarly, the Scosche switchKASE t4™ combo pack also features the kickBACK t4™ and a smooth silicone skin with a removable sport armband for working out with the newest iPod Touch.

The switchBACK t4™ is perfect for iPod Touch users looking for some variety in their case choices. These chameleon cases come with one solid frame (Black or White) and 3 interchangeable polycarbonate backs (blue, red, black and pink, purple, white). Each case features 2 smooth backs and one with a hinged kickstand for widescreen media viewing.

Scosche’s new metalliKASE t4™ is a low profile metallic polycarbonate case available in chrome and dark metallic. The company includes a mirrored screen protector with each metalliKASE.

The Scosche beefKASE t4™ features a genuine leather back and a polycarbonate shell to provide a unique look and feel. Its open design provides easy access to all buttons and switches on the iPod Touch gen 4.

Scosche will also offer tightGRIP™ case packs for the new iPod nano. The full silicone enclosures provide enhanced grip with superior protection and are available in packs of 3 (pink, purple, clear & red, blue, black). Scosche will also be shipping a 3 pack of flexible rubber cases for the new Touch. The glosSEE t4 for the Touch ships with Blue, Red and Black flexible rubber cases.

The soundKASE n6™ is perfect for users looking to workout with their new nano. The sweat proof silicone and neoprene case and armband wraps comfortably around the user’s arm and features a useful integrated key slot to keep pockets empty during workouts.

In addition to the new cases, Scosche will also be offering three new screen protectors for the iPod Touch gen 4. The satinSHIELD t4™ (2 pack of anti-glare screen protectors), proFlect t4™ (2 pack of mirrored screen protectors) and klearCOAT t4™ (3 pack of ultra-clear protective films) protect the new Touch’s screen from unwanted scratches, dust and dirt.

Pricing and availability
The new iPod Touch additions will range in price from £19.99 and protective iPod Touch shields are available from £12.99.

The iPod nano range will be available for £14.99.

For further information, please visit www.scosche.com to see what is currently shipping. In addition to the all-new line of cases, Scosche has a complete offering of existing earphones, chargers and cables for new iPod Touch and nano.

About Scosche Industries:
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2010, Scosche Industries is an award-winning innovator of iPad, iPhone and iPod accessories. Scosche is founded on its commitment to quality, value and customer service. With over 55 patents and countless industry awards it is easy to see that Scosche is consistently at the forefront of technology and innovation. Scosche Industries is the parent company of several distinct brands including: Scosche, REALM, EFX, BlueFusion and Accumat. Founded in 1980, Scosche is still 100% family owned and operated with over 120 great people along side them. For more information visit our website at www.scosche.com.

For further information, hi-res images or samples, please contact Khristina@raniericoms.com.

Yet more controversy surrounded Lindsay Lohan as she left rehab last week and was photographed wearing designer gear, clutching an energy drink and sporting a pair of V-MODA Crossfade LPs. As the pictures emerged, speculation grew as to whether Lohan had been paid to wear some of the following items:

• V-MODA headphones: £220
• Ray-Ban sunglasses: £100
• Hermes mini-Birkin bag: price not available
• RockStar appetite drink: £1.70
• Hermès belt: price not available

Our sources at V-MODA have confirmed that Lindsay was not paid to wear the Crossfade LP headphones but instead picked them up from the Kari Feinstein MTV Movie Awards. Keep on rocking Lindsay!

What will you have?
• Basic word processor skills
• Ability to work to deadline
• Attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of working within an office environment

What’s involved?
• Work closely with our account teams to carry out a number of daily tasks, including managing courier deliveries and collections, presenting client coverage, filing magazines and answering phones.
• This is a part time role – starting with three mornings a week (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday) but with the potential for the role to grow in future

Salary:
£7.50-£9.00 per hour (dependent on experience)

Ranieri Communications certainly feels and smells like a successful, well organised agency. The number of cuttings littered around the office when I arrived for my interview are testament to this. Since childhood I’ve been obsessed with the new and interesting, this slowly developed into undying love for technology and finally I get to PR it.

From my initial observations; the consumer tech PR industry is as fast paced as the products they represent. The constant evolution of features and OSs mean that there is always something to say, and often it’s something exciting. I’ve been assigned some great accounts from eReaders, to professional USB microphones to internet TVs. But what’s even more exciting is how they are communicated to various medias.

One of the major reasons for me in joining Ranieri and the consumer tech industry was its acceptance of social media, and the role it plays in modern PR. This is something that the older, more traditional industries are struggling to come to terms with. In fact this is probably the largest thing I’ve noticed within my first week. In previous roles working within the B2B sector, the use of social media is somewhat cloudy. Even from my own personal experience of using Twitter for example, it’s only been in the last week that I have discovered how powerful this platform can be. For me it had always been an outgoing messaging service – normally organising adhoc trips to the pub with friends. What I never realised is that it is by far and away the world’s greatest listening tool and a way for looking for opportunities. Something I would love to investigate more in the future.

So what do I tell world about my first impressions of Ranieri Communications? As a company it’s forward thinking agency that gets results, as individuals they are very warm, welcoming people who I’m looking forward to working with for some time.

Adam

Now this struck me as excellent timing on the part of Facebook, but also made me wonder what the social networker’s favourite social network would do to Ofcom’s beautiful stats.

One of the senior analysts at Gartner has written a really interesting post on what has prompted this move from Facebook, so I’ll leave that to the experts. Suffice to say it clearly takes its inspiration from the rise of the new wave of location-based social networks such as Foursquare and Gowalla. If, like me, you thought Foursquare updates on Twitter were annoying then I’m guessing Facebook’s updates will take it to the next level. At least I will have a reason to prune my friend list even further.

Anyway, I digress.

What struck me about both of today’s stories was that when combining the launch of Facebook People with the Ofcom survey I’ve surmised that the UK public will now be spending a quarter of its time online and the other three quarters telling the online community where it is. How’s that for Big Brother?

At least it helps Ofcom with the questions for its next survey.

Andy