http://www.current.com.au/ en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss info@current.com.au (The Editor) http://www.current.com.au////article/Australian-International-Design-Awards-open-for-entries-Sydney-event-confirmed/RZJEJPGJZE.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Australian-International-Design-Awards-open-for-entries-Sydney-event-confirmed/RZJEJPGJZE.html Entries are now open for the 2012 Australian International Design Awards. The appliance and electronics industries have a strong association with these awards, consistently dominating the nominations and wins. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:50:54 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Harvey-Norman-taking-baby-steps-in-PhotoCentre-competition/GGKVMQMOTH.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Harvey-Norman-taking-baby-steps-in-PhotoCentre-competition/GGKVMQMOTH.html Harvey Norman is ramping up its PhotoCentre business with a competition to find Australia's best baby or toddler moment. This promotion has one of the most amusing terms and conditions notes going around. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:15:07 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/IPTV-on-the-rise-as-consumers-favour-broadband-over-subscription-TV/VYJAVLCJQG.html http://www.current.com.au////article/IPTV-on-the-rise-as-consumers-favour-broadband-over-subscription-TV/VYJAVLCJQG.html A new study shows 10% of Australian subscription TV services are delivered via IPTV, as opposed to services such as Foxtel. This figure is expected to rise to 1 in 3 by 2015 as consumers discover the power of fast broadband. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:36:35 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Criterion-Group-continuing-to-trade-as-receivers-named/RSUGASKNBT.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Criterion-Group-continuing-to-trade-as-receivers-named/RSUGASKNBT.html The receivers of the Criterion Group have been finalised, with KordaMentha overseeing the process. In a statement to interested parties, a Criterion Group spokesperson said the company is continuing to trade during this period. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:17:07 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/I-believe-in---Samsung-advertisements-that-keep-it-simple/DBRAXQVVZF.html http://www.current.com.au////article/I-believe-in---Samsung-advertisements-that-keep-it-simple/DBRAXQVVZF.html Samsung's latest Galaxy Note ad is an exercise in excess, but what else would you expect for a prime-time commercial airing during America's Super Bowl? Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:03:19 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/From-music-pirate-to-Rdio-star-with-Telcos-Twitter-and-Target-in-between/BFWGVJUHPO.html http://www.current.com.au////article/From-music-pirate-to-Rdio-star-with-Telcos-Twitter-and-Target-in-between/BFWGVJUHPO.html After working at Kazaa, Skype, ICQ and AOL, online product maestro Carter Adamson is now the COO of music streamers Rdio. In a broad interview, he discussed music piracy, partnering with telcos, his local rivals and a retail strategy. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:57:55 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Its-getting-haute-in-here-LG-launches-new-Prada-smartphone/MAOYARHOGJ.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Its-getting-haute-in-here-LG-launches-new-Prada-smartphone/MAOYARHOGJ.html LG Electronics has turned towards high-concept, high-fashion design with the launch of the new Prada Phone by LG 3.0, the third smartphone to come out of the partnership between LG and the eponymous fashion house. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:12:00 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/ACCC-consumer-rights-campaign-comes-with-a-warning-for-retailers/YPDNZAYGDQ.html http://www.current.com.au////article/ACCC-consumer-rights-campaign-comes-with-a-warning-for-retailers/YPDNZAYGDQ.html The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched a media campaign designed to remind consumers of their rights when purchasing goods. The ACCC also warned that the laws have implications for retailers too. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:35:19 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Samsung-appoints-new-corporate-marketing-director/WFNCIUIEDS.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Samsung-appoints-new-corporate-marketing-director/WFNCIUIEDS.html Samsung Electronics Australia has today announced the appointment of Arno Lenior as marketing director - corporate, replacing former corporate marketing director, Lambro Skropidis. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:35:09 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Masters-Big-W--Dick-Smith-take-on-Costco-in-Canberras-Majura-Park/YRLYMPJRPB.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Masters-Big-W--Dick-Smith-take-on-Costco-in-Canberras-Majura-Park/YRLYMPJRPB.html Costco is set to go up against new large-format Masters, Big W and Dick Smith stores over the coming months, as Woolworths expands its presence in Canberra's Majura Park retail precinct. Current takes a look at the new contenders. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:36:45 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Sony-Australia-GM-of-sales-to-depart-after-26-years-of-service/LQJDHYHGCQ.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Sony-Australia-GM-of-sales-to-depart-after-26-years-of-service/LQJDHYHGCQ.html Sony Australia has confirmed that David Hargreaves, a 26-year veteran of the company, has resigned. Hargreaves' final day will be 2 March 2012. As a result of this departure, the sales team structure will be reviewed. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:37:47 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Everythings-coming-up-Sunbeam-FoodSaver-Emjoi--new-appointment/PUNMNRJQZK.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Everythings-coming-up-Sunbeam-FoodSaver-Emjoi--new-appointment/PUNMNRJQZK.html Sunbeam's FoodSaver has been awarded best Small Appliance Product of the Year, its Emjoi sub-brand has topped the epilation category, and the company has a new addition to its personal care team. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:23:48 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Console-tug-of-war-as-PlayStation-3-and-Xbox-360-both-claim-market-leadership/VGFPYDRFQR.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Console-tug-of-war-as-PlayStation-3-and-Xbox-360-both-claim-market-leadership/VGFPYDRFQR.html Microsoft and Sony have taken the same set of sales statistics and determined that they have the best console platform and are showing the most momentum heading into 2012. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:57:40 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/While-the-Japanese-brands-stumble-TCL-breaks-profit-records/CZXZNUEWIK.html http://www.current.com.au////article/While-the-Japanese-brands-stumble-TCL-breaks-profit-records/CZXZNUEWIK.html TCL Electronics is bucking the trend of huge losses for Asian electronics companies, with the Chinese manufacturer revealing it expects to post a profit of around RMB 1.8 billion - AU$265 million - for calendar 2011. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:25:41 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Target--Kmart-to-suffer-as-consumers-opt-for-specialty-stores-over-discounts/KTVUJNHWFL.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Target--Kmart-to-suffer-as-consumers-opt-for-specialty-stores-over-discounts/KTVUJNHWFL.html Large mall-based retail chains such as Target and Kmart may face a difficult future as more consumers turn towards dedicated specialty stores for their shopping, according to a new report from Macquarie Equities Research. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:21:57 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Bricks-and-mortar-retailers-innovating-with-online-video-customer-service/JTCZDQSUNP.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Bricks-and-mortar-retailers-innovating-with-online-video-customer-service/JTCZDQSUNP.html One of the biggest hurdles retailers need to overcome when designing an online portal for their bricks and mortar stores is maintaining the same level of customer service on a website as they do in a store. Two companies are doing this well. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:33:16 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/The-future-of-Retravision-Full-interview-with-national-chairman-Ian-Ray/IAZNDNYDUP.html http://www.current.com.au////article/The-future-of-Retravision-Full-interview-with-national-chairman-Ian-Ray/IAZNDNYDUP.html Although the unification of Retravision will result in some job losses, the new national chairman of the company has told Current that it is "the most positive thing that has happened to Retravision for years". Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:07:21 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Oh-my-Bosch-Dishwashers-prove-a-winner-in-GfK-ratings/QIJFQCXISS.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Oh-my-Bosch-Dishwashers-prove-a-winner-in-GfK-ratings/QIJFQCXISS.html Bosch has cleaned up in the dishwashing category once again, with the European whitegoods manufacturer ranking first in GfK ratings for dishwasher unit sales and sales volume in 2011. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:46:00 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Retravision-Confidential-Private-email-reveals-Perth-base-many-job-losses/UJGEKGPDEF.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Retravision-Confidential-Private-email-reveals-Perth-base-many-job-losses/UJGEKGPDEF.html The CEO of Retravision, Paul Holt, has confirmed the newly-merged company will be run from Perth, and that due to the "removal of process duplications", the company will be forced to make "many" of its existing employees redundant. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:03:53 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Dates-and-locations-set-for-Retravision-Unification-Dealer-Briefings/OGTSPTEKRO.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Dates-and-locations-set-for-Retravision-Unification-Dealer-Briefings/OGTSPTEKRO.html New Retravision Australia CEO Paul Holt has set the dates for a national Dealer Briefing tour, which will take in all the major cities in Australia during late February. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:15:35 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Criterion-Group-placed-in-receivership-taking-orders-to-clear-stock/KRDHYWSKTP.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Criterion-Group-placed-in-receivership-taking-orders-to-clear-stock/KRDHYWSKTP.html Criterion Group Australia was placed in receivership earlier this week. The AV/IT furniture and installation company is still taking orders as it looks to clear stock. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:56:13 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Zanui-com-au-responds-to-Appliances-Onlines-customer-service-concerns/SPIHMHJCOD.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Zanui-com-au-responds-to-Appliances-Onlines-customer-service-concerns/SPIHMHJCOD.html Online retail aggregator Zanui.com.au has responded to criticism from Winning Appliances and Appliances Online CEO John Winning, saying its business delivers the best customer service available in the industry. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:37:12 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Whirlpool-Australia-restructures-almost-10-per-cent-of-workforce-affected/NWROQWQIRG.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Whirlpool-Australia-restructures-almost-10-per-cent-of-workforce-affected/NWROQWQIRG.html Whirlpool Australia has announced a company restructure, with almost 10 per cent of the Australian workforce being "affected" by this decision. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:22:43 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Bunnings-sales-are-up-but-Masters-is-seeing-bigger-growth/JRRYWLMNBA.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Bunnings-sales-are-up-but-Masters-is-seeing-bigger-growth/JRRYWLMNBA.html The Bunnings hardware chain saw a 6.8% increase in sales over the last six months, but the retailer was outstripped by its biggest competitor, Masters, which posted a 16.4% jump in sales figures over the same period. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:04:38 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Natural-disasters-hit-Sharp-Corporation-hard-projected-3-5-billion-loss/EMWZDCUPOS.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Natural-disasters-hit-Sharp-Corporation-hard-projected-3-5-billion-loss/EMWZDCUPOS.html The Sharp Corporation overnight projected an annual loss for its 2012 financial year of over AUD$3.5 billion. The company blamed suppy issues resulting from natural disasters and economic uncertainty for this result. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:05:22 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Sony-anoints-new-global-leader-focus-on-turning-around-faulting-businesses/QZQSLLDFKL.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Sony-anoints-new-global-leader-focus-on-turning-around-faulting-businesses/QZQSLLDFKL.html The Sony Corporation overnight announced the promotion of Kazuo Hirai to the president and chief executive officer positions. Hirai comes from Sony's PlayStation business, which has been successful, though recently challenged. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:46:12 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Shop-Online-Save-1-Almost/FUXRVQMHHV.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Shop-Online-Save-1-Almost/FUXRVQMHHV.html Online retailers are notorious for undercutting rivals and keeping prices as low as possible, but is 1% really that big a difference? Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:48:35 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Retail-industry-the-worst-in-IT-disaster-practices-not-ready-to-change/TRLFNCOMJZ.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Retail-industry-the-worst-in-IT-disaster-practices-not-ready-to-change/TRLFNCOMJZ.html Companies in the Australian retail and manufacturing industries have been declared laggards in their disaster back-up and recovery practices by the general manager of worldwide data recovery specialist Acronis. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:01:42 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Kodak-may-be-gone-but-the-Polaroid-Z340-will-keep-the-hipsters-happy/GVOSNKYUTI.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Kodak-may-be-gone-but-the-Polaroid-Z340-will-keep-the-hipsters-happy/GVOSNKYUTI.html Kodak may now be a footnote in digital imaging history, but the other name synonymous with the pre-digital photography age, Polaroid, is still going strong, today launching a new hybrid digital/instant camera. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:51:19 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/DAB--digital-radio-in-the-hands-of-luxury-Lexus-drivers/DDSOGKOOBM.html http://www.current.com.au////article/DAB--digital-radio-in-the-hands-of-luxury-Lexus-drivers/DDSOGKOOBM.html Lexus' new GS series has been today announced as the first luxury car range in Australia to roll off the line with DAB digital radio installed as standard. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:12:30 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Hot-new-looks-will-bring-innovation-to-heating-category-in-2012/LJRVVBURIL.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Hot-new-looks-will-bring-innovation-to-heating-category-in-2012/LJRVVBURIL.html While all the old favourites will still be on show, retail floors are set to be filled with plenty of exciting new heating appliances to keep homes warm (and stylish) this winter. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:47:04 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/Haier-scores-high-position-in-global-appliance-rankings/PYGFAPOEJA.html http://www.current.com.au////article/Haier-scores-high-position-in-global-appliance-rankings/PYGFAPOEJA.html Whitegoods manufacturer Haier has gleefully announced that it is the world's number one choice for refrigerators and freezers, according to new sales data rankings from business analysts Euromonitor International. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:12:18 +1100 http://www.current.com.au////article/2012-Australian-International-Design-Awards-Call-For-Entries/HIVLBUVWPZ.html http://www.current.com.au////article/2012-Australian-International-Design-Awards-Call-For-Entries/HIVLBUVWPZ.html Call For Entries Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:03:29 +1100