Microsoft Launches AI enabled Microsoft 365 Copilot to market

In a world where productivity is key, Microsoft has recently launched a new tool that is set to revolutionize the way businesses operate. Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI-powered virtual assistant that will help businesses achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and success.

“Today marks the next major step in the evolution of how we interact with computing, which will fundamentally change the way we work and unlock a new wave of productivity growth,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “With our new copilot for work, we’re giving people more agency and making technology more accessible through the most universal interface — natural language.” Source

Micrsoft 365 Copilot – Source

So, what is ChatGTP? ChatGTP is a language model developed by OpenAI, based on the GPT-3.5 architecture. It is an AI-powered virtual assistant that uses natural language processing to understand and respond to user queries in a conversational manner. With its ability to learn and adapt, ChatGTP can help businesses streamline their operations, automate mundane tasks, and enhance their overall productivity.

But how is this going to change productivity tools? With the integration of ChatGTP, Microsoft 365 Copilot can help businesses become more efficient by automating routine tasks and providing quick and accurate answers to user queries. This means that businesses can focus on more important tasks and reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks.

Embracing ChatGTP is great for your business within the Australian market as it will provide businesses with a competitive edge. By using ChatGTP, businesses can enhance their customer service by providing quick and accurate responses to customer queries. This will help improve customer satisfaction and retention, which is crucial for any business looking to succeed in the long run.

People should start taking notice of ChatGTP today as it is set to revolutionize the way businesses operate. By using ChatGTP, businesses can save time, increase efficiency, and enhance productivity. It is an investment that will pay off in the long run, and businesses that do not adopt this technology may be left behind.

One local example of how ChatGTP is being used in Australia is by a major airline company. The airline implemented ChatGTP to improve customer service by providing quick and accurate responses to customer queries. As a result, the airline saw a significant increase in customer satisfaction and retention. Whilst I was learning to use ChatGTP, I tried out a couple of prompts like, “Help me plan a holiday to Europe, flying out of Melbourne, to a coastal italian city”. I was amazed at how detailed the response was, aand can see how this is going to transform even a siloed industry such as travel.

Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot | Your Copilot for Work

In conclusion, Microsoft 365 Copilot is set to revolutionize the way businesses operate by providing an AI-powered virtual assistant that can automate routine tasks and enhance productivity. Embracing ChatGTP is great for businesses within the Australian market as it will provide a competitive edge and improve customer satisfaction. It is time for businesses to start taking notice of this technology and embrace it to enhance their operations and stay ahead of the game. To learn more about Microsoft 365 Copilot and ChatGTP, check out the Microsoft Youtube channel. – Press Release

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Microsoft enables Microsoft Teams SIP Gateway for supported legacy handsets

Microsoft Teams SIP Gateway, has been enabled for selected SIP phone models from Cisco, Poly, Yealink and AudioCodes to register with Microsoft Teams. Microsoft has made it east for customers to provision legacy handsets via the portal, and providing the ability to manage the devices via the MS Teams Admin Portal. It was great to test this with Telstra Calling for Office 365 on a legacy TIPT / Polycom VVX600 Handset running the latest firmware.

thumbnail image 1 captioned Cisco IP Phones with MPP firmware (6821, 7800 series, 8800 series), Polycom SIP phones (VVX series 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 etc.), Yealink (T20 series, T30 series, T40 series, T50 series), AudioCodes 400 HD series.
Supported SIP Devices on MS Teams SIP Gateway

Migrating to Microsoft Teams Calling is getting more seamless every day, and now with the SIP gateway it allows you to migrate while still leveraging your investment in legacy devices while you migrate to Microsoft Teams Calling.

Please refer to the following URL for supported handsets – Supported Handsets

  • Support existing legacy SIP phones
  • Teams users must have a Teams Phone licence
  • No additional cost from Microsoft
  • All legacy SIP endpoints can be managed in the Teams Admin Centre
  • Common area devices require a Common Area Phone license
  • Works with Microsoft Calling Plan, Direct Routing, or Operator Connect

    Note: For Cisco phones you will need to licence the MPP firmware from Cisco

Currently, SIP Gateway supports the following core Teams calling functionality

  • Inbound and outbound calls
  • Call transfer
  • Meeting dial-in and dial-out
  • Device-based “do not disturb”
  • Voicemail with message waiting indicator

How to get started?

Learn more about planning for and configuring SIP Gateway in your organisation.

  • Users must be licensed for Teams Phone (via any Office 365 E5, Microsoft 365 license that includes Teams Phone, or as a standalone license)
  • PSTN enablement (i.e., phone number assigned) via a Microsoft Teams Calling Plan, Direct Routing, or Operator Connect
  • Common area devices require a Common Area Phone license

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Satya Nadella’s Keynote Speech at Ignite Conference 2018

Microsoft Ignite is an annual conference for developers and IT professionals hosted by Microsoft. The first conference, then known as TechEd, happened in 1993 in Orlando, Florida, United States, and this year will be attended by over 30,000 delegates, partners and staff.

Below is an overview of the Keynote, and the topics that were covered as part of this years Ignite Update.

CEO Satya Nadella takes the Microsoft Ignite stage sharing the latest insights in his Keynote –

Intro: 10:00
Keynote – Satya Nadella – 14:30

– Welcome
– Intelligent Cloud
– That next generation of multi sense Multi-Device experiences

Customer Examples and Case Studies
– Ford – Business Transformation (Steam to Electricity)
– Tech Intensity – Empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
– Royal Dutch Shell Oil – Adoption of AI and Machine Learning
– CBRE – Software Adoption through Azure to manage digital transformation outcomes
– Bueller, Switzerland – improving food safety through Azure AI and Computer Vision
– BMW – Azure AI capabilities from the Bot Framework to the cognitive services for voice for the dialogue management including Skype and Cortana
– H&M, Sweden – Azure and Dynamics 365 transforming retail operations
– Eli Lilly and Company – Healthcare – Productivity and Efficiency through Microsoft 365
– ZF, Germany – Training and Assistance for their First Line Workers through Dynamics 365 mixed reality, businesses applications and HoloLens

Accelerating Tech Intensity through Partnership
– SAP CEO – Bill McDermott and Adobe CEO – Shantanu Narayen – Open Data Initiative

Security and Trust
– Political Campaigns – Account Guard
– Johnson City, Tennessee – Windows Defender and Machine Learning Systems
– IOT Security using Azure Sphere
– Coca-Cola – Advanced Threat Protection, Identity Management, Multifactor Authentication with Microsoft 365
– AI for good / Azure for Humanitarian Action

Reference: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ignite

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Vlogs and Podcasts

Below are some links to some Podcasts and Vlogs that I listen to. I used to listen to Podcasts exclusively on my daily commute, however finding that now I am spending more time listening to Audio-books in the car.

Thanks to Casey Neistat, and his high-def video storytelling, drones, DSLR’s, tech reviews and daily vlogging, I am watching far less TV, and more YouTube based  daily VLOGS via my AppleTV.

Picture Source: Casey Neistat

Podcast

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Modern Love

This American Life by This American Life

Tech

Geeks Life Podcast

Leo Laporto The Tech Guy Podcast 

Tech Vlogs

iJustine – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb18eEvBNh0

TechCrunch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Qa9cXaBFw

Engadget – https://www.youtube.com/user/engadget

Amber Mac – http://ambermac.com/

VLOG – Lifestyle and Travel Vlog

Casey Neistat – https://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat –  Must Watch!

Lost Le Blanc – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt_NLJ4McJlCyYM-dSPRo7Q

Mari Johnson – https://www.youtube.com/user/missmarijohnson

Gary Vaynerchuck – https://www.youtube.com/user/GaryVaynerchuk

Erik Conovor – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXa3jSGn_ns

 

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My Setup 2016 – Synology DiskStation DS916

It has been around four to five years since I purchased the HP X510 Home Media Server, and have made several modifications to my home audio setup, since my initial posts. I will further review the Synology DiskStation DS916+ in a later post, however thought that I would share with you an update on my gear list as it stands.

2016 – Setup as follows:

Sonos – Zoned Audio

Kitchen– Play:1


Bedroom – Play:1

https://instagram.com/p/BFRNDAmt2-g/

Lougeroom – Sonos Play:Bar

https://instagram.com/p/BFRQ2epN22Q/

 

AppleTV 4 – 64GB

apple-tv-3

Samsung BD-F6500 BlueRay Player
samsung-bd-f6500-blueray-player

Foxtel IQ 3 Set Top Boxes

foxtel-iq-3-set-top-boxes

Telstra (NETGEAR) Netgear AC1900 Cable Data Gateway (C6300BD)
netgear-ac1900-cable-data-gateway

  •  Telstra Air® compatible
  • Cable 3.0 (HFC)
  • Ethernet WAN
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac certified®
  • 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch
  • 2x USB
  • DLNA Certified®

Synology DiskStation – DS916+

synology-ds916plus

  • 4-Bay Network Attached Storage DS916+
  • 4 Western Digital 2 TB drives
  • Synology Media Server Operating System

The usual equipment:

Foxtel IQ 3 Set Top Boxes

Tivo HD Set Top Box (Retired)

Raspberry Pi2 – RetroPie Gaming Server

2 x 2TB Western Digital External HDD hidden behind the iMac

Apple TV 3 (Bedroom) and Apple TV 4 (LoungeRoom)

Telstra (NETGEAR) Netgear AC1900 Cable Data Gateway (C6300BD)

2 x Apple AirPort Express WiFi Access Point – Bedroom Extender, and Outdoor Speakers

The component backbones:

Samsung 46″ LCD television

Sonos PlayBar Soundbar for Television

iMac 24”

Sound (other than Sonos):

2 Outdoor Audio Speakers

My Internet Service Provider is through Telstra Australia.  It is a little more expensive, but I have Home Cable (Cable 3.x (HFC) and have a static IP address for the Synology, with 500 Gig available download per month @ 100G speeds. I was also hoping to cut the cable on my Foxtel Box, however as this is bundled in with my home internet connection, it has been a good set top box replacement for my Tivo that died some months back.

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Freeview FV Mobile App. Free-to-air TV wherever you may be.

Looking for a way to consume some more data on your mobile plan? Freeview have just launched a new app for IOS and Android, to all you to enjoy terrestrial-free, free-to-air TV. If you have a love for the decabled lifestyle, you can now also rip the plug out of the wall, and clear your roof of any overhanging terrestrial antennas.

With the launch of the FreeView app, you can now watch all 16 major digital TV channels, in real time, on your phone, phablet or tablet device of choice.
Given you have a decent mobile signal, and corresponding data plan, you can now get live streaming from over 16 free-to-air channels including: ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, ABC2/ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC News 24, 7TWO, 7Mate, 7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life. More live channels will be added as they become available.

freeview-channels

If your viewing habits have changed over time, and you dont have a need for free-to-air television, there is no need to read on, however if you’ve got an iPhone and an Apple TV, you can mirror the Freeview FV app from your device to the AppleTV. Although the AppleTV currently provides access to most of these apps, from within the Freeview FV App you can also access the dedicated Catch-up services including ABC iView, SBS On Demand, PLUS7, 9Now and tenplay.

Freeview FV App includes:

Live Streaming
Catch-Up TV
TV Guide
Browse and Search
Reminders and Favourites
Recommendations

[Apple App Store / Google Play Store]

 

Source: Freeview

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SONOS releases White SUBWOOFER

SONOS has introduced a Premium White Gloss version of its SUBWOOFER to its product line-up of Play1, Play3 , Play5, PlayBar and Connect devices. Since the SONOS Play speaker devices have been released, there has always been White and Black options available, with the exception of the SUBWOOFER.

The SONOS Premium White Gloss version of the SUB is striking in its appearance, and would fit in well to many environments. The SONOS SUB claims to add dramatically deeper bass to any Sonos speaker (or amplified component), and zero cabinet buzz or rattle, is a versatile wireless product that can be placed anywhere standing up or lying flat.

The SONOS SUB is 389 x 402 x 158 mm, weights 16 kg, and connects to your home Wi-Fi network with any 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz broadcast-capable router for uninterrupted wireless streaming.
On the rear of the SONOS SUB is one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port which provides the option to connect SUB to a wired home network.

The smaller PLAY:1, PLAY:3 speakers can be used for basic areas like kitchen bench tops, bookshelves, bedrooms and bathrooms, to the larger PLAY:5 and PLAYBAR speakers for Larger rooms and Home Theatre setups.

SONOS has a number of the key differences over other speaker systems, being their Wireless Mesh Networking System, enabling connectivity on a separate wireless channel. This means that your speakers don’t have to talk to the Wi-Fi router directly, increasing the range of your SONOS system, no matter how large your home or how many Wi-Fi devices you use. SONOS speakers also allow you to ZONE the speakers around your home, or group them together for gatherings to fill your home with sound.

why-sonos

The SONOS products are extremely high quality, and provide an attractive, easy to setup solution for residential homes and spaces. Although SONOS are positioned at a premium price point against similar products within the market, they make up for these CONS with the quality or speaker and complimentary sound.

PRODUCT FEATURES:
Amplifier

Two Class-D digital amplifiers perfectly tuned to match the two dedicated speaker drivers and the acoustic architecture.

Speakers

Two force-canceling speaker drivers positioned face-to-face for deeper, richer sound and zero cabinet buzz or rattle.

Dual acoustic ports

Dual acoustic ports carefully tuned to enhance SUB performance.

Frequency response

Frequency response: Plays down to 25 Hz.

Automatic equalization

Automatic equalization. Audio settings adjust to perfectly balance SUB and the paired Sonos speaker or component to optimize sound quality.

Controls

Adjustable volume controls let you customize your sound.

www.sonos.com.au 

 

Your style, our sound. Pre-order the white SUB today. (Link in bio)

A photo posted by Sonos (@sonos) on

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LET’S GET PHYSICAL – GADGETS FOR WORKOUTS

Summer is nearly here, and if you are finding it hard to get some motivation together to stay fit, or get in shape for summer, we have reviewed a handful of Gadgets to assist that transition. Workout routines can become monotonous, however with the right Gadget, it can turn that workout into a fun, motivating and accountable exercise.

Planning and Research is critical when buying a workout Gadget, because just that it looks cool, or says that it is going to transform your workout, can become an expensive exercise (pardon the pun). When making a purchase, talk to your friends, research on the Internet, and see what others are saying about the particular purchase in mind, and how they rate against other comparable products in the market.
Other important factors to take into consideration include Compatibility and Portability. Before you make a purchase, ensure that your new Gadget is compatible with any existing technology that you may have at home including smart devices and computers. Many of the latest gadgets enable you to take advantage of additional features like tracking your exercise via GPS, or by syncing your activity tracker with an internet enabled device, therefore it is important that you are not paying for features that you will not be able to use, or that will not work as designed without the required compatibility.
It is also important to ensure that the Gadget is not going to detract from your workout if you are constantly having to adjust it, becoming a hindrance, rather than adding to the success of your workout.

Garmin VivoFit
If running is your thing, and you don’t like the distraction of headphones and music whilst running, check out the Garmin VivoFit activity tracker. The Garmin VivoFit retails for $109.00, and displays steps, calories, distance; monitors sleep patterns, pairs with a heart rate monitor¹ for fitness activities. The band has been a favorite of mine, as this device has a key point of difference against many other activity trackers, a built in battery enabling 1+ year battery life . Unlike many other products, this prevents having to charge the device every 5-7 days, and is water-resistant up to 50 meters. You can synchronize your activities via Bluetooth using a compatible smart device or computer via the Garmin Connect App, and keep track of every run or walk, and compare your activities against your own goals, or share with a friend. – $109.00 RRP.

Garmin vívofit Fitness Band – Slate

WiFi Body Scales:
The Withings Body Cardio Wi-Fi body scale uses Wi-Fi to automatically transmit your weight to your Smart Device. The Body Cardio Scales are the first and only Wi-Fi scale in the world that gives a medically-accepted assessment of cardiovascular health thanks to cutting-edge Pulse Wave Velocity measurements. This ultra-thin scale also tracks body composition (weight, body fat, muscle, bone mass and water) and synchronizes with your smartphone to display your trends and help you reach your health goals. With its extra slim glass and steel design, the Wi-Fi body scale is jam-packed with technology yet remains simple to use. It can automatically and upload your weight and impedance measurements to your device over Wi-Fi, and pairs with over 100 partner apps. AUD $249.00 RRP.

Withings Body Cardio – Heart Health and Body Composition Wi-Fi Scale, Black

Apple Watch Sports:
Since it’s inception, that Apple Watch has set the standard for smart watches, within the wearable’s market. Built from a Stainless steel case with a Sapphire crystal Retina display, the Apple Watch is a slick device for everyday use, and activity tracking. The Apple Watch 2 has been recently upgraded and comes with a new dual-core processor to enable better performance within applications, built-in GPS to track your pace, distance and route — even if you don’t have your iPhone with you, and is now water resistant up to 50 meters allowing you to do swimming workouts in open water or track laps while swimming at the pool. Unlike standard activity trackers, the Apple Watch has a built-in Force Touch Ceramic back Heart rate sensor, Accelerometer, and Gyroscope Ambient light sensor, to continuously measures your heart rate while you use the Workout app, and has up to 18 hours of battery life. The Apple Watch Series 1 Sport starts at AU$399 in 38mm and the Apple Watch Series 2 starts at AU$529 respectively.


Apple Watch Sport 42mm Silver Aluminum Case with Orange Sport Band

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GPS TURN BY TURN NAVIGATION, AND IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Before you ditch the new Melway’s that you were given for Christmas and run out to get the latest GPS (SatNav) for the mid year road trip,we have put together a list of things that you should consider before you purchase your in-car gadget, to ensure that Turn By Turn Navigation is right for you?

What is a GPS:  A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a Satellite Navigation (SatNav) system that provides location and time based information. A GPS or SatNav (Whichever you prefer)  device will obtain its position from a Satellite by precisely timing the signals sent by GPS satellites above the earth.

GPS Types: Over the past decade GPS has been integrated into many devices including in-car navigation being the most common unit fixed to a windscreen or dashboard of a car or truck, which provides guidance on predefined roads and highways.  Watches, cameras, handheld devices, mobile phones and tablets have more recently introduced GPS modules which provide both navigation assistance, and location-based services which are used within mobile apps for uses such as fitness, turn-by-turn navigation & photography.

Where to Start:
Before you purchase a GPS, it is important to determine what you want out of your GPS unit. If you are the type of person that rarely drives long distances, and to random locations, or relies heavily on other means of transport, then a low-cost entry-level model is probably more for you. For around $100, you can purchase a reputable brand GPS like the Garmin Nuvi40 or the NAVMAN EZYSeries30 In-Car GPS. Both products provide an intuitive touchscreen interface with Turn by Turn Navigation with built-in maps for Australia and New Zealand, Spoken street names and my favorite “Where Am I” feature that I’m sure we could all use from time to time. 

 

For those that like the adventure of the open road, or require a little guidance whilst traveling around new places, can take advantage of a full-featured GPS unit like the Garmin Nuvi3760 or the TomTom GO LIVE 2050 WORLD for around $250. Spending a little more on a GPS will give you advanced features including world maps (Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA and Canada), larger screen, Bluetooth hands-free calling, live traffic updates and real view advanced lane guidance, directing you to the correct lane on selected turns and exits, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. Garmin has more recentlyy introduced a ecoRoute feature for those that like to conserve petrol and take care of our environment, that helps you calculate a more fuel-efficient route, tracks fuel usage and more.

If a dedicated SatNav device is not for you, and you already have a smart phone with inbuilt GPS functionality, then you might like to save a few bucks with a free navigation app. There are many free features and free basic navigation for you to enjoy, with no data charges on the Telstra network and no third-party advertisements. Whereis® is a FREE app providing voice guided, turn-by-turn navigation to take you to your destination. The app also helps you find addresses, businesses and places of interest in Australia. You can call the business, get directions and let the free navigation feature take you right there.

Source:  iTunes, iTunes, DickSmith, Harvey Norman

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GADGET GIFT GUIDE FOR CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a great time of the year to lavish your loved ones with gifts that are not just fun, but are practical and will be not become next year’s first re-gift. Christmas is also a great time to look at how your gifts of time and money can impact people who are not as fortunate as those of us that live in the western world. GeekEvangelist, has a selection of items that will hopefully inspire you with some great ideas for your kids, wives, husbands and loved ones this Christmas season.

LeapFrog LeapPad2

Kid’s – Leap Frog LeapPad2 – 149.00

If you too are breeding ‘lil Digital Natives’ the brand Leap Frog would no doubt be familiar to you with their lineup of interactive toys. LeapPad2 features a stylish, high-tech tablet design that is durable enough to withstand kid play. LeapPad2 is designed for kids ages three to five and includes front-and-back cameras, video recorders and access to a library of hundreds of fun, educational games, videos, music, eBooks and more through the LeapFrog App Centre. The LeapPad2 learning tablet comes with five apps that encourage creativity and non-stop learning fun, that engage kids and inspire imagination.

Apple iPod Touch

Teen’s – iPod Touch (New) – 329.00

With the release of the new iPhone 5 to market, along comes the new lineup of funky new iPod Touches. These devices have been a great product for Kids and Teens, as they provide all the features of the iPhone but without the phone. The new iPod touch has a great 16:9 aspect 4” retina display, all glass/ aluminium body and a superfast A6 processor. The iPod touch is great for playing music, watching videos, playing games and taking great photos with the 5 Megapixel camera, or take full HD 1080p videos and share them via Facebook, twitter or streaming to your AppleTV.- $29.95

Bose QuietComfort® 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones

Dad’s – Bose QuietComfort® 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones – 449.00

Being away from home, and spending time in the air between offices, I like to spend as much time as I can listening to music and catching up on the latest podcasts and sermons. Finding a great set of headphones that are not only comfortable, but give a great punchy sound can be hard to come by. Bose have developed over many years, the Quiet Comfort range of noise cancelling headphones that are light weight, fold-flat ear cups for easy storage in slim carrying case, includes a cable with remote for iPhone/iPod control and microphone for hands-free iPhone calling.

Mum’s – Belkin Chef stand and Stylus for the iPad – 39.95

Belkin Chef Stand and Stylus for iPad

The Belkin Chef Stand for iPad is the perfect addition to any modern Mum’s kitchen. The Stand has a great non-slip rubber base, and is the ideal way to take advantage of all your recipe apps while keeping your iPad safe from any splashes and spills. The magic stylus allows you to follow recipes and browse the Internet without ever laying a finger on your screen. It comes with its own storage stand and is easy to grab while you’re busy handling food and other kitchen equipment. The smart stylus gives you the freedom to interact with your tablet while you carry on with your busy day, not just in the kitchen, but all around the house.

Grandparent’s – Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 3G eBook Reader – 179.00

Kindle Paperwhite

The Amazon Kindle is a leader in the eBook reader market, and has been since it’s release. The Kindle Paperwhite 3G features a 6-inch Paperwhite Display, Higher Resolution, Higher Contrast, Built-in Light, Advanced E Ink touchscreen with no glare. Read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room. It has an easy-to-use touch interface. Built in free 3G wireless allow you to download books anywhere globally. The Kindle Paperwhite 3G has 2GB internal memory on board which equates to around 1,100 eBooks, newspapers, magazines and blogs. With Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity to the Amazon online store, this provides you with the flexibility to download content whilst you are on the go, travelling on holidays over the Christmas period. Great for all ages, the Kindle Paperwhite 3G is easily set up out of the box with no messy wires or cables required,with no hidden costs or ongoing monthly fees or commitments.

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