Currys & PC World roll out smart tech zones

Mobile, connected gadgets are being demanded by customers, says Dixons

Dixons has rolled out special "smart tech" zones in five of its largest Currys and PC World stores.

Katie Bickerstaffe, UK chief executive of Dixons Retail, said the zones in Staples Corner, Thurrock, Cribbs Causeway, Stockton and J9 highlight four categories: smart home, smart health, smart watches, and smart gadgets.

"We know that our customers are looking for convenience and have an ever-growing need for connected products that they can access remotely, as well as the latest gadgets," she said. "Backed by our colleagues' expertise and comprehensive support services, including installation, they create a new and refreshed way for people to find out what's on offer."

Vendors include Heatmiser, Jawbone, Netgear, and Sphero and products will tend to feature both connectivity and mobility capabilities. Potential customers will be able to handle the products in-store. The smart tech zones will also have pages online.

An example product is Neo by Heatmiser, meant to allow users to control the heating of their home directly from their smartphone or tablet.

Netgear is offering the VueZone video system, for mobile-device-enabled home surveillance while the user is out and about.