Kiwis looking to technology to help them stay healthy in 2015

 |   Microsoft News Center

AUCKLAND, 1December 2014 – With just a week until Christmas, consumers in New Zealand are starting to plan their 2015 goals and it looks like technology tools and toys will take centre stage in enabling them to realise their personal goals.

In a recent survey conducted by Microsoft Asia-Pacific, 54% of New Zealand respondents said that their top priority for 2015 is to exercise more and stay healthy; 31% wish to spend more time with their family; while 30% of respondents hope to go on a relaxing holiday in the New Year. (Click here to see an infographic showing the key findings of this survey.)

When asked about the technology tools of choice to help them achieve these goals in the year ahead, 50% of respondents chose a desktop or a laptop, followed by smartphone (42%), apps (35%), social networks (34%) and tablet devices (34%).

When it comes to giving gifts of technology, the survey found that 71% of Kiwi respondents would consider buying a technology-related gift for their loved ones’ birthday, followed by Christmas (60%), then the New Year (14%).

Gift givers in New Zealand are also generous, with 44% stating they were willing to set aside between NZ$100 to NZ$600 for a technology gift to a loved one, while a quarter of respondents said that they would pay more than NZ$600.

Unfortunately for Kiwi dads, the survey showed that they were least likely to get a gift of technology this festive season. Significant others (27%) and mums (22%) are more likely to receive a tech present, and respondents are also more likely to buy their children tech gifts (22%) during this period.

The survey showed Kiwis’ top reasons for buying tech gifts for loved ones were for entertainment (42%), for communication with friends and family (33%), or for learning (30%).

In addition, 29% of respondents felt that a smartphone would be the most helpful tool for their loved ones to achieve their goals in the year ahead. 26% felt that a tablet would be best, while 13% said that a desktop or laptop PCs would do the same.

“When we think of buying a present for our loved ones, we often think of buying the flashiest toys or the hottest devices, but tend to forget the true value of a gift is one that can empower them to achieve their personal goals,” said David Rayner, Microsoft New Zealand’s Director of Consumer Channels Group.

“It was interesting to see many respondents choosing the desktop or laptop as their preferred device. With the wide range of choices of Windows devices, online services and apps which combine the best of work and play, our recommended gift guide this year features the best of the best for consumers to think wisely about how to invest in themselves for the year ahead,” says Rayner.

Connecting with family through technology

With Kiwi respondents indicating that spending quality time with their family is one of their top priorities for 2015, the top four modes for communication included social networks (65%), email (58%), apps like Skype, Whatsapp, Viber (55%) and through phone calls on mobile phones (41%)

Understanding the evolving needs of consumers who are connecting with their family and loved ones via technology, the recently released Skype Qik (available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone) is a free video messaging service from the Skype team which enables users to share video moments within groups. The service runs alongside Skype, and is a great and effortless app to help turn moments into great conversations.

On Windows and Windows Phone Stores, top communication apps such as KakaoTalk, LINE, Viber and WhatsApp are available for download onto smartphones, tablets and PCs for making instant connection with loved ones.

There’s a Windows Computer, Laptop, 2 in 1, Tablet and Phone for everyone this festive season

David Rayner says New Zealand consumers can choose from a wide range of great new devices starting at new and surprisingly low prices this festive period.

“The latest Windows PC devices now come in a range of striking styles, from sleek, portable and versatile tablets, powerful and slim notebooks to space-saving all-in-one desktop PCs sporting HD and touch-screen displays,” says Rayner.

“The new generation of Windows 8.1 devices also include ultra-portable 2-in-1s which allows users to use it the way they want it in any scenarios imaginable. A great place to explore these exciting new technologies is at your local retailer of choice, so head there to discover what’s on offer.”

In fact, an earlier Microsoft survey conducted in August 2014 with 300 mobile professionals in New Zealand highlighted that 21% of respondents carry both a tablet and a laptop at all times. A Windows 2-in-1 device like the Surface Pro 3, Asus Transformer Book T100 TA and Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 bring the best of a tablet and a PC together in one sleek, portable yet powerful device to help users with their everyday productivity needs in an increasingly mobile environment.

“Windows devices have evolved over the years. With Windows 8.1, we have redefined the way people are interacting and using their devices for productivity and entertainment purposes,” added Rayner.

“This festive season, our partners have brought to market new devices that are more powerful and portable than ever before with a price range that will fit every shopping budget.”

Here are a list of top picks of new Windows and Windows Phone devices for the festive season for your picking:

Windows 2-in1s: Two devices in one which gives user the power of a laptop and the portability of a tablet in a device that enables them to switch back and forth between the two.

Surface Pro 3

Do More with the tablet that works like a laptop. The Surface Pro 3 features a 12” Full HD screen that is thinner than the 11” MacBook Air, but yet is able to run full Windows apps with its Intel Core processor chipset. With the Surface Pro Type Cover, you can simply click in and transform your device in a snap.

Windows Tablet: Sleek, light and portable, Windows tablets are loaded with the new Windows and Microsoft Office which enables users to be as productive as they are mobile.

Acer Iconia Tab 8 W

How nifty and neat is an 8” Windows tablet? The Acer Iconia Tab 8W refreshes the Windows experience in a small yet powerful form factor that allows for portability everywhere. A micro SD card slot is also available for expandable memory as well.

Windows PCs to fit your budget: Windows PCs are just priced right for the holidays for your loved ones or even yourself.

HP Stream 11

Get noticed with the HP Stream 11 – a stunning thin and light Windows notebook in stylish Pink or Blue. With Office 365 Personal included, users now get unlimited OneDrive storage – so there’s no longer worry of limited storage space as everything is now available in the cloud.

Windows Phone: The World’s most personal smartphone.

Lumia 830

Looking for a smartphone with a premium feel and a great camera – without a price tag to balk at? The thin and sleek Lumia 830 offers industry-leading Pureview technology, ZEISS optics, and our thinnest optical image stabilization (OIS) system to date. The smartphone features a lightweight metal and polycarbonate design with a variety of back cover colors including bright green, bright orange, black and white.

For more information on Windows and Windows devices, visit www.windows.com and for more information on Windows Phone, visit www.windowsphone.com.

For more information, contact: 

Brendan Boughen

Public Relations Manager, Microsoft NZ

Mobile: +64 27 839 6044

Email: [email protected]

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