Masonlite introduces ‘Whispering Windows’ - a revolutionary concept in retail and outdoor advertising in the Middle East

Published May 14th, 2006 - 07:12 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Masonlite Multimedia, distributors of high-end multimedia products in the Middle East, has announced the introduction of Whispering Windows, a revolutionary technology that turns a glass or a rigid surface into a massive sound radiator. This is the first time that the technology, developed by FeONIC, specialists in the conceptualisation, design, development and commercialisation of products based on smart materials, is being introduced in the Middle East.

Whispering Windows, which has immense possibilities for application in the retail and shop floor advertising sector, is designed with an amplifier and automatic gain control system that allows the volume generated by the window to remain at a fixed level above ambient sound thus eliminating noise pollution. This adds a new dimension to the retail audio industry, particularly where multiple audio sources are used in the same venue

Rob Partos, Managing Partner, Masonlite Multimedia, said, “Whispering Windows is a new generation technology that turns a surface into a loudspeaker when mounted on it. Such a technology would have massive implications on the way shop floor or window advertising in retail spaces are organised. As the retail sector is facing rapid growth and becoming extremely competitive, retailers are choosing bolder and more innovative advertising concepts that would ensure foot fall in their respective enterprises.”

“Most professional multimedia hardware products we encounter are evolved from existing technology. It’s very rare that a totally new product emerges, unlike anything else on the market – the Apple Mac, plasma displays and MicroTouch touchscreens spring to mind over the last 20 years – however Whispering Windows falls into this category; it’s a genuinely innovative product unlike anything else out there and the sound quality has to be heard to be believed. We’re delighted to be able to introduce it to the region” he added.

Chris Theis, Executive Director at MediaZest, the worldwide license holder for retail applications of Whispering Windows, commented: “We are delighted that Masonlite Multimedia has chosen to introduce the revolutionary Whispering Windows technology to the Middle East.  There is huge potential in this region’s rapidly growing retail sector for innovative shop floor and window advertising concepts and we believe Whispering Windows to be an ideal solution.  We have seen a growing interest from retailers in the UK and Europe and are thrilled to be launching the product to wider audiences.”

According to recent reports the amount of retail space throughout UAE is increasing at a fast pace with Dubai leading the way. Within the next five years, Dubai's share of the country’s total retail space will jump to 34 per cent from its current 17 per cent.  New investments in retail in Dubai are expected to reach US $10 billion by 2010. The rapid growth and increasingly fragmented customers means that retailer have to turn to innovative techniques that would capture the attention of prospective customers.

Rob Partos said, “Over 45 percent of the GDP of any economy is driven by the retail sector. The retail sector in the UAE is rapidly expanding, both in terms of size and profitability which is driven by high per capita expenditures and increasing tourist inflow. The numerous shopping centres and retail outlets here have attracted all types of consumers from all over the world, offering them the best competitive prices. The retail sector of this region has been looking for a way that allows people to both hear and see products. Whispering Windows is precisely the solution they have been looking for.”

Further details are available on http://www.mul-t-media.com.

Under the umbrella of the Kamber Awazi group of companies, Masonlite Multimedia (MMedia), was formed in 1996 to distribute high-end multimedia products for professional users. The philosophy behind the formation of the company was to source and supply leading-edge equipment from around the world, for a client base of system integrators, and thereafter, provide the highest level of support. MMedia represents several prominent hardware manufacturers and is the exclusive agent for every product. All countries in the region are provided with marketing, technical and after-sales support directly from Dubai. Masonlite Multimedia has built up a client base that includes many Government departments and blue-chip companies covering a region
extending from Egypt to Singapore.

About MediaZest

MediaZest listed on AIM in February 2005. It is focused on the in-store media sector and delivers a ‘one-stop’ audio, visual, aroma and content management to its clients. MediaZest has licences and agreements with leading solutions partners and in August 2005 it made its first acquisition buying TouchVision, a wholly owned subsidiary of Touch Group Plc. TouchVision provides a range of digital media solutions for leading companies in the retail, corporate and leisure market sectors.

MediaZest’s management is led by: non-executive chairman John Lovering, who is also Chairman of Debenhams Ltd; chief executive Sean Reel, a former Boots and IPC executive and Christopher Theis, former head of the small companies teams at Hoare Govett and Smith New Court.

For further information please visit - www.mediazest.com


 

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