Milestones

December 2011

She’s Extreme, the dedicated mobile lifestyle brand specifically for girls, undergoes a makeover.  The new look logo and packaging provides an even more modern and sophisticated style.  And the new ranges of cases are designed to meet different demographics;  from the sporty, outdoors girl to the party, outgoing girl.  The ‘elle’, ‘nina’ and ‘mel’ cases are just the first in a range of refreshing, vibrant and unique cases still to come in 2012.

November 2011

Jawbone releases their latest creation, the Jawbone UP.  First launching in the USA and soon to follow in Australia, this innovative new device has received wide-spread interest.  The first of its kind, the Jawbone UP is wristband that is designed to be worn at all times.  Its waterproof rubber exterior hides a motion sensor, vibration monitor and battery.  It records your movements and when synced with your mobile, delivers information to an app that tracks the number of steps taken and your sleep patterns, among other great features.  Jawbone UP will launch in Australia early in 2012.

October 2011

Creative is the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet.  Traditionally a Consumer Electronics product, Creative’s range of Bluetooth speakers, lends themselves perfectly to the Telco market.  Force have recently been appointed the exclusive distributor of Creative for the Telco market and are pleased to release a series of fantastic mobile lifestyle audio products to support this growing category, beginning with a range of Bluetooth speakers.

Force announces their appointment as a distribution partner for Parrot in Australia.  Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation.  Parrot, headquartered in Paris and founded in 1994, currently employs more than 550 people worldwide.  Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audio visual applications.  In 2010, Parrot launched the AR.Drone, the first quadricopter piloted via Wi-Fi and using augmented reality, via a mobile application.

September 2011

Force signs a licensing deal with iconic British based fashion brand, Ben Sherman.  This licensing deal sees, for the first time, a range of mobile lifestyle products with the distinctive Ben Sherman branding launched into the Australian market.  Founded in 1963 by Arthur Benjamin Sugarman, Ben Sherman has evolved over the decades to become an iconic global lifestyle brand offering fashion products across shirts, shoes, suits, accessories and now mobile lifestyle products.  The first release of mobile phone cases and pouches target the sophisticated with ‘The Gents Club’ range and the trendy with ‘The Weekender’ range.

August 2011

Force is appointed as an authorised distributor of Griffin Technology mobile lifestyle products in Australia.  Based in the US, Griffin began designing and manufacturing technical solutions with an innovative flair in 1992.  They are now well known as one of the largest providers of accessories for personal computing and digital media, including mobile lifestyle products.  Today, Griffin designs, manufactures and delivers useful and fun solutions for digital entertainment and personal computing globally, and continue to innovate in the mobile market with an exciting range of ‘app-cessory’ products (application based accessories for smartphones and tablets).

July 2011

Force celebrates the 8 year anniversary of their partnership with Mossimo, one of Australia's premiere street and beach labels for both men and women.  Force’s range of Mossimo mobile lifestyle products are ranged throughout Australia in both retail and Mossimo flagship stores.  The anniversary sees the introduction of a dedicated range of female oriented products and a refreshed look in line with Mossimo new season style guide.

May/June 2011

As part of Forces’ continual improvement programme, Force undergoes a successful upgrade of their IT and Warehouse systems.  Implementing Microsoft Navision as the backbone of its expanding ERP system, Force undertakes its largest investment in IT since the company’s inception nearly two decades ago.

April 2011

Force extends their range of audio mobile lifestyle products with the introduction of Skullcandy headphones and earphones.  Well known in the urban, youth fashion and consumer electronics markets, Force exclusively bring this range for the first time, to the Telco market.  Skullcandy is a leading audio brand that reflects the collision of the music, fashion and action sports lifestyles. Skullcandy’s brand and distinctive logo symbolizes youth and rebellion, and embodies the motto, "Every revolution needs a soundtrack." Founded on innovation, the Skullcandy product fuses bold colour schemes, loud patterns, unique materials and creative packaging with the latest audio technologies and innovative functionalities to create new and unique product.

March 2011

Force becomes the exclusive Australian Telco distributor for Incipio cases. Quality and value go hand in hand as these “Art of Protection” cases demonstrate the delicate balance of style and creativity to deliver unparalleled protection and function.  Incipio was established in 1999 by a group of gadget-obsessed designers.  Since this time Incipio have grown to be become a leader in the electronics accessories industry, and have retailers and distributors in the US, Canada, Asia, UK, Europe, Australia, Africa and Latin America.  Force is the exclusive distributor of Incipio products in Australia.

February 2011

Philips has long been a trusted global brand in consumer electronics, and Force are pleased to be appointed as an exclusive distributor of Philip’s range of headphones, cases and power solutions for mobile phones in the Telco market.  Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 119,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. Philips is focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations and are recognised as a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting.  Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”.

January 2011

November 2010

The Jawbone ICON is awarded the ‘Best Bluetooth Headset’ award at the 2010 ‘Mobile Choice Consumer Awards’ in London.  Force is the exclusive distributor of Jawbone in Australia and New Zealand.

October 2010

Force launches a consumer market research study, believed to be the largest ever undertaken in Australia, specifically investigating the buying behaviour, usage and trends of mobile accessories and mobile lifestyle products in this region. Set to take over 4 months to complete, this study involves detailed focus group sessions in all key demographic segments, and detailed end user feedback sessions on a national basis. The outcome of this research is set to define the next stage of Force’s strategic vision, assist with ongoing product development and, most importantly, provider greater value to Force’s key retail and supply partners. 

September 2010

Force announces a new Bluetooth partnership, with the addition of the Novero brand to the portfolio. A lifestyle company dedicated to fashion, technology and style, Novero’s range includes intuitive, simple to use Bluetooth Car Kits and Bluetooth Speakerphones.

August 2010

Since 2007 Force have supported Carbon Neutral, with part proceeds of sales of Force branded product going towards an annual donation to Carbon Neutral.  Force’s latest donation brings the total contribution to a value that has resulted in over 16,000 trees planted as part of the ‘Trees for Revegetation Program’.

July 2010

Force is appointed the exclusive distributor of SuperTooth in Australia and New Zealand and launch into the market with SuperTooth Voice and SuperTooth One Bluetooth Handsfree Speakerphones. SuperTooth is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of Bluetooth Speakerphones and accessories (www.supertooth.net.au)

For the 7th Year in succession, Force has won the Mobility Magazine - Accessory Distributor of the Year. The editor of Mobility commented on Force's ability to change with the industry, being at the forefront of new opportunities and supporting retailers. He went on further to say that " holding on to this award for many years in a row might sound easy, but it's not. Even though Force has been highly acclaimed, they still treat every day as it's their first. Still hungry and determined to make a difference."

June 2010

Force delivers a ground breaking, refreshed and dynamic new packaging design for their Force branded range of mobile phone accessories. The colourful and vibrant new look displays greater visibility on handset suitability and is easier for customers to match their mobile phone connector, to choose the right accessory for their mobile.

May 2010

Force launches a comprehensive and innovative range of mobile lifestyle products specifically designed for the first of it's kind, Apple iPad. Announced in advance of the Australian iPad launch, Force showcases their exciting range of cases and protection solutions across a selection of different and highly regarded brands in their portfolio.

April 2010

Force launches the Jawbone ICON, the world's first intelligent headset, which allows users to dynamically update and personalise each individual Jawbone ICON with an array of convenient apps. Force is excited to be able to distribute this leading technology as the exclusive partner for Jawbone products in Australia and NZ.

March 2010

Force refreshed the look of their youth orientated brand, Extreme, with a fantastic new logo and black packaging. A new range of premium products; Carbon, Cell, Film, M.O.A.D and Saint were released, with the refresh then extending across to standard packaging ranges to enable the brand to stand out even more in-store.

February 2010

Force launch their new B2B eCommerce website, to deliver an even greater online experience for Force customers across Australia and NZ. Responding to detailed feedback from an extensive selection of partners, Force unveils an industry leading website that delivers an even faster and more efficient online experience.

December 2009

After 4 years of circulation, Force refreshes the look and style of its market leading industry trade publication, Mobile Life.  As a result of extensive research, Mobile Life now incorporates an array of new features to enable more effective communication of new products and services available from Force, to further support its customers nationally.

November 2009

With the addition of some great new products including innovative case designs for the iPhone, Force’s youth oriented brand, Extreme, hits the shelves with a funky new look.  The new logo and packaging differentiates a premium and standard range.

October 2009

Force becomes the Australian distributor of Contour Design and mophie, further expanding their comprehensive and exciting portfolio of iPhone accessories.

Contour Design is based in the USA and has, for over a decade, been producing cutting edge designs and innovative accessories for the mobile market, including the iPhone.  Force launch this brand with a range of fashionable and functional cases.

The US company, mophie, is a market leading manufacturer of creative, useful and innovative products for the iPhone. The range includes the clever and innovative ‘Juice Pack Air’, a rechargeable external battery concealed inside a protective form-fitting case.

September 2009

Responding to greater consumer awareness of the environment, Force launches the Sudio Solar – a Bluetooth handsfree speakerphone that is powered by solar energy and easily mounted on the windscreen of the car.  Only requiring one initial charge from an electricity source, the Sudio Solar can remain charged from the sun, minimizing energy consumption and helping the environment.

August 2009

Force enters into an exclusive agreement with Aliph to distribute the groundbreaking Jawbone range of Bluetooth headsets in Australia and New Zealand, launching with the ‘Jawbone 2’ and Jawbone ‘Prime’ and ‘EARCANDY’ Bluetooth headsets.

These multi-award winning devices feature the innovative NoiseAssassin technology delivering optimum noise elimination, with advanced Voice Activity Sensor to ‘feel your speech’.

July 2009

Force continues to expand their fixed car kit offering with the introduction of Bury flexible car kit solutions.  Using the latest technology both in the hands-free car kit development and production, Bury offers cutting edge voice-controlled systems aimed at safety when talking while driving.

June 2009

Force is recognised as a Gold Supporter of Carbon Neutral with their latest contribution.  Since 2007, Force’s support of Carbon Neutral has resulted in the planting of almost 12,000 trees to offset carbon emissions.  With every Force product purchased Force takes responsibility for the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment by continuing to contribute to Carbon Neutral’s tree planting program.

April 2009

Force introduces an Australian first, applying the Paul Frank Industries fashion brand to memory product.  These brightly coloured ‘sky drives’ (USB flash drives) provide 4GB of memory plus 3 free funny Paul Frank cartoons.

February 2009

For the sixth year in succession, Force has been awarded Mobility Magazine’s “Accessory Distributor of the Year”, as voted by the Australian Mobile Industry.

December 2008

Force releases a market leading, proprietary designed AC charger that meets MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) and RoHS requirements to replace its existing range. MEPS requirements are aimed at reducing energy consumption and “RoHS” is the common name that has been given to the European Union Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. In simple terms, Force’s AC chargers are now physically smaller, more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly at the point of disposal.

November 2008

Force signs a licensing deal to distribute mobile lifestyle products for Paul Frank.  This youthful, fun and fresh brand, is popularly recognised by the monkey character Julius.  With its bright colour palette and unique sensibilities, Paul Frank has attracted an almost cult-like following of all ages.  Paul Frank and the Julius and friends characters, lends itself perfectly to mobile lifestyle products, including Meanies, pouches and lanyards.

October 2008

Force signs a licensing agreement with Velocity, to distribute mobile lifestyle products branded Cricket Australia.  Cricket Australia is the official custodian of cricket in Australia representing member associations in each state.

Force signs a licensing agreement with Merchantwise, to distribute mobile lifestyle products for the world's most popular football team, Manchester United.  Manchester United is an English football team with over 330 million supporters worldwide.

August 2008

Force continues to pave the way in innovation with the exclusive Australian launch of the Bluetrek Metal – the world’s thinnest Bluetooth headset.  The latest addition to Bluetrek’s innovative range continues the momentum generated with the launch of the Bluetrek Compact Surface Sound, the first flat speaker panel Bluetooth handsfree speakerphone.

July 2008

Belkin was founded in 1983 and with their extensive product portfolio of iPod and iPhone accessories, is widely recognised as a global leader in connectivity solutions.  In July 2008 Force is appointed as a distributor of Belkin iPhone and mobile lifestyle accessories.

In 2003, Cygnett was created and fast became recognised as a fresh youthful and technically savvy brand for bringing a new generation of music lovers the ability to enhance, expand and integrate their iPod and MP3 experience.  In 2008 with the launch of the iPhone in Australia, Cygnett expands their offer into the telecommunications market, appointing Force as a distributor of their iPhone accessories range.

June 2008

As the Australian iPhone accessories specialist, Force launches a comprehensive and innovative range of mobile lifestyle products specifically designed for the Apple iPhone.  Launched in advance of the Australian iPhone 3G launch, Force releases an exciting range of cases, protection solutions, Bluetooth and audio devices, consumer packs and charging solutions.

May 2008

Force launches Kingston Technology memory products, increasing their portfolio of product in this growing category, specifically for the Mobile Telecommunications market.  Kingston Technology was founded in 1987 and is recognised as the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory product.

April 2008

Force, as the Next G accessory specialist, furthers the development of its range of mobile accessories to specifically target Telstra’s unique Next G 850 MHz network in Australia.  Encompassing key mobile necessities, the range also covers proprietary N8 antennas, to maximise Next G coverage, and custom engineered cradles to suit top selling handsets facilitating external antenna connection.

March 2008

Force continues to lead the way as a supplier of mobile phone car installation solutions with the introduction of a new range of automotive products by Carcomm.  The Carcomm portfolio includes a wide range of products, to install a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, PND, PNA or an iPod in your vehicle.

February 2008

Force signs a national distribution agreement with ZTE, to exclusively distribute the ZTE mobile phone accessory portfolio within Australia.  ZTE was established in 1985 and is one of the fastest growing international telecommunications and wireless solutions providers.  Since 2005 ZTE have had a presence in Australia and have offices in Melbourne and Sydney.

January 2008

In a world first to market, Force exclusively launches the Motorola T505 Bluetooth Speakerphone.  The Motorola T505 is the first Bluetooth Speakerphone with a built in FM transmitter.  The Motorola T505 is designed to unlock the power of your car’s stereo speakers by streaming your voice calls and music from your stereo Bluetooth device to your car’s FM radio.

December 2007

Force branches out to introduce a range of iPod Accessories, to cater for this emerging market within the Telecommunications channel.  The product offering within this portfolio is innovative in design and packaged to truly differentiate in the market.

November 2007

Force, the exclusive distributor of Bluetrek Bluetooth lifestyle products in Australia, launches the world’s first Bluetooth speakerphone, utilising flat panel speaker technology (NXT).  The Bluetrek Compact is an installation free Bluetooth car kit that is ultra slim and discreet, to allow easy communication handsfree.

October 2007

Force introduces a sub-brand under the Extreme for Mobile proprietary brand designed especially for girls.  “She’s Extreme” has been designed to cater for the girl who is looking to personalise her mobile accessories in a confident and fashion-savvy way, to “make it mine”.

September 2007

For the fifth year in a row, Force has been awarded ‘Accessory Distributor of the Year’, as voted by the industry and recognised in Australia’s leading trade magazine, Mobility.

August 2007

Force is recognised by Carbon Neutral for their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Angela Tillier, General Manager of Carbon Neutral presented Force with a certificate acknowledging Force’s contribution which results in offsetting 645.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from product manufacture by the planting of native trees.  Force is now recognised as a Silver sponsor of Carbon Neutral.

July 2007

Force, through their exclusive licensing deal with Globe Limited, introduces the World Industries brand as an offering under Force’s successful ‘Extreme for Mobile’ youth centric business unit. Extreme provides a custom range of mobile centric products that specifically target the youth market. World Industries was established in 1988 and is recognised as one of the largest and most successful skateboard companies today.

June 2007

Force launches a refreshed look for their Force proprietary branded product range, revealing a striking new packaging design. The new packaging features the product’s key selling proposition, Forces commitment to Carbon Neutral and MobileMuster, and an improved slim line blister pack for more efficient merchandising in-store.

May 2007

Force substantiates their commitment to environmental causes by announcing their support for Carbon Neutral (www.carbonneutral.com.au). Force’s contribution to Carbon Neutral goes towards planting trees to help offset carbon emissions.  In addition to this, Force joins the MobileMuster programme (www.mobilemuster.com.au), supporting the AMTA (Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association) battery recycling program.      

April 2007

Force launches its first PND (Portable Navigation Device), providing an exciting offering to the rapidly expanding GPS market. Choosing to partner first with Nokia, Force launches the N330; a seamless navigation device with 3.5 inch colour touch screen and turn by turn instructions. This product represents the first foray into the GPS market by global handset leader, Nokia.

March 2007

2007 marks Force's 15th birthday and what a milestone! In this time, Force has grown from a team of 2 to a national team of 50. With close to 3,000 retail partners and representing a portfolio of proprietary and global brands Force continues to lead the way in the mobile lifestyle products market.

February 2007

Force launches its successful proprietary brand, SUDIO, into the Singaporean market, through a joint imitative with local partner, the SingTel Group.

January 2007

Force becomes official partner for Sennheiser to distribute its market leading range of headphones, to support mobile devices. Established in Germany in 1945, Sennheiser today is the acknowledged world leader in microphone technology, RF-Wireless and infrared sound transmission, with over 1,600 employees around the globe and over US$400m in annual revenues.

December 2006

Force signs an agreement with SONY Electronics Australia to distribute a range of consumer electronics products. In line with Force's vision to become the leading distributor of mobile lifestyle products in Australia , the partnership was formed to proactively take to market an emerging range of audio centric products which enhance the use of today's mobile device.

November 2006

Force signs a national distribution agreement with Bluetouch, a joint venture between ALAC and PEIKER Acoustic Germany who produce automotive electronics for brands like Mercedes, Audi and BMW. The first product to be launched in the Bluetouch range is a new multimedia handsfree system equipped with a touch screen and intuitive menu navigation that allows music replay via mp3 players and mobile phones.

October 2006

Force signs a national distribution agreement with Samsung Electronics, to distribute all their mobile phone accessory portfolio within Australia. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Samsung employs approximately 128,000 people in over 120 offices in 57 countries.

September 2006

Force commences exclusive distribution of Route 66 products in Australia . Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Amsterdam , the Netherlands , Route 66 specialises in route planning software and hardware products that mark a new era in GPS satellite navigation. Route 66 products determine their position using an advanced, highly sensitive wireless GPS receiver, guiding the user with turn-by-turn voice instructions and on-screen directions to their destination.

August 2006

Force wins ‘Accessory Distributor of the Year’ award for the fourth year in succession. Nominated by Australia’s premier trade publication, Mobility, Force was recognised as being ‘highly respected across the industry – friendly, diligent and reliable’. Force has won this award in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

June 2006

Force launches the Sudio Halo, a proprietary branded Bluetooth speakerphone. Force will launch a suite of new products under the Sudio brand in the coming months.

May 2006

Force is appointed by Kodak to distribute its increasingly convergent peripherals products to the Australian Telco market. With Kodak leading the Australian market in the sale of digital camera's, printing docks and installed printing kiosks, Kodak recognises Force as one of the leading distributor of mobile lifestyle products in the region. Kodak and Force will partner on mutual opportunities to provide an extended range of peripheral products that will augment the use of today's camera phones.

April 2006

Force is appointed by Sony as a key distributor for its new Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards, to suit mobile phones. Announced first in Paris in February 2006, the M2 will have storage capacities ranging from 256MB to 512MB and 1GB and, with a low operating voltage, will be less than one third the size of the area, and one quarter of the volume, of the Memory Stick PRO Duo.

March 2006

Force launches the Bluetrek range of Bluetooth headsets in Australia, initially with the X2 headset - the world's first water resistant headset with up to 500 hrs standby time and 14 hrs talk time. With design centres based in San Francisco and Paris , Bluetrek is a brand of Innovi Technologies, responsible for a raft of emerging Bluetooth products including the E2, G2, S2 and the Plug and Play KR1.

Force releases issue 3 of Mobile Life, marking the first full year of distribution for the company's comprehensive price list and catalogue.

February 2006

Force are appointed as a distributor of Konnoc rechargeable batteries and charging units, in response to increased consumer demand for battery power. Konnoc have been a leading battery and charger distributor for more than ten years.

January 2006

Force launches a range of MP3 and MP4 players under the Extreme brand. In particular, Extreme Popsticks are a huge hit, finding a niche in the market for affordably priced MP3 players with a great form factor.

Force is appointed as a distributor for Transcend memory products. Transcend was founded in Taipei , Taiwan in 1988 and has grown to become a leading manufacturer of memory and consumer electronics. Force's new range includes flash cards and USB drives.

December 2005

Force releases the Extreme catalogue, a 16 page booklet aimed at defining the Extreme brand, while also showcasing 11 different product lines in the Extreme range.

November 2005:

Force is appointed as a Nokia accredited service supplier, giving Force the authority to service and warranty Nokia Mobile Enhancements on site, providing a faster and more cost effective reverse logistics service for its retail partners nationally.

October 2005:

Force signs a distribution agreement with RIM to distribute its range of BlackBerry branded handset accessories. RIM (Research in Motion) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market.

September 2005:

Force wins Mobility Magazine's ‘Accessory Supplier of the Year' award for the third year in succession. Mobility is the leading trade journal for the Australian mobile phone industry, and receives votes for this award from a broad cross section of the mobile telecommunications market. Prior wins in 2003 and 2004 were preceded by an award for ‘Excellence in Customer Service' in 2002. Force launches the inaugural edition of Mobile Life, the company's newest communications vehicle, providing a fusion of price catalogue and mobile lifestyle magazine.

August 2005:

Force becomes an authorised distributor of LG mobile phone accessories. LG is a global force in electronics, information and communications products, achieving annual sales of US$38 billion in 2004.

July 2005:

Force relaunches its youth mobile brand “Extreme for Mobile ”, promising a completely refreshed brand identity and product roadmap for 2005 and beyond. Focusing on youth-centric mobile accessories and peripherals, the Extreme for Mobile brand houses an exciting range of proprietary-branded products as well as exclusive alliances with global brands, including World Industries, Rivet and Mossimo.