Compiled by Patrick Avenell

In one of the more bizarre announcements of the year, Garmin is set to purchase Tri-Tronics, an American company described as “the leading designer and manufacturer of electronic dog training equipment”.

Garmin has some experience in canine navigation, with the Astro GPS dog tracking system first being released in 2007. This acquisition means Garmin has even more scope to expand its four legged GPS range.

“We are delighted to have Tri-Tronics join the Garmin family,” said Garmin president and COO Cliff Pemble.
“Like Garmin, Tri-Tronics is a leading and respected brand that is committed to designing, manufacturing, and marketing the highest quality, most rugged, and easiest-to-use devices in the business.”

Earlier this month, Garmin also announced its acquisition of the Navigon GPS brand.

—–
AVG is warning mobile phone users to be wary of Quick Response barcodes (QR) in outdoor and print advertising, with security evangelist (that’s the title on his business card) Lloyd Borrett saying they can be used by nefarious types to swindle unsuspecting browsers.

AVG has some tips for QR responders, one of which is to use AVG’s mobile security program for Android. Borrett also recommends constant vigilance, never entering personal or credit card information and using website URLs wherever possible.

“Our surveys show that the majority of people aren’t even password protecting their smartphone and tablet devices,” said Borrett. “Yet they need to be doing much more, including installing a good security solution like AVG Mobilation for Android. Then they will have protection in place that will check apps and web site content for malware should they be tricked into using a malicious QR code.”

Click here to sign up for our FREE daily newsletter

—–
Acronis has delved into the heady waters of sports sponsorships, taking the jersey front of the Manly United Football Club. Unlike the other Man United football club sponsorship, Current.com.au understands this sponsorship was considerably cheaper than Aon’s global deal.

“This is the first year of what we trust will be a successful long term relationship between Acronis and Manly United,’’ said Acronis GM Pacific Region Karl Sice. “As thousands of players and families across Sydney are now so committed to the ‘round ball’ game, we see this new sponsorship as a valuable vehicle for raising awareness of the data protection issue. It’s something which needs to be brought front of mind as people now keep so much of what they value in their computers and phones.”

—–
Also on Current.com.au today:

Record consumer attendance at PMA
Optus to sell $99 Huawei smartphone
Dick Smith and Big W opening near Canberra Costco
Seeley International’s new dealer agreement