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Oz regulator tells telly-makers to mind their language

Sony, LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sharp won't say “WiFi Ready” any more

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has told the top five telly-makers to stop describing their products as “WiFi Ready” when a dongle is needed to connect them to a network.

"The ACCC considered that the term 'Ready', when used in promoting audiovisual products, is widely understood by consumers to mean the product is capable of accessing WiFi, without the need to purchase any further device," said ACCC Chairman Rod Sims.

A single complaint from a punter who was grumpy about having to stump up another AUD$120 for a WiFi adapter led the Comission to round up Sony, LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sharp, all of which promised never to use the phrases “WiFi ready” or “Wireless LAN Ready” ever again.

The five will now use more descriptive phrases like “USB Wireless LAN adaptor required” or the postively Shakespearean “WiFi Capable with Optional Adaptor”.

“Wireless LAN Adaptor required, sold separately” is another option that will doubtless brighten boxes.

The phrases above will be slapped on tellies and any other AV kit that purports to have connectivity powers. ®

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