Guess if you are reading this, then you, like us, are wondering did that burglar just swear at Paddington Bear in the new M&S Christmas Ad? “Paddington and the Christmas Visitor” advert has just been released and is gaining lots of attention but possibly for the wrong reason! Using #LoveTheBear across all their social media platforms this is one of M&S's most digital campaigns to date.

Created by Grey London Agency

 

Paddington Bear controversy?

M&S are known for their beautifully crafted Christmas ads and they haven't disappointed this year. Created by Grey London, the advert features Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington and also sees a cameo appearance by veteran newsreader Angela Rippon. However, what is meant to be a sweet advert with a well-beloved childhood bear has set Twitter ablaze with controversy.

The advert starts with Paddington Bear in bed dreaming about marmalade when he is woken up by a clumsy burglar who Paddington mistakes for Father Christmas. Paddington then helps 'Santa' deliver his presents and by the end, the burglar is reformed in heart and soul. He then bends down and hugs the little bear, but this is when the Twitter storm exploded. One half of Twitter says that the burglar says "oh thank you little bear" while the other half is convinced that he said "F*** you little bear".

The Twitter banter is hilarious to watch but to be honest this advert has divided the office. More than half are convinced it was the rude version but the others aren't so sure. The LA Media office hasn't been this divided since the black and gold dress. Either way, it's an editor's nightmare! No doubt this will result in lots of social traffic heading M&S's way and lots of long views. All of which are great for the social media marketing report! But will M&S be known as the brand that told Paddington Bear F*** you?

Paddington Bear Twitter Storm Comments

Screen Captured From the LA Media Twitter 

 

Aside from the controversy...the advert is beautifully crafted and we don't think it was too early at all. It is never too early for the Christmas cheer to arrive. In all likelihood, there is no way that burglars swore at poor Paddington Bear. Adverts have to meet certain requirements before they can be cleared for transmission and we've no doubt that somebody somewhere would have picked this up before allowing it to transmit.

 

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Did you miss the iPhone X unveiling? Don't worry, in this blog LA Media's own Mike 'Tech Guru' Jameson will recap it for you. Find out what's new and exciting about the new iPhone X, the Apple Watch Series 3, and the stunning new Apple TV 4K.  What follows is Mike's first impression of last night’s big event!

iPhone X Event: Words by Mike Jameson

It’s that time of year again when all the techies of the world unite and sit glued to Apple’s iPhone event. Now in the brand spanking new Steve Jobs Theatre, this was set to be more special than usual. And so it was… opening up with the voice of Steve himself, Apple delivered a fantastic keynote. In my opinion, the most exciting in years.

There were 3 main releases:

iPhone (iPhone X, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus)

iPhone X Colours

Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch Series 3

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K

 

What do we think of these new products?

iPhone X

iPhone X Keynote Event

The star of the show was obviously the iPhone X. At £999, you would hope it would be! There’s an all-new design, featuring what Apple calls a Super Retina display.

iPhone X

The new screen is an edge-to-edge 5.8-inch OLED panel with 2436 x 1125 and support for HDR (both Dolby Vision and HDR10).

iPhone X Front Screen

All very exciting! There’s no home button. Instead, Apple has developed a system they're calling Face ID. Using powerful new 3D scanning technology, the iPhone unlocks itself when you look at it.

iPhone X keynote event

This powerful new facial recognition technology opens up several cool features; my favourite being emojis that replicate your own facial movements… Yes, that’s right, you can send a talking poo to your friends. Hallelujah!

The camera

The cameras are also upgraded, with dual 12-megapixel rear cameras with dual optical image stabilisation, and an improved front camera that supports portrait mode, too. On the battery front, Apple says that the iPhone X will last up to two hours longer than the iPhone 7

.iPhone X front camera

 

The Processor

The iPhone 8 is a significant update too - a new 6-Core A11 Bionic processor (the same as in the iPhone X) and an all Apple GPU (which is a first) make this a very powerful device. It also has a glass back which means wireless charging for all the new iPhone variants.

The Cost

The iPhone 8 starts at £699 for a 64GB model, while the iPhone 8 Plus will start at £799 (also for 64GB), although both phones will also have a 256GB model for £849 and £949, respectively. Pre-orders begin on Friday, September 15th, with the new devices set to ship on September 22nd.

iPhone X and Apple Watch Series 3

 

The Look

The iPhone X comes in two colours: space grey and silver. It’ll come in two storage configurations — 64GB for £999, and 256GB for a whopping £1,149. Preorders will start on October 27th, with shipping set to start on November 3rd.

 

Apple Watch Series 3

The big news here is LTE connectivity. Yup, that’s right, no longer are you tied to your iPhone. You can now go for a night out and not lose your phone, but still be able to take calls and message whilst keeping a beady eye your ever-increasing heart rate as you neck that next shot of vodka. Nice.

iPhone X and Apple watch series 3

With a faster W2 chip this, in my opinion, seems like a worthy upgrade.

When and how much?

It’ll be out September 22nd, starting at £329 for the non-cellular version (don’t do it..), and £399 for the cellular-equipped model (do it!).

Apple Watch Series 3 Blue Band

Apple TV 4K

As the name suggests, the Apple TV has finally become 4K. It also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and is compatible with the two main specifications out there - HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Sweet.

 

Apple TV 4K

 

Now I just need £3,000 to go out and get that 4K HDR TV. Yes, at the moment HDR OLED (don’t bother if it’s not OLED), TVs are on the expensive side.

iPhone X and iPad

Prices will come down as I think HDR and will be here to stay. To go with the new Apple TV 4K, the iTunes Store will also be selling movies and TV shows in 4K and HDR for the same price as HD content, with no charge to upgrade titles that you already own.

When and how much?

The Apple TV 4K will cost £179 when it ships on September 22nd. I want.

 

Well, that’s it until next time! I’ll leave you with this beautiful image of the iPhone X.

iPhone X Water Splash

 

Visit our website lamedia.co.uk and if you have any questions, e-mail us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0131 622 0220