On Finnish television, Rovio CEO Mikael Hed told presenters that Rovio's next game is titled Amazing Alex. The game will feature educational elements and revolve around the titular Alex, a "curious young boy who loves to build things." No release date has been announced.
A traveling exhibit featuring former Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs' patents will be on display at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC starting on May 11 and running through July 8. During his lifetime, Jobs was awarded 317 patents as inventor or co-creator, and the exhibit showcases 312 of them. Objects from the Smithsonian's collection will be on display to enhance the museum-goer's experience with the exhibit.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has launched a new mobile app that provides users with personal tips from the president and C.O.O., Herve Humler. Expanding upon basic hotel search and reservation functionality, the new app integrates with other social platform, such as Foursquare and World Concierge, and provides location based recommendations. Guests can also keep up with a hotel's activity calendar, as well as have push notifications deliver reminders for any upcoming events.
As a part of its WWDC 2012 announcement, Apple has also revealed details of a scholarship program for the event. Roughly 150 students selected by Apple will be able to go to the event for free, skipping the $1,599 ticket price. Candidates must apply by May 2nd however, and fulfill a number of different criteria.
RunRev has announced the next course in its series of free online mobile app development classes, LiveCode Small Business App Academy. The course will run from May 1 until the 31 and provides students with short daily videos that are delivered via e-mail. Topics covered will include database and cloud access, monetization, working with rich media, push notifications, and more. In addition to the videos, signing up for the course also provides users with a free 30-day trial of LiveCode.
As part of the Intel Learning Series initiative, CTL introduced the 2go Studybook L7 tablet on April 23rd. The Windows 7 version is available for preorder now, with the Android version orders starting in June. Low end configurations will ultimately start at less than $300, but initial preorder configurations begin at $469.
Apple has released a new version of Configurator, its Mac utility for the mass deployment of iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches. The v1.0.1 update fixes a number of problems, such as trouble importing enterprise apps packaged as IPA files. Redemption codes are a special focus: they can now be reused if an original device is erased, and apps with commas in their titles are newly supported. Likewise, the number of redemption codes remaining for an app should be properly displayed.
Two of Apple's New York City stores will be participating in the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival with free events and workshops throughout the week of the event, April 20-28. In addition to panels of filmmakers and actors, there will also be a "What's New in Filmmaking" event with product demos, and the company is also promoting an official Tribeca Film Festival app for iOS (free) in the App Store. Final Cut, iMovie and even the iWork suite will be the subject of daytime workshops as well.
ConjureBunny Software has launched an updated version of Conjure, its tabbed, virtual desktop that can help users manage multiple projects. Conjure was designed to improve the basic concept of a 'desktop' by adding the ability to write or draw anywhere, cluster files together, and organize everything into project specific environments. The v4.5 update adds full Lion compatibility, as well as tabs, an expanded tool set, numerous enhancements for Wacom tablet users, and bug fixes for Lion and Mountain Lion. For a limited time a one-shot license that unlocks all of the features of the current version can be purchased for $5, meanwhile a full license costs $25.
A partnership between Element Case and Powell Peralta has resulted in a new line of iPhone 4/4S cases featuring iconic deck graphics from skateboarding history. Three different case designs are being offered, each which includes the choice of a skate deck graphic backplate. The Vapor Comp models include an interchangeable backplate that allows users to change the skate deck graphic at any time, while the Formula 4 case backplate is specific to each case. Prices range from $40 up to $150, and each case includes a free Skate Legends bio card and Element Skate sticker.
Facebook has rolled out a new group service targeting constituents within an individual college or university. Groups For Schools lets students or faculty from a single institution of higher learning with a common .edu email address have their own exclusive group inaccessible by others outside their educational community. Students will be able to share files within the group and create protected subgroups.
Intel just officially announced its Studybook tablet for students. Part of the company's Learing Series, the device sports a rugged design and is preloaded with tailored educational software. The seven-inch tablet sports a 1024x600-resolution touchscreen and a 1.2GHz Atom Z650 processor. In a unique touch, it can be made to run on either Android or Windows 7, depending on the wishes of the school district that buys it.
Apple is planning to do a significant overhaul of its online storefront for schools, according to AppleInsider. The site notes that Apple's K-12 store is displaying an alert about "the new Apple Store," which has yet to get a launch timeframe. "Proposal creation, order status, and a dramatically simplified user interface will make it easier to do business with Apple -- all in a secure and reliable environment," Apple states.
Intel and Lenovo have launched a 10.1-inch Classmate PC -- a ruggedized, classroom-oriented low-cost notebook based on the Atom N2600 dual-core processor -- and Intel is now planning a tablet PC along the same lines, currently code-named "Storybook." The tablet is said by DigiTimes to feature a 10-inch panel that will use Intel's Medfield 32-nanometer mobile-oriented Atom processor, and is aimed at both education and emerging market retail channels.
A group of educational publishers, technology companies and two government agencies held a meeting in Washington DC today to promote a plan for transitioning US classrooms at the K-12 level to digital textbook over the next five years. The plan, being put together by the Leading Education by Advancing Digital (LEAD) Commission, has already revealed that moving to a more digital model for student textbooks -- including the devices and technology infrastructure needed to use them -- will save schools about $250 per student per year, adding up to over $12.2 billion per year if fully implemented.
University of Arizona researcher Dr. Peter Jansen has detailed "the Tricorder project," an open design project that aims to develop tricorder devices that first appeared as fictional tools in the Stark Trek series. A demo video shows the Science Tricorder Mark 2, which runs Linux and integrates dual OLED touchscreens and a variety of sensors.
The Netherlands is trying a major experiment where the iPad wouldn't just play a role in education but would be the centerpiece. The Education for a New Era effort would see three to five schools change from the traditional approach and use the iPad as a primary learning tool. While the exact method would wait until a formal proposal, it would encourage Dutch children to learn "21st century skills."
Google has launched an updated version of its Google Earth iOS app in the App Store. New to v6.2 is an Earth Gallery feature that allows users to browse through a curated list of maps, such as real-time earthquakes, hiking trails, and city tours. The update also allows the app to be launched with KML/KMZ file links on web pages, and can load tours from the Earth Gallery or mountain layer. Other changes include an improved Panoramio experience, enhanced stability, and various bug fixes.
EDGE Design has launched a second set of both the Aktiv and Alfa line of cases for the iPhone 4S and 4. Inspired by the Italian car design company Pininfarina, the cases are constructed from aluminum and feature an interchangeable color band. Both cases sell online for $99 plus shipping and handling, and include a free water resistant pouch for added protection. In addition to the iPhone models, EDGE Design has also announced that it plans to release a version of the Alfa case designed specifically for the iPad later this year.
India took quick action to address quality gripes with the original Aakash tablet by releasing an upgraded version. The new Android 2.2 model is still made by Datawind but is roughly twice as fast, carrying a 700MHz ARM Cortex-A8 chip. Its much-maligned resistive, seven-inch touchscreen has been replaced with a much more responsive capacitive screen.
Battlefront.com has announced the upcoming release of a Mac version of Combat Mission: Shock Force, its tactical ground combat simulation that includes both real-time and turn-based gameplay. The new Mac version is fully compatible with OS X 10.6 and higher, and includes the original base game as well as three expansion packs. The game will be available for both download, and mail delivery starting at $45 plus shipping and handling in 6-8 weeks. Meanwhile, pre-orders will start to be accepted in 1-2 weeks.
McGraw Hill Education's new ventures VP Vineet Madan predicted in an interview Monday that the new iPad would have a major effect on digital textbooks. He explained to TPM that the 2048x1536 display and added speed would be a large help for digital textbooks. LTE had its own benefit for those that could justify it, since it would be fast enough to stream intensive content instead of having to store everything locally.
iQue Repair has announced the launch of a new iSmart Protection Plan for the latest generation iPad. Individual iSmart Protection Plans start at $59 for a two year warranty with unlimited repairs and a $75 deductible, while family and group plans are sold for $299 and $399 respectively. The company can repair a number of components, including the front glass, battery, cameras, and speakers, and currently has repair facilities in Midvale and Provo, UT.
Apple has published Configurator, a new Mac app designed for deploying iOS devices in organizations. Three workflows cover distribution, supervision, and assigning devices. In the first category people can, for instance, push the newest versions of iOS to a group, apply a single backup to multiple devices, or link hardware to a device management platform.
Archos set a new floor for mainstream tablets Thursday by previewing the Child Pad. The seven-inch tablet is expected to cost just $129, $70 less than even the Kindle Fire, but would still promise Android 4.0. Its child focus comes through an OS design that's meant to safeguard younger users through a filter, provide an easy-to-follow visual theme, and child-oriented apps both for games and for education.
Apple would like to integrate Facebook more deeply into its products, CEO Tim Cook suggested at Apple's annual shareholders meeting today. "Facebook: friend. We do a lot with them, our users use Facebook an enormous amount...I've always thought that the two companies could do more together," Cook commented during the meeting's Q&A session. "We've integrated Twitter...It's been great for Twitter, but it's been great for our users." He also noted that iMessage traffic has been "incredible" so far.
Plans by India's government to roll out the $35 Aakash tablet were thrown into turmoil Wednesday after the country's Human Resource Development Ministry cast doubts on whether the Android device would survive the second wave of adoption. Despite hopes of providing a rough equivalent to the iPad for education, contracted supplier DataWind was no longer guaranteed to move on to a second phase of production after a research institution raised major complaints about the Aakash's quality. Early users complained about low battery life, sluggish performance, and an unworkable resistive touchscreen.
Ergonis Software has released a new universal conversion AppleScript that can be used with Typinator 5, its text expansion utility. The new script allows users to convert currencies based on current exchange rates, as well as other arbitrary units of measure like mass, length, and time. Conversions are instantly inserted into the current text and can be triggered with a simple text snippet. The conversion script is a free download on Ergonis' website and requires a fully licensed version of Typinator 5.0 or later to work.
Productivity and research software maker Devon Technologies has launched two products that constantly analyze what user is working on and keep relevant documents, contacts, media, e-mails and other content in a quickly-accessible list for instant access. DevonSphere Express searches a user's Mac or webpages on the Internet, while DevonSphere Server brings Devon technology to the server level.
A study conducted in Auburn, Maine suggests that the iPad may be able to improve literacy rates among kindergarten students, notes The Loop. The Auburn School Department recently assigned iPads to half of the district's 16 kindergarten classes for a period of nine weeks. This translated into 129 students being taught with iPads, and 137 without; to gauge results, all of the students were tested before and after the trial.
Nielsen in a fresh study showed that 70 percent of US families with tablets let their kids use at least one of the devices. The use, which applied to every child under 12 this fall, was a nine-point hike from just this past summer. Among those who had at least one tablet, games were by far the most common activity, with 77 percent of their children using games they'd downloaded through an online store.
Apple is launched the annual Japanese version of its back-to-school promotion, intended to encourage Mac sales. Unlike the US and Canada, many schools in Japan start classes on April 1st. This year the company is giving away a 10,000 yen ($129) gift card, which can be used toward content at the iTunes Store, the App Store, and/or the Mac App Store.
Apple is now selling a special scaled-back 13-inch MacBook Air to schools, a report says. The model is said to have the same internal specifications as the standard 11-inch Air, including a 1.6GHz Core i5 processor, 2GB of RAM, 64GB of flash storage, and Intel graphics. The new option is limited to schools buying in bulk, though, at a price of $999 per system, or $4,995 for a group of five. A regular 13-inch Air would normally cost $1,299.
O'Reilly has released a new programming book for iOS developers with more than 100 lessons. iOS 5 Programming Cookbook is geared towards users that are comfortable with the iOS SDK and includes lessons that show different approaches to designing an interface, how to develop location-aware apps, access the accelerometer, and more. Currently, the digital copy is being offered at the discounted price of $20, while print and print/digital options are set at $50 and $55 respectively.
Apple has now informed resellers that the educational version of the white MacBook, the last such model, is now discontinued, MacRumors reports. The $999 notebook was marked "end of life" for consumers last July, but the company continued to offer the model to educational institutions. The move marks the end of any non-aluminum Macs, and reflects the growing tendency of schools to focus on significantly-cheaper iPads as digital learning portals.
Quest Visual has updated its augmented reality translation tool, Word Lens, with the ability to translate between French and English. The software uses the device's built-in camera to identify text, and is capable of performing real-time translations without an internet connection. The app itself is available as a free download in the App Store, however, individual language packs are sold as $10 in-app purchases.
The Obama administration is urging both schools and companies to make a transition to digital textbooks within five years, says the Associated Press. The message was delivered by Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski on Wednesday. Switching to digital is said to be a way of not only providing interactive learning, but potentially saving money and updating the content of textbooks faster.
On February 14 FileMaker will be hosting a web seminar designed to teach participants how to use their current database in a mobile setting. The session will focus on both user interaction and system architecture, and will show how screen design, lightweight schema and hybrid development techniques can be used to improve productivity. Two one hour sessions have been scheduled, the first will take place at 11am EDT and the second at 2pm EDT. Registration is open for both and can be completed online.
Nintendo is partnering with Japanese service provider NTT DoCoMo to bring speech recognition tools to the classroom. Together, the two companies are using Nintendo's DS handhelds to display a teacher's words directly on the handheld gaming device's screen as they are spoken. The intent is to help students with disabilities learn better.
School districts in Madison, Wisconsin will be getting a total of 1,400 iPads this year, all of them paid for by Microsoft, reports the Wisconsin State Journal. The state will use a portion of the nearly $80 million it will receive from the tech giant to buy 600 iPads this spring and 800 more in the fall. The money comes from a decade-old settlement of a lawsuit Wisconsin and 18 other states filed, alleging Microsoft routinely overcharged for software.
New social media functions, new apps and new features for its iOS apps mark navigation software and hardware maker Garmin's presence at MacWorld/iWorld, currently going on in San Francisco. Among the other features, updates will let users "check in" using social services via their navigation apps, integrate their exercise with Garmin tools, go on a digital treasure hunt, plan private-plane flights and send out map links to a live tracking map to others.
At the Florida Educational Technology Conference on Wednesday, Google Chromebook for business and education head Rajen Sheth announced three school districts have signed on to receive 27,000 of the browser-powered notebooks. The devices will be used by students in Iowa, Illinois and South Carolina. In addition, hundreds of schools in 41 states have at least one classroom with a Chromebook, Sheth added.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates talks briefly about Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in a new Nightline interview on ABC, reports note. Gates comments, for instance, that it was strange for someone as "vibrant" as Jobs to die so relatively young. "It makes you feel like, 'Wow, we're getting old.' Yet you look back and think about the great opportunities we had," he says.
HP showed the changing roles of netbooks on Monday with the introduction of its first new netbook for 2012, theMini 1104. The 10-inch netbook is focused on schools and business and primarily adds Intel's faster Cedar Trail-era 1.6GHz Atom N2600 for faster graphics and overall performance. It comes with Computrace Pro and a TPM security chip to help track the netbook if it's stolen.
Apple has opened up a new iTunes U support section on its website. The content is mostly aimed at educators, for instance guiding people through publishing, the Course Manager, and the Public Site Manager. Both students and faculty have access to forums, and instructions for dealing with settings and common problems.
Apple may have seen as many as 350,000 iBooks textbooks downloaded since launch. Global Equities Research claims to have a special tracking method that showed the relatively brisk take-up. As many as 90,000 copies of iBooks Author had been downloaded at the same time.
Backing up some of the arguments made by Apple during its presentation yesterday on the advantages of e-textbooks, publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) announced encouraging results from its pilot test of a digital Algebra I textbook running on iPads versus traditional textbooks. Following encouraging early results, the spring 2011 California Standards Test showed roughly a 20 percent improvement with students using the app over those using textbooks.
Prior to yesterday's textbook announcement, McGraw-Hill had been in talks with Apple since at least June, an AllThingsD interview reveals. "Sitting and listening to all of this, I wish Steve Jobs was here," says McGraw-Hill CEO Terry McGraw. "I was with him in June this past year, and we were talking about some of the benchmarks, and some of the things that we were trying to do together. He should be here. He probably is. This was his vision, this was his idea, and it all had to do with the iPad."
Music software company MakeMusic kicked off its NAMM industry trade show presence with a pair of announcements: in February, the company will make an as-yet-untitled iPad viewer app available for its Finale sheet-music users that will let them view print and play electronic sheet music. It also announced an improved 2012 version of its ">Finale NotePad.
Apple as part of many education introductions Thursday put out iTunes U as a self-contained app (App Store). The title turns what was once ultimately a glorified podcast section and turns it into a system that can be used for full, active courses. We're taking a look at an app to see how well it works in practice.
