Are Tablets Taking Over?

Futuresource Consulting has released a Tablet Technology and Markets report that states tablet sales should increase by 200% in the next two years. The report predicted these increased sales mainly in the United States and Western Europe over the next two years but as more brands release affordable tablets sales will spread further. This report also pointed out the different ways people choose to use their tablets. Users are not replacing their conventional computers with tablets, but rather using the devices as an addition. This explains why tablet sales are dominated by consumers instead of businesses or schools.

What Do Consumers Use Tablets For?

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Downloading lots and lots of apps! Eweek explains in an April 2012 article that another study by Futuresource Consulting called “Living With Digital” found that tablet owners, especially those in the U.S., are more likely to pay for their apps. This means that as the tablet demand spreads, there will be a huge opportunity for growth in the app market. In fact, according to the same study, by the year 2016 tablet apps will account for 20% of all mobile app downloads. Besides apps users are also choosing to use their tablets for reading ebooks. In 2011 only 20% of book sales were digital but this is expected to rise to 70% by 2016.

Which Tablets Are People Buying?

Apple is the leader in the mobile technology market now because their devices allow easy user transition across devices. However, Android devices such as those released from Samsung, Amazon, and Asus are gaining popularity as content platforms develop. The Kindle Fire in particular is quickly gaining on the iPad. Popular technology site ComputerWorld explained a recently released study by ComScore Today that found a little over 50% of Android tablets sold are the Kindle Fire. The Kindle’s low price and cloud capabilities maybe be a couple of the reasons for its mass popularity. Amazon also created its own web browser for the Kindle that pre-loads web pages based on users’ past browsing patterns. Only time will tell whether the conveniences offered by the Kindle can keep its place at the top.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Frank Gillett, a Forrester Research analyst believes that within four years tablets will become the primary computing device. Technology website PCWorld explained Gillet’s research findings  in an April 24th article. Gillet sited ease of use as one of the main reasons for tablets replacing computers. “There’s no barrier of a vertical screen, no distracting keyboard clatter and it just feels natural to pass over a tablet, like a piece of paper, compared to spinning around a laptop,” Gillett said.  He also explained that desktops will likely still be used by those who need to work with a machine that has higher processing power.

Should Spyware Be Anywhere?

Retina-X Studios is claiming to have created the first spyware monitoring software for tablets. This company is claiming that the software secretly monitors all activity that takes place on a tablet or iPad and sends it to an online control panel where the information can be displayed to whichever person felt so insecure that he or she felt the need to install this software on a device in the first place. This software, called PeekTab, easily offers an extreme breach of privacy while running silently in the background so that the device user has no idea they’re being monitored.

Sly Spies           

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An April 19th article in PCMag, details the extent of espionage allowed by the stalker-friendly software. The device GPS allows said stalker to see exactly where the tablet was at any given time. The only situation where I can imagine this being useful is if the device is lost or stolen. Similar to the parental control applications on other technologies, PeekTab logs contacts, calendar events, a list of apps, and any photos that were taken or downloaded. If you don’t find this creepy then maybe the features specific to each platform will convince you to be careful about who gets their hands on your tablet. The Android version allows recording of text messages that are sent and received as well as the phone numbers of the senders. Numbers for incoming and outgoing voice calls are recorded, but the content of the calls is not.

PeekTab can be installed on an iPad after the device has been jailbroken. The features of the iPad edition include detailing the address, time, subject, and full text of all emails sent and received. The time and content of all created sticky notes is also logged in the data base. PeekTab is far from the first spyware out there. It is claiming to be the first for tablets although apps such as eBlaster mobile allow the same kind of obsessive monitoring for smartphones.

Do Only Crazy People Use This?   

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These companies claim to provide a service to parents and employers which can keep children or employees from abusing tablet use privileges. Companies might spend a large amount of money purchasing tablets to make their employees’ jobs easier or more efficient. But how do the companies know whether the tablets were actually worth the added expense if they don’t monitor every single activity? They might just have to trust their employees. Retina-X Studios CEO James Johns said,“By knowing the truth about employee tablet usage they will be able to control efficiency and learn if confidential company information is sent from the tablets.”

Is it acceptable for parents to spy on their children because they don’t trust them? Or should they just not put a tablet in the hands of a kid who can’t be trusted anyways? Those might just be questions people should probably ask themselves before installing this software. However, there may be an actual use for this technology besides meddling in other people’s business.  For example, monitoring your own tablet in case it ends up lost or stolen. Or knowing exactly what your weird friend did while borrowing your iPad. Another consideration might be the price. This software doesn’t come free. Tablet news site, TabTimes, priced it at around $30 a quarter.

$35 Tablet For India’s Students

In October 2011 India’s Union minister Kapil Sibal launched the world’s cheapest tablet PC for Indian students. The Aakash tablet was developed to provide an affordable computing device to students and teachers, which allows access to the unlimited information of the web. The non-profit organization One Laptop Per Child offered to help develop the cheap tablet after learning of its plans. The main reason the tablet could be offered for such a low price was because it ran on outdated software, using the Android 2.2 OS. Now the upgraded Aakash 2 is set to release in just a few weeks. At release this new tablet will run on Android 2.3 but after a few weeks can be upgraded to Android 4.0 according to popular technology news websites ComputerWorld and the Inquirer. These affordable tablets are the doorway to offering access to information and education to children in all parts of the world. The Indian government is setting an example by putting the importance of education over profit for companies.

For the cost of just one textbook in the United States, students can now have access to the communication and interconnected networks of the

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internet. According to ComputerWorld, OLPC Chairman Nicholas Negroponte advised the Indian government to make the Aakash tablet as desirable as the  iPad but with a focus on education instead of media consumption.”Caution is needed with regard to one aspect of tablets: learning is not media consumption. It is about making things. The iPad is a consumptive tool by design, OLPC urges that you not make this mistake,” Negroponte wrote to the Indian government. Using computing devices to educate is a growing trend and the competition for other cheaper laptops and tablets has already begun. While corporations may see this as negative point, the long-term implications of offering internet access to more of the world as well as widespread education is an extremely good thing. However, there has been many setbacks in the development and production of this tablet. India chose to begin development of the low-priced tablets because officials in the education ministry decided that “giving a laptop to every child is ‘pedagogically suspect’ and may actually be detrimental to the growth of the creative and analytical abilities of a child,” according to an article in ComputerWorld. After the idea was first put into motion there were many rumors that the tablet would never be released at all. There are still rumored disagreements between Datawind, the company responsible for the tablet, and the Indian Institute of Technology in Rajasthan who are supposed to be working together in order to provide millions of tablets to the Indian government. However, despite the setbacks the Aakash tablet has become the most popular selling tablet in India and is quickly gaining fans worldwide. According to technology news website ThinkDigit, sales of the Aakash 2 has already hit a record 1.4 million pre-bookings.

Is “The New iPad” Worth Buying?

Without a doubt the Apple obsessed fans will buy the newest iPad which apparently doesn’t even deserve an actual name. Some want to call it the iPad 3 or iPad HD but at Apple’s special media event for the release of the product it was only referred to as “the new iPad”. I’m wondering what the hype is about considering the newest version isn’t that much different than iPad 2. Yes, it has a much better display but is that display worth at least $499? If you don’t already own an iPad then the newest version is not a bad investment but if you own an iPad 2 you will be paying an awful lot for better screen resolution. The new iPad also offers a much better camera. An all right comparison of the two can be found at this popular technology website. The new iPad will be released at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version on March 16th. However for 16 GB that has 4G LTE prices start at $629.

What Else Doesn’t the New iPad offer?

One of the selling points Apple is bragging about is the new A5X chip. Apple claims that this dual-core processor offers “quad-core” graphics. They also claimed that this processor offers “four times the performance” of Nvidia’s Tegra 3 chip. However Apple is refusing to offer any evidence to back this up. Since they do not regularly release that kind of information, this doesn’t come as a surprise. But Nvidia has promised to pick up the new iPad at release to test Apple’s claim says writer Sean Kalinich on his blog, Tech Decrypted. Neither company’s claims can be taken seriously until after the release of these technologies so they can be tested by a third party. Besides the processor rumors, the new iPad is a bit heavier than the its previous version and the battery life and internal storage are the same. Several technology websites are also pointing out that the new iPad likely has only one GB of ram.

How well will this version of iPad sell?

It is hard to say. Apple will probably make an excessive profit off of this slightly updated version because, well, its Apple. More people might decide to wait though considering Windows 8 on ARM will be released yet this year and the new Asus Transformer Infinity tablet is said to be about the same quality as an iPad but its built for Android. A fair comparison of the two tablets can be found on Trusted Reviews. Below is the video of the new Asus Transformer Pad Infinity from the Mobile World Congress 2012. The only thing we know for certain right now is that the demand for tablets is growing and the market is certainly crowded.

Do Kids Need Tablets?

Archos has recently released its plan for a new 7 inch tablet that will run Android 4.0. This news comes out at a time when it seems to be just another new technology on the market, except that this tablet is marketed towards children. This isn’t the first tablet available for kids and it certainly won’t be the last. After the extreme popularity of LeapFrog’s LeapPad during the 2011 Christmas season I am not surprised that other companies are jumping on the bandwagon.

Are Tablets Safe For Children?

LeapFrog LeapPad

The U.S. passed the Children’s Online Privacy Act in 1998 which is aimed at protecting the personal information of children online. The new Child Pad by Archos protects children from accidentally revealing their information in compliance with the law. The LeapPad can only connect to the internet when plugged into a USB port which makes it much easier for parents to monitor internet usage. These tablets are loaded with kid-friendly applications that can promote learning and offer a specialized store that sells only children’s apps.

How Early Should Kids Start Using Technology?

Many parents let their children use iPads or other tablets to play games and watch movies and while this may be a good distraction for the kids, is it good for their health? “Children need real-life experiences with real people to truly benefit from available technologies,” says Dr. Bruce Perry in an interview about technology in early childhood classroom. However this doesn’t mean that children can’t benefit from interactive technology. Just that too much of it is going to hurt more than it will help. So even though children’s tablets may have learning apps a child needs more interaction to develop cognitive skills. Perry also explained that children need to have the right kind of experiences at the right times to be able to benefit from them. So before buying a tablet for a 3-year-old it is important to take this into account.

Can Technology Hinder Social Development?

We now live in a time where almost everyone has Facebook and smartphones. We can be online just about anywhere. Isn’t it possible that teaching children from a young age that tablets and mobile technology are “toys” is only reinforcing the growing need to be online all the time? An article in the online magazine The Real Truth stated neuroscientist Susan Greenfield’s views on the subject. She said that while social networking sites give users a feeling of acceptance, children are distanced from “the stress of face-to-face, real-life conversation.”

Hope For Android Users

With Apple’s release of its new core software, Apple’s OS Mountain Lion, and Microsoft’s upcoming release of Windows 8 many people are wondering what will become of Android? This means the mobile and desktop operating systems of Apple and Microsoft will be one step closer to offering users a near seamless transition across devices. According to Rosa Golijan of MSNBC’s Gadgetbox, the lack of a desktop device will cause Android to soon fade into a trend of the past. While it is true that Android may not have a desktop equivalent of Windows or Mountain Lion, Google isn’t giving up on Android yet.

Android 5.0 Available by Summer

According to Taiwan’s Digitimes website, Android 5.0 or “Jelly Bean” will be launched this summer. Jelly Bean is rumored to be Google’s new attempt at integrating the tablet/notebook market. Users of new Windows 8 devices will be able to switch between the two operating systems on the computer without having to shut it down. This may all seem confusing, especially since Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) was just released months ago for smart phones and a 4.0 tablet has yet to be released. However, there has been no mention of Jelly Bean for smartphones. This leads me to believe that the focus will be on tablets to ensure that Android users don’t feel the frustration of not being able to switch between devices as easily as users of competitive brands. Google is going to have to make a move soon if they want to keep up in the tablet market against the Kindle Fire and Apple.

What Other Features Would Jelly Bean Offer?

While Google has been trying to focus on netbooks, the potential of the Chrome OS hasn’t fully been explored. Chrome for Android was finally recently released and should be a promising integration for Android 5.0. It seems obvious that Google should have been working on Chrome for Android a while ago. This could be the technology Android users have been waiting for in order to transition more smoothly between desktop and mobile devices. Chrome for Android also offers tabbed browsing and desktop syncing which organizes bookmarks and auto-completes browser suggestions based on search history. Hardware acceleration makes browsing feel smoother by pre-loading pages that Chrome thinks you will click. My favorite feature is the magnified view that pops up when clicking in an area with a lot of links. This helps you to click on the link you wanted.

Windows 8 on ARM

Microsoft Windows President Steven Sinofsky explained the new Windows 8 version for ARM-based devices in a blog post. Windows on Arm, or WOA will focus on battery life and portability. Most importantly, we will have the ability to use Microsoft Office applications on a tablet computer. Sinofsky stated that Windows 8 and WOA will be finalized around the same time (late 2012) although you will likely see Windows 8 in use before WOA for tablets.

What does this mean for mobile computing?

Being able to use Microsoft applications on a tablet is something I have been waiting for since the first time I saw a tablet device. More portable access to programs like Microsoft Word would mean I don’t have to carry my heavy laptop to class. It could also mean I don’t necessarily even need to buy a laptop. Since almost all of my homework is done using Office programs and the internet. It won’t take long for other students to catch on either.

WOA will also be very useful for workers who want portable use of programs like Excel and PowerPoint. Tablets can easily fit into a purse or briefcase and their light weight makes them hardly noticeable, but are they actually better to work with than a laptop?

Tablets offer easier mobility than laptops.

By now most of us are used to carrying around laptops but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still inconvenient. Extremely long power cords and large screens make opening and setting up a laptop a chore. A tablet case can be flipped open in a second and according to popular technology blog TechCrunch, you don’t turn off a WOA machine. With the press of a button the tablet goes into a new low-power mode that is said to last weeks. This is different from the sleep or hibernation modes that are seen on laptops. Some people are worried about going from using a mouse and keyboard to using touch technology but these devices can be bought separately to make tablet use easier for those with concerns. Having a mouse and keyboard could also be optimal for some programs, like Word, as users may be able to type more quickly with a keyboard.

Who else might find these tablets beneficial?

According to well-known technology news website Computerworld, Brian Reed, vice president of products at BoxTone, stated that he predicts healthcare institutions will replace desktops with tablets. This is a huge industry and portability along with digital patient charting could completely change the way healthcare workers do their jobs.

Government Integrating iPad Use into the Workplace

A  recent document released from the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) stated a new plan to replace flight operation and technical manuals with iPads in an effort to cut costs. This document can be found at the FedBizOpps.gov website. Using the GoodReader application will allow easy updating and access of flight manuals for all Department of Defense personnel. InformationWeek, an online magazine dedicated to business technology, explains that commercial aviation companies have also made the switch to iPads.

What About Security?

Other branches of the federal government have also been testing Apple products and distributing them to workers including U.S. Marshals and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Even President Obama has been seen toting an iPad after heavy security increases. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is working to develop an encryption technology to protect government mobile devices since the military will need more security than is available on consumer iPads. In less than 90 days DARPA would like to  have this encryption technology launched as many commercial mobile devices have already been distributed to personnel.

How Can iPads Be Helpful to the Military?

Custom applications can be added to tablets which provide enemy tracking capabilities as well as mapping and navigation. U.S. Army Captain Jonathan Springer designed the Tactical Nav application to coordinate artillery during combat, according to the CTOVision blog, which provides articles on advancements to thought leaders in the technology field. Tablets also have the camera and video tools that can be utilized for viewing surveillance videos and using many new applications. Android-based tablets are being experimented with as well. Only time will tell which devices will be most useful in the long run.

 

 What took so long?

 Many people are probably wondering why the government didn’t take advantage of new tablet technology sooner. One problem is a lack of developer resources. Up until this point outside developers have been unable to work on mobile technology for the military. The Army is changing that by starting the Apps for the Army contest. Next year independent developers and others from the technology industry can participate in the contest for the first time. In the past, monetary rewards have been offered for those who are the most technologically innovative. The government also started the Challenge.gov website which features challenges for different branches of the government that the public can participate in. Rewards of up to $10 million are offered for winning challenges.

Are iPads Really The Future of Education?

On Thursday Apple released its new e-textbook program for iPads in hopes that schools across the globe will adopt an electronic approach to teaching that utilizes iPads in place of traditional textbooks. While the new applications certainly give us a great idea of what is in store for future students, the truth is that it is highly unlikely that iPads will replace a backpack full of texts anytime soon. Especially at the K-12 level. Here are some reasons why:

Public Schools Have a Restricted Budget

Many grade schools have a hard time purchasing the newest versions of textbooks and updating their libraries in the first place. Purchasing enough iPads for even one classroom of 35 students would cost around $17,500. Each iBook then has to be purchased individually at $15 a book. According to Peter Kafka from All Things Digital  these books will be sold to the students individually, not the school. The student can purchase the iBook from McGraw-Hill and may keep the text after the school year is over but cannot pass it along to another student. This means that the books must be purchased every year. While this would guarantee that the newest versions of texts are being used it would not actually save the school money in the long run.

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iPads Aren’t Exactly Durable

Lack of durability of traditional textbooks and weight were two of the reasons Apple says iPads are a better choice. However, when put in the hands of a child any durability the iPad may have will surely be tested. One drop on the floor could crack an iPad screen whereas a traditional textbook would be fine. Broken screens are probably the most common damage to iPads and this can be an expensive fix. Even going through a third party, a screen repair could be up to $220 according to iPad News Daily.

Interactive Textbooks Might Be A Distraction

Parents are already concerned over technology distracting children as it is. Could putting iPads in the classroom just add to the problem? With e-books being a new technology there isn’t research on whether or not these interactive texts would actually stimulate learning or just cause more distraction for kids.

So when WILL iBooks be a realistic option for education? It may not be for a long time. As of now Apple only offers eight different textbooks for the iPad according to Tech Crunch. Of these eight there isn’t even one for each required subject. Maybe this will give schools the time they need to start saving for iBooks.