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Eduosity Reviews & News offers a fresh perspective on the most educationally relevant products from an education technology, human computer interface (HCI), human factors and ergonomics (HF&E), and parental point of view.
Google’s latest flagship device, the HTC Nexus 9, is an 8.9” tablet that retails at $399 for the 16GB model. The most notable advantage of any Nexus device is the pure Android experience with undelayed updates directly from Google as they become available. Let’s see how the new experience measures up.
Read MoreThe Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 12.2 will go on sale March 9 for $650. That is $100 less than the Samsung Galaxy NotePro 12.2. Essentially, TabPro 12.2 is the same as the NotePRO 12.2 minus the S Pen stylus. To learn more see the review of the Samsung Galaxy NotePRO 12.2 and ignore the parts about the stylus.
Review of the Samsung Galaxy NotePRO 12.2
Read MoreThe Samsung Galaxy NotePRO 12.2 is the first large, high resolution screen, premium tablet on the market. It comes with a pressure sensitive fine point stylus and runs on a Samsung customized version of the Android 4.4 operating system that allows up to four applications on the screen at once. Aimed at productivity, how does it perform and can it meet user needs? User needs for four distinct user groups (K-12, higher ed, professional, and personal) are addressed in the conclusion.
Read MoreThose seeking low cost solutions may be attracted by the Asus Transformer Book T100; I was. It is a hybrid (tablet with attachable keyboard that can function like a laptop) that runs Microsoft Windows 8.1 and comes with Microsoft Office 2013, Home and Student Edition. It has a 10.1 inch screen with a 1366 x 768 resolution and a decent looking spec list for its current retail price of $349.99. Comparatively, the Microsoft Surface 2 with keyboard starts around $570 and is limited by Windows RT. I thought the Asus Transformer Book T100 may be a good solution, especially for those determined to stick with Microsoft Office. After reading some positive reviews (full of fluff in hindsight), one could say I got caught up in bottom dollar blindness and decided to purchase one for review. Potential buyers be warned and keep reading to find out why.
Read MoreThis review of Microsoft’s Surface 2 started with excitement and anticipation for what Microsoft’s flagship hardware/software could offer, but after a few days of use it ultimately ended in disappointment. The hardware is well put together with high-end finishes, but the finishes only carry the user so far. This review examines the ins and outs of using the Surface 2 and what it has to offer.
Read MoreEarlier this week Amazon announced a new version of Kindle FreeTime that will be coming too its lines of Kindle Fires in the coming weeks. The update adds time limits for weekdays and weekends and a curfew time called “Bedtime”. The update brings educational goals: parents will be able to set educational goals such as reading from Common Core standard-aligned books for a set amount of time before going on to play a game or video. Amazon also promises a much larger library of educational books, apps, games and videos to be added to Kindle FreeTime Unlimited. In the press release Amazon states, “in the coming months, parents will be able to borrow a Kindle book from a participating public library, and make it available to their kids in FreeTime”. Owners have been able to borrow Kindle books from participating public libraries for sometime but the ability to share library books with children through FreeTime is a welcome addition. Amazon is anticipating that these updates will make their line of tablets even more irresistible for parents.
Read MoreIs the high end Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 really worth the price? This review takes a hard look at the usability aspects that come from living with and using the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 in a family environment. Having a background in educational technology, human computer interface, usability and interactive design I tend to look at things a bit differently. This review will explore the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 from the aspect of both an educational technologist and a father of four.
Read MoreThe pros and cons differ with each tablet and the ecosystem that it represents. However, the most important feature with any device a parent hands to a child is the maker's implementation of parental controls, how easy they are to set up, and the granularity of control they give the parent.
Read MoreOver the previous year I have been using / long term reviewing three devices. The Apple iPad (3rd Gen), Google/Asus Nexus 7, and the Amazon Kindle Fire HD. This review isn’t about specs and price points which are easily attainable in numerous other places. This review is about long term user experience living with the device day in and out. It is telling after long term use to stop using a device for a period of time and reflect on what one most misses.
Read MoreEduosity consults and conducts research to aid in the development of relevant engaging learning technologies and experiences. Formally known at Nautical Flame Consulting, Eduosity’s projects have recently focused on integrating iPads into the learning environment while studying their impact on adult learning.
Reviews & News offers a fresh perspective on the most educationally relevant products from an education technology, human computer interface (HCI), human factors and ergonomics (HF&E), and parental point of view.
