Android

10 Android Apps ...

Written by Ken Task

for IT Professionals, Support Staffers, and Network folks, but there are a couple that 'techie' Educators might use as well.

http://features.techworld.com/mobile-wireless/3273321/ten-useful-android-tips-for-professional-it-admins/?intcmp=nws-mdl-rtd

Android Devices Market ... buyer be Educated!

Written by Ken Task

An example of how fast the mobile market is moving ...

When first announced, the Samsung Galaxy Tab (7 in.) was about the only alternative to Apple's iPad.  It was just as expensive too ... and tied to a carrier (Verizon) - gave you a 7 in. phone with lots of extra stuff - like a front and backward facing cameras, etc.. 

That was the beginning of this year (Sept/Oct).

In a recent tech show (World Congress in Europe), Samsung has 'unboxed' the Galaxy Tab II (a 10.1 in) - the size of iPad's.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/samsung-galaxy-tab-10-1-official-tegra-2-honeycomb-dual-camer/

The Galaxy Tab used to cost $500.00+ from Verizon (2 year contract) now $200.00 cheaper.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/gadgetreviews/verizon-now-offering-samsung-galaxy-tab-for-29999-with-contract/

The Samsung site:
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab?cid=ppc_gtb_goo_General_Tab_tab
Android 2.2 with flash support (YouTube video).

However ... there is coming a ton of Android Honeycomb (3.0) tablets:
(remember, Android <- 3.0 supposedly not for tablets)
http://www.engadget.com/tag/honeycomb,tablets

Until the dust settles a little, one might be buying tech that is out of date in less than a year.

*** That doesn't mean one cannot continue to use what ever device was purchased - but there might be something new that has one slobbering.

The State of Texas is looking at e-book readers to replace textbooks.  What they should be looking at is a device that can not only replace textbooks, but provide 24/7 any where and any time learning and is a 'living texbook' (one could watch the un-rest in the North Africa), or where a student could video conference [1-1] with their teacher if they were sick and home for a while.  Hmmmm ... what about required tutoring?

A Tab could fit the need! IF the State could contract with major carriers to provide FREE 3G to devices sold by the 'Living Digital Book Repository'.  Heard rumors there are large ISD's in Texas who are pursuing that kind of deal right now.

Ok, teachers ... enough 'techie', huh?

How about taking a gander at this:
http://www.appbrain.com/user/taskken/tcea-secondary

and here's my shared list of what's on an Andriod device I use daily:

http://www.appbrain.com/user/taskken/kens-shared-apps

Controlling Android for K12 Use

Written by Ken Task

There are some apps for controlling configuration and usage of apps on an Android available from the Android Market.

Try searching for app locker

https://market.android.com/search?q=app+locker&c=apps

One such app is Android Parental Control.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.morrison.applocklite

Sets up an admin password.  Admin user sets which apps require a password to use.

LITE version with free trial period of 5 days.

Have loaded the LITE version on a Haipad tablet and it does perform as advertised, but ... have concern for not being able to control access to Settings which has a backdoor installing from un-trusted sources (USB connections to device?) and other means.

More to come as more testing is done.

Motorola Xoom (Android Tablet) soon

Written by Ken Task

at Best Buy.

Please see:

http://www.intomobile.com/2011/02/20/motorola-xoom-pre-orders-go-live-at-best-buy-available-224/