Consumer Electronics Daily News

Enhanced Vision Introduces the Acrobat HD

For the last five years, Enhanced Vision's popular Acrobat CCTV has been a mainstay in classrooms, offices, and homes, providing visually impaired individuals with effective up close and distance magnification. Taking this proven solution one step further, they've now introduced the Acrobat HD, giving the low vision community extraordinarily sharp high definition images while retaining the same features and compact flexibility as its predecessor.

The standard definition Acrobat has a 480i camera, similar to many closed-circuit televisions on the market, but the Acrobat HD ups the ante to a crisp and cool HD 720p, giving consumers a beautiful display. With images this sharp and vibrant, blurry letters and light glare are not a problem, even at high magnification levels.  True color representation and better text readability offer the user a more enjoyable reading experience. High quality visuals and sleek portability make this the ultimate low vision solution. 

Clarity
With high definition being the new standard for desktop magnifiers, the Acrobat HD delivers industrial grade visuals capable of picking up tiny, minute details from the smallest microchips, to imperfections in fine jewelry, or the inner workings of a delicate pocket watch. The Acrobat's Sony HD camera eliminates the glare and distortion that would degrade an image with increased magnification, allowing the user to zoom all the way in without a loss in quality. Conversely, it can be refreshing to adjust the magnification on a busy picture and discover details that were invisible to the naked eye. 

Field of View
The large 27" screen holds a clear, sharp image even at magnification levels up to 90x.  A large field of view easily fits the entire 6 column width of a large newspaper; Users no longer have to keep moving the paper or book around, making the experience effortless and relaxing. This is the first time Enhanced Vision has offered a 27" flat screen CCTV, providing low vision users with a viewing area capable of fitting large or even multiple documents, all with room to spare.

Flexibility
The Acrobat HD is available in long or short arm options, offering flexibility for almost any situation or environment. The Sony HD auto focus 3-in-1 camera can be moved around for up close or distance viewing, making this an ideal low vision solution for schools and offices. Point the camera at yourself for a mirror image, making grooming and putting on makeup easier than ever. Carrying cases are available for the 22" and 24" Acrobat HD, providing convenient pick up and go portability.  Powerful magnification with vibrant clarity, along with flexibility and convenience, make Acrobat HD the definitive desktop CCTV.

VTech InnoTab 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet Makes Hot Toys List

VTech® today announced that its InnoTab 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet, one of the first children's learning based tablets with WiFi, has been selected as one of the hottest travel toys for the spring and summer season by the Toy Insider. The Toy Insider Spring Edition features five categories for both spring and summer toys to assist gift givers in selecting the "hottest" toys for the outdoor and travel season.

"Kids' tablets were a huge trend for the holidays and demand is even greater this year," said Laurie Schacht, Toy Insider Mom. "Tablets packed with lots of fun and educational content will keep children's minds fresh throughout the summer months and are just the thing to keep kids entertained on long trips."

VTech's InnoTab range offers children their very own tablet that opens up a world of age-appropriate educational content across the widest variety of curriculums, from downloads to software cartridges, combining innovative technology with a developmental learning tool that grows with a child and makes learning fun.

"We are thrilled to be honored by the Toy Insider as part of their spring hot toys list," said William To, President, VTech Electronics North America. "It is wonderful to be recognized as we continue to strive to create innovative, educational electronics that put access to learning content right at a child's fingertips."

The InnoTab 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet features a secure wireless connection to VTech's comprehensive app store, the Learning Lodge™, where children can explore games, e-books, videos, music and more, pick their favorites, create a wish list and send the list right to their parents' e-mail. Parents can then approve the wish list, which sends the purchases wirelessly, directly to the InnoTab 2S.

The Learning Lodge features more than 350 educational games, e-books, music and videos developed specifically for each child's unique stage of development, as well as with their age and interests. The broad library of subjects includes reading, math, social studies, science, creativity, problem solving and so much more! Starting with activities suitable for toddlers and expanding to grade schoolers, the Learning Lodge gives every child an opportunity to expand their learning potential while keeping them entertained.

Featured throughout the downloads and software cartridges are popular characters such as Mike the Knight™, Angelina Ballerina®, Team Umizoomi™, Dora the Explorer™, Thomas & Friends®, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles®, Jake & the Neverland Pirates, Sesame Street and more. New titles coming out on the Learning Lodge beginning in June include: Monsters University®, Turbo®, Planes®, and more. Parents can track their child's progress through the Learning Lodge™ Progress Log, offer encouragement and share in their pride when kids reach new learning milestones. The InnoTab 2S lets parents rest assured that their children are embarking on a fun, educational learning experience.

Entering its eighth year, the Toy Insider is made up of a panel of industry experts that review hundreds of products each and every year. As parents first and toy experts second, the team reviews each product to evaluate product features and overall value, narrowing their selections to the best of the best. 

 

VTech Showcases Wide Range Of Products At Spring Toy Fair

VTech®, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children, continues to assert its commitment to innovation and making learning fun with its current display of products at the Time to Play Spring Showcase. From the top-rated Alphabet Activity Cube, VTech's #1 new infant electronic learning toy released in Fall 2012, to the InnoTab®2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet, one of the first children's learning based tablets with Wi-Fi, VTech's developmental learning toys enhance play experiences, stimulate senses and ignite imaginations.

"We know children learn best when they're having fun, which is why we're excited to showcase our wide range of products featuring our innovative technologies," said William To, President, VTech Electronics North America. "We pride ourselves on being a trusted brand with parents and we are confident that with our latest introductions we will continue to help children learn key developmental and motor skills while also having fun."

The items on display at the event include:

InnoTab® 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet
VTech's InnoTab 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet offers children their very own tablet that opens up a world of educational content across a wide variety of curriculums, from downloads to software cartridges, combining innovative technology with a developmental learning tool that grows with a child and makes learning fun. Featuring a secure wireless connection to VTech's comprehensive app store, the Learning Lodge™, children can explore the games, e-books, videos, music and more, pick their favorites, create a wish list and send the list right to their parents' e-mail. Parents can then approve the wish list, which sends the purchases wirelessly, directly to the InnoTab 2S.

Featured throughout the downloads and software cartridges are popular characters such as Mike the Knight™, Angelina Ballerina®, Team Umizoomi™, Dora the Explorer™, Thomas & Friends®, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles®, Jake & the Neverland Pirates, Sesame Street and more. New titles coming out on the Learning Lodge beginning in June include: Monsters University®, Turbo®, Planes®, and more. Ages 3-9 years, MSRP:$99.99.

InnoTab® 2 Baby
InnoTab 2 Baby is the first tablet designed with a growing child in mind, with special content geared towards even the youngest of learners, starting at 12 months. This tablet includes content specifically for infants, including Baby Sign Language, with 100 popular signs, baby's learning games, photo slideshows featuring zoo, sea and forest creatures, and much more. The InnoTab 2 Baby is the ideal learning tool for little ones and helps them achieve early developmental milestones such as cause and effect, sensory development and motor skills. It also comes with a soft, removable gel bumper that helps protect the InnoTab 2 Baby from drops and tumbles, and has multiple activities geared towards infants and toddlers, including a simple Noah's Ark e-book, sing-along nursery rhyme songs, and drawing and coloring activities. Ages 12 months-9 years, MSRP: $89.00.

Go! Go! Smart Wheels
Go! Go! Smart Wheels enhance one of the most popular play patterns – good old-fashioned role play – while teaching important learning skills, boosting imaginative play through cause and effect and encouraging interactivity.

Each playset features SmartPoint™ locations that can be recognized by Go! Go! Smart Wheels vehicles. As a vehicle is rolled over a playset's various SmartPoint locations, the car will flash, play greetings, fun sounds, short tunes and sing-along songs. Vehicle prices start at $7.99, and complementary playsets at $14.99.

LeapFrog Unveils the LeapReader

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. today announced LeapReader, the complete learn to read and write solution for children. LeapReader, from the creator of the #1 selling Tag learn to read system, is the next generation of learning that helps children build literacy skills and reading confidence. With LeapReader’s three essential experiences – learn to read, learn to write and learn through listening – children sound out words and read sentences, write letters with interactive guidance, and develop comprehension skills through audio books, music and more all available in the LeapReader library of more than 150 learning experiences.

“For the last 18 years, LeapFrog has helped millions of children around the world to learn to read,” said John Barbour, Chief Executive Officer at LeapFrog. “With LeapReader, we are taking the way children learn to read to the next level and adding writing to build a foundation for future academic success. Our highly experienced team of learning experts worked alongside our talented teams of designers and producers to create the ultimate reading tool and engaging content experiences that reinforce a child’s language and literacy skills. We are extremely proud of how fun and interactive every book, workbook, map, audio book and flash card is while providing children rich and unique learning experiences.”

“The statistics are jaw-dropping – one in six children who are not reading proficiently in third grade fail to graduate from high school on time, four times the rate for children with proficient third grade reading skills,” said Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, leader of LeapFrog’s Learning Team. “We know that children learn to read and write better when experienced together. LeapReader allows these skills to be practiced concurrently using physical books along with related skills like listening comprehension. With LeapReader, as children touch letters to hear their sounds and listen to words pronounced and sounded out, they build phonics and word recognition skills. Additionally, as they trace and write letters, they learn about proper stroke order and writing fluency.”

The LeapReader Library
The extensive LeapReader library includes more than 150 engaging and fun learning experiences such as books, audio books, flash cards, maps, learn-to-write sets, music albums and trivia challenges. The LeapReader library of content lets parents easily personalize their child’s learning journey by choosing titles based on their child’s reading level, favorite characters or learning style. It offers parents the best and most engaging, high-quality educational solutions available to help children learn to read and write:

• Learn to Read: Children learn to read by sounding out words, reading sentences and building comprehension through LeapReader books, maps and flash cards.
• Learn to Write: Interactive LeapReader workbooks feature audio coaching and support to help children learn the sequence of strokes and build writing fluency. These new workbooks feature revolutionary LeapFrog Learning Paper which contains ink embedded within the page for a mess-free writing solution.
• Learn through Listening: LeapReader audio books, learning songs and trivia challenges foster children’s comprehension skills, vocabulary and imagination.

LeapFrog worked closely with world-class publishing partners including Random House, Scholastic Inc. and KIDZ BOP, among others, to select the best audio content for the LeapReader library. The library features beloved children’s characters and audio books such as The Magic Tree House and Little Golden Books from Listening Library, a division of Random House Inc., and Clifford and The Velveteen Rabbit from Scholastic Inc., and today’s biggest hits, sung for kids by kids, from the popular audio series, KIDZ BOP.

LeapReader (MSRP $49.99 and in pink and green, for children ages 4-8) will be available for pre-order beginning June 12, and available at major retail locations and at www.leapfrog.com in early July. All audio books and music albums will be available for download using LeapFrog Connect Application for LeapReader. LeapReader holds audio for up to 40 books or 175 songs at a time and works with most Tag books.

 

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TI to Showcase New Graphing Calculators for Math Teachers

Texas Instruments (TI) and its brand ambassador – actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik – are joining thousands of math educators at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2013 Annual Meeting in Denver, Colo., to share innovative new classroom technology including TI-Nspire^TM Apps for  iPad® and the TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition, as well as educator resources  to increase student engagement and achievement in critical STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects.

Bialik, who plays the loveably geeky neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler on the hit TV comedy "The Big Bang Theory," will give the opening keynote about her real-life role as a scientist and teacher tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the Bellco Theatre at the ColoradoConvention Center. On Thursday, April 18, Bialik will join an experienced T³ Teachers Teaching with Technology instructor to teach an interactive math lesson with TI-Nspire CX technology at 9:30 a.m. in Four Seasons Room 2/3 at the Colorado Convention Center. She also will make a surprise appearance at the TI booth #217 sometime on Thursday.

Bialik is part of an exciting line-up from TI that showcases technology, online content and T³ professional development that improves math and science teaching and learning. At its booth and in conference sessions, TI will offer hands-on opportunities for teachers to experience the power of the TI-Nspire CX family of math and science technology including graphing handhelds, software and new TI-Nspire Apps for iPad, plus data collection tools for science and hundreds of free Math Nspired and Science Nspired classroom-ready activities. TI will also feature its latest color-screen graphing calculator, the TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition.

In addition, TI will share strategies and best practices from leading math teachers, as well as technology, professional development and free classroom resources for implementing Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Mathematics. Educators can learn more at the TI CCSS Solutions Booth, which is directly across from the TI booth #217.

"Every year we look forward to NCTM and the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from leading math educators throughout this conference," said Melendy Lovett, President of Texas Instruments Education Technology. "This year we are excited to introduce new professional development and curricular support for implementing Common Core State Standards and Mathematical Practices.  Educators will also have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with our newest innovations for math and science teaching and learning. Additionally, we are excited to bring our brand ambassador Mayim Bialik to share her incredible journey and passion for inspiring all students to pursue a strong STEM education – a passion that she shares with TI."

Mobile App for Education Industry Launches

Industry Dive, a business-to-business digital media company, announced today it launched Education Dive, a free smartphone app serving leaders in education. The app pulls together the best in higher education and K-12 news, social commentary, jobs and more.

Education Dive can already be found via mobile-friendly HTML5 website and email newsletter, which meant the company was able to learn from existing user data to build the app.

Every quarter, mobile engagement has increased in Education Dive," said Sean Griffey, CEO of Industry Dive. "We are now seeing over 25 percent of our web traffic is mobile, and almost 50 percent of emails are opened on phones." The trends mirror those seen across the industry.  A recent study conducted by Forbes and Google found that more than half of business executives already consider a mobile device their primary communication tool.

Industry Dive generates revenue by offering marketing vehicles that reach targeted industry audiences, which means readers aren't the only ones benefiting from the Education Dive app. "Sprint came on as a sponsor for the launch and we're excited to have them on board," said Chief Revenue Officer Ryan Willumson. "Marketers are telling us that 'mobile-friendly' matters to them in B2B. Our cross-platform digital vehicles perform better than their desktop-only counterparts, and clients feel secure that their brand looks great on all devices." 

Indeed, a mobile focus differentiates Industry Dive from its competitors. Griffey says, "While others pay lip service, mobile is the first focus in everything we do. The team here works hard to provide an amazing and effortless mobile experience in all our products." 

Education Dive is available now in the App Store for iOS, and on Google Play for Android. Learn more at www.educationdive.com/app.

Microsoft Campaigns for School Adoption of Windows 8

Microsoft Corp. today announced that the company has talked 10 K–12 school districts and higher-education institutions into adopting Windows 8 for more than 540,000 students and faculty to prepare students for futures in college and careers. Microsoft's expanding community of Windows 8 education adopters now includes Apollo Group, Atlanta Public Schools, Barry University, Fargo Public Schools, Fresno Unified School District, Jackson-Madison County School System, Pace University, San Antonio Independent School District, Thomas College and Tuckahoe Common School District.

"Microsoft recognizes that in order to be prepared for future success in today's competitive global economy, students must have technology skills employers demand, plus relevant, 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, communication and collaborations abilities, problem-solving, and greater awareness of the global community," said Margo Day, Vice President of U.S. Education, Microsoft. "Windows 8 is helping schools modernize learning by supporting new education standards, online assessments and the move to digital learning by providing a powerful platform where content can be easily consumed and created, and a connection to the cloud where collaboration opportunities can be reimagined."

In addition to improving learning experiences that are needed in the work place, Windows 8 provides students with a beautiful, modern way to consume content, and allows them the freedom to create, collaborate, produce and share across a range of devices, with flexibility for pen, mouse and keyboard inputs. It also saves schools time and money, reducing IT and ongoing maintenance costs and providing enterprise-ready security, reliability and management fundamentals.

"We chose Windows 8 because we need much more than a consumption-only device for online assessments to help prepare students for success," said Chuck Jones, Chief of Technology at Jackson-Madison County School System. "On another operating system, the IT and app management of 1,200 separate devices for teachers would have been too overwhelming."

To help school leaders and educators better understand how technology can be used in the classroom, Microsoft is conducting 700 Windows in the Classroom seminars across the country before the end of the school year. Those wanting to sign up for a session and to learn more about how technology can be incorporated into existing curriculum and how 1:1 device programs can help expand learning outside the traditional classroom walls should visit http://mie.ncce.org/wic.  Schools can also register for the Partners in Learning Network (http://www.pil-network.com) to access a global network of educators sharing best practices, free software tools and tutorials, and lesson plans. Specific Windows 8 training materials can be found at http://www.pil-network.com/pd/course/wic.

 

eBackpack Announces the Launch of Enhanced, Innovative iPad App

 eBackpack, Inc, a provider of cross-platform cloud assignment and classroom workflow management solutions, announced today the launch of its enhanced eBackpack App for iPhones and iPads. The app gives both students and teachers a paperless assignment system as well as free-hand annotation functionality.

Read more here.

Kickstarter Launch for MiiPC - The First Family Friendly Android Computer

MiiPC, a new Kickstarter project, has been launched today by Young Song, the founder of eMachines. Young is looking to upset the traditional PC market again by launching the first family computer on Android, starting from $89 on a Kickstarter early bird discount. MiiPC allows parents to give their young children access to the Internet under their supervision from a companion mobile app.

http://www.miipc.com/kickstarter

MiiPC offers parents the chance to let their children surf the web, play games, watch media and do their homework, safe in the knowledge that they can make sure their children are not exposed to disturbing videos, unsuitable apps and inappropriate websites. The device comes with a HDMI connection, so it can be hooked up to computer monitors and most modern TVs, and with two USB ports the whole experience is optimized to provide a true keyboard and mouse experience.

Parents also have access to a MiiPC companion mobile app giving them complete peace of mind knowing that they can monitor the real-time activities of their children from anywhere - work, the supermarket, a restaurant. While they're on the move, parents can instantly adjust the settings that allow their children access to games, YouTube, Facebook and other distractions from homework and learning at home.

Young Song, Co-founder of eMachines, which was acquired by Gateway in 2004 for $265m, is the brains behind this new concept of PC and admits that kids should be trusted to use the internet, under supervision: "MiiPC came out of my experience with my two kids. We think the Internet has opened up all sorts of possibilities and I love that my children have access to information for their classes at the tip of their fingertips. However at the same time the Internet poses significant challenges for parents. Traditional software or hardware solutions simply block kids from going to certain websites. This is inherently limiting and it also does not address what we believe is a key challenge with kids and the Internet: its addictiveness."

"We developed MiiPC as a simple and elegant solution. It allows you to monitor your child's activity, but at the same time start an open and honest conversation with them about the content they're looking at and the time they spend on different tasks."

Time Management

MiiPC has been developed to stop family squabbles over the computer use, too. Multi-user accounts can be set-up for different family members, giving each different access to suitable apps and games. A parent can register any number of family members and can carefully monitor use (and misuse!) in real time on the MiiPC companion mobile app. You can see if one member is hogging the computer and make sure that every child gets their time online.

Specifications

MiiPC runs on top of Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) leveraging the ever-growing Android application ecosystem. To complete the desktop computing experience MiiPC comes with pre-bundled Android apps and access to a Web Apps Center which will include productivity, games, entertainment, multimedia and educational selections.

Full specifications include:

• Processor: Marvell® ARMADA® Family Series Dual Core 1.2GHz SoC  / Memory: 1GB DDR System RAM
• Storage: 4GB Internal Flash (expandable via SD Slot and USB port)
• Connectivity: WiFi (802.11 b/g/n), Ethernet Port, and Bluetooth (4.0)
• Connect to TV: HDMI (1080p/720p) output 
• I/O: 2 USB 2.0 Ports, Speaker & Microphone Jack
• MiiPC Companion Mobile App for iOS and Android

*Keyboard, mouse & HDMI cable are sold separately

MiiPC is hoping to raise $50,000 on Kickstarter to test the market for a PC aimed at bringing back 'Power to the Parents' and can only become a reality by being backed by parents from around the world. To back MiiPC please visit:http://www.miipc.com/kickstarter and as an early bird backer you will receive your MiiPC before July 15, 2013.

Casio Introduces Latest Addition To The ClassPad Series

 Casio America, Inc. is pleased to announce the fx-CP400, which is the latest advancement in the company's ClassPad series of graphing scientific calculators. Designed with a large color touch-panel and slightly oval shape, the new fx-CP400 fits comfortably in a user's hand and offers a variety of superior technological functions beneficial for educators and students. Casio's fx-CP400 will debut at the National Council of Teachers in Mathematics (NCTM) annual meeting in Denver, CO, April 17-20, 2013 in Casio's booth # 2121.

"The introduction of the fx-CP400 represents our continued commitment to the education space. The fx-CP400 is the first in the ClassPad series with a large colored LCD display, making it easier for students to operate and understand formulas, graphs and images," said Takero Itonaga, Senior General Manager of Casio's Consumer Products Division. "Casio takes great pride in developing products that offer innovative education solutions, and the fx-CP400 is designed to help students overcome the difficulties of mathematics."

Equipped with a high resolution 4.8 inch large touch-panel LCD, the fx-CP400 provides clearer images of mathematical data for students, as well as a better way to comprehend the relationships between their equations and graphs since the calculator can display both at the same time. Also, with the touch of a button, the fx-CP400 can switch from a vertical view to a horizontal view, which is convenient for displaying long mathematical formulas on a single line. Both of these capabilities make it easier for students to grasp difficult mathematical concepts.

Due to the ClassPad series success in the education market throughout the past ten years, Casio has added new, enhanced features to the fx-CP400 while also integrating some of the original ClassPad features such as the Computer Algebra System (CAS), which includes a stylus for pen touch operations. Users can input all their mathematical data by using the keyboard below the screen and then use the stylus on the touch screen to drag and drop the formulas into graphs and charts.

Casio redesigned the ClassPad series' software keyboard in the fx-CP400 to make it even easier to use. While featuring the same keyboard arrangement made popular by previous ClassPad models, the fx-CP400 has keys that slope down from bottom to top, which helps the user avoid input errors. Additionally, the calculator's functions are now organized in three levels of learning difficulty, beginning with functions for all users such as fractions and square roots, then advanced functions such as sigma calculations and complex compound numbers, and finally extremely advanced functions like piecewise and user-defined formulas. The fx-CP400 also includes a USB mass storage function for quick and easy data transfer and compatibility with Casio's projectors for teachers who wish to display the calculator on an even larger screen in the classroom.

The fx-CP400 will be available to educators through education dealers for an MSRP of $149.

For additional information on Casio's complete portfolio of calculators, please visit www.CasioEducation.com.