Autism & The iPad: September 2011

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Amazon will release tablet Sept 28th

Amazon is expected to release it's tablet (or should I say tablets) Wednesday, and analysts believe this could be the tablet that is an actual challenge to Apple's hot commodity. Little is known about the tablet, but reputable publications like the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Report are reporting that this could be the one that cuts into the stronghold that Apple has had on this market.

The tablet is expected to be a multi-touch tablet running an Android platform and will have an Amazon app store. One rumor hints that it will not have a camera, but another says there could be free 3G. Price is expected to draw attention - some say (or should I say hope?) that it will be under $300. Other rumors contend that only a 7 inch model will come out tomorrow and a 10 inch next year. So much to anticipate for something not expected to be available until November!

If the 10" pad does indeed get released tomorrow, there will be media attention for sure. As formidable an opponent this tablet may be in the general market, the verdict will likely remain out for our interests. App availability and accessibility options on the OS are likely going to be limited as compared to the iPad for our special kids. We will keep an eye out and report and as always, we would love to hear your opinions.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Attention Organizations: Apple's App Store Volume Purchase Program

SUMMARY: This program allows for reduced prices on some apps and ease of management for educational institutions.

For those educators and education organizations and agencies you may be interested in Apple's App Store Volume Purchase Program. This program allows educational institutions to purchase iOS apps (NOTE: No books or music - we're talking apps here!) in volume and distribute the apps to their users. This allows educational institutions to purchase multiple copies of the same application at once, and it also gives developers the opportunity to discount software when purchased in bulk. (Up to 50% discounts on 20 or more licenses for the same app- developers set this discount)

Institutions can now buy mobile applications by purchasing a "Volume Voucher" from the Apple Store for Education. The vouchers can be bought in denominations ranging from $100 to $10,000. The program will also allow purchase orders (POs)as well as other payment options thereby removing the "gift card" or credit card hurdle for many school systems. In addition, the program will recognize the tax status of the institution and bill accordingly. Previously these institutions paid the tax and were later reimbursed.

Once the volume vouchers are received, they are given to the Program Facilitator, which is an account that allows individuals, such as a school principal or a teacher, to redeem vouchers through the program.

Purchasing software through the App Store Volume Purchase Program will result in the facilitator being sent an e-mail with app-specific codes, one code per license. End-users, such as students or staff with an iOS device (iPad or iPod), can then redeem the codes in the same manner in which users redeem a gift card on the App Store.

The Volume Purchase Program also includes an optional, separate agreement that allows institutions to use one or more iTunes accounts to sync multiple iOS devices. Using this, an institution can set up devices with generic iTunes accounts and control what apps are available on a device.

Several apps in our preferred apps list for autism are part of this program. To see what apps available - please check here. For more information on this program, check out apple's education website.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Fisher Price Releases Apps

Fisher Price has released a series of apps, including animal sounds, body parts, and counting animals, that are currently FREE. For those with early learners, these could be a fine addition to your app base. Check them out, and as always - let us know what you think!

Fisher Price app website.