Suggestions on how to answer the ever popular “Does digits run on an iPad?” question
digits does NOT run on iPads (or any Apple device) due to the artificial market barrier that Apple created by making its devices incompatible with Flash.
Items to note:
· Apple is rumored to be adding a Flash patch to the next generation of iPads (meaning they will run Flash-based programs, such as digits). There are also rumors that the next generation iPad will include USB ports. As we all surmise, the only person who actually knows the truth value to these rumors is Steve Jobs.
· At the January 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas, the big draw were tablet devices. Every major (and minor) manufacturer is coming out with tablet models, so there will be lots of competition for Apple to consider.
· Non-Apple tablet devices have, on average, a much lower price point (in the $250-$350 range) and generally tend to run the full suite of software customarily available on personal computers (Flash, Microsoft Office, etc.), and are equipped with USB ports.
Bottom line:
· The market is changing significantly enough, in terms of very capable competitors, so that Apple will most probably be forced to adapt, meaning Flash compatibility, USB ports, etc.
· Our digits product already runs on non-AOS (Apple Operating System) tablets – such as the Galaxy Tab by Samsung, which uses the Android platform by Google, as do many other competing tablet products
· Pearson’s development team is keeping a very close eye on what Apple is doing and also on the direction the market is heading in general as they begin the early phases of development for digits V2.
Our ultimate goal is to meet the needs of our customers in the most efficient and effective way, and we are very aware of how the tablet device in general is taking the education market by storm.
Also, I want to remind you that digits was designed for today’s classroom where the one-to-many (teacher at IWB, students at their desks) is the prominent model.Students do have write-in student companion books to use in class – while at home, when they work on their homework/practice in a one-on-one situation, they can access all the content they need on a standard computer – no tablet is needed to improve the digits experience.
In several circles, the consensus is that many schools are voicing buyer’s remorse with iPads due to high price point, limitations of the device, and lack of durability. They really are only meant for recreational home use.
FYI, we do have two digits eTexts for iPad for teachers: the annotated student companions, as well as the Teacher Guide – see digits eText for iPad documents for Details on the digits eTexts for iPads (good news – they are free with purchase!): how to access (and sample them) and how they work >