IOS 7 Brings Significant Improvements for Education Users

Online, September 24, 2013 (Newswire.com) - iOS7 brings significant improvements for education users:
Futuresource Consulting

Apple's latest version of iOS, iOS7, brings a wealth of changes over iOS6, including a completely redesigned UI by Jony Ive, consumer-related additions and improved multitasking functionality. However, beyond these consumer-led improvements comes a series of enhancements focused directly upon the education sector.

Focus On Education
"The education-specific improvements within iOS7 clearly demonstrate Apple's intent for the iPad to be the 'go to' learning device, easily scalable and manageable by institutions of any size. The new suite of functionality cements the iPad's position as the tablet of choice in the education sector, perhaps fast-tracking its omnipresence," says Phil Maddocks, Market Analyst at Futuresource Consulting.
"Some of the most significant enhancements to iOS7 for education include improved app licensing and mobile device management options (MDM), allowing institutions to assign apps to students and teachers while keeping ownership of the app license. Students can also enrol using their own Apple IDs without the need to provide it to their institution, making it easier for both students and teachers to use their own devices to access educational content. New MDM controls now allow devices to be wirelessly enrolled into the MDM system during initial set-up as well as being able to wirelessly configure other options such as managed apps, accessibility options and AirPrint printers.

Another key feature is the ability for teachers to wirelessly lock devices into a specific app, such as an assessment app. Apple TV has also been given the ability to be enrolled into an institution's MDM system, which allows students and teachers to share their screens during lessons. Lastly AirDrop, which is a more consumer oriented addition, will allow students and teachers using iOS products to easily transfer files between devices."

Although there are significant improvements within iOS7, the update is only available for the second generation iPad and above, as well as the iPad mini. Education institutions that do own older iPads can download iOS7, however not all features and functionality will be enabled meaning not all will be able to take advantage of these new features.

Apple Leads the Way
Apple's iPad has seen significant uptake in K-12 education and is playing a starring role in the transition to digital learning. According to Futuresource's mobile computing in education market track service, 4.2% of students and teachers worldwide will have access to a mobile computing device such as a notebook, netbook or tablet at the end of 2013, and this is projected to increase to 9.1% in 2017. Along with its hardware offering, Apple also provides its educational content store, iTunes-U, as a way to offer institutions a variety of educational content and apps. According to Apple, the iTunes-U store surpassed 1 billion downloads at the start of 2013.

Meet The Rivals
"Apple continues to push forward with its education strategy, though there is increasing competition from rival platforms such as Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows 8 platforms in the education industry," says Maddocks. "Google is expected to release its own education-centric app store by the end of this year to rival Apple's own iTunes-U, while Samsung is also offering its own educational package which utilizes the Android operating system. In addition, companies such as Amplify are positioning their offering as a full hardware and software solution which utilizes the Android operating system, while providing curriculum-specific content for students in the United States. The battle is far from over."

For more information on Futuresource Consulting's Mobile Computing in Education Market Track service, visit www.futuresource-consulting.com or get in touch with Mike Fisher via mike.fisher@futuresource-hq.com.

Notes
Futuresource Consulting is a specialist research and knowledge-based consulting company, providing organisations with insight into consumer electronics, digital imaging, entertainment media, broadcast, storage media, education technology and IT. With a heritage stretching back to the 1980s, the company delivers in-depth analysis and forecasts on a global scale, advising on strategic positioning, market trends, competitive forces and technological developments. www.futuresource-consulting.com.

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