For those that have been waiting for this phone tomorrow is the big announcement from London: 2pm EST
Here is the website and access to live streaming from the event: http://www.thenextgalaxy.com/
Current phone rumors:
– quad core 1.2 or 1.5 Ghz processor
– 1 GB Ram
– 12 mp camera
– 720 or 1080 screen
– Android 4.0
– all carriers potentially
Here is a video with the add:
The following blog post will discuss when you should consider developing instruction for the mobile device. Developing for the mobile device presents several challenges that differ from the PC. Currently, there are not many best design practices recommended in the research, usability is different, and compatibility is a major problem. However, this post will not discuss those issues, I will do so in others posts but instead will focus on when to consider mobile learning in your training solution. Why are we currently developing for the mobile device? Well in some cases we are just doing it for the sake of doing it, not when it is actually warranted as noted by our instructional analysis. The reason I bring this up is because mobile learning is a ‘hot’ topic right now. However, the best uses for mobile delivery are only a very small portion of training but many are trying to use it for all training solutions.
Before developing instruction for the mobile device, I recommend making sure that mobile delivery of the instruction fits into your instructional objectives and strategies. Are you trying to develop for the mobile device so that employees have a option to view this on their iPad or mobile phone? If so, I would develop for the PC. Most instruction that is meant to be viewed on the PC cannot be repackaged for the mobile phone because the instructional objectives just are not meant to be delivered in that medium due to the significant differences in screen size, usability, design options, time for delivery, etc. The mobile device is NOT meant to deliver the same training that the PC can. If you are trying to develop training for both, and both have the same objectives/strategies – then you are cutting corners somewhere and sacrificing quality. They are both used for different reasons and it is these reasons, which are identified in your front end analysis, that mobile based instruction should be considered.
I would develop for the mobile device when employing instruction that is real time – i.e., happening while on the job or on the go. For instance, it is a great way of delivering job aids and real time how to’s. It is also great for delivering training that is mobile, such as training in remote areas (with no wifi) or training solutions that require being on the go. An example would be a child at the zoo – where each animal would reveal information about the animal. A laptop or PC would not be convenient to carry around but a mobile device would work well with this type of instruction. Another example could be a soldier out in the field who needs to learn how to perform a task that they might not be skilled in but needs an immediate solution. It is here that mobile delivery shines. However, normal 1 hr computer based instruction will not shine on the mobile device – it is meant to be viewed on the PC. So you really need to ask yourself: What device makes the most sense for this instruction? If it’s mobile, then develop for mobile; if PC, then develop for PC. However remember that objectives/strategies for each medium will be different and if you are developing using the same objectives/strategies for both you are cutting corners and sacrificing quality.
The following video adds depth to my other blog post on mobile website design and presents the rationale behind each of my recommendations:
https://raypastore.com/wordpress/2011/11/mobile-website-development/
There are many iPhone emulators out there. For those that do not know, an emulator is a program that mimics or acts like a device. For instance, there are NES (Nintendo) emulators that allows you to play old NES Roms. The following emulators act as iPhone emulators so you can get an idea of what your website looks like on pretty much any mobile device. Just to note, the emulators are not perfect, so there may be some slight alignment differences. I noticed this when I tested them although it was only a slight difference.
For those of you with Android operated phones. Amazon.com offers a free Android app each day at their website. So check it each day. I have gotten some great free $15+ apps.
Mobile learning presentation attached. This is a very informative presentation, please attend!
Here is some useful information on the topic that I recently gathered to do a presentation on a mobile learning study I am working on at AECT:
Apps
Has your phone been getting slower? Does it take a few more seconds than normal get to a screen ie sticks? Well there are a few things you can do make your phone much faster. I recently took my Droid 1 and made it nearly new again. Here are a few simple steps to make your phone fast:
1. Get rid of all apps you do not use
2. Get rid of task killer apps. Android 2.1 and later does NOT need these. They take up and waste memory.
3. Use widgets sparingly. They take up a lot of memory. I actually got rid of all of mine except the google search bar and power setting widget. My weather widget was taking a lot of memory.
4. Power off phone once a week.
5. Take the battery out of the phone once a week.
6. Check to see what apps are running and stop them if you are not using them. To do this go to menu->settings->applications->running services
7. Delete all your texts. Using too much space can bog the phone.
8. Clear your internet cache.
9. If you are really desperate you can do a system reboot. This will wipe the phone clean and you need to reinstall everything. I would only do this if you have the time to reinstall or you are having major phone problems.
Yep, if you have an Android based phone. Amazon.com has an app store where you can buy your apps. You can buy them there instead of the google marketplace. What is the advantage? Well there are a few:
1. You only need to buy once then can put on all your devices. So if your wife buys an app, you can install it as well.
2. Amazon offers a free paid app everyday. So an app that normally costs money might be free. You have to check everyday though. I have found some really good apps that cost $15 for free. Its well worth checking everyday.
Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/mobile-apps/b?ie=UTF8&node=2350149011