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Exciting New Announcements from Apple in the World of Education

March 28, 2018 by eStormAus

Lots of exciting new announcements from Apple, particularly in the world of education! Here’s the highlight reel:

apple education event new ipad 9.7"

iPad

Apple launched a new 9.7″ iPad now compatible with Apple Pencil and designed for powerful AR applications to bring out the creative genius of every kid + a whopping 200,000 apps made for education!

The new 9.7″ iPad comes loaded with:

  • A10 fusion processor chip to enhance multitasking
  • 64bit desktop class architecture
  • 40% faster CPU
  • 50% faster graphics performance (both when compared with the previous gen 9.7″ iPad)

apple education event ipad 9.7" with apple pencil

Augmented Reality

A number of new apps are being released including:

  • Boulevard AR App: working on bringing together every art piece from around the world
  • Free Rivers App: detailed landscapes which allows users to insert dams into the landscapes to witness the outcome
  • Frogpedia Science App: allows you to dissect a virtual frog with the Apple Pencil
  • Everyone Can Code – Swift: AR kit module introduced that includes teacher guides and rubrics.

iWork

Apple also announced they are working on a new version of the iWork productivity suite for iOS

Pages and keynote will feature integrated apple pencil support to enable users to add drawings and smart annotation features. Smart annotation will also work by anchoring to the word – not just writing over the top like other devices.

Teachers will be able to use the iPad and Apple Pencil to mark up students pages reports as a result of the suites new markup functions. When a user annotates a document the markup anchors to the word or image.

 

apple education event mark up students work with ipad

 

Classroom

Classroom, currently available on iOS, is coming to Mac (beta in June).

Classroom is a teaching assistant that helps teachers manage their students iPads, as well being able to guide the children through lessons, keep them focused and share their work.

Through Classroom, teachers are able to launch apps, books and web pages all on students’ devices simultaneously, as well send and receive documents.

Classroom allows teachers to view their students screens to ensure they stay focused.

apple education event classroom for ios and mac

 

Schoolwork

Schoolwork, a cloud-based app, allows teachers to assign hands out, homework, reminders and track student progress, as well as develop their own handouts to include links, pdfs and other documents.

Schoolwork allows teachers to bring apps into the classroom, assign activity within the apps, observe student progress and creations whilst protecting privacy.

Schoolwork can also be integrated into 3rd party apps using Apple’s ClassKit API.

 

Apple Teacher Learning Centre

Share your classroom activities or learn from others. Earn badges and grow your learning.

 

Additional

  • iCloud Storage: 5GB to now 200GB through Apple School Manager

A few things that weren’t mentioned in the keynote, but went live on the Apple site right after, include new iPhone and iPad cases, new apple Watch bands, as well as a Space Gray Magic Keyboard, Trackpad and Mouse, which were previously exclusive to the iMac Pro.

image of colourful new ipad and iphone cases apple watch bands and apple pencil cases

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=140&v=IprmiOa2zH8

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: apple, apple announcement, apple AR, apple augmented reality, apple classroom, apple education, apple education keynote, apple educator, apple learning, apple pencil, apple school, apple schoolwork, apple special event, apple teacher, classroom, educator, ipad, ipad 9.7", iwork, learning, new ipad, school, schoolwork, teacher

It’s Official – The Best Wireless Earphones Have Been Discovered!

March 21, 2018 by eStormAus

I’m sure it comes as no surprise to anyone at this point… but it’s the Apple AirPods!

Now before you go closing out of this window – surely you want to know why they’re so great, right? And why has The Verge’s resident headphone obsessed Audiophile dubbed them the best truly wireless earbuds he’s ever heard?

Vlad kicks things off by saying he’s struggled with taking the AirPods seriously as he spends his days using headphones like the Audeze MX4 ($4,000 headphones).

excuse me what GIF by Mashable

“When I first cast eyes on the AirPods, all glossy, frail, and vanishingly small, I had no faith that they’d sound good enough to justify their [$229 AUD] price. Hearing they were just like the EarPods didn’t fill me with confidence either,” he said.

“SO MUCH MORE THAN
JUST WIRELESS EARPODS.”

However, he goes on to say that the AirPods are not simply a wireless Apple EarPods experience. The long stem helps the AirPod to stay seated in the ear, as well as obviating the accidental cable tug that normally sends the wired EarPods flying. Vlad claims that running, lifting weights and vigorous movement haven’t even brought the AirPods close to flying out, whereas other market contenders like Google’s Pixel Buds can’t have the same said about them.

As the long steam acts like an anchor, Vlad says the AirPods provide more comfort and stability, which helps the AirPods to convey a more dynamic and emotive sound than anything he’s ever heard form the EarPods.

“There’s enough of everything – bass and treble extension, soundstage, clarity, and detail – in Apple’s tuning to render a convincing reproduction of most genre of music,” he continued.

“In the category of truly wireless earbuds, the AirPods are the best I’ve yet heard.”

“Apple’s AirPods design, which I initially ridiculed, is actually the best and most functional one available for truly wireless buds today.

The Apple AirPods work brilliantly with Android devices, as well as providing better than average range when moving away from the sounds source.

“The design of the AirPods case is a total masterpiece. It’s tiny but holds multiple extra charges for the earphones, and the rounded sides make them irresistible fidget toys. The tensions of the case lid is perfect, delivering a satisfying snap when it opens and closes.”

“I CAN’T SEE A BETTER COMBINATION OF PRICE,
FEATURES, AND PERFORMANCE”

“When I look at the limits of what’s possible today- in terms of miniaturisation of audio and wireless components – I can’t see a better combination of price, features, and performance than what’s offered by the AirPods.”

Now, I’ll admit, this blog post began rather selfishly as I’ve been wondering whether or not to get Apple Airpods myself. I can now however say that I am absolutely on board and will be purchasing a pair – but it’s not for the sleek design, the satisfyingly clicky case or because I’m an “Apple Fanboy” …no, it’s much more embarrassing than that.

I should preface this by saying that I’m relatively new here at eStorm so I’m still in the interim space of getting to know everyone. But yesterday, five o’clock rolls around as I begin to gather my things to leave the office for the day. I’ve got my wired Apple headphones in, my phone in my pocket, as I’m quickly and quietly saying goodbye to the remaining people who are either busy or on phone calls. I enthusiastically raise my hand to waive goodbye, my arm comes up, gets caught on the Apple headphones cable, rips my phone out of my pocket, phone goes flying, panicked look on my face as I silently scramble to catch it in mid air, only to result in the beginning of the single iPhone juggle for what felt like an eternity. I finally get a hold of the phone and very casually exit the office having embarrassed myself in front of everyone.

So yeah…. I’m getting Apple AirPods.

#CutTheCable

 

source: https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/19/17138258/apple-airpods-audiophile-review-wireless-headphones

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: airpods, airpods review, apple, apple airpods, apple earpods, apple wireless headphones, audiophile reviews airpods, brisbane, computer repairs, ear buds, earphones, earpods, estorm service centre, google ear buds, headphones, iphone repairs, iphone repairs brisbane, iphone repairs ipswich, iphone repairs springfield, ipswich, mac repairs, springfield, the best wireless headphones, the verge, toowoomba, wireless headphones

How A 17 Year Old & Tech Can Alter The Education System

March 16, 2018 by eStormAus

What were you doing when you were 17? Perhaps, like me, you and your friends were wading through the eerie Dustwallow Marsh in search of Onyxia’s Lair, or perhaps competing in the Bigpond Game Arena Counter Strike ladder… no, just me? Okay, that’s fine. I’m old.

Now while all of that was pretty cool… it really doesn’t hold a bar to what 17 year old Illawarra Grammar School student Macinley Butson is doing. Macinley is the type of person you read about and then go into a deep reflection trying to figure out what exactly you’ve spent your time doing – because this total badass has not only been named NSW Young Australian of the Year, she is literally creating life altering technology!

Among her many creations is a shield that significantly improves protection for women from radiation during breast cancer treatment and a system that dramatically improves the effectiveness of solar panel technology.

Labelled “a rising star in the male-dominated world of science” and unaided by the schooling system, Macinley has only been able to develop her projects in her free time.

At a TEDxSydney and Acer panel, Macinley took a swing at the current education system saying “We need an education system that has been revamped. Allow us to be critical thinkers and use inquiry-based learning because the schools are currently not fostering curiosity.”

“Year 11 and 12 is far too outcome-based and I Can say that from perspective” she continued.

Macinley believes the current schooling system judges students based on how well they can memorise a definition or formula and apply that specific example repeatedly.

“One example is chemistry class. We have to memorise liquids, solids, gases and the changing of state. But I have to memorise that in relation to refrigeration and if I don’t mention refrigeration in my exam, I won’t get the marks,” she said.

“There’s something seriously wrong. I know that’s a broad example, but I can’t take that knowledge and apply it to different situations.”

“Someone who is an IT person doesn’t stand next to a plumber and tell them how to do their job, so why is the government telling teachers how to teach?”, she asked.

will smith wow GIF over education system

Macinley says the evidence for success in allowing students to think freely and think outside the box could be in her “Smart Armour”shield. A shield made of copper that can be used to protect breast cancer patients’ non-treated breast while undergoing radiotherapy.

When taking her findings that copper provided 20 per cent more protection from radiation reaching the non-treated breast than the traditional lead aprons, her supervisor was suspicious and told her to continue running tests.

“It was a perfectly reasonable response when you get findings that contradict expectations of society and what’s been put out there before,” she said.

However, upon proving her findings were accurate, the technology has since been implemented for use by not-for-profit integrated cancer treatment centre Chris O’Briend Lifehouse at RPA Hospital Sydney and could see a roll out to other hospitals across the country as soon as this year.

Macinley said this is an example of why we need to be thinking outside the box and go against what is currently established. She added that schools are incredibly slow at implementing emerging technologies such as augmented, virtual and mixed reality.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t seen this in school at all – it’s something people my age at the end of high school will miss out on. Obviously it starts back at primary school and starts with getting people curious and interested at a young age in the technology we have emerging.”

Head of professional development and learning, Steve Iuliano demonstrates to schools exactly how technology can be integrated into the classroom while achieving curriculum-based outcomes.

Steve works to demonstrate to teachers the benefits of technology in the classroom, however says the real difficulty lies is convincing government officials and captains of industry.

“We need to start thinking outside the box and looking toward the future, while making sure we are not neglecting traditional methodologies of the classroom,” he said.

“You still have to write, you still have to type, but the focus needs to move to a new level of augmentation.

“We need to modify the learning environment and completely redefine how the classroom might look when we do things previously impossible before we had technology.”

 

Source: http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/inventions/17yearold-whizkid-slams-schooling-system-for-being-too-outdated-and-closedminded/news-story/b5bf14740845eaf23df1abf0143bd671

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: education australia, education system, macinley butson, mixed reality in the classroom, steve iuliano, tech, tech based curriculum, tech in the classroom, technology, virtual reality in the classroom

Who Owns Smart Speakers & Why Would I Need One?

March 9, 2018 by eStormAus

A recent survey by voicebot.ai regarding ownership or interest in smart speakers produced some interesting results.

Although the January 2018 survey preceded Apple’s foray into the smart speaker market with the HomePod in February 2018, it does include a few points of data regarding iPhone and iOS user interest in smart speakers.

The Smart Speaker Consumer Adoption Report states that iPhone owners are 22% more likely to own a smart speaker compared to non-Apple smartphone owners. Of the smart speakers on the market other than HomePod, iPhone users are 30% less likely to own a Google Home and reportedly favour the Amazon Echo.

Now the report goes on to suggest that Apple and Amazon are companions in the household, as the HomePod is purchased as a luxury item to be used for music listening, while the Amazon Echo is used for more utilitarian tasks.

“Apple and Amazon may be the focus of multi-manufacturer households where HomePod is a luxury item for music listening in living spaces while Echo products get placed in the kitchen and bedrooms for utilitarian tasks.”

man raining money for apple products and smart speakers

I’m sorry, but what kind of cashed up lifestyle do these tech companies think we’re living? If you have a HomePod in your lounge room and an Amazon Echo in your kitchen and bedroom then I would like to be adopted into the family and join you on your vacation in the Cayman Islands on your private yacht. Meanwhile, I have a Google Home in my lounge room that keeps talking to my TV thinking it’s me!

Many consumers own on average 1.8 smart speakers (okay, I probably should have read ahead before I went on that rant) where most place them in their living room (45.9%) or kitchen (41.4%), and Amazon remains the dominant player in the market with a 3.5 times larger install base than Google.

The report says that the most popular uses for smart speakers are questions, music and weather commands, which I can absolutely confirm as I spend a large portion of my time sitting on the couch at home asking Google to tell me facts, jokes and other extremely pointless things… so needless to say it was a very solid $130 purchase.

Researchers said that this data provides the best indication that smart speakers are being incorporated into everyday lives of consumers with 63% using them daily and 77% at least weekly.

However those who don’t own a smart speaker stated disinterest as their reason (37.9%), they get enough similar features from their smartphone (21.2%), privacy concerns (16%), plan to purchase one soon (11.8%), too expensive (8.8%), and other reasons (4.2%).

 

 

source: https://www.macrumors.com/2018/03/07/smart-speaker-survey-results-iphone-owners/

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: amazon, amazon echo, amazon smart speaker, apple, apple homepod, apple smart speaker, google, google home, google smart speaker, homepod, smart speaker, smart speaker consumer adoption report

This Might Just Be The Best News For Apple Fans

March 6, 2018 by eStormAus

I love Apple products… my wallet isn’t always a fan, but I have some good news!

A recent note from KGI Securities says that Apple are planning to launch a cheaper version of the 13-inch MacBook Air in as little as a few months!

Now, I own an 11.6-inch MacBook Air (which has since been removed from Apple’s line up) and I love it! It’s incredibly portable, I can quickly throw it in my bag on the way out the door and I can set up anywhere… I’ve also gotten a little too comfortable with throwing it like a Frisbee onto my couch but hey I haven’t dropped it yet!

This move from Apple comes at just the right time as Windows laptops seem to be flooding the lower end of the price spectrum that are premium and don’t break the bank. Apple is potentially losing out on customers who want to save money but still want a high-end product.

While we’re unlikely to see any drastic changes to the MacBook Air, as there haven’t really been too many over the years, the good news is that people who are on a budget are able to eye up an Apple computer without having to worry too much about their bank balance. Even more good news, at the eStorm Service Centre you can trade in your current Mac or device and receive an in-store credit towards the purchase of your new Mac or iPad!

In the mean time, if you need your current Mac repaired or serviced – feel free to give us a call on (07) 3180 4228 or send us an email [email protected]. Or if you happen to be in the market for a new or refurbished Mac – head over to our online store.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: apple products, cheap apple, cheap apple products, cheap mac, cheap macbook, cheap macbook air, i love apple, macbook, macbook air, new macbook

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eStorm Service Centre Google Reviews

eStorm Service Centre
4.6
Based on 120 reviews
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review us on
Gary Fraser
01:10 11 Sep 24
Four weeks ago, I took my cracked iPad to this store for repair. The employee behind the counter informed me that because I did not have AppleCare, Apple does not fix iPads but rather replaces them entirely. He advised me to take it to an unauthorized repair shop, despite me explaining that the iPad was less than 12 months old. He insisted that Apple would not fix it.I followed his advice and had the iPad repaired elsewhere. However, it has now stopped charging. When I returned to your store, I was told that because someone had previously opened the device, this store could no longer assist with the repair. The first employee failed to inform me about this critical detail.As a result, I’m now stuck with a $1,300 device that doesn’t work. I feel misled and frustrated by the lack of proper guidance from the staff
Priscilla Parata-Reeves
00:58 03 Sep 24
Top notch customer service ,fast, reliable and trustworthy!My daughter cracked her iPhone 15 front screen! Luckily the phone was only 3 weeks old and eligible for apple care+! Dallas did an excellent job. Left the phone with him at around 9am and picked up at 10:30am !!!!!Also so convenient as I don’t have to drive out of spring field to get the repair done- saving me travel time and money!!!!!Will be going back in the future.Happy customer.
Bob Dix
21:19 26 Aug 24
Lachlan Fothergill
01:41 25 Jul 24
Very professional at handling airpods repair
Adele Rankin
03:56 19 Jul 24
Exceptional service.
Beatrice Ndebele
07:36 22 Sep 22
Fantastic service, was referred by Apple after MacBook developed a dark screen and wouldn’t turn off. I was informed of possibility to pay for diagnostic fee and expect to leave it for a fee days. I found the gentlemen friendly and accommodating. The service was prompt, fair subsequent charges. My MacBook had storage issues, I got a new laptop and they helped transferring my data. I will certainly be going back to them in future and I strongly recommend these professionals to anyone having issues with their devices.
julie farrell
06:28 02 Sep 22
2 nd time I have used this service. Needed new battery for my iphone 6 s in 2020. Then 2022 had a battery replaced in my iphone 7. Both times have been brilliant. Such a smooth and well organised service. The fellas at the counter on every occassion have been very patient and helpful. Thanks again, highly recommended
Gary wylie
09:28 01 Sep 22
Quick service. Reasonable pricing .Would recommend for apple repairs
Joel Berry
10:08 23 Aug 22
Awesome service, with a quick turn over. Genuine apple product dealers, most issues under warranty and or insurance will be covered free of charge or for a small cost.Highly recommended.
John Florez
00:27 11 Jul 22
Very knowledgeable, friendly and 100% helpful. They explained all the options and their pros and cons to improve my iMac's performance. My computer is now running much faster with these upgrades. Great Work! Highly recommended!
Melissa Moana
05:16 13 Jun 22
i had no idea they were here awesome service way better than having to travel to carindale
Desiree S
07:52 27 May 22
I discovered this apple repairer by chance and now I recommend them to everyone. Great service and reasonable prices.
Emily Martin
04:45 22 Feb 22
Dropped my MacBook in just shy of 3 years old with a battery issue. The team were very prompt in email response and with the computer. Dropped Saturday, said it would be ready Wednesday. To my surprise it was ready today (Tuesday) a whole day early. Even better they covered the replacement of the battery under warranty. Highly recommended!
Kyle PM
07:59 01 Feb 22
Great and easy service. Much simpler to deal with than an Apple store for repairs. As an IT professional, will definitely be back if a staff member breaks their phone. (Let's be honest, they will).
Ricardo Sé Cestari
23:30 02 Jun 20
Good professional service. Job well done and in a better than expected timeframe.
Kathryn Chee
06:38 15 May 20
Phone came back good as new after a nasty cracked screen. Service was efficient although I did have to come back 24hours later as they didn’t have my colour iphone Instock - so maybe call ahead the day before if you want same day screen repair?
Stevan Kostantinovic
23:01 05 May 20
Very helpful and professional staff as they are Apple certified and did a great job replacing my sisters broken macbook pro screen.Always remember, you get what you pay for.
Ivan ZiHao Tan
10:12 29 Apr 20
Effective and honest! It’s a nice and not busy place to get your IT stuff fixed. It is a bit out of the way but if you’re around west side, just go there. Traffic is smooth too!
Oliver Baumeister
21:38 06 Mar 20
Good service, quick repair of my MacBook Pro under warranty. 3 days to replace ‘top case’ (keyboard, trackpad, etc). Very satisfied.
Bradley Witham
01:43 03 Feb 20
Great shop. Highly recommended. Professional and very helpful staff. Did a great job for me. Will be back for sure - even though it’s over 1hr drive from my home!
Evan g
01:49 07 Jan 20
Friendly and knowledgeable staff coupled with quick service even during a busy period.
Jaidyn Somerville
22:59 01 Nov 19
Quick and professional service, I was told my MacBook would be ready in 2/3 business days and received a text to confirm it was ready two days later. Kept me informed with updates too. Defiently recommend these guys.
Mike C
09:09 23 Oct 19
Friendly, professional staff. Perfect job replacing Macbook keyboard and screen, all with a very quick turnaround. Best Apple experience yet - highly recommended.
Mark Schulz
01:15 04 Sep 19
My second time using the service - first for an iPhone battery replacement and this time to replace the battery in a Macbook Air. Service is great. Will continue to use them into the future.
Jason O'Connor
01:25 28 Aug 19
What a terrible experience dealing with eStorm in Springfield Lakes. After spending an hour on live chat with Apple last night they said that there was an issue with phone and to take it to one of their retail stores or to an authorised service centre. The closest to us was eStrom Service Centre in Springfield Lakes. We were booked in there by Apple who were 100% aware of the phone being out of warranty but due to the issue they were happy for it to be taken in. When my wife got there she was greeted by someone called Dallas who then proceeded to ask her for $40 as a diagnosis fee. At no stage were we made aware that there would be a fee even though Apple were aware of the phone being out of warranty. When my wife made him aware of that he said that it was their policy and there was nothing they could do about it. My wife turned around and walked out. I called to ask what the story was and Dallas said exactly what I have written above. No consideration about the fee, it was internal policy and not their problem that Apple didn't tell us about it. So disappointed at this experience and will never be using them again or would ever recommend them to anyone.
Kelley Knudsen
07:58 16 Aug 19
Great customer service, professional and polite, great results and fast turnaround!
Theticus _
00:08 30 Jul 19
Great service for Apple repair
Michael Bischa
03:27 31 May 19
Great service, let us know our options up front, found the solution and ordered parts in and completed the job in just 48 hours to get am important computer back up running. They are great!
Rob & Rebecca Ketelaars
19:43 20 May 19
Friendly staff. Fast service. Replaced the battery in my iPhone 6 in about 1.5 hours while I was shopping at Orion just across the road. Perfect.
Valentin Despa
08:33 09 May 19
Very professional, friendly and fast. I liked a lot that you get text messages with the status of your job. Thank you guys!
Anthony
05:33 05 Feb 19
Staff was very friendly and professional, only took 2 business days for my keyboard to be repaired; excellent service and absolutely no hassle.
Kazi Nazmul Haque Shezan
00:46 01 Dec 18
Just awesome experience. My apple watch 4 was not charging. I got a new apple watch in 3 days. They are very fast at resolving problem. The staffs are very helpfull
Helena Stibbard
23:12 11 Sep 18
Exceptional service; Explained everything and was very helpful with advice for backing up files; MacBook Pro full keyboard replacement done in 2 days; very little downtime which was really appreciated. Highly Recommended
Tom Parke
11:41 05 Sep 18
This is an easy five stars. I came into the store, explained my issue (I needed to have the entire screen of my laptop replaced). They told me they'd need to order in some parts, and the entire repair was finished in less than 24 hours. Superb team.
Sam D
22:38 19 Apr 18
I took my MacBook Pro in to get the screen diagnosed and replaced through apple warrenty, it was completed very quickly and estorm did an excellent job. It was so much easier going to estorm over an apple shop, no wait time, plenty of appointment times and no pushing your way through noisy crowds. Will definitely be going back to them for any issues. Thanks!
James C
02:50 22 Mar 18
Liam Sorensen
21:18 31 Jan 18
Excellent service and very professional atmosphere. I had a couple of apple devices that needed fixing and to my surprise were covered under warranty and were replaced free of charge!! The team there are an awesome crew very welcoming and very understanding.Look forward to requiring your service again.
Dallas Rankin
01:20 17 Oct 17
Wade
04:43 16 Oct 17
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