THE Journal's Mobile Computing + Augmented & Virtual Reality Resources

Here you'll find articles covering 1-to-1 computing, BYOD, augmented and virtual reality and all things mobile! Topics range from strategies for managing devices to news and reviews about new hardware and software.


CTL Introduces Tracking Dashboard for K–12 Districts to Keep Tabs on School-Issued Chromebooks

CTL Corp. has debuted HiddenApp for K–12 schools to keep track of loaned Chromebooks. The app integrates with the district’s Google Chrome Admin console and monitors, locates, and tracks devices through a dashboard, the company said. It does not invade privacy, but gives schools a better way to keep tabs on their Chromebook fleet.

screenshot of class action lawsuit filed July 17 against ed tech company Securly

Class-Action Lawsuit Says Securly Collected, Sold Student Location Data, Video History Without Consent

The parents of two California children are suing Securly, accusing the online-activity surveillance provider of violating California wiretapping and data privacy laws and of violating the federal Video Privacy Protection Act by collecting protected private information without consent and selling it to third-party advertisers.

Wearable Devices Expected to Increase over the Next 5 Years

Smart watches, smart earwear, and other wearables are expected to rebound this year after the wearable tech category experienced its first decline in 2022. The comeback in 2023 is expected to be modest, with greater growth through 2027, according to a new report.

LG Unveils new ChromeOS Slot-In PC for Createboard

LG Business Solutions USA this week unveiled a new Google-certified ChromeOS slot-in PC for LG Createboard, during ISTELive 23 in Philadelphia, simplifying daily use and adding flexibility and features to classrooms using the Createboard, the company said in a news release.

images shows the new Google Admin console for Education users

Google's New Edu Features Boost Accessibility, Differentiation, Collaboration, and Security

Google for Education has unveiled a host of new features and integrations at ISTELive 23 happening this week in Philadelphia, all aimed at amplifying teacher impact and improving student outcomes, the company said on its blog.

Avantis Partners with EdGate to Align Eduverse VR Lessons with State Standards

Through a new partnership with EdGate, Avantis Education is working to align its 400-plus virtual reality lessons for K–12 classrooms to meet state standards in science, social studies, and English Language Arts, in time for Fall 2023 semester, according to a news release.

Snapshot: IoT Malware Jumps 700%

ABI Research released a startling statistic: Malware targeting IoT devices climbed 700% during the pandemic.

New Network Tool Measures Students' Connectivity Off-Campus

The new Digital Equity module, an extension to Lightspeed's Digital Insight network and ed tech analytics platform, provides real-time connectivity and device health data on students’ school-issued devices, enabling school leaders to know when students experience connectivity outages at home — allowing for interventions or assistance before learning outcomes are impacted, the company said.

AR/VR Headsets Continue Decline as VR Sets Plummet

The first quarter of 2023 saw further declines in the AR/VR headset space, following a steep decline the previous year.

Smartphones Continue Decline

The already sluggish forecast for smartphones looks to be headed toward a slightly steeper decline this year.