Rupert Murdochs News Corp has unveiled its first tablet designed specifically for children to be launched in schools across the US.
The 10” Amplify tablet developed by the corporations education division runs on Android and is loaded with reference and course materials suitable for use across primary and secondary education. Teachers can plan lessons, send assignments, share resources, manage the devices and receive on-going support and training. It is currently being piloted in collaboration with AT&T.
The wi-fi model starts at an introductory price of $299 when bought with a two-year $99 a year subscription to access the core content. The 4G Amplify Tablet Plus is being introduced at $349 with a two-year subscription at $179 per year. The company says it believes it is more affordable than any other on the market.
“We want to transform the way teachers teach and students learn,” said Amplify CEO Joel Klein. “Technology has revolutionised the world, but not the classroom. Our hope is that this tablet will help change that.” 
“Building a strong economy and a strong country starts with education. Right now our students are lagging behind the rest of the world, and we’ve got to work faster than ever to catch up. That will require both the best teachers and the best technology”
Tablets purchased by 30 June will be ready for use in classrooms in time for the start of the next school year.
