2012 has been dubbed the "Year of the Tablet" with sales exceeding $120 million and expected to grow. The Apple iPad, as predicted, outpaced all of its competitors, which include the Google Nexus 7 and 10, the Samsung Galaxy, Microsoft Surface and even the Amazon Kindle. However, that large lead is expected to become more marginalized as people consider not only costs, but also safety and security.
Where the iPad is found lacking, becomes its competitors gain. For example, many families share tablets, and there may be a concern for information privacy. The iPad operating system, or iOS, does not offer multiuser support. Consider the scenario that you're a parent and your child wants to borrow your tablet? Well, if you have an iPad, you have no protection over the data anyone can access. Microsoft Surface, Google Nexus and the Kindle Fire all offer multiuser protection.
With Microsoft Surface, all you have to do is add more users, just as you do with any Windows operating system. As you hand your tablet over to another user, you can simply log out and let them log in. This ensures each user accesses only his or her data. Feeling secure, when allowing several users on one tablet, is essential to attracting new consumers. In addition, the Surface includes a "Family Safety" option that lets parents track a childs' usage and browsing history. It also gives you the ability to restrict specific types of apps.
The Google Nexus, which uses the Android OS, allows you to enable other users by clicking "Add User" underneath the "Settings" tab. While it does not offer a "Family Safety" option, you can install security features such as the "Webfence" application, which restricts sites and games based on your preferences.
The Kindle Fire HD leaves all tablets in the wind when it comes to safety and security settings. It offers the "Kindle Free Time" app. This allows you to set parental controls, which include how long your child is allowed to use the tablet and what types of sites and apps they are allowed to view. All you have to do is enter a name, photo and birthday for your child. It then creates an icon. Tap on the icon and it starts "Kindle Free Time" mode complete with the settings you have entered.
Price points and flexibility all make tablets attractive products for consumers. With the average computer costing between $$500 and $2,500--you can buy a tablet for less than $1,000, and even less than $500 without sacrificing brand name recognition. For example, both the Google Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD 7" start at $199. Yet, you still want to feel safe, especially when you share your tablet with friends and family. In this regard, the iPad has some catching up to do.
Where the iPad is found lacking, becomes its competitors gain. For example, many families share tablets, and there may be a concern for information privacy. The iPad operating system, or iOS, does not offer multiuser support. Consider the scenario that you're a parent and your child wants to borrow your tablet? Well, if you have an iPad, you have no protection over the data anyone can access. Microsoft Surface, Google Nexus and the Kindle Fire all offer multiuser protection.
With Microsoft Surface, all you have to do is add more users, just as you do with any Windows operating system. As you hand your tablet over to another user, you can simply log out and let them log in. This ensures each user accesses only his or her data. Feeling secure, when allowing several users on one tablet, is essential to attracting new consumers. In addition, the Surface includes a "Family Safety" option that lets parents track a childs' usage and browsing history. It also gives you the ability to restrict specific types of apps.
The Google Nexus, which uses the Android OS, allows you to enable other users by clicking "Add User" underneath the "Settings" tab. While it does not offer a "Family Safety" option, you can install security features such as the "Webfence" application, which restricts sites and games based on your preferences.
The Kindle Fire HD leaves all tablets in the wind when it comes to safety and security settings. It offers the "Kindle Free Time" app. This allows you to set parental controls, which include how long your child is allowed to use the tablet and what types of sites and apps they are allowed to view. All you have to do is enter a name, photo and birthday for your child. It then creates an icon. Tap on the icon and it starts "Kindle Free Time" mode complete with the settings you have entered.
Price points and flexibility all make tablets attractive products for consumers. With the average computer costing between $$500 and $2,500--you can buy a tablet for less than $1,000, and even less than $500 without sacrificing brand name recognition. For example, both the Google Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD 7" start at $199. Yet, you still want to feel safe, especially when you share your tablet with friends and family. In this regard, the iPad has some catching up to do.
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