FELTA, a company with 49 years of experience in the Philippine education market partnered with Intel Education and Microsoft Philippines to launch laptops especially made for kids. The new laptops, Felta 7″ and 10″ Studybook, are powered by an Intel Baytrail Quad Core processor and runs Windows 8.1. It also comes with Bing and Microsoft Office. As it’s position for children, the laptop is water-resistant and is built with extra layers of protection. The device is also packed with macro lens and thernal scanner to bring inmersive learning experience for kids.
This move from Felta and technology industry companies – Microsoft and Intel – is an apt response to the changing educational needs of young people and the demand for versatility and innovative learning. According to Frost and Sullivan, a leading research agency, mobile penetration in the Philippines is already at 100%, and smartphone penetration at 38%.
According to Myleve Abiva, Felta Multi-Media president and CEO, “FELTA offers valuable insight on the changing needs of educational institutions and the technology that can help learning more effective while still engaging and remaining relevant to students.”
Sanjiv Sharma, Intel Microelectronics Philippines Regional Manager for Education Solutions, supported Abiva by saying that “Intel believes that a transformative education initiative starts from a vision of student success where goals — and an understanding of how information communications technology can help schools achieve goals — drive change.” He also added, “Our partnership with FELTA is part of our vision of heliping education leaders and visionaries redefine today’s education system.”
Microsoft’s Windows Business Group Lead, Mae Rivera-Morena, adds, “Microsoft’s programs for education promote effective, immersive learning experiences to inspire teachers and students to realize their full potential. During the launch, Mae also asked her 5-year old daughter to play an app “Endless Reader” on Felta 10.
Both laptops are also preinstalled with security and monitoring applications, Family Safety. Applications such as the latter allow parents and teachers to control the use of devices of children.
Felta 7″ and Felta 10″ will soon be available in private schools nationwide.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
