Scan-Code for Keys-By-TEARN

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What's An App?

Mobile apps have emerged from non-existence. In a short few years, both Apple and Google have reported billions of app downloads per month. To put this into perspective, these numbers overwhelm the total software ever sold on any and all computer classes.

These billions of downloads occur every month.

But, the problem is we don't know what an app is. How is it different from a web page or website?

An App is Short for Application

The official definition floating around the web and among the hapless dictionaries is that an app is short for an application. (ed: sorry for cynicism ;-)

So, what is an application? Wikipedia distinguishes applications from system software - and further enumerates the types of application software. Most of the definitions for mobile apps have tried to enumerate the types of mobile apps - rather than define the term.

To put substance to a formal definition for mobile apps, we should adopt the Wikipedia definition. But, we do need to distinguish an ordinary web page or website from mobile apps.

Ending Stupid Myths

Some try to distinguish apps from websites by the choice of languages used to create the app (i.e. Objective C on the iPhone, C++ and Visual Basic from Microsoft, Java for Android - versus Javascript for HP webos, ChromeBook, and RIM OS7. Even CSS might be considered a programming language.) A language allows developers to integrate the UI (i.e. usually defined using HTML tags) with the API's (i.e. Application Program Interfaces) that allow access to files, (e.g. photos) sensors, (e.g. touch, orientation, temperature) and resources in other applications (e.g. phone numbers in the phone book, RSS feeds.)

The choice of language makes no difference. Any page where any language does the heavy lifting is an app - versus a web page where Javascript might have inconsequential use.

Some try to distinguish by whether an app depends on the network for resources. If the app caches content and can run without a network connection, it is an app. If not, the app is a web page.

There is no relevancy of network use to the distinction between an app and a web page. Every app can use the network as a resource. It's an available option.

Apps are just for mobile devices. With the arrival of the iPad, the definition of apps has dropped the mobile adjective. What the mobile interface has forced upon the developer community was the discipline to redesign the cluttered interface of typical websites. After all, the clutter does not fit on a four-inch mobile screen.

Thus, apps are no longer just for mobile use.

Native apps are real apps. Apps that reside on the network are web apps, and not really an app. This is simply false.

100% native apps do run faster, but they also do less. As browsers improve, this speed difference has quickly become inconsequential.

Most apps - such as Google Maps - uses a combination of native and web parts to do its magic. So does Facebook, Yahoo Mail, Google Translate, and most of the popular apps.

Is there any relevancy to the repeated discussions distinguishing native versus web app? Probably not.

For developers, the real question is drawing the line between native and network components.

Toward a Simple Definition

An app integrates system resources (i.e. whether local or network) with the user interface (i.e. typically defined using HTML). A website that is mostly HTML is not an app.

For example, a single Keys-by-TEARN app typically displaces thousands of web pages with a single download, simplifies the use, and adds interactivity that delivers learning value.

What's needed is a million more apps to replace the vast jungle of useless web pages that has been left behind from phase one of the world wide web. Let's get to work.

An Apple A Day... Or An App A Day...

ScienceDaily reports that there may be some truth to the phrase: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. We'd like your help to create a new phrase that ties apps to learning.

An Apple a Day? Study Shows Soluble Fiber Boosts Immune System

A new University of Illinois study touts the benefits of soluble fiber -- found in oats, apples, and nuts, for starters -- saying that it reduces the inflammation associated with obesity-related diseases and strengthens the immune system. (full article)

An App a Day...

Our library has grown to over 800 apps. The new My Button allows you track hundreds of personal favorites.

Each app allows you to learn or review 50 to 100 terms. Is that a worthwhile, daily goal? Here are some phrases that we came up with:

• molds the mind like clay
• keeps the mind in play
• thats the mobile way
• keeps the mind nimble and gay
• keeps the tutor away

Which is your favorite? Use the comments below to submit your phrases. Thanks in advance for your help.

Opportunities for Advertising on Keys Mobile Apps

High Keys mobile uses; unique in-flow ad placements; and relaxed, leanback visitors - combine to deliver the highest click-through-rates for advertisers.

Here is a list of the types of advertising available on Keys Mobile Apps with links to those apps: (Tap the icon to see the ads.)

In-App Advertising

Custom Cover for an app:

Sponsor Logos for an app:

Sponsor Logos for a category:

Quick Slideshow for an app: brings client content from the web into the mobile app - versus requiring a click to see the same content.

Custom Slideshow at Flickr: delivers client message in the mobile app.

Banner Advertising

Spot Ads via Doubleclick: See footer. Can target by source of traffic.

Adsense via Google: See middle of page. Can target by keyword or subject.

More options coming.

Tap contact below to send email.

800,000 Downloads from Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Nokia, Palm, Samsung, Windows phones

Can you believe these downloads? We've reached 800,000. Our projections show that we will fall just shy of one million downloads by the New Year.



Remember, every download saves a shrub, a can of oil, possibly a dolphin, and one mind!

Keep on downloading ;-) Thank you.

Happy Holidays. Tap to select an app!

Thanks for 200,000 Downloads; #1 Educational App Network

We've exceeded 200,000 downloads. Wow! Thank you.

#1 Educational App Network

Among the thousands of apps, our initial analysis concludes that it's possible that we have already become the #1 network for educational apps.

• We passed legacy learning publishers such as Sparks Notes, Cliff Notes, and Barron's Educational Group early this summer.
• We also passed legacy learning services such as Kaplan, Princeton Review, and six funded start-ups who are attacking that market with web projects.
• We've looked at the apps provided by textbook publishers such as Brown & Benchmark Publishers, Houghton Mifflin, HarperCollins, Addison-Wesley, Allyn & Bacon, Benjamin Cummings, Longman, Merrill, Prentice Hall, W. W. Norton, Dushkin Publishing, Little Brown, Harcourt Brace and Jovanovich, Worth Publishers, Inc, and McGraw-Hill Publishers
• We've compiled the downloads of some two dozen independent app publishers.

In seven months, we seemed to have passed everyone - and gaining about 50,000 to 80,000 new downloads per month.

Thanks for the overwhelming support.

Good for the Globe

BTW, downloads save our environment. Consider:

• Each download saves a tree, or at least a bush ;-)
• Each download saves a can of oil - used to transport wood to paper mill; to wholesale; to printer; back to wholesale; to retail; and to buy at a store
• Can a download save a dolphin? We don't use plastic wraps that could find its way to our oceans and choke ocean friends.
• Most importantly, can a download save a mind?

Is Bill Gates correct with his prediction? Keep on downloading ;-)

FAQ for Keys

What is Keys?

Keys is a unique, learning platform for advanced and casual subjects. Like coffee table books, our apps provide a light, valued mix of entertainment, gaming, and learning.

Device support

What device are supported?

Keys is compatible with webkit browsers, such as the iPhone, Safari, Palm webos, and Blackberry OS6. Desktop browsers that use webkit include Safari and Chrome. Desktop browsers do not support the multi-touch experience - only mouse clicks.

What is webkit?

Webkit is a fast animation platform created and supported by Apple and Google.

Is Keys compatible with Firefox, Sony Netfront, Nokia MiniMap, or Opera?

Yes, but users would not gain the full experience.

Is Keys compatible with Explorer?

Yes, but some functions may not be supported by older browsers.

Performance

Keys downloads, but does not work

Turn on the Javascript option on your device.

Loading is slow on 3G

Some mobile networks are overwhelmed by too many users. Switch to Wi-Fi to cache page loads. Once a page is cached, performance is very fast over 3G or Wi-Fi.

Low Res Images

Too many slow servers combined with constricted 3G networks forced us to reduce the resolution of selected photos. Sorry ;-)

The quality of the image depends on the image enhancement technologies that are built into your browser. For Palm and iPhone users, the quality should be excellent.

Also, we've switched back to Google Images for far more relevant images. Thus, we've ended our experiment with a secondary image source.

Mobile Apps

Is Keys a game?

Yes, Keys is a game, but our focus is primarily to support learning - not advanced gaming.

How do I get Keys

Search for TEARN at all popular mobile stores. Download and tap to use.

How do I get support?

If needed, click contact below and send email.

Privacy

What's your policy on privacy?

We don't ask you to login, submit your email, or collect any information about our 600,000+ visitors. Learn in peace ;-) Ads from Google does create cookies on your browser that does track your browsing behavior.

The Keys Learning Platform, and Seeking Partners

Education is a huge industry. Here is a sharpening of our focus to serve the diverse needs.

Education Stats

Roughly 5% of the $60 trillion, global GDP is spent on educating K through 12 students. Of the 20% of the population in this age group; 70% attend schools.

The US spends $500 billion or 5.7% of GDP on compulsory K-12 education. Additionally, 18 million students attend college which Hoover's estimates as a $475 billion industry. However, the US dominance of higher education could be as much as 2/3rds of the global total.

It's huge.

Diversity of Needs

Needs vary by age, subject, culture, and stage. The chart below summarizes the age, stage matrix.

age	kids	teens	adults
stages
concept learning		keys+ partner website, video, or book	keys+ partner website, video, or book
internalizing		keys	keys
testing

• Although there are 13-grades and 4 years or more of college, learners have the innate ability to absorb facts far beyond the standards for their age group. Students in the Cupertino High Schools receive science instructions that exceed the levels taught at community colleges. Our current focus is primarily self-paced, supplemental learning.
• To simplify, we have segmented learning targets into kids, teens, and adults - and allow learners to progress at their own pace. For example, the bio-series includes the Animals Collection for kids, Life Sciences and Biology for teens, and Bio AP for advanced high school and college use. The chem-series provides the same pattern with Kids Chem, Chemistry, and Chem AP.
• Our focus has been mostly on advanced learning for teens and adults - where the subject matter tends toward more complexity. Kids have been well served by thousands of innovative mobiles apps. Teens and adults have been poorly served.
  
• Subject diversity is limited in elementary school, covering the big-5 of language, math, science, history, and geography. We've already made strong progress to cover the entire spectrum of subject needs - and will continue to improve our coverage of core subjects.
  
• For college and professional learning, the subjects bloom into the advanced details for thousands of courses where we seek partners.
• In different countries, variations in culture may require different emphasis. Overall, the web has forced a level playing field. Anyone with the desire to compete has access to all knowledge. Thus, cultural differences in what we learn will diminish in importance. All learners need the internalized knowledge to compete on this global stage.
  
• Learning includes stages that include comprehending concepts; memorizing and internalizing the terms; and unfortunately, the aspect of testing required by governments and some institutes of higher learning.
• Thousands of apps cover testing and concept learning - the latter served via videos and innovative animations of concepts.
• The core strengths of Keys has been the missing stage to aid memorization and internalization of thousands of complex terms.

The early 100,000 plus downloads that we have received is testimonial to the under-served needs for advanced learning among global users.

Seeking the Aha Moment

Ultimately, learning is personal.

Learners need the individual attention that helps them to overcome the personal barriers that block learning. As kids or adults, everyone has had those moments when the cloud of mystery clears to reveal true insight.

With the aid of a motivated teacher, tutor, professor, or mentor; a show on TV; the massive content on the web; or even one word that clarifies - we need many more aha moments.

Let's integrate the technology lessons to help that process.

Calling for Parters

Although we've made efforts to introduce concepts through concept maps and flow selectors - integrating Keys with the concepts best taught through videos, textbooks, and/or websites would better serve the needs of individual learners.

Do you have the passion to better serve learners?

Contact us to discuss your ideas.

LICENSED APPLICATION END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

LICENSED APPLICATION END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

The Products transacted through the Service are licensed, not sold, to You for use only under the terms of this license, unless a Product is accompanied by a separate license agreement, in which case the terms of that separate license agreement will govern, subject to Your prior acceptance of that separate license agreement. The licensor (“Application Provider”) reserves all rights not expressly granted to You. The Product that is subject to this license is referred to in this license as the “Licensed Application.”

a. Scope of License: This license granted to You for the Licensed Application by Application Provider is limited to a non-transferable license to use the Licensed Application on any iPhone or iPod touch that You own or control and as permitted by the Usage Rules set forth in Section 9.b. of the App Store Terms and Conditions (the “Usage Rules”). This license does not allow You to use the Licensed Application on any iPod touch or iPhone that You do not own or control, and You may not distribute or make the Licensed Application available over a network where it could be used by multiple devices at the same time. You may not rent, lease, lend, sell, redistribute or sublicense the Licensed Application. You may not copy (except as expressly permitted by this license and the Usage Rules), decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble, attempt to derive the source code of, modify, or create derivative works of the Licensed Application, any updates, or any part thereof (except as and only to the extent any foregoing restriction is prohibited by applicable law or to the extent as may be permitted by the licensing terms governing use of any open sourced components included with the Licensed Application). Any attempt to do so is a violation of the rights of the Application Provider and its licensors. If You breach this restriction, You may be subject to prosecution and damages. The terms of the license will govern any upgrades provided by Application Provider that replace and/or supplement the original Product, unless such upgrade is accompanied by a separate license in which case the terms of that license will govern.

b. Consent to Use of Data: You agree that Application Provider may collect and use technical data and related information, including but not limited to technical information about Your device, system and application software, and peripherals, that is gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, product support and other services to You (if any) related to the Licensed Application. Application Provider may use this information, as long as it is in a form that does not personally identify You, to improve its products or to provide services or technologies to You.

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Certain Services may display, include or make available content, data, information, applications or materials from third parties (“Third Party Materials”) or provide links to certain third party web sites. By using the Services, You acknowledge and agree that the Application Provider is not responsible for examining or evaluating the content, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, validity, copyright compliance, legality, decency, quality or any other aspect of such Third Party Materials or web sites. The Application Provider does not warrant or endorse and does not assume and will not have any liability or responsibility to You or any other person for any third-party Services, Third Party Materials or web sites, or for any other materials, products, or services of third parties. Third Party Materials and links to other web sites are provided solely as a convenience to You. Financial information displayed by any Services is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice. Before executing any securities transaction based upon information obtained through the Services, You should consult with a financial professional. Location data provided by any Services is for basic navigational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon in situations where precise location information is needed or where erroneous, inaccurate or incomplete location data may lead to death, personal injury, property or environmental damage. Neither the Application Provider, nor any of its content providers, guarantees the availability, accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of stock information or location data displayed by any Services.

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About Learning

I have three teens enrolled at the highly-rated Cupertino schools. My background includes early studies of AI (i.e. Artificial Intelligence - the art of learning) at MIT.

Today's learning challenge is far more complex than our times in school - in the age of dinosaurs ;-) Their text books cover topics and terms that did not exist when we were in school - and the volume of terms can be overwhelming.

How can a passionate Dad help?

• First, make learning fun
• Second, supply a positive environment for spending time with their lessons

Further, learning is not just for students. As adults living in a time of rapid change, learning has become the cardinal rule.

The Keys platform has been designed for that purpose. My hope is that all users will spend more time with words and concepts, aided by the tireless search bots at Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

What Keys Supplies

Each Keys game contains a set of words or phrases on a topic. For each word, the game supplies:

• Slow spelling of the answer, one letter every 5 seconds.
  
• Image results from Google search. Note that Google frequently supplies additional meanings of a term via returned images.
  
• Optional images from Bing and Yahoo.
• A clue - which can be the meaning or context of the answer.
• The cheat sheet with a list of all the answers.

How to Play

• Guess as many answers as you can in 5 minutes.
• No negative points for incorrect or misspelled answers - only the lost of time.
• Skip an answer by clicking OK without a guess.
• After 5 minutes, the timer and counter stops. You can continue play to fully learn the set of answers.
• With ten correct answers, the background turns green.
• To restart the timer, click the restart button.

How We Help Learning

• Fun, simple, and hopefully addictive.
• High repetition
• Association of answers with images, clues, and context
• Active participation via typing
• Group play among friends - learning is cool ;-)

Has the Keys game become the interactive version of Flash Cards? Half the price, twice the fun!

Your Help

• Play Keys.
• Tell friends.
• Post at Facebook.
• Tweet at social networks.

Thank you!