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9 Ways Schools Can Meet the Moment with Digital Confidence

Michael Conlon walks us through how schools can tackle the digital education landscape.

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Michael Conlon

Michael is XMA’s Education Transformation Consultant. With over 25 years in teaching and leadership he has sat through more strategy meetings and indulged more fads than he cares to admit, but still loves help schools make sense of digital transformation—without the jargon, and ideally without the panic.

The UK Government’s digital and technology standards for schools and colleges set a clear direction: resilient infrastructure, inclusive access, and strategic leadership. At XMA, we believe in empowering educators with agnostic, future-ready solutions that meet these standards and elevate learning. Here’s how:

  1. Cloud Platforms That Work for Everyone

Whether it’s Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, we guide schools through seamless cloud adoption, ensuring secure access, data protection, and long-term cost efficiency.

  1. Cyber Security That Protects Learning

From endpoint protection to staff training, our cyber resilience solutions align with DfE standards and keep digital environments safe for students and educators.

  1. Devices Designed for Education

We supply and configure devices that meet curriculum needs—whether it’s 1:1 student access or shared classroom sets—ensuring performance, security, and longevity.

  1. Digital Inclusion for Every Learner

We help schools audit and implement accessibility tools, ensuring that all students, no matter their learning challenges, can engage fully with digital learning.

  1. Filtering and Monitoring That Safeguards

For you’re core duty, our safeguarding solutions meet statutory guidance, giving schools peace of mind with intelligent filtering and real-time monitoring.

  1. Leadership That Drives Strategy

We work with MATs and Local Authorities to establish their digital maturity, and develop digital strategies that align with governance standards, budget realities, and long-term goals.

  1. Sustainable Server and Storage Solutions

Whether cloud-first or hybrid, our server and storage options need to meet environmental and security standards.

  1. Professional Development That Sticks

Technology is redundant if people don’t know how to use it effectively. We offer training and support that builds digital confidence across teaching and support staff.

  1. Keeping your eye on the horizon

XMA excel at anticipating and leaning into tomorrow’s technologies to bring solutions to customers that add value and improve how they work.

At XMA, we don’t push products—we build partnerships. Our agnostic approach means we focus on what works best for your context, your learners, and your goals. If you’re interested in your school becoming more Digital Confident, contact us at enquiries@xma.co.uk

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Android Desktop: Potential Use Cases and Benefits

This is the second in a series of blog posts exploring Android Desktop. Our Head of Pre-Sales, Scott Wright, will be looking at the current state of Android Desktop, following its improvement as release approaches, examining use cases, looking at essential apps & peripherals and more. 

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Scott Wright

Scott is XMA’s Head of Pre-Sales. An IT industry greybeard, he violated his own rule about being an early adopter when he bought the first Android phone at launch and hasn’t regretted that decision.

Most of this blog will be talking about the benefits of a mobile device with any sort of desktop interface, rather than Android Desktop specifically, so before we start that let’s talk for a moment about why the launch of Android Desktop is causing such a buzz. 

Desktop solutions for Android are currently available from several device vendors with Samsung’s DeX being the most established. Motorola Ready-For (also on Lenovo ThinkPhones), Huawei Desktop Mode and Xiaomi MIUI Desktop mode are also available. These solutions are vendor specific which raises concerns for many organisations, should the vendor cease supporting them then the organisation will be forced to change device in order to continue with their device strategy. With Android Desktop as a core part of the Android offering (and Apple promising to follow suit) not only is desktop mode legitimised a standard phone feature but organisations adopting a vendor specific solution like DeX have a fall-back plan that does not require device replacement, substantially reducing risk. As such, there is considerable interest in Android Desktop, even from organisations who are considering or who have adopted a vendor specific solution. 

Below I am going to expound on some of the possible benefits and give examples of the use cases that might realise those benefits. 

Benefits: Managed Device Reduction 

The most immediate benefit for many organisations will be a reduction in devices. Many organisations are issuing both a laptop and mobile to a large cohort of users with fairly light computing requirements. This is especially wasteful for front-line workers for whom the mobile is the primary device and the laptop is an occasional use device. Replacing the managed laptop with a laptop-shaped docking station (“lapdock”, more on these in a future blog post) reduces cost but also reduces the number of devices requiring licences and updates, eliminates a large number of devices as potential sources of data loss (a laptop left in a taxi, for example, cannot contain any data as it is merely a docking station) and more. Shared desktops can also be replaced with docking stations or docking monitors, reducing the number of managed devices.  

Benefits: Shared Desktops 

For users with a mobile device who also use shared desktops, for example many healthcare workers, solutions such as VDI, roaming profiles, follow-me desktop and similar are used to make moving between shared desktops as seamless as possible but typically have substantial cost and complexity associated with them. These solutions and the shared desktops themselves can be eliminated and replaced with docking stations or docking monitors while providing an even more seamless working experience, not only between shared desktops but also between desktop and mobile device, allowing healthcare professionals to transition seamlessly between patient interaction spaces and desk-based working. 

Benefits: Security Implications 

Anywhere that shared devices are in use presents a challenge for data security. Data must not be unintentionally accessible between users and this is especially important in settings where that data is highly sensitive, such as a clinical or law enforcement settings. With most Police officers being issued a mobile device, utilising docking monitors in place of shared desktops for docking stations prevents inadvertent data access between users via the shared device.  Using lapdocks rather than laptops as a car-working solution means that it is impossible for data to be stored locally, reducing the risk associated with device theft. 

This benefit is also useful in other contexts, for example many higher education institutions have a pool of shared devices which are made available to learners. The HE organisation must ensure not only that data does not inadvertently pass between users but also that malware which might be introduced by a user does not impact other users of that shared device. By offering a pool of shared lapdocks, rather than laptops, these concerns can be eliminated. This will, of course, require waiting for most mobile devices to offer a desktop mode – likely several years before most Android and Apple devices are running a suitable operating system version. 

Benefits: Attracting Younger Workers / Learners

Many of the young people entering work or higher education have limited Windows / MacOS experience. Their personal devices are mobiles or tablets and the bulk of their school IT experience is using Chromebooks or iPads. Several regions will shortly see the first cohort of learners leaving school who have had a Chromebook or iPad as their learning device for the entirety of their secondary education and over the coming years this will increasingly become standard.

Offering a mobile-centric working experience, even if only as an option, may allow business and HE organisations to make themselves more attractive to these young persons that they are seeking to attract.

So, in summary, while this solution may not be suitable for all users at this time, organisations may be able to realise a reduction in managed devices and their associated costs, increased user satisfaction and an improved security posture.

The next post will explore the current state of Android Desktop in Beta and the functionality offered. If you’re interested in exploring an Android desktop solution, contact us at enquiries@xma.co.uk.

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Android Desktop: An emergency option for when your laptop is broken, or a paradigm shift in client devices?

This is the first in a series of blog posts exploring Android Desktop. Our Head of Pre-Sales, Scott Wright, will be looking at the current state of Android Desktop, following its improvement as release approaches, examining use cases, looking at essential apps & peripherals and more. 

Picture of Scott Wright

Scott Wright

Scott is XMA’s Head of Pre-Sales. An IT industry greybeard, he violated his own rule about being an early adopter when he bought the first Android phone at launch and hasn’t regretted that decision.

What is Android Desktop?  
Android Desktop is a desktop-like experience for Android phones when connected to an external display, and typically also to a keyboard and mouse. It provides a larger display area, a taskbar, applications in moveable, resizable windows and so forth with the intent to make your phone a practical device to work on. It is currently available only on beta versions of Android 16 which are available on selected Pixel and other devices but will become a core Android feature. Apple is also working on an equivalent for iPhone but, as usual, they are keeping their cards close to the chest. More on that when there is news. 

A desktop mode for phones, when connected to suitable equipment. is not a new idea. Several phone manufacturers have offered their own takes on this, most notably Samsung with their DeX offering that launched in 2017. DeX was arguably a little ahead of its time, applications were not universally available with a web interface and phone hardware was significantly less powerful than today. There is also a concern with adopting vendor specific solutions, although Samsung, for example, are as far from a fly-by-night company as you can get. The availability of a vendor agnostic solution which is a core part of the Android operating system has put this back onto many organisations’ radars due to potential reductions in devices, benefits for frontline workers and more. 

How to Access Android Desktop 
If you want to try this yourselves then you’ll need a Beta version of Android 16 (ideally the current version QPR1 Beta4 but at least Beta2) and a suitable device. A Pixel 6 or newer is supported and some other vendors do also offer Beta versions of Android to their users. Enrolling in the Beta program and updating your device is quick and easy with a Pixel and you can revert back but do be aware this will likely require a device wipe. For other vendors see their instructions and warnings, some are more involved and complex than others.  

All of the usual caveats around Beta programs do, of course, apply. There will be incomplete functionality, bugs, issues and more so do consider if you should do this to your device. I have a laptop, my personal phone and a spare work phone that just needs the SIM swapping over to be running again so I have lots of options if I hit a problem. Do also note, if this is a work-provided device, then you should seek permission before installing a Beta OS and may need your device profile changing to permit that and to permit access to the developer options (which you will need). 

If you are using a Pixel device then go to the “Your eligible devices” section at the link below, opt in and then perform a system update. I found this to be a very straightforward process. 

After installing Android 16 Beta then you will need to enable the developer options. To do this go into settings and navigate to About phone > Build number (bottom of the menu). Tap on the build number repeatedly until you either get a message telling you that developer options are enabled or until you are asked to unlock the device (pin, biometrics, etc). The developer options will now be available. It’s a very long menu so search for Enable desktop experience features and enable it.  

Now you can connect your Android device to suitable peripherals, most USB-C laptop docks and docking monitors will work to provide a display, keyboard and mouse to your Android device. 

More To Come 
There are lots of questions to be answered – What’s the best way of accessing M365 applicationsWhat specification of device is needed for a good experience? What are the essential peripherals, both for the desk and when travelling? What apps cannot be used successfully? Follow along with me as I explore what Android Desktop can and can’t do as I try to live with it as a work device. 

The Right Tech for the Academic Year: A Win for Students, Parents, and Your IT Team

We all know the end of summer brings a familiar chaos. For parents, it’s the frantic rush for uniforms, stationery, and the single most important (and debated) item on the list: the student device. For schools and Multi-Academy Trusts, it’s about ensuring the technology you’ve chosen can actually withstand the reality of a new academic year. 

This year, we followed the back-to-school journey of one family to see how the right technology choices can make all the difference.  

Meet the Millers  
Proud mum Sarah has two children heading into demanding years: Chloe is starting a graphic design course at her independent school, and Tom is off to Further Education college. 

The great device debate in their house was short-lived. They’d heard good things about the usual suspects, but after kicking the tyres, they needed technology that could keep up with the daily reality of student life. 

 

The Right Tools for the Job 

For Chloe, the budding artist, the choice was the Samsung Galaxy Book3 360. As a 2-in-1 device, it gives her the flexibility she needs. She can type up essays in traditional laptop mode, then flip the 360-degree hinge and use it as a tablet for sketching.  

The real clincher was the combination of the stunning Super AMOLED touchscreen and the natural, paper-like feel of the included S Pen. It means the colours in her digital paintings are incredibly vibrant and accurate, giving her a significant advantage in her creative work. 

For Tom, it was all about practicality. He needed a reliable workhorse for his FE course that wouldn’t break the bank. The Galaxy Book4 was the perfect fit. While it’s an affordable, entry-level model, it doesn’t compromise on quality or performance. It’s a sleek, solid all-rounder with a modern Intel® Core™ processor, more than capable of handling his research, reports, and presentations. 

 

Built for the Realities of Student Life 

Chloe’s day starts in the art studio. She flips her Book3 360 into tablet mode, the high-resolution screen showing every detail of her reference photos. Using the S Pen, she sketches directly onto the screen, the pressure sensitivity allowing her to create fine lines and broad strokes just like a real pencil. In her next lesson, History of Art, she switches to laptop mode to type notes, the full-sized keyboard making it easy to keep up. At lunch, she and her friends gather around her device in ‘tent’ mode to watch a design tutorial – the Super AMOLED screen is so bright and clear they can all see it perfectly, even with the lunchtime glare. The flexibility is a game-changer. 

Tom found himself in a classic student bind: a 15-minute break to prepare for a seminar on a topic he’d only half-read the night before. Instead of panicking, he pulled up the lengthy research article on his Galaxy Book4 and asked Microsoft Copilot to summarise the key arguments. In minutes, he had a clear, concise overview, ready for the discussion. It was a perfect example of working smarter, not harder, showcasing how the device’s built-in AI tools can be a massive help for students on a tight schedule. 

Here are a few other ways these devices are designed for the rigours of education: 

  • All-Day (and then some) Battery: Both Chloe and Tom can leave their chargers at home. The battery life on the Galaxy Book series is huge. If they ever do get caught short, the super-fast USB-C charger can deliver hours of power in the time it takes to drink a coffee.  
  • The Samsung Ecosystem in Action: This is where things get really clever. Tom often jots down notes on his Samsung phone between classes, where they automatically sync and appear on his Galaxy Book4 when he sits down to study. Chloe uses her Samsung tablet as a second screen, giving her a dedicated space for reference images while she works on her main canvas. Sharing work is simple and instant with Quick Share, so there’s no more “the dog ate my homework, sir” or, more accurately, “the email got lost in my outbox”.  
  • Lightweight and Portable: These laptops are incredibly thin and light, sliding easily into a packed backpack without adding bulk.  

 

Peace of Mind for Parents and IT Directors 

This is where the story becomes particularly relevant for education buyers. A happy parent with a child using a reliable device is a parent who isn’t calling your IT helpdesk. 

What if a student device does have an issue?  

This is where the support comes in. Every B2B Samsung Notebook from XMA includes a 3-year, business-grade warranty as standard. If your device suffers a fault, Samsung will repair your device at our UK service centre – if it can’t be fixed, it will be replaced free of charge. This is a level of practical, responsive support that keeps students learning without disruption. If the devices are part of XMA’s Device-Management-as-a-Service, there’s even less hassle, with 24/7 break-fix, Gold Stock ready to go, and active device monitoring for any hardware and software issues. 

Furthermore, the entire range is protected by multiple layers of security, including Samsung Knox, Intel secure core at the chip level, and Windows Pro, keeping student and school data safe from threats.  

How a Stress-Free September becomes a Lower TCO 

So, what does the Millers’ stress-free September mean for a School or Multi-Academy Trust? 

It means: 

  • Fewer IT Support Tickets: Durable devices and a simple, effective warranty process mean your IT team spends less time dealing with broken hardware and more time on strategic initiatives. 
  • Improved Learning Outcomes: Students with reliable, long-lasting batteries and seamless ways to work across devices are better equipped to stay productive and engaged. 
  • Demonstrable Value: You are providing families with technology that not only performs brilliantly but is built to last the course, offering a lower total cost of ownership and proving that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality.  

The Samsung Galaxy Book range provides a robust, secure, and high-performing alternative that is built for the specific demands of the education environment. 

Ready to explore how Samsung’s range can benefit your institution? Schedule a consultation with an XMA specialist to see the devices for yourself. 

Contact us at: enquiries@xma.co.uk 

Why Compact Workstations Are the Future of Hybrid Work

The shift to hybrid and hot-desking models is permanent. For IT teams, this has fundamentally changed hardware requirements. The traditional, bulky desktop tower that once defined corporate IT is impractical for a workforce that needs to operate effectively from various locations, be it a central office, a home study, or a shared workspace. Today’s professionals require compact, powerful, and secure computing that adapts to their location, without compromising on performance. The challenge is to deliver this capability consistently and securely across a distributed workforce. 

 

The Challenge: Power and Flexibility Without the Bulk 

Many organisations face a difficult trade-off. Their teams need high-performance computing for demanding tasks like CAD, graphic design, and complex data analysis. Yet, the physical constraints of modern offices and home-working environments don’t accommodate large, power-hungry hardware. Bulky towers consume valuable desk space, generate excess heat, and are ill-suited to flexible desking arrangements. While laptops offer portability, they often cannot deliver the sustained, specialised performance of a dedicated workstation, creating a gap between user requirements and device capability. 

 

The Solution: Compact HP Workstations with AMD Processors 

This is where a new category of device provides a direct solution. HP has engineered workstations that deliver professional-grade performance within compact and mobile designs, specifically addressing the challenges of hybrid work. 

  • HP Z2 Mini G9: As the world’s most powerful mini workstation, this device packs high-end performance into a versatile chassis that is small enough to be mounted behind a monitor or under a desk. It can be configured with professional-grade NVIDIA RTX graphics, making it capable of handling demanding 3D workflows, and holds Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certifications for key applications like Autodesk and SolidWorks. This guarantees hardware stability and performance for the critical software your teams rely on, removing guesswork and instability. 
  • HP ZBook Power G11 A: For users who require workstation capability on the move, the ZBook provides the processing and graphics power to run demanding applications from any location. It’s not simply a powerful laptop, it is a mobile workstation. Configured with AMD Ryzen™ PRO processors and professional NVIDIA RTX™ Ada Generation Laptop GPUs, it delivers the sustained performance needed for video editing, 3D rendering, and data analysis without the throttling common in thinner, non-specialised devices. It removes the choice between mobility and performance, equipping remote and hybrid workers with a single, reliable device for all their professional needs. 

 

The AMD Ryzen™ PRO Advantage 

Integral to the performance and security of these workstations are the AMD Ryzen™ PRO Processors, built for modern professional environments. Feel secure with AMD Memory Guard, which encrypts system memory in real-time to protect against physical attacks if a device is lost or stolen. For IT teams overseeing a fleet of remote hardware, AMD PRO manageability simplifies deployment and maintenance. Easily perform out-of-band management, deploy images, and push security updates to devices anywhere. 

 

The Space, Power, and Security Trifecta 

The combination of HP’s compact engineering and AMD’s processor technology directly solves the three core challenges of modern IT provisioning: 

  • Space-Saving Flexibility: The small footprint of devices like the Z2 Mini frees up desk space, enabling cleaner, more flexible hot-desking and home office setups. 
  • Workstation-Class Power: Users can run professional applications for CAD, design, and data science without the performance throttling often found in non-specialised hardware, backed by ISV certifications for stability. 
  • Robust Security & Manageability: IT teams get devices with built-in, hardware-level security and the fleet management tools they can depend on to secure and maintain a distributed workforce. 

 

Why XMA? 

Choosing the right hardware is only the first step. XMA is the partner that helps organisations successfully integrate these solutions. We provide the practical services required to move from procurement to productivity. Our teams can assist with choosing and configuring the precise specifications your users need. We offer flexible leasing and finance options to make technology acquisition more predictable, alongside deployment support to get your new workstations imaged, asset-tagged, and delivered to users, wherever they are. We also manage the sustainable and secure disposal of your legacy equipment. 

Discover how HP compact workstations can equip your hybrid teams. Contact an XMA specialist today. 

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Inside the University of Lincoln’s State-of-the-Art ASUS Republic of Gamers Lab

The University of Lincoln needed to revitalise its outdated computer labs. Their vision was to create a state-of-the-art facility to attract top student talent and support advanced academic work. By partnering with XMA and ASUS Republic of Gamers, this vision became the impressive Republic of Gamers Lab. 

Here’s a snapshot of the project’s success: 

  • A World-Class Immersive Facility: The lab now features over 140 high-performance PCs, including nearly 60 premier Republic of Gamers-branded systems. The setup is enhanced with ultra-wide ASUS TUF monitors, a full suite of Republic of Gamers peripherals, and a bespoke, retro 80s-themed art wall. 
  • A Versatile Hub for Innovation: This is more than just a computer lab. It’s a versatile space designed to support demanding fields like AI, robotics, and game design. It also serves as a dynamic venue for hackathons and game jams, fostering a strong sense of community. 
  • A Partnership Delivering Tangible Results: The strategic move to high-performance Republic of Gamers hardware resulted in delivering performance where it matters. The lab’s striking aesthetic and strong branding also serve as a powerful marketing asset for the university. 

See the full story behind this incredible transformation. 

Read the full case study now 

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How Meta is Stitching Mixed Reality into the Fabric of Higher Education

For years, Mixed Reality (MR) has hovered on the periphery of education – many seeing it as an exciting novelty, a glimpse into a potential future. But that future is rapidly becoming the present. For Higher Education institutions, Meta Quest devices (like the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S), powered by Meta Horizon Managed Solutions, are no longer just intriguing gadgets; they are poised to become integral tools woven into the everyday learning experiences of students. 

Immersive Learning That Delivers Results 

With Mixed Reality, you can imagine students not just reading about complex cellular structures but shrinking down to explore them, or trainee surgeons practicing complex procedures in a zero-risk environment. This is the power Meta Quest brings to the classroom. It’s about immersing students in experiences that make abstract concepts tangible and bring complex ideas to life.    

The data supports the impact: 

  • 63% of VR learners absorb information more quickly than traditional e-learners.1 
  • 59% complete hard skills training faster.2 
  • 67% report higher engagement levels in soft skills training.3 

Meta Quest provides the ultimate learning edge – a safe space for students to fail, iterate, create, and develop critical skills. This includes both hard skills, by simulating complex or dangerous scenarios safely, and soft skills, by allowing learners to experience different perspectives.    

Institutions are already seeing significant results: 

“Across 83 Inspired Education Groupschools already using immersive technology in the classroom, 90% of students reported increased engagement and interest in their lessons, along with a 25% boost in confidence in their knowledge. Additionally, 85% of teachers found virtual and mixed reality to be a valuable tool to enhance their teaching. Students also experienced a 15% improvement in their academic performance on multiple-choice assessments.” 

Meta Horizon Managed Solutions: Making Immersive Learning Seamless and Secure 

Adopting new technology at scale can seem daunting. That’s where Meta Horizon Managed Solutions comes in. This comprehensive hardware and software solution is specifically designed for educational environments, providing everything you need to securely and easily manage users, devices, and metaverse experiences.  Crucially, two years of Meta Horizon Managed Solutions are included with every hardware purchase, with a special education offer for Device Lifetime Access available for an additional £100 per device. 

Key benefits include: 

  • Effortless Deployment: Integrate into your existing IT workflows and pre-configure headsets for quick roll-out across campus. Compatibility with MDM providers like Ivanti and Microsoft Intune ensures smooth adoption.    
  • Simplified Management: An all-in-one solution to manage users (via company-managed Meta accounts), devices (with advanced controls), and access to experiences. Features like Shared Mode allow multiple users on single devices, while multicasting enables educators to view multiple students’ progress simultaneously for effective training. Identity and access management, including Single Sign-On (SSO) integration, and app management controls are also included, along with dedicated customer support.    
  • Robust Security: With privacy ‘baked in’ from the start, multi-layered security features, privacy controls, 2-factor authentication, remote wipe capabilities, and other essential controls, you can be confident that student data is protected. Meta Horizon Managed Solutions is ISO/IEC 27018 certified, and Managed Meta Accounts have achieved SOC 2 compliance, verified by independent audits.    
  • Enhanced Collaboration & Productivity: Bring students and educators closer together, wherever they are, using tools like Meta Horizon Workrooms and customisable Horizon OS avatars. Minimize distractions and boost productivity with features like virtual workspaces, tracked keyboard support, calendar integrations (Google & Outlook), Remote Desktop access to Windows PCs, and integrations with Microsoft 365 apps and Microsoft Mesh for immersive Teams meetings. 
  • Scalability: Train students safely and effectively at scale, leveraging the platform’s robust features.  

An Ever-Expanding Universe of Content 

A common concern with adopting new educational technology is the longevity and breadth of available content. Meta addresses this head-on. Powered by Meta Horizon managed solutions, you gain access to a vast and constantly growing ecosystem from over 900 world-class content providers and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs). From specialised training simulations (like Oxford Medical Simulations, UbiSim) and language learning (Immerse) to collaborative science labs (Labster, Nanome) and platforms fostering soft skills (Bodyswaps), the possibilities are continuously expanding. Your students will never run out of things to learn, explore, and engage with.

XMA: Your Partner for Hassle-Free Meta Integration 

Bringing this transformative technology into your institution should be exciting, not stressful. XMA specialises in delivering hassle-free, bespoke Meta solutions tailored specifically for your classrooms and educational goals. We handle the complexities so you can focus on unlocking the potential of Mixed Reality for your students. 

Watch our On-Demand Webinar all about Meta Horizon Managed Solutions in the world of Education: Reimagine the World of Education with Meta Horizon Managed Solutions 

Experience the Future of Learning with XMA 

Ready to see how Meta Horizon Managed Solutions can redefine learning at your institution? 

Send us an email at enquiries@xma.co.uk or talk to your XMA account manager. 

1-3. CCS Insight, Survey of 500 VR users in the US and UK (study commissioned by Meta for Work), 2023 

Give Students and Staff the Right Tools For Success With The HP 255 G10

As all good educators know, the right technology is crucial for success. Students juggle notetaking, video calls, extensive research across multiple applications, while teachers require dependable tools for lesson planning, grading, virtual meetings, and creating digital content. Both students and educators need a blend of portability, robust performance, and ample storage, all without breaking the bank. The HP 255 G10 notebook is a compelling solution designed to meet these practical demands. 

Introducing the HP 255 G10: Practical Performance by Design 

At the core of the HP 255 G10’s appeal is its thoughtful design for practical performance. It features a generous 15.6-inch Full HD display, providing an ideal canvas for multitasking, extended reading sessions, or detailed grading.  

Advancing this experience is the AMD Ryzen 5 processor, a capable mid-range CPU renowned for delivering excellent performance suitable for productivity, seamless multitasking, and everyday classroom requirements. This processing power is complemented by 8GB of RAM and a spacious 512GB SSD, ensuring smooth operation and plenty of room for assignments, documents, and multimedia resources for the classroom.  

The system runs on Windows 11 Home, offering a secure, modern operating environment with broad support for essential educational software, including Microsoft Office, Teams, and a wide array of learning applications. 

The AMD Ryzen 5 Advantage 

The AMD Ryzen 5 processor is a particular highlight, known for its efficient multitasking capabilities and strong integrated graphics. This makes the HP 255 G10 adept at running multiple applications simultaneously – imagine a web browser with numerous tabs open, alongside Word and a Zoom call, all running smoothly. It also capably handles lightweight content creation tasks, such as preparing video lectures or designing engaging presentations. 

A Teacher’s Tech Ally 

For teachers, the HP 255 G10 translates into tangible benefits. Lesson planning becomes more effortless with ready access to tools like OneNote, Google Drive, and PowerPoint. The notebook provides reliable video conferencing capabilities for platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, crucial for remote learning and collaboration. Furthermore, its responsive performance and substantial storage make grading and administrative tasks more efficient. 

Balancing Performance and Price 

When considering the balance between performance and price, the HP 255 G10 stands out as a smart investment for the education sector. Compared to many other notebooks in its price bracket, it offers superior multitasking capability, particularly when measured against most Chromebooks.  

Its full Windows environment supports a wider range of robust applications and integrations than mobile-based platforms. This positions the HP 255 G10 as an ideal mid-tier solution – affordable enough for school district budgets, yet powerful enough to meet the needs of individual professionals. 

The Verdict: Is the HP 255 G10 Right for You? 

So, is the HP 255 G10 the right fit? If you are a student seeking a fast, dependable laptop for daily learning, or a teacher looking for an affordable yet powerful companion for your work, the HP 255 G10 effectively meets these needs. It delivers tangible, real-world performance where it matters most – whether in the classroom, at home, or on the go. 

Take the Next Step 

We encourage you to explore the HP 255 G10 Notebook further and discover how it can enhance your educational journey, whether you’re leading the class or an active learner within it. Shop now on the XMA Store! Alternatively, talk to your XMA Account Manager today, or contact us at enquiries@xma.co.uk  

New Finance Offer Makes Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Even More Out Of This World!

Exciting news! XMA is thrilled to announce a fantastic new finance offer on a selection of Samsung Galaxy S24 devices. This is a brilliant opportunity to embrace the latest mobile technology by spreading the cost over 24 months, making these premium Samsung devices more accessible and easier to adopt than ever before. 

Spread the Cost 

Get your hands on the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 devices whilst spreading the cost over 24 months. By spreading the cost, you get access to the tools your business needs to thrive.  

For instance, if you purchase the Samsung Galaxy S24 Enterprise Edition Black 128GB at £516.38, that means your monthly cost will only be £21.52 a month! Even better, if you order 100 devices or more, we’ll give you even more of a discount! 

This offer is available on the following Samsung Galaxy S24 devices: 

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 128GB Enterprise Edition 
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 128GB 
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 256GB 

Why Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Series? 

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series is packed with features designed to boost productivity and enhance the user experience: 

  • Business with Galaxy AI: Transform the way you work with intelligent features like real-time call translation, automated note summarisation into actionable insights, and intuitive search capabilities.    
  • Stay Productive and Protected: With Samsung Knox built-in, sensitive business data remains fully protected, giving your workforce peace of mind.    
  • Performance Paired with Style: Experience seamless multitasking with a fast Galaxy processor, all housed in a stunning and durable design that makes a statement.    
 
To qualify, minimum order must be 50 units. Take note, this promotion is available for a limited time only and while stocks last, so don’t delay! 

Don’t Miss Out – Talk to Us Today! 

This is an unmissable opportunity to upgrade to the incredible Samsung Galaxy S24 series with a flexible and affordable finance solution. 

For more information and to take advantage of this promotion, please contact your dedicated Samsung Account Manager or the XMA team today! 

Finance provided by BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, Midpoint, Alencon Link, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG214HL. Registered in England under company registration number: 00901225. Offer ends [Insert date here]. Available on new Galaxy S24 series devices. Limited stock availability. Offer for UK business purposes only. Subject to credit acceptance and affordability checks. The finance product offered under this promotion is a Finance Lease. VAT is due with each rental payment and the customer will not own the equipment at the end of the agreement. Return conditions apply. A documentation fee of £50 plus VAT will be collected with the first rental. Minimum order quantity is 50 devices and the pricing shown is for the Samsung Galaxy S24 128GB Enterprise Edition Handset 

Effective planning, device deployment and management

Making the most of digital workspace transformation – Part 1

As working practices and norms continue to change and develop, and the debate about what works best rages on, the ability to adapt your business’ working methods quickly is growing in value. Of course, quick reactions shouldn’t come at the expense of business collaboration, or security. So, how do you clear this delicate obstacle?

The right technology and processes can make an enormous difference. Modern operating systems and software, such as Windows 10, continues to evolve and offer increased levels of flexibility for businesses and private users alike. The rise of the cloud further boosts this, with remote collaboration now near-seamless, as opposed to just a few years ago, when working from home could be challenging. This rate of development is showing no signs of slowing down.

As long-term partners of Microsoft, and experts in the use of technology like Windows 10, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Azure, we’ve been trusted by many public and private organisations to help prepare them for the challenges presented by changing work habits. We achieve this through a distinct, four-step process we call the digital workspace quadrant.

Getting a sense of what you need to meet your unique needs should always start by taking a closer look at where your business currently stands. What technology do you currently use? How much do you pay for it? Are you using it to its full potential? Programs like Microsoft Teams can offer massive advantages to a business if used properly. We’ll take a close look to see what value can be extracted from existing tools, before looking at new ones.

From here, we’ll start to work with you to define and build your business case for change. To do this effectively, we’ll involve employees from across your business, in order to get a sense of their unique challenges, insights and ideas.

By combining this knowledge gained from your team with comprehensive audits on your technology, infrastructure and existing skillsets, we’ll pick out the ideal technological solutions for your challenges.

From here, our deployment and management expertise comes into play. We’ll make use of deployment tools like Windows Autopilot to ensure any new device delivery goes smoothly, without any setup time necessary.

We’ll also work to make device management significantly simpler. Windows Autopilot enables legacy app containerisation, which allows older Windows apps that are no longer supported to carry on running within the latest version of Windows 10. This means that, if you have an essential piece of bespoke software that’s out of date, you don’t need to immediately replace it, or jeopardise your wider security in the process.

Any technological or cultural change is a big step for a business to take, especially at a time when working culture is evolving so quickly. At XMA, we’ll work with you to make it as simple and painless as possible. From enabling new hybrid opportunities to making the most of existing tech and infrastructure, with our expert support and quality products from major vendors like Microsoft, digital workspace transformation can be that little bit easier.

To learn more about our digital workspace quadrant process, and how we can help you make the most of workplace transformation, keep an eye out for part two of this series, which focuses on keeping security high without restricting access.

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