Leica Microsystems launches two Wi-Fi-capable microscopy instruments for the science classroom in biology, anatomy, chemistry, geology, and material sciences.
The systems are the Leica EZ4 W educational stereo microscope with built-in wireless camera, and the Leica ICC50 W digital camera, which can be added to educational compound microscopes.
Both systems transfer HD images directly to students' mobile devices. The Leica AirLab App for both iOS and Android devices allows capturing, annotating, sharing, and organizing of images and makes the classroom more interactive.
Learning time is increased since teachers can save set-up and dismantling time. Only one power cable for each microscope is needed, as the camera can be plugged into the microscope.
"Introducing Wi-Fi capabilities to the science classroom enables students to learn in a digital environment that is already part of their lives. Since learning content is transferred directly to the students' devices, teachers can engage them more easily and promote team work. They can share results, work together, and network wherever they are," says Vince Vaccarelli, Product Manager with Leica Microsystems. He continues:
"A digital classroom creates a different learning environment, since they learn from each other. The interactive, digital platform increases attention and simplifies note-taking as well as assignments with image annotations."
Dorinda Ostermann, Technical Director of the Geochemical Laboratories, Earth Observatory Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, comments:
"As the designer of all new labs at Earth Observatory Singapore, I would definitely incorporate this technology in any future labs using microscopes. The wireless camera system is much easier to set up than the current one used in our microscope lab. Being able to send and capture images with wireless technology is an added bonus."
The Leica AirLab App is available for download for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
About Leica Microsystems
Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. Ever since the company started as a family business in the nineteenth century, its instruments have been widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative technology.
It is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample preparation, and surgical microscopes.
Leica Microsystems has seven major plants and product development sites around the world. The company is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany.