AKB2000021: iPad Guide for Windows Users Wanting to Switch P.2
Published: February 25, 2020 | Rev. 1.0
Navigation
Introduction
Purchasing an iPad
Setting Up an iPad
Getting to Know an iPad
Getting Started with iPad Apps
Getting to Know Apple Services
Getting Support for an iPad
Comments on AKB2000021 iPad Guide for Windows Users Wanting to Switch
Getting Started with iPad Apps
Apps (the iPad term for Programs on Windows) are at the heart of using an iPad. iPads can run a wide range of common and popular apps. There are also some excellent iPad-only apps available as well. This guide will walk through many of the popular apps available for iPad, covering both ones included with an iPad as well as ones available to download. Apps will be grouped by category making it easy for iPad users to find the apps they need based on what they need to do with their iPad.
The App Store: The Place to Acquire iPad Apps
The App Store{https://www.apple.com/ios/app-store/} is similar to the Microsoft Store on Windows and the App Store on an iPhone. It is Apple’s built-in store to purchase, download, and update iPad apps. It is the only place to purchase and download apps for the iPad (with the exception of some enterprise and development in-house tools that are generally not used by consumers). Apple approves all app submissions to the App Store, adding an extra level of security on all apps downloaded on the App Store (although the app submission process has not always been 100% perfect, generally Apple’s app submission process has gone smoothly).
Productivity
Included with iPad:
- Mail{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mail/id1108187098}, Contacts{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/contacts/id1069512615}, Calendar{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calendar/id1108185179}, Notes{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notes/id1110145109}, Reminders{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reminders/id1108187841}: Straightforward apps to manage email, contacts, calendars, notes, and reminders. These apps sync with iCloud, Microsoft Exchange, Gmail, and other POP, IMAP, CardDAV, and CalDAV accounts (I use WebMate{https://webmate.me as my primary personal email account)
- Pages{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pages/id361309726}, Numbers{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/numbers/id361304891}, and Keynote{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/keynote/id361285480}: Apple’s built-in alternative to Microsoft Office. In the past, I found some of the apps to be somewhat limited in what I could do, but Apple has gradually improved the features in the apps, including better compatibility with opening and exporting to Microsoft Office. Pages works decently for general word processing, although I tend to use it more as a Microsoft Publisher replacement on the Mac since it handles desktop publishing well. Numbers works well for basic spreadsheets. Power users will still need Excel, but for the work I do with spreadsheets, Numbers has been sufficient. Keynote is the star of the suite, as I prefer it to PowerPoint when building presentations (it offers features and performance that outshines PowerPoint).
Third-Party:
- Microsoft Office (Word{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-word/id586447913}, Excel{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-excel/id586683407}, PowerPoint{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-powerpoint/id586449534}, Outlookhttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-outlook/id951937596}, OneNote{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-onenote/id410395246}): One can easily bring Microsoft Office over to iPad, and if one has an Office 365 subscription, installing Microsoft Office on a Mac is a breeze. Microsoft Office for Mac includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. While Microsoft Office for Mac still feels Mac-native, it should be familiar to Microsoft Office for Windows users, and compatibility with files created on Microsoft Office for Windows works exceptionally well.
- Google Docs{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-docs-sync-edit-share/id842842640}, Sheets{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-sheets/id842849113}, and Slides{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-slides/id879478102}: Google offers native Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps for iPad, making it easy to edit these files on the iPad. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides can also be edited in a web browser on an iPad.
- Adobe Reader{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adobe-acrobat-reader-for-pdf/id469337564}: One can bring Adobe Reader, as well as some of the features of Adobe Pro, to the iPad.
- PDF Expert{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pdf-expert-7-pdf-editor/id743974925}: PDF Expert offers a solid PDF editor for iPad without the bloat of Adobe Pro. I frequently use PDF Expert for annotating and editing PDF documents on my iPad. It offers the right balance of professional functionality without tying one to an Adobe license. While the Mac version is a perpetual license, the iPad version unfortunately requires a subscription for complete Pro functionality. Those who purchased PDF Expert for iPad before the Pro subscription change can retain their current Pro features.
- Readdle Documents{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/documents-by-readdle/id364901807}: Readdle offers a powerful file management app for iPad. It is a solid upgrade to the Files{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/files/id1232058109} app included with the iPad.
- Scanner Pro{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scanner-pro-pdf-scanner-app/id333710667}: is a powerful scanner app for iPad. It offers more features (such as OCR scanning functionality) than the scanner included with the built-in Notes app.
- Mellel{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mellel/id986769180}: Mellel is a solid word processor for iPad for those who need exceptional performance for large documents (such as manuscripts or dissertations), and its RTL language support (such as Hebrew) is exceptional. It also syncs with the Mac app, so those working across Mac and iPad can use Mellel as a solid upgrade from Pages without the extra bloat of Microsoft Word.
- Paper{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paper-by-wetransfer/id506003812} and Paste{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paste-by-wetransfer/id1259981327}: Paper is a beneficial sketching/drawing/journaling tool for the iPad. One can also share drawings from Paper using the Paste app.
- Scrivener{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scrivener/id972387337}: Scrivener is a handy tool for writers needing to plan and produce the first draft of their writing projects. I use Scrivener frequently on my iPad for major writing projects. I even typed the first draft of this guide in Scrivener. It also syncs well with companion apps for Mac or iPhone.
- Ulysses{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ulysses/id1225571038}: Ulysses is another handy writing tool for the iPad. I use it in the place of a note taking app to store all of my school notes, since it allows for quick and easy exporting in a variety of formats. It also syncs well with companion Mac and iPhone apps. While it does require a subscription and is Apple-platform only, it is an app I have come to rely on frequently.
Web Browsers
Included with iPad:
- Safari{https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/browse-the-web-ipad999d68f9/ipados}: iPads come with Safari, Apple’s web browser based on WebKit. Safari is a secure, fast, and full-featured web browser, and it does well for new iPad users wanting to try out Apple’s own web browser. iPadOS 13 and later now default to loading desktop-class websites on the iPad instead of mobile-optimized websites.
Third-Party:
Note: Third-Party web browsers on the iPad use the same rendering engine as Safari for iPad (instead of different rendering engines with web browsers on the Mac). This is due to Apple’s requiring all third-party web browsers be based on the same rendering technology as Safari on the iPad. The one benefit to third-party web browsers on the iPad is they sync with their desktop counterparts, so Windows switchers to iPad can benefit from the smooth migration to the same web browser.
The only other limitation is there is not a way currently set a third-party web browser as default, but it is easy to open a link in a third-party web browser using a long press and summoning the share sheets.
- Google Chrome{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-chrome/id535886823}: For those who wish to bring Google Chrome to the iPad, they can, and it has a familiar interface to the iPhone app.
- Firefox{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firefox-private-safe-browser/id989804926}: For those who wish to bring Firefox to the iPad, they can, and it has a familiar interface to the iPhone app.
- Microsoft Edge{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-edge/id1288723196}: Microsoft has brought Microsoft Edge to the iPad. Windows users coming to the Mac who wish to sync all of their browser features with a Microsoft account will benefit from Microsoft Edge on the iPad.
- Brave{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/brave-private-web-browser/id1052879175}: Brave is a popular web browser due to its privacy-centric features. It works well on the iPad (as well as Mac and Windows).
For those needing a solid ad-blocker for their web browser, Firefox Focus{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firefox-focus-privacy-browser/id1055677337}, Ad Block Plus{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adblock-plus-for-safari-abp/id1028871868}, and Malwarebytes{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/malwarebytes-mobile-security/id1327105431} work with Safari (the free version of Malwarebytes is sufficient for the iPad. This article {https://www.macworld.com/article/2984483/hands-on-with-content-blocking-safari-extensions-in-ios-9.html} explains how it works (although some of these content blockers are no longer supported).
For those needing a solid password manager for the iPad, iCloud Keychain{https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204085} is included with the iPad, but it is limited in what it can do. I recommend 1Password{https://1password.com/} as the most solid password manager for the iPad.
Photos
Included with iPad:
- Photos{https://support.apple.com/photos}: Apple offers its own Photos app with is similar to its iPhone counterpart. Apple’s photos app offers the ability to manage photos, store and sync them over iCloud, as well as some basic photo editing capabilities. Third-party photo editing apps can add photo editing extensions inside of the Photos app, adding additional power to the Photos app.
- Camera{https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205659}: The iPad also includes a built-in camera app that allows one to take pictures or selfies using the built-in cameras on the iPad.
Third-Party:
- Adobe Lightroom{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adobe-lightroom-for-ipad/id804177739}: Photographers who use Adobe Lightroom can easily bring Lightroom to the iPad, with some of the features of the Windows version.
- Pixelmator Photo{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pixelmator-photo-pro-editor/id1444636541}: Pixelmator Photo is a powerful photo editor for iPad that offers similar functionality to Lightroom, but with a super-low-cost perpetual license instead of an Adobe subscription. I use Pixelmator Photo on my iPad Pro.
- Flickr{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flickr/id328407587}: Flickr has an iPad app for accessing and sharing photos on Flickr.
Graphics
Third-Party (none included with iPad):
- Adobe Photoshop{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adobe-photoshop/id1457771281}: Those who need to bring Adobe Photoshop to their iPad can, with some of the features of its desktop counterpart.
- Affinity Photo{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/affinity-photo/id1117941080}: Affinity Photo is similar to Photoshop, without being tied to an Adobe subscription. Affinity Photo offers a version for iPad (and Windows and Mac), as well as a wealth of features. It is what I personally use for some of my graphics editing. Affinity also offers Designer{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/affinity-designer/id1274090551} for those needing such an app, a solid replacement to Adobe’s version.
- Pixelmator{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pixelmator/id924695435}: Pixelmator is solid graphics app for iPad. It is easier-to-use and less-bloated, affordable, an an iPad-friendly option to Photoshop. I use Pixelmator for quick and easy graphics editing.
Video
Included with iPad:
- iMovie{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id377298193}: iMovie is an entry-level video editor for iPad users, especially those new to iPad and new to video editing. It is decent for making home movies or for classroom video editing settings in grade school.
- Clips{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clips/id1212699939}: Clips is handy for making quick videos, especially selfie videos, on the iPad. It is especially useful for school classroom projects or for quick videos such as real estate videos, etc.
Third-Party:
- LumaFusion{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lumafusion/id1062022008}: LumaFusion is a powerful video editor for iPad. While not quite at the level of Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere Pro, it is still exceptionally powerful for an iPad app, and it can allow for powerful video editing on-the-go. New features are added regularly to increase its power.
Audio
Included with iPad:
- GarageBand{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785}: GarageBand is Apple’s entry-level audio editor for iPad, included with iPads. While Apple markets it as “entry-level”, it offers a solid amount of power and performance. Some professional musicians will have enough tools with it to handle professional-level audio editing, and for those new to a iPad and new to audio editing, it is one powerful tool.
Available from Apple:
- Logic Remote{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/logic-remote/id638394624}: This app allows one to control a Mac running GarageBand for Mac or Logic Pro X by using touch controllers on the iPad.
Media
Included with iPad:
- Apple Music{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-music/id1108187390}, Apple TV{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-tv/id1174078549}, and Apple Podcasts{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029}: The iPad offers dedicated apps for Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. One can access their iTunes music, movies, and TV shows purchases in the apps (Apple Music and Apple TV+ are not required to use the apps). For those who have used the Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts apps on an iPhone, the experience is similar.
Available from Apple:
- iTunes Remote{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/itunes-remote/id284417350}: One can control a Mac or Windows PC running iTunes (this likely works with a Mac running macOS Catalina and the Music app, although I haven’t tested it) from an iPad using this app.
- Apple TV Remote{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-tv-remote/id1096834193}: One can control an Apple TV from an iPad using this app.
Third-Party:
- YouTube{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/youtube-watch-listen-stream/id544007664}: YouTube has an app for iPad for those who wish to watch YouTube videos in an app instead of a web browser.
- Vimeo{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vimeo/id425194759}: Vimeo has an app for iPad for those who wish to watch Vimeo videos in an app instead of a web browser.
Those with video streaming services, or live TV service can also install iPad apps that are available for their services. There are also plenty of free media video streaming apps as well. Based on one’s services or personal preferences, one can search the App Store to determine which media apps one wishes to install.
Apple also offers a curriculum for classroom use on Apple’s media creation apps called Everyone Can Create{https://www.apple.com/education/everyone-can-create/}.
Screenshots/Screencasting
The ability to take a screenshot{https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210781} or a screen recording{https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207935} is built into the iPad.
Cloud Sync
Included with iPad:
- iCloud Drive{https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204025}: iPads include iCloud Drive, Apple’s cloud sync solutions similar to Dropbox or OneDrive. iCloud Drive is also built into iPhones and Mac, plus there is an app for Windows that allows for syncing over iCloud Drive.
Third-Party:
- Dropbox{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dropbox/id327630330}: The widely-popular Dropbox cloud sync service has an app for iPad.
- OneDrive{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-onedrive/id477537958}: Microsoft’s OneDrive and OneDrive for Business are available for iPad.
- Google Drive{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-drive/id507874739}: Google Drive can be accessed on an iPad.
Messages and Calling
Included with iPad:
- Messages{https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201287}: Messages allows iPad users to send messages to other Apple device users over Apple Messages (iMessage), chat with businesses with Apple Business Chat, and send and receive text messages from a connected iPhone. The experience is similar to Messages on the iPhone.
- FaceTime{https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204380}: FaceTime is Apple’s video calling app. The experience is similar to FaceTime on the iPhone, and it works with any other Apple device users.
Third-Party:
- Skype{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/skype-for-ipad/id442012681}: Microsoft’s Skype is available on the iPad for those who need Skype. Skype for Business{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/skype-for-business/id605841731} and Microsoft Teams{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-teams/id1113153706} is also available for businesses.
- Facebook{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/facebook/id284882215} and Facebook Messenger{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/messenger/id454638411}: Facebook and Facebook Messenger also offer apps for iPad, providing a better experience than using a web browser.
- Twitter{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/twitter/id333903271}: Twitter also offers an app for iPad, providing a better experience than using a web browser.
- LinkedIn{https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/linkedin/id288429040}: LinkedIn also offers an app for iPad, providing a better experience than using a web browser.
Those who use other major conferencing, meeting, or webinar apps can generally find an app for iPad as well. Search the App Store to determine which apps one would need to install for conferencing or meetings.
Books
Included with iPad:
- Apple Books{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-books/id364709193}: iPads include Apple Books, Apple’s built-in eBook reader. Apple Books includes access to the Apple Books store. It is basically Apple’s version of Amazon Kindle.
Third-Party:
- Amazon Kindle{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amazon-kindle/id302584613}: Amazon’s Kindle app is also available for iPad, with a similar experience to a Kindle tablet app.
Developer
Available from Apple:
- Swift Playgrounds{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swift-playgrounds/id908519492}: An introduction to coding app from Apple, primarily for teaching Swift in a classroom setting. It works in conjunction with Apple’s Everyone Can Code{https://www.apple.com/education/teaching-code/} curriculum.
Third-Party:
- Coda{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coda/id1397968110}: A solid coding app that also syncs with Macs.
Finance
Third-Party:
- Quicken{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quicken/id701067522}: Quicken has an iPad app, plus a web app that can also be used on an iPad.
- QuickBooks{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quickbooks-accounting/id584606479}: QuickBooks has an iPad app, plus an online version that can be used on an iPad.
- Mint{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mint-personal-finance-money/id300238550}: Mint runs in a web browser and can easily be used on a iPad. It also has an iPad app. It is a great free finance app.
- FreshBooks{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/freshbooks-cloud-accounting/id1052884030}: FreshBooks runs in a web browser and can also easily be used on an iPad. It also has an iPad app. It is a solid alternative to QuickBooks.
- Billings Pro{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/billings-pro-time-invoice/id389371752}: Billings Pro is a solid invoicing app for iPad and Mac that is a great alternative to QuickBooks for those who only need invoicing. It even offers a free version for those who need to invoice only one client.
- Wave{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wave-invoicing/id881629660}: Wave is another free finance app that runs in a web browser and runs great on an iPad. It also has an iPad app. It is an alternative to Mint.
Remote Desktop
Third-Party:
- Screens{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/screens/id655890150}: A solid VNC remote desktop app for iPad. Screens offers a quick, easy, and extremely iPad-friendly way to remotely connect to a Mac.
- Microsoft Remote Desktop{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id714464092}: For those who need to connect to a Windows PC using Microsoft Remote Desktop on an iPad, the app is available.
- TeamViewer{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/teamviewer-remote-control/id692035811}: The popular remote desktop app is also available for iPad.
- Chrome Remote Desktop{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chrome-remote-desktop/id944025852}: Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop works on an iPad.
- GoToMyPC{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gotomypc-remote-access/id1238134847}: GoToMyPC is also available for iPad.
- Parallels Access{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parallels-access/id655527928}: Parallels Access is another iPad-friendly remote desktop solution.
Security
The iPad in general has enough built-in security. Those who use Webroot can install the Webroot Secure Browser{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/webroot-secureweb-browser/id460986853} on an iPad for secure web browsing, and ZoneAlarm{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zonealarm-mobile-security/id1056132632} offers a Mobile Security app for those who need to scan a public Wi-Fi access point for security vulnerabilities.
For the most part, iPad users simply need to follow solid Wi-Fi security practices such as outlined in this AskWoody article{https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/mac-security-wi-fi-security/}, and one will be generally safe when using an iPad. Practicing common-sense security practices when browsing the web, checking email, etc., applies to an iPad just as it does using any computing device.
Backup
iPads include the ability to backup{https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203977} their contents to iCloud or to a connected Mac or PC. These are the quickest and most recommended ways to backup an iPad.
Weather
Third-Party:
- WeatherBug{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weatherbug-weather-forecast/id281940292}: WeatherBug provides access to current conditions from a global network of commercial weather stations, plus a way check radar, real-time total lightning, etc. I use it often for checking weather conditions (since I own a weather station that contributes to the network). An Elite{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weatherbug-elite/id310647896} version is ad-free.
- RadarScope{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/radarscope/id288419283}: A handy Doppler radar storm tracking tool for iPad. Offers access to a wealth of Doppler radar storm tracking data, with raw access to the radar data. RadarScope also offers a couple of Pro tiers with additional features, plus it integrates with other weather services.
- Baron Critical Weather{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/baron-critical-weather/id673203129}: A solid weather app with patented, exclusive severe weather and lightning alerts, plus high quality weather map layers. It is from the same company who powers many TV station storm trackers and offers solid severe weather tracking.
- Dark Sky{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dark-sky-weather/id517329357}: An app that allows one to pinpoint when precipitation will arrive an an area up-to-the-minute.
Reference
Third-Party:
- WolframAlpha{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wolframalpha/id334989259}: WolframAlpha is a powerful reference app for iPad. Some of the functionality is built into Siri, although the app offers additional power and search capabilities.
- iTranslate Voice{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/itranslate-voice/id522626820}: iTranslate Voice is my favorite translator app for iPad, as one can speak one language into it, and the other person can hear the translation in their language. It makes communicating in other languages simple.
- Wikipedia{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wikipedia/id324715238}: Wikipedia offers an app for iPad, which is a better experience than using a web browser.
Shopping
Included with iPad:
- iTunes Store{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/itunes-store/id915061235}: iPads include access to the iTunes Store for purchasing music, movies, and TV shows.
Available from Apple:
- Apple Store{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-store/id375380948}: One can download the Apple Store app onto their iPad to shop the Apple Store online, or to use select in-store features in an Apple retail store.
Third-Party:
- Amazon{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amazon-shopping-made-easy/id297606951}: Amazon offers a shopping app for the iPad, offering a better experience than using a web browser.
- Best Buy{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-buy/id314855255}: One can download the Best Buy app onto their iPad to shop online, or to use select in-store features in a Best Buy retail store.
There is a wealth of additional third-party store apps for iPad, depending on one shops. One can search the App Store to download apps for frequent places one shops or orders from.
Utilities
Included with iPad:
- Home{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/home/id1110145103}: Apple’s Home app allows one to control Apple HomeKit{https://www.apple.com/ios/home/} enabled accessories. It works similar to the iPhone app, and HomeKit integrates with Siri.
- News{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-news/id1066498020}: Apple’s app for collecting and reading various news feeds. Available in both a free edition, as well as the ability to signup for Apple News+ for those who wish to read magazines. It is similar to its Mac and iPhone counterpart.
- Photo Booth{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/photo-booth/id1208226939}: An app for taking selfies with additional effects, similar to its Mac counterpart.
- Maps{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/maps/id915056765}: Apple’s Maps app, similar to its Mac or iPhone counterpart. It offers GPS access and navigation features, with an emphasis on privacy over other popular mapping services.
- Clock: The iPad includes a Clock app which functions similar to the iPhone app.
- Find My{https://www.apple.com/icloud/find-my/}: A way to locate lost Apple devices or share locations with friends. It is similar to its Mac and iPhone counterparts.
- Measure{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/measure/id1383426740}: Apple’s tape-measure app which uses Augmented Reality. It is similar to its iPhone counterpart.
- Shortcuts{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shortcuts/id915249334}: A powerful app for building workflow shortcuts, some which can also tie into Siri. It is similar to Automator on the Mac.
- Tips{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tips/id1069509450}: Apple offers a Tips app for iPad, great for learning features on the iPad and great for new iPad users. It is similar to an app Microsoft offered in Windows 10, as well as very similar to the iPhone version.
- Voice Memos{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voice-memos/id1069512134}: The ability to record voice memos on an iPad, similar to its Mac or iPhone counterparts.
Third-Party:
- Amazon Alexa{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amazon-alexa/id944011620}: For those with an Amazon Alexa device, there is an Alexa app for iPad. For those with a Google Home device, there is also a Google Home{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-home/id680819774} app plus Google Assistant{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-assistant/id1220976145} is available for iPad.
- Parcel{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parcel-delivery-tracking/id375589283}: One of the best package tracking apps for iPad. It also syncs with iPhone and iPad.
- Google Maps{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-maps-transit-food/id585027354} Google Maps offers an app for iPad, which offers a better experience than using a web browser.
- Doceri{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doceri-interactive-whiteboard/id412443803}: An interactive whiteboard, plus the ability to annotate a Mac or Windows PC from an iPad. It is especially useful in a classroom setting.
- SpeedTest{https://apps.apple.com/us/app/speedtest-by-ookla/id300704847}: The ability to run speed tests on an iPad using the same technology as net. I use this app all the time.
In addition to the Apple News app, one can download additional news apps for local, national, and International news. Search the App Store to determine the best news apps for one’s interests.
If one also has an iPad with cellular capabilities, one can download the carrier app for their wireless carrier, which one would search the App Store for their wireless carrier.
Work Apps
It is also a good idea to check with one’s work employer to determine if the employer has any app recommendations for iPad. There are a handful of workplace communication and VPN apps I use from my employer, and each employer may have recommendations on apps to install on an iPad.
Other Apps
The iPad has a wealth of apps available to it, many which bring experiences one would
use in a web browser on a computer to a native app on the iPad. It is a good idea to spend a day at the App Store, searching and browsing for various apps to enhance one’s one, depending on one’s lifestyle or personal interests.
Sending Feedback
For those who want to send feedback to Apple regarding apps or services, there are a few methods to do so. I have outlined each of them in this AskWoody article.{https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/sending-feedback-to-apple/}
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