Set up your new iPad: optimizations and apps to get started.From a technological point of view, the iPad has surprised the market for laptops and other Android tablets, given its high quality and its “uniqueness”. If the iPhone has many equally valid alternatives for Android, the iPad is still number one in the world of tablets today and, if properly configured, it can also replace a laptop.
After 10 minutes of awe and wonder at the quality of the surfaces, the design and the display, it’s time to turn it on; If we are not great experts on the iPad and Apple devices in general, just read our guide to configure a new iPad, so as not to make mistakes and immediately enter the magical world of the iPad to make the most of it in everyday life , both for home and business needs.
IPad initial settings/ optimizations and apps to get started
When we access the iPad for the first time, after selecting the language and country preferences, we choose a Wi-Fi network to connect and activate location services.
In the new models we can also configure the Face ID so that we can unlock the device with our face (to the front camera) later.
Now the new iPad will ask us how we want to transfer data from another device: we can choose between Restore from iCloud Backup, Restore from Mac or PC, Migrate data from Android or Do not transfer applications and data.
Once we have made our choice, we will enter the details of our Apple ID account or create one on your face so you can install new applications and have your data synchronized. Apple provides all the instructions for using iCloud and syncing with a computer or Mac. This kind of restoring photos and iCloud address books also works to keep your iPhone (if you already have one) and your iPad in sync.
In the initial setup you can also activate the “Where is” service to find your iPad on the icloud.com map in case it is lost or stolen (follow the guide to find my iPhone which works the same way).
In the last step of the initial configuration we also propose to activate Siri, the voice assistant that is fun to use and also very useful and efficient, and if we want to configure the automatic update, enable the service Keep your iPad updated.
IPadOS apps and operating system
Currently on iPad is the iPadOS operating system, an enhanced version of iOS (found on iPhone) optimized for a wider tablet screen experience and to blend the user experience of a MacBook and iPad. At the moment the two systems have the same applications and the same store, so we will always have the maximum support whatever the application we want to install.
There are also some basic applications already installed: Safari for browsing the Internet, the Mail application for reading email, the alarm clock, the calculator, FaceTime for Apple video calls and other basic applications, obviously not enough to get the most out of your Apple tablet. So let’s head over to the store app right on your iPad and install what we consider to be the best free apps for the iPad, including:
- Google Chrome : The world’s most popular browser is also available for the iPad.
- Google Maps – Maps and navigation app much better than Apple’s good maps app already on the iPad.
- Google Drive : to synchronize files and folders with a PC or other Android devices, without being tied to iCloud.
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint : Office apps are free on iPad, so it’s best to install them right away so you can manage all kinds of documents.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader : The popular application for reading PDF files.
- Gmail : Great application to manage email accounts from one place.
- Twitter : A social app that’s fun to use on an iPad – much better than on a regular computer – so you can follow the latest news at all times and follow the discussions on TV shows, talk shows, soccer, and politics.
- Facebook : to check the updates of the famous social network.
- YouTube is not included in the iPad but can be installed as an application to watch streaming videos.
- Skype : to make calls and video calls from your iPad.
- Netflix : if we subscribe to the famous streaming service, we can enjoy movies and TV series everywhere.
- Amazon Prime Video : If we have a subscription to Amazon Prime we will have access to free movies and television series.
- Amazon Kindle : Great application to read Amazon e-books and make your iPad an e-book reader.
- VLC : The most complete application to read audio and video files exchanged or downloaded to your iPad.
- TeamViewer : Very useful application to remotely connect to your Windows PC and control it from your iPad.
In addition to these very useful applications that place great value on the iPad, it is also worth understanding what the iPad does better than the computer.
IPadOS optimization
After installing some apps, it’s time to configure iPadOS settings to get the most out of your iPad. Most of the default settings are fine, but if you plan to use the device in your family, it’s best to customize a few options. In particular, if the iPad will also be used by a child, it is better to set limited access in the general settings by choosing various restrictions and limiting access; it is also important to optimize battery life, to obtain maximum autonomy. To do this, take us to the Control Center, which is accessed by sliding your finger across the bottom of the screen, and turn down the brightness and Bluetooth (if you don’t use it).
The Settings -> Accessibility menu has powerful options to make better use of the iPad with VoiceOver to listen to the reading of the screen by voice, Zoom to magnify anything, White on Black, Mono Audio for those who hear us badly and Dictation by voice .
To configure a form of control for children who will use the iPad, go to the Settings menu -> Time of use and configure the applications that can be used and the maximum time of use.
