Back in 2001 Apple introduced the iPod with the slogan “1,000 songs in your pocket”. Since then journalists and bloggers have been asking famous (and not so famous) people “What’s on your iPod?”
From music to videos, people would show their iPod content which would in turn be a non-traditional way of taking an X-Ray or disclosing their personality and tastes.
In 2010, Apple introduced the first iPad and by then the question mutated to “What’s on your iPad?”. Given the tablet’s capabilities for Apps, music, videos, video-conferencing, photos, Internet browsing, e-books, file sharing and more, we could say the same question becomes more powerful and meaningful. (Perhaps it is like taking an MRI of a person’s brain?)
The iPad has continued to evolve. “What’s on your iPad Air?” feels like the right question to ask.
No matter If you are new to the iPad Air or you have been using it for a while, you may discover a few new things…
What’s on my iPad Air?
Non-Apple Apps
A quick glance at my iPad Home page reveals 5 Apps that I use very often. Evernote, Skype, TWN, Chrome and Google Maps.
Evernote is a a convenient way to create and access all your notes or memos from your iPad, iPhone or computer. I love this App and I think you would too!
Although I have been using FaceTime recently, since some of my friends and family members do not own Apple products (I know, they still have time…) I often use Skype with them to do audio or videoconferencing calls.
Canada is known to have some extreme weather, especially during the winter months. It should be of no surprise that The Weather Network App made its way to the Home screen.
Chrome is Google’s web browser. Sometimes I use Safari that comes by default with the iPad. Sometimes I use Chrome. I think the reason why I alternate may be because I find Safari more friendly and easier to use but sometimes I have the feeling that certain web pages look nicer when viewed with Chrome.
I wrote a post about Google Maps a while back. This App is very useful when looking for addresses or directions.
Music
While I write this post, Songza is playing music in the background. It would be nice to mention iTunes Radio as an option but unfortunately, the App is not yet available in Canada. No need to worry Songza, I do enjoy your music selection!
Since I am already talking about music, I can mention a bit of the variety in my Music library. For sure, I have classic artists like The Beatles, U2, Bob Marley, Sting and The Police. Bryan Adams and Michael Bubble also have their spot (proud Canadian after all), together with some latin and Salsa music from Celia Cruz, Ivete Sangalo, Shakira, Gloria Estefan and Juan Luis Guerra. Yes, there is also some Black Eyed Peas, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Kelly Clarkson and even some Enya and Vangelis.
Books
I have 3 book Apps on my iPad Air. iBooks, Kindle and Audible. iBooks is Apple’s e-book App. What? You don’t have iBooks on your new iPad Air or iPad mini?
This is because for some strange reason the App is not included by default on the iPad and you have to download it. The good news is that it’s Free :-)
Have a look at this post if you want to learn more.
Kindle is the e-book reader App from Amazon.
Audible is Amazon’s App for Audio Books.
What am I reading or listening to?
I recently read “Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink (good read) and I am almost finished listening to the audiobook “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson (very interesting).
For pleasure, I recently read the “100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared” by Jonas Jonasson (ok to get distracted) and “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion (very funny).
Apple Apps
The following Apps are not installed by default with your iPad Air but I strongly suggest that you download them if you haven’t already. All of them are free with the iPad Air.
iTunes U gives you access to courses from universities and other institutions.
iPhoto lets you organize, edit, and share your photos.
Find my iPhone is an App that lets you locate your Apple devices.
Pages, Numbers and Keynote are Apple’s word processor, spreadsheet and presentation Apps.
Questions? Thoughts?
As you can imagine I have more Apps, music and books than described above but I wanted to give you the highlights.
Now it’s your turn. Share with me. What’s on your iPad or iPad Air? Any interesting Apps, good books, or cool music to recommend?
Send me an email through the contact page or post your comment below!
I look forward to hearing from you :)