Thanks for taking the Getting Started With Your iPad Class. I hope you find this outline helpful to you as a reference to the material we covered. I have included videos and links to various things I think you may find helpful. If you have any further questions don't hestiate to contact Mike.
Siri
Siri is the name for the personal assisstant that comes on iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini, iPhone 4S, and iPhone 5.
To verify Siri is turned on tap on Settings > General > Siri. Make sure the toggle for Siri is On.
If you do not see Siri listed under General, you have the original iPad or iPad 2 and will not be able to use Siri.
If you try to use Siri and you are not connected to the internet you will receive a message that says Siri is not available.
You can ask Siri questions or give her commands to perform.
Here are some of the things you can do with Siri:
- Make phone calls (iPhone only)
- Launch Apps
- Send messages
- Interact with Calendar
- Ask sports questions
- Get driving directions
- Post to Twitter & Facebook
- Make restaurant reservations
- Find out what movies are playing
- Play music
- Set reminders, alarms, & timers
- Find out stock prices
- Find out what the weather is like
- Search the web
You can Learn What Siri Can Do by reading the blog post that I wrote on the subject.
If you run into issues with Siri you should check out Apple's Troubleshooting Siri webpage.
AirPlay
AirPlay is a technology designed by Apple to wirelessly send media through the air. You can also mirror your entire iPad display to an AppleTV!
You will need the following devices to use AirPlay:
- iPad
- Wireless Newtwork
- AirPlay compatible receiver (AirPort Express, AppleTV, or AirPlay speakers)
Streaming Media Via AirPlay
Note: The following video shows the iPhone, but should be applicable to the iPad.
Mirroring Screen Via AirPlay
Note: The following video shows the iPhone, but should be applicable to the iPad.
My dad has an AirPort Express plugged into the back of his surround sound system in the living room and he uses it almost everyday to send music from his Mac, iPhone, or iPad! Learn more the AirPort Express on Apple's website.
You can learn more about AirPlay by visiting Apple's website.
FaceTime
FaceTime is Apple's video chat technology. It works on iPads, iPhones, iPod Touches, and Macs.
If you want to video chat with someone who does not own an Apple device I would recommend using Skype.
One of the major advantages of using FaceTime over Skype is that you don't have to have the FaceTime app open for someone to call you.
If you have never used FaceTime before you will be prompted to sign in to your AppleID account. Your AppleID password is the same password that you use to download Apps.
To FaceTime with someone you need to either know their AppleID, their iPhone phone number, or one of the email accounts that they have linked to FaceTime.
While you are on a FaceTime call you have the option to Mute the call, Switch Camera and End call.
I would recommend checking out The Complete Guide to FaceTime + iMessage: Setup, Use, and Troubleshooting. If you have any questions about FaceTime or iMessage this guide will probably answer them!
Learn more about FaceTime on Apple's website
iMessage
iMessage is an instant messaging platform for Apple products. You can send messages from the iPad to anyone with iMessage setup on their iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Mac.
I would recommend checking out The Complete Guide to FaceTime + iMessage: Setup, Use, and Troubleshooting. If you have any questions about FaceTime or iMessage this guide will probably answer them!
Newstand
Newsstand is a built-in application on Apple iOS devices the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. It is dedicated to downloading and displaying digital versions of newspapers and magazines.
Most of the magazines and newspapers that you find in the Newstand Store are FREE to download. There is typically a charge for downloading an individual issue. You can also subscribe to magazines for a yearly fee.
E-Books
You can download e-books from a variety of sources.
To Purchase
In my opinion, iBooks is the best overall app for reading books on the iPad. I like the functionality and the fact that I can purchase books from within the app using the same account I use to purchase Apps. Check out MacWorld's review of iBooks on their website.
I own a Kindle and purchase the majority of my books on that device. I find myself using the Kindle app on occasion. The nice thing about using the Kindle app is that it will automatically sync the books from my Kindle to the app. If I turn the page on the Kindle it will turn the page on the iPad.
Note: You have to purchase books on Amazon's website and then they will become available to download in the app.
I have used the Nook app and it does a nice job but I don't own a Nook and I don't find myself using the Nook app that often. If you own a Nook it will automatically sync books just like the Kindle app does.
Note: You have to purchase books on Barnes & Noble's website and then they will become available to download in the app.
To Borrow
- Overdrive (Public Library)
- 3M Cloud Library (Public Library)
The primary app to downoad books from your local library is the Overdrive app. Once you have downloaded the app you can select your library, enter in your library card number, and start checking out books.
You don't have to worry about returning the books when they are due because the app automatically returns them for you once your time is up.
The 3M Cloud Library is a newer app that some library systems use to offer books. I like the 3M Cloud Library app because it is a bit easier to navigate and use.
I would encourage you to chat with your local librarian if you have any questions about checking out electronic books.
Notification Center
The first time you open an app you might see a box that says the following:
If you press OK then the app can send you notifications when it wants to notify you of something (e.g. Weather app may notify you of severe weather)
If you press Don't Allow you will not receive notifications from that app.
Check out How to use Notification Center to learn how to use Notification Center!
Privacy
The first time you open an app you might see a box that says the following:
If you press OK the app will be able to access your Current Location. This can come in handy with certain apps (e.g. Weather app will automatically display weather for your current location)
If you press Don't Allow the app will not have access to your Current Location. I have had apps ask for my Current Location and I can't figure out why they might need it so I press Don't Allow.
Check out How to grant or deny access to your location with iOS 6 privacy controls to learn more about Location Services.
Mike's Favorite Apps
Learn How To Get More Out of Your iPad On On Mike's Blog
You can learn how to update your iPad to iOS 6 (released on September 19th) on Mike's blog.
You can find numerous tips and tricks for the iPad on Mike's blog.
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