The flexibility of what you can do with your Apple gear is amazing. Apple kit is so versatile; there’s all sorts of things you can achieve with a Mac, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. And that’s what this article’s all about. We round up some of the best tips and tricks that let you do things you might not have anticipated. Want to use your iPad as a drawing tablet? You can. Would you like to ask Siri to remember where you parked your car? We show you how. Ever wanted to write a novel or screenplay on your Mac? Our tips show you the best way to start, and what to use. You can get an ECG, blood oxygen test and loud environment report directly from your Apple Watch too.
For many of these tips, you already have everything you need bundled with your device’s operating system. For others, you might have to buy an extra app, though we’ve mostly concentrated on low-cost software.
So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our collection of interesting projects for all your Apple gear, and start to use your desktop or notebook Mac, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch in a whole new way. And most of all, have fun.
On the Mac
Amazing things you can do on your desktop or notebook Mac
1 Learn a language
Launched in 2012, Duolingo has grown into the web’s most popular way to learn a language. In fact, in the US, more people are learning languages on Duolingo than in the entire public school system. Duolingo offers more than 100 total language courses for 42 distinct languages. These include endangered languages such as Hawaiian, Navajo and Scottish Gaelic, and ‘fictional’ tongues such as Game of Thrones’ High Valyrian and Star Trek’s Klingon. It’s accessible through a web browser on the Mac (duolingo.com), and there are apps for the iPad and iPhone for learning on the move.
Language students should also bookmark translate.google.co.uk, a great translation site.
2 Enjoy your sounds
The Music app can rip your CDs so you can play them on your Mac, or stream sounds fromBut did you know you can minimise its interface so it doesn’t get in the way when you’re working? Click on the Window option in the top bar and select Mini Player, or press Opt+Cmd+M. You open a small window showing what’s currently playing and giving you basic controls when you hover over it. You can also enjoy a light show that reacts to the sounds being played. Again, click on the Window menu and select Visualiser, or press Cmd+T. It looks great in full-screen – just the thing for a party. Visualiser Settings are also available under the Window menu.