Top 20 Free Apps for Your New iPad
The Expanding iPad App Ecosystem
Fortune magazine documented the sale of over 6 million iPad applications during the recent Christmas season. For those who received the leading computing tablet, discovering valuable free applications is a natural next step.
A previous list of 10 top iPad apps was published upon the device’s initial release in April. However, since then, numerous other excellent free apps have been created or specifically adapted for the iPad.
While some of these applications have been previously covered on MUO, they are included again to benefit new readers and iPad users.
Accessing the Apps
It’s worth noting that each heading presented below functions as a direct link to the iTunes Store App Store, facilitating easy download of the listed free iPad applications.
Top Free iPad Applications
The following represents a curated selection of highly recommended free applications for iPad users, offering a diverse range of functionalities.
- App 1: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 2: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 3: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 4: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 5: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 6: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 7: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 8: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 9: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 10: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 11: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 12: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 13: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 14: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 15: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 16: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 17: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 18: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 19: [Link to iTunes Store]
- App 20: [Link to iTunes Store]
This compilation provides a starting point for enhancing the iPad experience with a variety of cost-free tools and entertainment options.
Dropbox
For those unfamiliar with the iPad operating system, the absence of a conventional Finder-like application for file management can be noted. Apple promotes iTunes as the primary method for importing and exporting files, including documents, PDFs, and images.
However, the Dropbox file sharing service presents a significantly more efficient alternative for managing files on your iPad.
By creating a free Dropbox account and installing the Dropbox application, users can seamlessly export and import files utilizing both Wi-Fi and 3G network connections.
Key Benefits of Using Dropbox
Dropbox enables direct access to your files, allowing you to view documents, stream videos, and play audio files without requiring a wireless connection to your computer.
This functionality provides enhanced convenience and accessibility for iPad users.
The service effectively functions as a portable file manager, overcoming the limitations of iTunes for file transfer and organization.
With Dropbox, managing your digital content on the iPad becomes a streamlined and user-friendly experience.
iBooks
Apple’s digital reading application, iBooks, has undergone updates since April of the previous year.
The application now provides functionalities for managing and reading eBooks acquired from the Apple Book Store, alongside support for PDF documents imported by the user.
Key Features
iBooks functions as a comprehensive e-reader, offering a robust set of tools.
These include annotation capabilities, as well as options to print and share your notes via email.
Synchronization across devices is a key benefit; reading progress is automatically maintained when the same eBook is downloaded on an iPad and other iOS devices.
Additional Information
The application ensures a seamless reading experience by keeping track of the pages you’ve already read.
This synchronization feature allows users to continue reading where they left off, regardless of the device they are using.
iBooks provides a convenient and integrated solution for eBook management and consumption within the Apple ecosystem.
Kindle
For those who prefer acquiring their eBooks through Amazon, installing the Kindle app on your iPad is highly recommended.
The application provides functionalities comparable to the iBooks reader, while simultaneously granting access to an extensive eBook library available online.
Downloading free sample chapters of eBooks makes this app a valuable addition to your iPad’s software.
Its integration with Amazon’s vast catalog offers a significant advantage for avid readers.
Pandora Radio
While transferring songs from your iTunes library to your iPad is certainly an option, users with a Pandora Radio account can also enjoy free music streaming directly on their device.
This application represents a valuable addition to any iPad user’s collection of free downloads.
The service allows for convenient access to a wide variety of music without requiring local storage.
Streaming through Pandora Radio provides an alternative to managing and syncing an extensive music library.
It’s a straightforward way to listen to your favorite tunes on the go.
Consider this a recommended download for iPad owners who enjoy personalized radio experiences.
Air Video: A Past Solution for Streaming Media
The limited storage capacity of devices like the 64 GB iPad can be quickly exhausted by numerous video files. Air Video previously offered a method to access your entire video library – including formats like AVI, DivX, and MKV – through streaming, utilizing local networks, Wi-Fi connections, and even 3G data.
To utilize Air Video’s functionality, a complimentary desktop application download was also required.
How Air Video Functioned
- Streaming Access: Instead of directly storing videos on your iPad, Air Video allowed playback from a central source.
- Format Support: The application was designed to handle a wide range of video codecs, including commonly used ones.
- Network Connectivity: It leveraged various network types for accessibility.
- Desktop Component: A companion desktop app was essential for the system to operate.
Air Video provided a way to bypass the storage limitations of mobile devices by enabling video streaming. This allowed users to enjoy their video collections without consuming valuable space on their iPads or similar devices.
It’s important to note that Air Video is currently unavailable.
For users with a Twitter account, the official Twitter application designed for the iPad presents a refined and intuitive experience.
Having evaluated numerous complimentary Twitter applications, this particular offering is certainly worthy of inclusion in your app repertoire.
User Experience
The app’s interface is designed for ease of navigation and a smooth user flow.
It provides a comprehensive Twitter experience optimized for the iPad’s larger screen.
Compared to alternative free options, the official app consistently delivers a polished and reliable performance.
Therefore, it is highly recommended as a key component of any iPad user’s social media toolkit.
Flipboard
Flipboard is a visually appealing application designed for the iPad, having received the distinction of being named Apple’s iPad App of the Year.
This application uniquely integrates access to popular social media platforms, specifically Twitter and Facebook, alongside the functionality of an RSS news reader.
Users can also connect their Google Reader account to Flipboard, consolidating their news and social updates in one place.
Key Features
The manner in which Flipboard retrieves and displays feeds and network updates is particularly impressive.
Its presentation is designed to be captivating and user-friendly, offering a novel way to consume information.
The app’s interface focuses on a magazine-style layout, enhancing the reading experience.
Zinio
The iPad represents, in my opinion, an optimal platform for consuming digital magazines. Zinio functions effectively as an application for both subscribing to and downloading digital publications.
Its extensive online magazine rack boasts a selection exceeding one thousand different titles. Despite the absence of certain features that would enhance the user experience, it successfully fulfills its core function.
Key Features and Functionality
Zinio provides access to a vast library of magazines, allowing users to browse and select publications of interest. The app facilitates the subscription process and subsequent download of chosen titles.
While generally reliable, the application could benefit from the inclusion of additional functionalities. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable resource for digital magazine enthusiasts.
Further information regarding Zinio can be found through additional resources.
CNN
For individuals who regularly rely on CNN as their primary source for news and sports coverage, a dedicated application is available for iPad access.
This app, characterized by its intuitive design, initially presents users with a visually engaging overview of both domestic and international news events and reporting.
Selecting a photograph will directly lead to the full presentation of the chosen news article.
Key Features
- The application incorporates an audio news update, delivered on an hourly basis.
- Users can easily navigate through US and world news stories.
- A visually-driven interface enhances the user experience.
The CNN app provides a convenient method for staying informed about current events while utilizing the capabilities of an iPad device.
It delivers news content in both textual and auditory formats, catering to diverse user preferences.
Simply Solitaire
For those who don't frequently engage with games on their iPads, having a selection of applications readily available – perhaps for yourself or your children – remains a good practice.
Simply Solitaire lives up to its name, offering a straightforward and accessible experience.
The game is designed for ease of use, making it suitable even for individuals completely new to the classic card game.
Ease of Access
Its intuitive interface ensures a smooth learning curve for beginners.
Players can quickly grasp the rules and begin enjoying the familiar gameplay of solitaire.
The application provides a convenient way to enjoy a timeless pastime on the go.
Consider adding this to your iPad's app collection for moments of leisure.
