20+ Cool Things to Do on Your Tablet: Unleashing the Full Potential of Your Device

In today's digital age, tablets have evolved from simple web browsing devices to powerful, versatile tools capable of enhancing various aspects of our lives. Whether you're using an iPad, Android tablet, or Windows device, there's a world of possibilities waiting to be explored. This comprehensive guide will delve into over 20 exciting and practical ways to make the most of your tablet, transforming it into a hub for entertainment, productivity, creativity, and more.

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Entertainment and Gaming: A World of Fun at Your Fingertips

Rediscover Retro Games

For many tech enthusiasts, the allure of classic games never fades. Your tablet can serve as a time machine, transporting you back to the golden age of gaming. By installing emulators like DOSBox for Android or iDOS for iOS, you can relive the magic of beloved DOS games from the 80s and 90s. These emulators recreate the environment of older computer systems, allowing you to run games that defined an era of computing.

But the nostalgia doesn't stop there. With apps like RetroArch, you can emulate a wide range of classic consoles, from the Nintendo Entertainment System to the PlayStation. This open-source, cross-platform emulator supports an extensive library of "cores," each emulating a different console or arcade system. To enhance the authenticity of your gaming experience, consider pairing your tablet with a Bluetooth controller. This setup can closely mimic the feel of playing on original hardware, making your retro gaming sessions even more immersive.

Transform Your Tablet into a Portable TV

The days of being tethered to a traditional television set are long gone. Your tablet can now serve as a powerful, portable entertainment center, offering a wide array of streaming options. Free services like Pluto TV and Xumo provide access to live TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment, without the need for a cable subscription. These services operate on an ad-supported model, allowing you to enjoy content without any upfront costs.

For those who prefer on-demand viewing, major networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS offer their own apps, allowing you to catch up on your favorite shows at your convenience. Many of these apps provide a selection of recent episodes for free, with full access available to cable subscribers or through standalone subscriptions.

Of course, no discussion of streaming would be complete without mentioning subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. These platforms offer vast libraries of movies, TV shows, and original content, transforming your tablet into a personalized theater. With the high-resolution displays found on modern tablets, you can enjoy your content in stunning detail, often matching or exceeding the quality of traditional TV sets.

Productivity Boosters: Transforming Your Tablet into a Powerhouse

Use Your Tablet as a Second Monitor

One of the most practical ways to enhance your productivity is by using your tablet as a secondary display for your computer. This setup can significantly expand your workspace, allowing for more efficient multitasking and improved workflow.

For iPad users, Apple's Sidecar feature offers seamless integration with compatible Macs. This native solution allows you to extend or mirror your Mac's display to your iPad, either wirelessly or via a USB connection. The feature supports touch input and Apple Pencil, making it particularly useful for creative professionals working with design software.

Android users can achieve similar functionality with third-party apps like Duet Display or SpaceDesk. These applications work across various operating systems, allowing you to use your Android tablet as an additional screen for Windows, macOS, or even Linux computers.

Windows tablet users have a built-in solution with the "Project to this PC" feature. This allows you to extend your Windows desktop to another Windows device, including tablets, creating a unified workspace across multiple screens.

To set up your tablet as a second monitor:

Ensure both your tablet and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless connections.
Install the necessary software on both devices.
Follow the app's instructions to connect and configure display settings.
Adjust the positioning and resolution to match your preferences and workflow needs.

This setup can be particularly beneficial for tasks that require referencing multiple documents or windows simultaneously, such as coding, writing, or data analysis.

Remote Desktop Access: Your Computer, Anywhere

The ability to access your home or office computer from anywhere is a game-changer for remote work and productivity. With remote desktop applications, your tablet becomes a window to your primary computer, allowing you to run programs, access files, and even troubleshoot issues from afar.

Popular options include TeamViewer and Chrome Remote Desktop, both of which offer cross-platform support and user-friendly interfaces. These applications establish a secure connection between your devices, enabling you to control your computer as if you were sitting in front of it.

To set up remote desktop access:

Install the remote desktop application on both your tablet and the computer you wish to access.
Create an account and set up security measures like two-factor authentication.
Follow the app's instructions to establish a connection between devices.
Use your tablet's touch screen or a Bluetooth mouse for precise control.

This functionality is particularly valuable for professionals who need access to specific software or files that are only available on their main computer. It's also an excellent tool for providing remote technical support to friends or family members.

Communication and Connectivity: Staying Connected in the Digital Age

Make Free Video Calls

The ubiquity of high-speed internet and the powerful cameras in modern tablets have made video calling more accessible and popular than ever. Your tablet can serve as a dedicated video conferencing device, offering a larger screen and better audio compared to most smartphones.

For Apple users, FaceTime provides a seamless video calling experience between Apple devices. The app now supports group calls of up to 32 participants and offers features like portrait mode and SharePlay for shared experiences during calls.

Cross-platform options like Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet offer versatile video calling solutions that work across different operating systems. These apps often include additional features like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and large group calls, making them suitable for both personal and professional use.

For gaming enthusiasts and communities, Discord has become a popular choice. Originally designed for gamers, Discord now serves various communities with its combination of text, voice, and video chat capabilities.

To enhance your video calling experience:

Invest in a tablet stand to position your device at eye level for more natural conversations.
Use headphones or earbuds to improve audio quality and reduce echo.
Familiarize yourself with features like background blur or virtual backgrounds for privacy during calls.

Universal Remote Control: Command Your Smart Home

As smart home technology becomes increasingly prevalent, your tablet can serve as a powerful, centralized control hub for your connected devices. Whether you're adjusting your smart lights, controlling your entertainment system, or monitoring your home security cameras, your tablet can do it all.

For specific smart home ecosystems, manufacturer apps like Philips Hue for smart lighting or Ring for home security provide detailed control and customization options. These dedicated apps often offer the most comprehensive feature sets for their respective devices.

For a more unified approach, consider setting up Google Home or Apple HomeKit on your tablet. These platforms allow you to control multiple smart home devices from different manufacturers through a single interface. You can create routines, set schedules, and even use voice commands to control your smart home.

Universal remote apps like Unified Remote or SURE Universal Remote take this concept further, allowing you to control not just smart home devices, but also traditional IR-controlled appliances like TVs and air conditioners. These apps turn your tablet into a true universal remote, capable of replacing multiple physical remotes and streamlining your home control experience.

To make the most of your tablet as a smart home controller:

Ensure your tablet and smart devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Keep your tablet charged or in a central location for easy access.
Explore automation features to create custom routines that simplify daily tasks.

Learning and Self-Improvement: Your Tablet as an Educational Tool

Learn a New Language

Language learning apps have revolutionized the way we approach foreign language acquisition, and tablets provide the perfect platform for this interactive learning experience. Apps like Duolingo and Babbel offer structured lessons that combine reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises, making language learning both engaging and effective.

Duolingo, known for its gamified approach, breaks down language learning into bite-sized lessons and uses spaced repetition to reinforce learning. The app's tablet version takes advantage of the larger screen to provide a more immersive experience, with more detailed explanations and a clearer layout of exercises.

Babbel, on the other hand, focuses on practical conversation skills and real-life scenarios. Its lessons are designed by linguists and include speech recognition technology to help improve pronunciation. The tablet version allows for a more comfortable reading experience and easier navigation through lessons.

To complement these structured learning apps, consider using your tablet to immerse yourself in your target language:

Watch foreign language content on streaming services with subtitles. Netflix, for example, offers a wide range of international content and allows you to customize subtitle settings.
Use language exchange apps like Tandem to practice with native speakers via video chat. The tablet's larger screen makes these conversations more comfortable and engaging.
Read news articles or e-books in your target language using apps like Readlang, which allows you to tap on words for instant translations.
Listen to podcasts designed for language learners, such as News in Slow Spanish or Coffee Break French, using your tablet's podcast app.

By combining these various approaches, you can create a comprehensive language learning environment on your tablet, catering to all aspects of language acquisition.

Explore the Night Sky

For astronomy enthusiasts, tablets offer a unique way to explore and learn about the cosmos. With apps like Star Walk 2 or Sky Map, your tablet becomes a window to the universe, allowing you to identify stars, planets, and constellations in real-time.

These apps use your tablet's gyroscope and GPS to determine your location and orientation, overlaying information about celestial objects onto your view of the night sky. Simply point your tablet at the sky, and the app will identify and label what you're seeing.

Star Walk 2, available for both iOS and Android, offers stunning graphics and a wealth of information about various celestial objects. It includes a time machine feature that allows you to see how the sky looks at different dates and times, making it useful for planning future stargazing sessions or understanding astronomical events.

Sky Map, originally developed by Google and now open-source, provides a simpler but equally effective stargazing experience. It's particularly user-friendly and great for beginners just starting to explore astronomy.

To enhance your stargazing experience with your tablet:

Use your tablet's night mode or a red light filter app to preserve your night vision. Red light has the least impact on your eyes' dark adaptation.
Download offline star maps if you plan to stargaze in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Pair your stargazing app with a podcast or audiobook about astronomy for a more immersive learning experience.
Consider investing in a tablet mount for a telescope if you're serious about astronomy. This allows you to use your tablet as an interactive guide while observing through the telescope.

Creativity and Media: Unleash Your Artistic Potential

Edit Photos and Videos

The powerful processors and high-resolution displays of modern tablets make them excellent tools for photo and video editing. Whether you're a professional looking for a mobile editing solution or an enthusiast wanting to enhance your social media content, your tablet can handle a wide range of editing tasks.

For photo editing, Adobe Lightroom offers a comprehensive suite of tools that rivals its desktop counterpart. Available on both iOS and Android, Lightroom mobile allows you to edit RAW files, apply presets, and make detailed adjustments to your images. The tablet's touch interface makes tasks like selective editing and fine-tuning exposure particularly intuitive.

Snapseed, a free app developed by Google, provides a more accessible entry point into advanced photo editing. It offers a wide range of filters and adjustment tools, including the ability to make selective edits to specific parts of an image.

For video editing, iMovie (iOS) and KineMaster (Android) offer powerful yet user-friendly solutions. iMovie leverages the processing power of iPads to handle 4K video editing smoothly, with features like green screen effects and picture-in-picture. KineMaster brings multi-layer video editing to Android tablets, supporting multiple video and audio tracks, chroma key, and a range of visual effects.

To optimize your tablet for photo and video editing:

Invest in a stylus for more precise control, especially for tasks like masking or selective editing.
Use a color-calibrated external monitor if color accuracy is crucial for your work.
Consider cloud storage solutions to manage large video files and enable seamless workflow between your tablet and other devices.

Create Music

Tablets have become powerful tools for music creation, offering a range of apps that cater to both beginners and experienced musicians. The portability and tactile interface of tablets make them ideal for music production on the go.

GarageBand, available exclusively on iOS devices, is a fully-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) that allows for multi-track recording, virtual instrument playing, and audio editing. It includes a vast library of software instruments and pre-recorded loops, making it easy to create professional-sounding tracks even without traditional musical training.

For electronic music production, apps like FL Studio Mobile and Caustic 3 bring powerful synthesizers and sequencers to your tablet. These apps allow you to create complex electronic music tracks, with features like step sequencing, audio sampling, and effects processing.

Launchpad, developed by Novation, turns your tablet into a grid-based musical instrument, perfect for creating loop-based music and live performances. It's particularly popular in electronic dance music (EDM) genres.

To enhance your music-making experience on your tablet:

Connect a MIDI keyboard via USB or Bluetooth for more expressive playing of virtual instruments.
Use audio interface adapters to connect professional microphones or instruments to your tablet for high-quality recording.
Explore cloud collaboration features in apps like GarageBand to work on projects with other musicians remotely.
Experiment with gesture-based music creation apps like Reactable or NodeBeat for a unique approach to composition.

Practical Applications: Streamlining Daily Tasks

Digitize Documents and Receipts

In our increasingly paperless world, the ability to quickly digitize documents and receipts is invaluable. Your tablet's high-resolution camera, combined with specialized scanning apps, can create a powerful, portable scanning solution.

Apps like Scanner Pro (iOS) and Adobe Scan (iOS/Android) use your tablet's camera to capture documents, automatically detecting edges and applying perspective correction. These apps can also perform optical character recognition (OCR), turning your scans into searchable PDF documents.

For receipt management, apps like Expensify or Receipt Bank go a step further, extracting key information from your scans and organizing it for expense reporting or bookkeeping purposes.

To maximize the effectiveness of document digitization:

Ensure good lighting when scanning documents to improve image quality.
Use your tablet's built-in flash in low-light conditions for clearer scans.
Experiment with different scanning modes (e.g., color, grayscale, black and white) for optimal results with different types of documents.
Set up automatic cloud syncing to ensure your scanned documents are backed up and accessible across all your devices.

Interactive Cooking Companion

Your tablet can revolutionize your cooking experience, serving as an interactive recipe book, measurement converter, and timer all in one. Apps like Paprika and BigOven allow you to collect and organize recipes from across the web, create meal plans, and generate shopping lists.

For those looking to improve their culinary skills, apps like Kitchen Stories offer step-by-step video instructions for a wide range of recipes. These visual guides can be particularly helpful for mastering new techniques or unfamiliar dishes.

To make the most of your tablet in the kitchen:

Invest in a sturdy, water-resistant tablet stand to keep your device at eye level and protected from spills.
Use voice commands to navigate recipes hands-free, especially useful when your hands are messy from cooking.
Take advantage of your tablet's split-screen functionality to view a recipe and use a conversion app simultaneously.
Use your tablet's camera to take photos of your culinary creations, building a personal cookbook over time.

Health and Fitness: Your Personal Wellness Coach

Track Your Workouts

Tablets can serve as excellent fitness companions, offering larger screens for following along with workout videos or analyzing your exercise data. Apps like MyFitnessPal provide comprehensive tools for tracking your diet and exercise, helping you maintain a holistic view of your health and fitness journey.

For cardio enthusiasts, apps like Strava or RunKeeper can use your tablet's GPS to track runs or bike rides, providing detailed metrics and maps of your routes. While you might not take your tablet on a run, these apps offer rich analysis features that are best viewed on a larger screen.

To enhance your fitness tracking experience:

Use your tablet to display real-time data from connected fitness devices like heart rate monitors or smart scales.
Follow along with YouTube workout videos or fitness apps that offer guided exercise routines.
Use your tablet's larger screen to analyze your performance data, identifying trends and areas for improvement.

Meditate and Practice Mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, tablets can paradoxically serve as tools for slowing down and cultivating mindfulness. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing exercises designed to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

The larger screen of a tablet can provide a more immersive experience for visualization exercises or nature scenes often used in meditation apps. The portability of tablets also allows you to create a meditation space anywhere in your home or even outdoors.

To optimize your tablet for meditation and mindfulness: