The darker nights are the perfect excuse for battening down the hatches and enjoying some quality family time. But staying at home doesn’t have to be dull – our smartphones and tablets play a key role in helping us find new ways to come together with others and have fun. Check out our tips for keeping boredom at bay...
Let the games begin
The popular video-chatting Houseparty app has a fantastic selection of games you can play – ideal for including the grandparents in some family fun. Among our favourites is the guessing game Heads Up, and an app-friendly version of Pictionary. The Apple HomePod is also perfect for providing the tunes to hold your very own talent show over video call with its high-quality audio. Plus you can also use it to control your smart home, set up multi-room audio and use Siri to help settle those family arguments!
Make learning fun
Yes, screen time really can be good for kids. There’s an array of apps you can now download onto your iPad, which are entertaining yet educational. By using the iPad mini Wi-Fi 64GB for example, children can perfect their fine motor skills and learn typing and entertaining multi-touch navigation. BBC Bitesize (free, iOS and Android) has material for all ages and aims to make learning fun, while older children can learn how to make their own games thanks to Tynker Junior (free, Android and iOS), an app that makes computer coding accessible.
Check out: iPad mini, HomePod and Apple TV
Closer receives a commission for purchases made through this site
Closer iPad mini, HomePod and Apple TV
1 of 3iPad mini 7.9 inch Screen
2 of 3HomePod
3 of 3Apple TV
Bring A life-sized LION home!
Google’s new augmented reality feature allows you to use your smartphone (iPhones from the 6s model upwards) to beam moving 3D animals straight into your home. Simply Google search an animal that takes your fancy, such as a lion, on your smartphone, then scroll until you find the 3D feature which says “meet a life-sized African lion up close”. Click on it to allow access to your device’s camera – you’ll need to move your phone around until the animal is projected into your space. The state-of-the-art camera on the iPad will make it even more realistic, too. We had a go and our favourites were the lion, T-Rex and giant panda.
Have a cosy TV binge
With more time to spend at home, Apple TV +* will satisfy all your viewing needs. For £4.99 a month, you can watch Apple Original shows (with new ones added every month) exclusively on the Apple TV + app, and stream directly on your Mac, iPad or TV with your Apple TV. Meanwhile, Twoseven lets you watch videos and shows at the same time as family and friends. Using Chrome or Firefox on your Macbook, log on to twoseven.xyz and click “Get Started.”
Find out more...
Download and use these handy features to keep you entertained and improve skills while having fun on any Apple device. You can purchase a full assortment of Apple products, including Apple Macbook Air, iPhone SE and iPad mini, with optional monthly finance from etika – so it’s possible to get all the tech you need at a price that’s right for you! To purchase, or for more information, click here.
*Get a year’s free subscription to apple tv + with qualifying apple products.