If you've unwrapped a brand new tablet and are looking for the best apps to start with, try these. All are available for both iPad and Android tablets.
Entertainment
BBC iPlayer
Watch TV shows from the Beeb, or download them offline.
Spotify
Stream a big catalogue of music, create and share playlists, and get personal radio stations.
Kindle
Amazon's reading app synchronises your e-books across all devices.
Feedly
One of the most accessible news-reader apps to keep track of stories on your favourite sites.
Netflix
Like Spotify but for TV shows and films, with a single monthly subscription to watch what you like.
Games
Minecraft – Pocket Edition
Like digital Lego, this creative crafting game has been a hit with kids and adults alike.
The Room
A beautiful puzzle game that sees you exploring 3D objects in a room and solving riddles.
Clash of Clans
Deep and fulfilling strategy game that sees you building and defending a village while raiding other players.
Real Racing 3
Console-quality racing game with the ability to race your Facebook friends even if they're offline.
Angry Birds Star Wars II
Angry Birds has been a big app craze, and its latest Star Wars title will delight fans of either brand.
Kids
Toca Hair Salon 2
Playful digital toy that turns kids into hairdressers.
Endless Alphabet
Spelling made fun with the help of a band of mischievous monsters, and plenty of humour.
BBC CBeebies Playtime
Fun mini-games featuring characters from TV shows including Tree Fu Tom, Octonauts and Something Special.
The Snowman and the Snowdog Game
Channel 4's classic gets an 'endless runner' across the snowy UK landscape.
Mr Shingu's Paper Zoo
Origami-themed game where kids fold together a menagerie of digital animals, then keep them happy.
Social/tools
Facebook
Slick tablet-friendly version.
Twitter
Tablet users have become a sparky back-channel to TV shows and sports events.
Flipboard
Turn your social networks and news sites into a flippable digital magazine.
Wunderlist
Practical app that helps you manage your to-do lists from your tablet.
Quip
Useful tool for word processing, designed for collaboration with work colleagues at its heart. – guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media 2013