Repurposing 1st Generation iPad in 2023 | Keyboard Maestro + TouchOSC

Introduction

In a world where technology quickly becomes obsolete, many people find themselves with unused devices, such as the iPad. Surprisingly, since its launch in 2010, over 350 million iPads have been sold, with many now gathering dust in closets. If you've got an old iPad Mini or even the original iPad, you might feel frustrated by its limitations, like the inability to download popular streaming apps. However, there's hope! You can repurpose your old iPad by utilizing certain applications that are still available on the App Store.

You don’t need to jailbreak your device to breathe new life into it. If you're in possession of an old Apple device, this project will cost about $ 40, which is a lot more affordable than purchasing new tech. If you don’t already have an iPad, you might find a used one for an additional $ 30 to $ 50. Alternatively, you could also consider repurposing an old iPhone or iPod.

Getting Started

My name is Ben Hillman, and I am on a journey towards understanding digital awareness. In this article, I’ll share my experience with setting up my 1st generation iPad to assist with productivity through macro functionalities using apps like TouchOSC and Keyboard Maestro.

Initially, I acquired my iPad a few years ago for casual viewing—Netflix and Kindle were my go-to applications. However, as I delved into the world of macros and keyboard shortcuts, I saw a great opportunity to repurpose my device. Macro controllers like Loop Deck and Stream Deck are fantastic, but they can be expensive. Additionally, you can use various controllers, including old keyboards, for similar functions.

While researching, I stumbled upon a combination of apps that made it feasible to convert my iPad into a useful productivity tool. The apps I chose were TouchOSC for the iPad and Keyboard Maestro for my Mac. However, installing TouchOSC can be somewhat tricky, as it requires a minimum firmware version of 5.1.1. By using the same Apple ID, you can install the app on your old device after downloading it through a compatible one.

Setting Up the Apps

Once you have TouchOSC installed, you can make a connection via USB or Wi-Fi to Keyboard Maestro on your Mac. Keyboard Maestro has proven to be an invaluable tool for creating macros due to its dependability and one-time purchase model.

To create a macro on TouchOSC, follow these steps:

1. Open the OSC editor to create a new layout.
2. Choose your desired size and device setup.
3. Right-click and select 'Push Button' to generate a button.
4. Optionally, label the button for ease of use.
5. Assign a MIDI value and save your interface.
6. Transfer the layout file to your iPad via Finder.
7. On Keyboard Maestro, create a new macro and select a MIDI trigger based on your iPad button.

That's it! You've successfully linked your old iPad with Keyboard Maestro for a new productive workflow.

Practical Use Cases

In my experience, I’ve successfully set up several useful macros including:

• General Macros: Opening programs or linking to frequently visited web pages.
• Premiere Controls: Using specific colors to categorize audio, video, and images in editing software.
• Twitch Controls: Starting or stopping streams, switching scenes, or activating custom graphics.

By utilizing my old iPad alongside its companion apps, I have streamlined my productivity. This efficiency has saved me precious seconds during my editing process, which add up significantly over time.

Conclusion

Repurposing your old iPad is all about creativity and resourcefulness. This is just a glimpse into the possibilities; I encourage you to explore your options further. If you have any suggestions or questions, leave them in the comments below. Also, check out the provided affiliate links in the description if you're interested in the products I discussed. Remember to share this with anyone who might benefit from it!

Keywords

• Repurpose
• iPad
• TouchOSC
• Keyboard Maestro
• Macros
• Productivity
• Technology

FAQ

Q: Can I only repurpose an old iPad, or can I use other devices?
A: You can also use other Apple devices like old iPhones or iPods to achieve similar functionality.

Q: Is it necessary to jailbreak my iPad to use these apps?
A: No, you do not need to jailbreak your iPad; both TouchOSC and Keyboard Maestro can operate without it.

Q: What is the cost involved in repurposing an iPad?
A: If you already have an old iPad, this project will cost around $ 40. If you need to purchase one, you might find a used model for an additional $ 30 to $ 50.

Q: How do I set up TouchOSC with Keyboard Maestro?
A: After downloading the TouchOSC app on an appropriate iPad, you connect it to your Mac and create a macro in Keyboard Maestro tied to inputs from your iPad interface.

Q: What are some practical uses for my repurposed iPad?
A: You can set up macros for opening programs, controlling editing features in software like Premiere, and managing streaming setups for platforms like Twitch.