If the gifts you unwrapped December 25 included some of the latest and greatest technology, then you'll be itching to get to grips with them before you can even rip off that plastic packaging.
But whether - like an awful lot of families - you unwrapped a sparkling new tablet computer, or you received a PC or even a new Smart TV, there are apps and tricks that can unlock the best in your new toy.
Below are a few of the cleverest tricks for getting the most out of new techno-toys this Christmas.
But whether - like an awful lot of families - you unwrapped a sparkling new tablet computer, or you received a PC or even a new Smart TV, there are apps and tricks that can unlock the best in your new toy.
Below are a few of the cleverest tricks for getting the most out of new techno-toys this Christmas.
Android Phone/Tablet
If you got an Android device as a present, then SwiftKey should be the first thing you download. It makes touchscreen typing far easier than with Google's own keyboard, learning the way you talk and type to make messaging and documenting far quicker and easier.
Celebrity fans include Stephen Fry and best of all, it's British-created. Its makers say SwiftKey is the "best-selling" Android app of 2012, having spent more days top of the paid-for chart than anything else. That alone should give you some indication of just how useful and popular it is.
Apple TV
At under £100, this little black box is a great buy. It will allow you to connect online and download some of the best content that's available from iTunes - everything from movies and TV shows to music - to watch or listen to via your TV. But if you own one of the latest Apple Mac computers or an iOS device, the neatest trick for Apple TV is to Mirror what's shown on the mobile product's screen or computer display. It's ace for playing movies stored on your iPod touch on a larger screen or playing games from your iPad with a bigger view. AirPlay functionality also allows you to show off photos, videos and other content.
Wii U
Explore the Miiverse. When the Wii first game out, one of the most fun aspects was creating a little avatar to represent you, using the Mii creator. On the Miiverse, you can connect with other players from across the world and share thoughts and content with others in the Nintendo community. You can also use the touch screen on the innovative GamePad to send handwritten messages and pictures.
iPhone 5
If you have not yet downloaded Google Maps for your iPhone 5, then treat yourself to the most useful tech present this Christmas. Ever since Apple launched its own mapping service on the device, there have been complaints about their accuracy. Google finally gave in to demands and launched a specific iOS 6 map app of its own and it's led to iPhone users across the world breathing a huge sigh of relief - and finding their way around a lot more easily.
iOS Devices
If you own an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac computer then iCloud is a must. Apple's back-up and sharing service connects up every one of their devices you own meaning files you edit in one place are instantly updated in another. Or pictures you snap on your iPhone appear on your MacBook without you having to press a button - assuming you're connected to the internet. You can also now open shared Photo Streams with other iOS users so they see what you see, seconds after you've snapped it.
Apple iMac/MacBook
It's not just iOS devices that have an App Store - the Mac computer has one too. There are hundreds of pieces of software to download ranging from productivity suites to games to time-saving programs that keep your organised. It's well worth spending a couple of hours trawling through during your holiday downtime and like the mobile equivalent, there's plenty that's free too, not just stuff you need to pay out for.
Smart TV
OK, you're unlikely to receive a smart TV as a present this Christmas but you may well buy one in the sales as a gift to yourself. Obviously you'll need to connect it to the internet to get the most from it but often the cheaper models do not come with Wi-Fi as standard. Instead you have to buy a separate wireless dongle from the same manufacturer. But a better way to ensure a more stable and faster connection is to invest in some Homeplugs. You plug one into the socket by your router and another by the TV, connecting them together using Ethernet cables. A more reliable broadband signal is then sent around the house via the earth wiring. Having one near the TV also means you can double up its use, plugging it into a satellite box or games console too, depending on what you are using at the time.
Digital Camera
Planning on taking loads of pictures at post-Christmas parties and New Year bashes? That's great but what happens if you lose the memory card or your hard drive crashes. Back up all your snaps to an online service such as Dropbox. You can get 2GB of space for free or sign up to the paid-for accounts for more. You can even earn extra storage simply by recommending the free account to your friends. When they sign up, you earn a referral bonus, paid in megabytes.
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