We all know our smartphones can make telephone calls, send and receive text messages, take and share photographs, and even play some games and help out with work. There is really so much more than many have not yet realized their smartphone can also do. Here are ten unique uses for your smartphone.
- Remind Yourself
Use your smartphone camera to snap quick pics of anything you need to remember. Take a photo of the parking lot level you are on. Instead of tearing off a phone number tab on a flyer, instead snap a photo of the entire flyer so you have the phone number and all the details. Need to purchase more of a very particular item? Take a photo of the package you already have so you can match it up exactly in the store regardless of how many varieties they have. That last tip is great for sending husbands to the store for you too! - TV Remote
So we all seem to misplace our remote controls for the TV. Personally, I think the couch grabs them and hides them on us on purpose and then laughs when we can’t find them. As much as we lose the remote, most of us do not misplace our smartphones. Download an app for your phone that turns it into a remote control for your TV! Your options will vary depending on your TV and your smartphone. Search “remote control” or “TV remote” in your favorite app store for options. - Deposit a Check
Many banks (and PayPal) now offer you the ability to take a photo of the front and endorsed back of a check and have it deposited into your banking account. Check your banks website to see if they offer this service. It is super handy and saves you a trip to the bank. - Sound Machines
Hubby likes to play common ringtones in public places to see how many people reach for their phones to see if someone is calling. You can download apps with sounds for applause, cheering, booing, laughter and such to annoy/amuse your friends. And yes, there are even fart noise apps if you find that funny. - Mirror, Mirror
There are two different ways to use your smartphone as a mirror. If you have a rear-facing camera just open the app and turn the display to see yourself. if you do not have the rear-facing camera just hold your camera out backwards and snap a photo of yourself and then look at it. Instant mirrors anywhere. - Scavenger Hunt
Do you remember going on scavenger hunts and having to collect a bunch of odd things? Instead of bugging people to give you things, now you can just bug them to take a photo of it. When the teams return go through the photos to see who found the most items. Tip – make sure each team only uses one device. - GPS for Driving or Walking
Since many have GPS built into their car, sometimes the GPS ability of our smartphones are forgotten. The map apps really do a great job though if you need them. If you will be using this in your car regularly get yourself a mount for your dashboard. Don’t forget about using the GPS when you are walking too – switch the app so that it knows you are walking and it will help you around the city. - Save Your Thumbs
Headed to a concert? No need to take a lighter to wave during the ballads any longer. Download the Zippo Lighter app instead and save your thumbs from burning holding up that hot lighter. - Digital Tape Measure
We always are misplacing tape measures. No need to worry now, there are several tape measure apps available. Aim your phone and digitally take your measurements and save them to your phone. Perfect for trips to the hardware or paint store. - What Is That?
Visual Search is progressing and with Bing Vision or Google Goggles it is possible to point your smartphone camera at an object and instantly find out what it is. While it does not work for everything under the sun, it still is very clever and great when traveling I think.
What are the unique ways that you use your smartphone?
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© 2012, Robyn Wright. All rights reserved.
