16 Things You Probably Never Realized You Can Do With Your Smartphone
That phone in your pocket is a pretty amazing thing and it seems like smartphones just keep getting cooler every year. Just a few decades ago, chatting with someone across the globe while walking in the park sounded like total sci-fi. Now? It’s just another Tuesday! But wait, there’s more. Your phone is packed with features you probably haven’t even discovered yet. Curious to see what else that little device in your pocket can do? Keep reading for some seriously awesome smartphone tricks you might not know about!
Act as a Measuring Tape
Did you know that your smartphone can double as a measuring tape? With augmented reality (AR) technology, many smartphones now have built-in measuring apps. These apps allow you to measure objects and distances by simply pointing your camera at them. This feature can be a game-changer for home improvement projects or when shopping for furniture, making you feel efficient and resourceful. It’s a perfect example of how versatile smartphones have become.
Monitor Your Heart Rate
Your smartphone can monitor your heart rate, providing valuable health insights with just a touch. Apps like Samsung Health and Google Fit utilize your phone’s camera and LED light to detect your pulse from your fingertip. This technology allows you to measure your heart rate anytime at home, at the gym, or on the go. By regularly tracking your heart rate, you can monitor your fitness levels and detect any irregularities early on. This feature transforms your phone into a convenient health tool, contributing to better personal health management.
Help Find Lost Items
If you frequently misplace items, your smartphone can be a great help. You can attach small devices to your keys, wallet, or other belongings with Bluetooth trackers. These trackers sync with your phone, and help locate lost items through an app. Some smartphones also have built-in find-my-phone features to help users find lost or stolen devices. This feature can save you ample time and frustration.
Translate Languages in Real-Time
Visiting a foreign country or communicating with someone from a different language can be challenging. However, your smartphone can help bridge the language gap with real-time translation apps. You can get instant translations by simply speaking into the phone or pointing the camera at text. This feature can be a lifesaver in unfamiliar settings, making travel and communication much smoother. More importantly, it’s a powerful tool for fostering global connections, making you feel more connected and engaged.
Manage Your Smart Home
With the advent of smart home technology, your smartphone can empower you to control many smart devices. You can manage everything from your phone, lighting and thermostats, security cameras, and door locks. Such apps provide seamless integration, giving you remote control over your home environment. This enhances convenience and security, making your smartphone the central hub for your smart home ecosystem.
Function as a Portable Scanner
Gone are the days of needing a separate device to scan documents. Your smartphone’s camera and apps can scan documents, business cards, and even whiteboards. These apps enhance image quality, convert scans into PDFs, and allow you to share or store them digitally. This makes handling paperwork more manageable and portable. It’s a practical tool for both personal and professional use.
Identify Plants and Animals
Have you ever been curious about a plant or animal you encountered? Your smartphone can help you identify them with ease. With apps, you can take photos and instantly get information about the species. This feature is fantastic for nature enthusiasts or anyone looking to learn more about their surroundings. It’s like always having a pocket-sized naturalist guide with you.
Monitor Air Quality
Did you know your smartphone can help you monitor air quality, providing real-time updates on air pollution levels in your area? With sensors and apps, your phone can be a valuable tool for those with respiratory conditions or allergies. You can plan your outdoor activities based on the air quality index to ensure you stay healthy, bringing relief in urban environments and making you feel more secure and healthy.
Measure Sound Levels
If you’re curious about the noise levels around you, your smartphone can act as a sound level meter. Apps use your phone’s microphone to measure the decibel levels of your environment. This can help you determine if a space is too loud and potentially harmful to your hearing. It’s also helpful in setting home theaters or ensuring a quiet workspace. This feature transforms your phone into a handy tool for managing sound environments.
Project Holograms
While it sounds like science fiction, some smartphones are capable of projecting holograms with the help of special attachments. Devices like the Holho and apps that use your phone’s screen to create 3D holographic images can bring this technology to life. It’s a fun and innovative way to display images, videos, and even 3D models. Although it’s still a niche feature, it’s an exciting glimpse into the future of smartphone capabilities. This feature showcases the potential for interactive and immersive visual experiences.
Detect Metal
Your smartphone’s magnetic sensor can also serve as a metal detector. Apps like Metal Detector use your phone’s built-in sensors to detect metal objects. This can be useful for finding lost metal items like keys or coins around the house. While it’s not as powerful as a dedicated metal detector, it’s a fun and handy feature to have at your disposal. It’s interesting how your phone’s hardware can be used unexpectedly.
Act as a Digital Magnifier
Have you ever struggled to read small print or examine tiny details? Your smartphone can help by acting as a digital magnifier. With apps like Magnifying Glass + Flashlight or even built-in features in some phones, you can use your camera to zoom in on small text or objects. This can be incredibly useful for reading menus in dimly lit restaurants, inspecting fine print on documents, or even looking at small components in DIY projects. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that makes your smartphone an essential companion in everyday life.
Detect Allergens
A group of scientists at UCLA developed an app that would allow your phone to scan a food and then assess it’s contents, looking for common allergens. In tests, the phone was able to detect things like eggs, peanuts, and even gluten. It scans the image, measuring in parts per million, as it searches for common ingredients that people are allergic to. This may be a huge game changer for anyone with a food allergy and definitely one of the cooler things a smartphone can do to make your life easier.
Track Your Pet
If you have a smartphone, you never have to worry about losing your pet ever again. You can simply link your phone to a GPS collar that you attach to your pet. The collar will send real-time information to your phone so you always know where your pet is. You can also choose to get your pet microchipped, giving even more reliable data about their whereabouts. Some advanced trackers also provide activity data, helping you keep an eye on your pet’s health and exercise levels. Owning a pet and a smartphone seems like the best life ever!
Start Your Car
Okay, we are not going to lie. This skill is quite useless, especially if you have your keys. Yet, it’s still quite incredible that our smartphones can do this! Of course, this doesn’t work for all cars, but new models often offer this feature. You may use this trick to start your car while you’re still at home and set the right temperature so you won’t freeze on the first minutes of your drive to work.
Identify Songs
Your smartphone’s ability to identify songs is like having a music genius in your pocket. There are apps and also built-in features that can help you can instantly figure out the name of a catchy tune playing at a café or on the radio. It’s perfect for discovering new music without the frustration of trying to remember random lyrics. Just tap, let your phone listen, and boom! You’ve got the song and artist at your fingertips! You’ll never have to wonder about a song ever again.
We are so habituated to smartphones that we are unaware of the powerful features that can go beyond making calls and sending texts. By making the most of these hidden capabilities, you can improve your day-to-day life and make your phone usage even more effective. This blog post might have helped you understand that the smartphone lying in your pocket is versatile.
