We
love our smartphones for texting, e-mail, web surfing, and yes, for even making
the occasional phone call! But did you know you can do so much more with your
smartphone? Built-in hardware features and thousands of apps are turning our
smartphones into everything from virtual wallets to handy tool kits.
Here
are just a few of the smartphone uses they might not tell you about at the
local phone store!
1.
Use your phone a remote control
Some
of the coolest apps in the App Store or the Android Market are the ones that
let you turn your smartphone into a remote control device. You can control
dozens of gadgets from your DVR to your computer to a high-end digital camera.
You can even impress your colleagues at work by using your iPhone as a remote
for PowerPoint or Keynote presentations.
2.
Get warnings about speed traps
Download
the Trapster app to get mobile alerts about upcoming speed traps,
hidden cameras, and other roadway hazards. You can also monitor your driving
speed and get early warnings of red lights and other potential dangers.
3.
Turn iTunes into your own karaoke playlist
Download
the Karaoke! app and you can sing along to your
favorite songs from your iTunes collection. Karaoke! magically removes the
vocals from any song. You can even record your own version using the Karaoke!
Studio feature.
4.
Pay for more than just Starbucks coffee
Google
Wallet allows you to store your credit card details on your smartphone,
together with special offers and other payment information. Just tap your phone
on the check-out reader and the transaction is automatically recorded. If you
don’t have a card from the participating banks, you can get the Google Prepaid
Card to make sure you can still enjoy cash-free shopping.
5.
Monitor your heart rate
Download Instant
Heart Rate by Azumio and use your smartphone's camera to measure your
pulse and calculate your heart rate. You can also measure your fat burning
ability and how quickly your heart rate recovers after exercise. Amazingly
accurate and reliable!
6.
Track your kids (or your spouse!)
Apps
like Find My iPhone and Verizon Family Locator allow you to
remotely check in on the whereabouts of another smartphone using GPS tracking.
Some apps will send alerts when a phone arrives at or leaves a designated area,
making it ideal for keeping an eye on the kids!
7.
Turn your phone into a handy carpenter’s tool
The iHandy
Carpenter app will turn your smartphone into a handy workman’s tool kit.
Use your phone as a plumb bob, a surface level, a bubble level bar, a steel
protractor to measure angles, and a ruler measuring both inches and
centimeters. Nice woodgrain and lighting effects make all the tools visually
appealing.
8.
Stitch photos together
Use Photosynth to
stitch photos together and create visual panoramas. You can create 360 degree
images to show off a house or an apartment or to construct stunning panoramic
views. It can even be used for 3D modeling.
9.
Stop yourself from making embarrassing phone calls
Ever
had one too many and thought about dialing an old boyfriend? Or phoning your
boss to tell him exactly what you think of him? TheDesignated Dialer app
can be used to lock you out of your phone or just from certain contacts, so you
don’t make those late night marriage-busting or job-losing calls. Unlocking it
requires passing a sobriety test, which includes a mini quiz and a display of
manual dexterity.
10.
Control the lives of remote tribesmen
Are
you benevolent or vengeful? Download the Pocket God app to control
the lives of pygmy tribesmen who live on a remote island. Bring them food and
nurture them – or throw them in the water to be eaten by sharks!. You
completely control their fate with your vast god-like powers!
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