Smartphones have become incredibly advanced, with features far beyond calling, texting, and basic apps. In the past 20 years, the world has had the biggest evolution when it comes to technological developments. Modern smartphones have useful tools for productivity, entertainment, connectivity, and more. Here are eight things you may have yet to learn your smartphone is capable of.
Mobile Payment
Paying with your phone is more convenient than ever. Using your phone, you can now download apps to pay for things at stores securely. These apps link your payment info for a simple tap-and-pay experience. Many smartphones offer Near Field Communication or NFC technology, which lets you pay at NFC-enabled registers just by tapping your phone. NFC uses radio frequency identification to make secure payments.
Measure Distance and Height
There’s no need to carry measuring tape anymore. Augmented reality apps use your camera and motion sensors to measure objects. Point your camera to what you want to measure, and the app will determine the dimensions.
Certain smartphones have a built-in measuring tool that uses augmented reality to measure objects with your rear or front-facing camera. The tool provides an on-screen ruler for measurements of height, width, and depth.
Remote Control for Appliances
You can control many of your smart home appliances right from your phone. If you have smart appliances or devices, the associated apps on your phone can control them remotely. You can adjust the thermostat, turn lights on/off, control your security system, and more from your couch.
Some smartphones have built-in infrared or IR blasters that can control almost any infrared-enabled device, like AC units, TVs, media centres, and sound systems. You’ll need a third-party remote app that utilizes the IR blaster to start controlling appliances.
Translation and Language Learning
Your smartphone provides useful tools for communicating in different languages. These communication apps have become so advanced that you may even learn how to text an email without having to log in to your mail provider. Translation apps allow you to translate words, phrases, and speech between numerous languages.
Just speak or type what you want to translate; the app will provide the translation aloud or in text. Whether you’re learning Spanish or Mandarin, there are language-learning apps to help you master new languages. Apps offer lessons and tutorials to build your vocabulary and learn proper pronunciation and grammar.
Document Scanning and Management
Leave the paper documents behind. Scanning apps use your phone’s camera to capture images of documents, whiteboards, receipts, and more. The apps automatically detect edges and crop images before enhancing and sharpening the scan. Scanned files are saved to your camera roll or a cloud service. Many scanning apps integrate with popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. That allows you to scan documents directly into the cloud for access across devices.
Health Monitoring
Your phone contains useful features for tracking and managing your health. There are apps for monitoring exercise, sleep, nutrition, and general wellness. Advanced apps utilize your phone’s sensors and cameras to track steps taken, distance travelled, calories burned, and even heart rate.
Certain smartphones have built-in health and wellness features. That may include a heart rate monitor, an oximeter for measuring blood oxygen levels, and tools for tracking screen time, sleep, and more. These tools provide an overview of your activity and health insights on your phone.
Mobile Photography Tricks
The high-quality cameras in today’s smartphones allow you to capture stunning photos and videos. Third-party camera apps offer extra features beyond the default camera on your phone. That includes options like manual controls for granular adjustments, filters, and effects, timelapse, panorama, macro, and slow-motion modes.
After shooting, photo and video editing apps let you modify and enhance your captures. You can crop, adjust lighting and colour, add filters and effects, combine multiple clips, and more to produce professional results.
Augmented Reality (AR) Gaming
Augmented reality gaming on your phone overlays digital images and information onto your real-world environment. Download apps that utilize AR technology for an interactive gaming experience. These games blend animation and graphics with your surroundings as displayed on your phone’s screen.
You’ll need a smartphone with certain specifications, like a depth-sensing or stereoscopic camera, motion sensors, and adequate processing power to play AR games. iPhones and higher-end Android phones typically work best for AR gaming.
Conclusion
Smartphones today are capable of so much more than communication and basic utilities. With robust tools for productivity, connectivity, creativity, and entertainment, smartphones have become integral to managing our lives and businesses.
Leveraging the capabilities of your phone can help simplify your world and unlock new possibilities. The next time you’re stuck in a situation without your laptop or measuring tape, remember that your smartphone may have just the needed features.
Also, read:Â 5 Good Smartphone Brands With Their Own Issues
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