Do you feel your smartphone is just a tool for making phone calls and scrolling through Instagram? If so, you're missing out on many impressive (and powerful) features. Your smartphone is a pocket-sized computer. And like any suitable computer, it packs a lot of features and capabilities you might not even know about.
This blog post will detail 11 cool things your smartphone can do in this blog post. From diagnosing car troubles to checking battery levels, your smartphone can do it all (almost)! Keep reading to learn more about the impressive capabilities of your mobile device.
Did you know your smartphone could help you diagnose car trouble? If your check engine light comes on, your phone can often tell you the problem. Just download an OBD-II reader app and plug it into your car's diagnostic port (usually located under the dash). The app can then give you a code corresponding to your car's specific problem.
You can also use your smartphone to check your car's battery levels. Download a battery monitoring app and connect it to your car's battery. The app will then show you the current battery level and how much charge is left.
It isn't just car batteries your phone can check, though! Your smartphone can also act as a battery tester for remote controls. To do this, you'll launch the camera on your smartphone. Then, place your remote control on the camera and press and hold any button. If everything is in order, you should observe a pinkish-purplish flicker from the end of the remote control, the infrared beam that communicates with your TV and other equipment. Replace the batteries in your remote control if the flickering light is exceptionally faint or there is no visible light.
If you have a smartphone with an infrared blaster, you can use it as a remote control for your TV, sound system, and other appliances. Simply download a remote control app like AnyMote Smart Remote and point your phone at the device you want to control. You'll be able to change the channel, adjust the volume, and more. And if you lose your remote somewhere in your couch cushions, you can always use your smartphone as a replacement.
(Note: iPhone’s do not currently have IR blasters, but you can buy an IR blaster for iPhones that plug into their lightning port)
Your smartphone can come in handy when it comes to reducing food waste. Food tracking apps available (including Best Before) can give you a heads up about the food or drinks you have that are expiring soon.
Your smartphone can also be used to monitor your heart rate. Many apps available can track your heart rate, and many of them use your phone's built-in camera to do so. To use one of these apps, simply place your finger over the camera lens and hold it there for a few seconds. The app will then use the sensors in the camera to calculate your heart rate.
If your home WiFi is giving you trouble, there's a good chance your smartphone can give it a boost. Many newer smartphones come equipped with technology that allows them to act as a WiFi hotspot, and by enabling this feature, you can use your phone to provide internet access for all your other devices. This can be a real lifesaver when your router is on the fritz, or you're on-the-go and need to get online.
To enable this feature on an iPhone, head to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot. For Android users, the process will vary depending on your device and carrier, but you should be able to find the hotspot option in the settings menu. Once it's turned on, you can connect your other devices to your phone's WiFi signal just like they would any other router.
Are you sorting through old photos? Then you might be happy to hear you can scan and digitize your film negatives using your smartphone. This is a great way to archive your photos and make them digital so you can edit them on your computer. All you need is a negative scanner attachment (there are plenty of options for under $50) for your phone, which you can find online or at some camera stores.
Another cool thing your smartphone can do is charge other devices. If you have a friend with a dead phone, you can use your charger to give them some juice. All you need is a USB OTG cable—this allows your phone to act as a power source. Just be sure your phone is fully charged before you start sharing the love.
(If your smartphone isn't charging as well as it used to, take a look at this post for some troubleshooting tips)
If you want to know if there are any hot spots on your electrical panel or if you want to check for a drafty spot in your window, your smartphone can do the trick. Just download a thermal camera app and point it at the area in question. These apps use the phone's built-in camera sensor to measure infrared light waves and give you a reading of the temperature.
Some apps will even let you take pictures and videos of what you're seeing so that you can show them to an expert.
If you're hanging pictures or shelves and need a quick way to ensure they're perfectly level, your smartphone can help. Just download a spirit level app (several different available) and rest your phone on whatever surface you're trying to level. The app will tell you whether or not the surface is level.
Repair itself! That's what we're here for, though. So, if you find yourself with a cracked iPhone screen, a broken charging port, or another smartphone woe, trufyx is here to help.
These are just a few of the cool things your smartphone can do. With the right apps, your smartphone can be a powerful tool for diagnosing car troubles, checking battery levels, monitoring heart rates, and more. What other cool things can your smartphone do? Please share them with us in the comments below!
Once a month, stay-in-the-know kind of relationship.