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? Here are a few smartphone uses that they might not tell you about at the local Verizon store!
Turn your smartphone into a remote control
There are dozens of apps that allow you to control your television and other media devices right from your phone screen. You can simply search for ‘remote’ in your favorite app store, or check with your cable provider to see if they have already installed an option that works with your device.
Use your smartphone as a GPS navigator
Once you have a smartphone, there is no need to buy another navigation device for your car. Use VZ Navigator, Google Maps or any number of other GPS apps to guide you from place to place. Some are display apps, requiring you to read or look at your screen, but others will speak the directions directly to you. Add a dashboard mount for your phone and you have your own portable GPS navigation system that will always be updated!
Share files on all your devices
We have all got used to sending smartphone files or photos to ourselves via email or SMS, but these days there is no need to do that. You can use cloud based storage services like Backup Assistant Plus, SkyDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud. Once you set up your account, all your devices and computers are automatically kept in sync.
Identify the unknown
Simply take a pic with your smartphone camera and identify a landmark, product, art piece, or so much more. Google’s mobile Google Goggles app is a great tool when you visit somewhere new and want to know the local history or the background on local landmarks. Kids can learn about a new culture by being able to use this tool on their travels.
Accept credit card purchases
Do you have your own small business? You can attach a Square credit card reader to your phone and scan credit cards wherever you are able to make a sale. This is great for those who spend summer months selling food or crafts at festivals.
Save on lighter fluid and hot thumbs
Remember the days of holding up a lighter at a concert? No need to waste lighter fluid or burn your thumb any longer. The Virtual Zippo lighter app has plenty of options to let you shine your smartphone at your next concert.
Did you learn something new? What are the unique ways you use your own smartphone?
I have been compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.