February 21, 2024

19 Surprising Features Your Smartphone Can Do!

Battery Tester for Remote Controls:

Utilize your smartphone's Camera app to check the batteries in your TV remote. Switch to the front-facing camera and point the remote at it. Press and hold any button on the remote. If the batteries are still good, you'll see a pinkish-purplish light flickering from the remote's tip. Replace the batteries if the light is dim or nonexistent.

Calculator:

Open the Calculator app to perform basic math functions. Rotate the phone to access the scientific calculator for more advanced actions, such as square roots and trigonometric functions.

Document Scanner:

iPhone: Open the Notes app and select Scan Documents. Place the document in view and scan it. Adjust the edges if needed and save the scan as a PDF.

Android (Samsung Galaxy): Open the Camera app, position the document, tap the yellow "T" button, adjust the scanning area, and tap Scan. You can then save the scan as an image or PDF.

Emergency Broadcast System:

iPhone: Receive Amber Alerts and other emergency alerts by default. You can manage these alerts in Settings | Notifications.

Android: Customize the types of emergency alerts you receive in Settings | Notifications | Wireless Emergency Alerts.

Flashlight:

Access the Flashlight icon in the Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner on newer phones) to turn on the flashlight. You can also adjust its brightness to suit your needs.

Foreign Language Translator:

iPhone: Use Apple's Translate app to translate text, voice, or conversations. Choose from a wide range of languages and translate in real-time.

Android: Download Google Translate to translate text, voice, or conversations. The app supports over 100 languages and offers offline translation for selected languages.

GPS Navigation System:

Use apps like Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps for navigation. These apps provide turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and points of interest along your route.

Kitchen Timer:

Open the Clock app and tap Timer. You can set multiple timers, label them, and receive notifications when they expire. Additionally, you can use the Stopwatch feature or check the time in different cities around the world.

Library:

Access digital books through apps like Hoopla, Libby, or Project Gutenberg. Borrow e-books with your library card and read them on your smartphone.

Magnifying Glass:

iPhone: Use the Magnifier app to zoom in on small text. Adjust the brightness and contrast for better visibility.

Android: Open the Camera app and "unpinch" to magnify fine print. You can also use third-party magnifying apps for more features.

Metal Detector:

Download metal detector apps from the App Store or Google Play to detect metal objects using your phone's magnetometer. These apps can be useful for finding lost items or exploring your surroundings.

Pedometer:

iPhone: Use the Health app to track your steps automatically. Set daily goals and monitor your progress over time.

Android: Use Google Fit or Samsung Health to track your steps and set fitness goals. View your step count for the day, week, or month.

QR Code Reader:

iPhone: Open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. Tap on the notification to open the link associated with the code.

Android: Open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. Tap on the notification that appears to open the link. You can also use QR code scanner apps for additional features.

Radio:

Listen to on-the-air or online-only radio stations using apps like Audacy, iHeartRadio, Pandora, or TuneIn. Discover new music, news, and podcasts on your smartphone.

Tape Measure:

iPhone: Use the Measure app to measure objects using augmented reality. Tap the screen to place points and measure distances accurately.
Android: Use third-party apps like Samsung's Quick Measure to measure objects using your phone's camera. These apps provide precise measurements and additional features for advanced users.

Video Camera:

iPhone: Open the Camera app and swipe to the Video option. Record videos in different modes, including slow motion and time-lapse.
Android (Samsung Galaxy): Swipe to the Video option in the Camera app. Access additional shooting modes for different video effects, such as hyperlapse and super slow motion.

Voice Recorder:

iPhone: Use the Voice Memos app to record and manage recordings. Edit recordings, add bookmarks, and share them with others.
Android: Use voice recording apps from the Google Play Store. Some apps offer automatic transcription and cloud storage for your recordings.

Weather Forecaster:

Use the Apple Weather app or third-party weather apps on iOS and Android to check the weather forecast. Get hourly updates, severe weather alerts, and detailed forecasts for your location.

Digital Wallet:

iPhone: Use the Apple Wallet app for Apple Pay, digital cards, and tickets. Add boarding passes, movie tickets, and rewards cards for easy access.

Android: Use Google Pay for digital passes and payment cards. Securely pay in stores, online, and in apps using your phone's digital wallet.