Learn How to Get the Most out of Your Smartphone

20 December, 2019 Smartphones

smartphone-does-everything


For most of us today, our phones have become part of our very being.  We actually feel quite bereft if we forget our phone at home, and are likely to return home to pick it up, rather than be without it all day.  Most people in the western world own a smartphone and are spending many hours of the day using them or some other digital device of their choice.  Incredibly, in spite of the amount of time we spend on our phones, there are a number of features that most people, even those really quite techie types, are not aware of.


There are some really useful features that we could be utilizing to make our lives easier and more comfortable but are not even aware of. Some of these features will really help to improve your life and make having a smartphone even more essential.  While your phone can be a lot of fun and can be used to play at SlotoCash Casino, it can also help you to get home safely or to measure and make sure you have aligned your painting correctly.


Scan QR Codes without using an App


It used to be that you had a QR (Quick Response for commercial tracking application) reader app on your phone. Now you don't need a specialized app to do this.   You can just direct your iphone camera at a QR code and it will scan it automatically.   Using your camera app you will then be directed straight to the product or website.  This can also be done in a similar fashion but by opening a Google app on an Android.


Custom Vibrations


Some people want to know immediately if an urgent message is waiting for them but don't want to have to access their phone every moment of the day. You can create vibrations that will let you know if the particular message is urgent or not.


First, go into your Settings on your iphone and then click on Sounds. From here go into Ringtone and at the top it will say Vibration. Click on this and scroll down until you find Create New Vibration.   From here you are now able to create a specific vibration and connect it to any contact you wish.  Now you can ascertain whether a message is urgent or not.  


Search Photos by Category


image-gallery-search


Trying to locate a particular photo can be really frustrating. But using the search function at the top of your Photo App you can locate it easily by category. For instance, if you are searching for that great photo you took of the Eiffel Tower on your visit to Paris,  just write the word "Paris" and it should just pop up.


Identifying problems with Your Car


If you are having issues with your car, there is an app that can possibly help you avoid paying for a mechanic to figure it out.   It's called the Automatic Pro app. You will need an adaptor to enable it to be plugged into your car's ODB-II port.    This will let you know if you have indeed got some problem with the engine.  The app can also locate your car, if say, your teenager is driving or if you have forgotten where you parked. 


Check the Batteries on a Remote Control 


By directing your remote control to the front facing camera of your phone and pressing any button you will be able to see if the batteries are still functioning.  If you see the infrared light flashing on the remote, the batteries are still good.


Watch Your Favorite Program on Your TV


tv-on-smartphone


This great feature is subject to your having an Apple TV.  You can transfer what you are watching from your iPhone to your TV screen.   You have screen mirroring on your iPhone.  Just click on this while standing close to your TV.  You may be asked to enter your Airplay passcode and you're all set to go.


Be Safe While Walking Home


Walking home alone can be scary but there are ways to make your journey home safer.   The bSafe app which is good for iPhones and Android allows for certain contacts to track your location, can set a timer to activate a distress call to your designated contact within a certain time frame and can also schedule fake calls so you look like you are actually speaking with someone.


Updating Siri's Pronunciation


To change the way Siri's pronouncing certain words is really easy.  Ask Siri to pronounce a word that you know she consistently gets wrong.  Tell her at that point that she is pronouncing it wrong.   You'll be asked to say the word correctly after which you'll be given a list of options to update Siri's pronunciation.


Turning on your House Lights


This is a great feature to keep your home safe and at the same time to save energy.  You will need to have wifi enabled bulbs for the Amazon Alexa app to work.  At the touch of a button you are able to control the lights in your home.


Shortcuts : Texts and Emoji's


If you are someone who is forever texting and get frustrated with how long it can take, you can create text replacement shortcuts on your phone.  Just go into your Settings, click on Keyboard and then Text Replacement.  After pressing the + sign you can then create the things you want in shorthand or using Emojis. Next time you text using those phrases, the Emoji or word will show up.


Hanging Your Picture Straight


Making sure you are hanging your picture straight is simple when you use the Bubble Level app.   No need to have a real level in your back pocket. This app will do the trick.


Sleep Better By Dimming


phone-too-bright


The brightness of the home screen on your phone can keep you awake.  You are able to reduce the light by using Grayscale.  In phone settings, click on Accessibility, then Display Accommodations and choose Color Filters.  You can then enable grayscale. This dimming affect makes the light of the screen less startling. 


Measuring your Blood Alcohol Level


Using the BACtrack breathalyzer which connects with an app on your phone you are able to check the amount of alcohol you have consumed. Think safety first.  Better to be safe than sorry.


Undoing Mistakes with a Shake


With your iPhone it is possible to just shake your phone and an option to "undo' your text will pop up.  You can do this with an Android but you do have to have the module to enjoy this feature.


Clear Your Screen of Apps in one Fell Swoop


You don't have to go into every single app opened in order to close them down.  You can swipe up using your whole hand and the whole lot will disappear in one go.   The app KillApps will perform the same task for an Android.  


Car Security


Using an app like ViperStartSmart you can lock and unlock your car and even start the car using your phone from a distance.  It is also possible to detect problems with the car using this app.


Drive Safely


Avoid looking down at your phone when using the GPS while driving. There are great apps for iPhone and Android that project directly onto a dash-mounted screen.  No need to be distracted by looking down. Keep your eyes on the road.  


Quick Charge


quick-charge


If you are in a hurry to charge your phone, you will be surprised to learn that by enabling Airplane Mode your phone will charge in half the time.


Which Planes are Flying Overhead


If you are wondering which planes are flying over your head, just ask Siri. You can learn which airline it is and also the angle and altitude of the plane.


Checking your Heart Rate


Today with our busy schedules it is hard to fit everything in.  However, some things are really important.  With the Instant Heart Rate app, connected to your phone you are able to monitor your heart rate during the day and even during your workout to see how your heart is doing.   

 

Description

youmobileorg
Posts: 8385





© 2023 YouMobile Inc. All rights reserved