8 Surprising Smartphones Uses

We rely more on technology in our daily lives than ever before, and it’s hard to recall a time when we didn’t have smartphones in our pockets. But did you know that your device can be used for more than just texting, making calls and web browsing?

If you want to get more from your smartphone, we’ve rounded up a few of the creative ways you can use it, helping you save money that would otherwise be spent on similar gadgets while also enhancing your everyday routine. Read on to find out how you can better utilise your iPhone or Android device.

Want to enjoy the big-screen experience from the comfort of your own home? All you need is a portable smartphone projector. Sit back, relax and stream your favourite flicks or TV shows as they’re magnified and projected onto the wall. If you’re on a budget, then you can find DIY guides online for building your own projector with just a few household items.

Whether you want to listen to Taylor Swift’s latest album, get the party started at home or share your musical tastes with your friends (and neighbours), simply place your smartphone into an empty glass for a quick and easy speaker. The sonic effect is surprisingly good. Alternatively, shop our range of mobile-compatible speakers.

Did you know that every iPhone and Android device has a built-in voice recorder app? That means you can document everything from lectures and concerts – or simply leave yourself a handy audio reminder to pick up some bread at the supermarket. Search Apple’s App Store or Google Play for other voice recording apps that’ll tailor to your needs.

Travelling the world has never been easier thanks to smartphone technology. There are apps available for your device that can help you translate text, recorded speech or even a real-time conversation. Find out more about Google Translate on the App Store here and Google Play here.

Plus, if you are travelling in Europe, don’t forget: unlike the other major networks, we don’t charge anyone extra for EU roaming up to 25GB. So when you’re travelling in our Europe Zone, your data, minutes and text allowances will work just like they do at home, all year round.

No signal? No problem. WiFi Calling is a nifty feature that allows you to seamlessly take and make calls and send and receive texts as long as you’re connected to WiFi. And the best part is you can use this feature at no extra charge. Simply connect to your nearest WiFi source to get started.

Whether your WiFi at home is down or you’re struggling to connect online when you’re on the go, transform your phone into a personal hotspot with these easy steps:

iPhone

Go to Settings > Service > Mobile Data to switch on Personal Hotspot. If your devices aren’t already linked to your iCloud then turn on “Allow Others to Join” and follow the instructions.

Android

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering and turn on the WiFi hotspot. You can also search your device for “hotspot” or “tether”. Enter the network name and WiFi credentials into the WiFi settings of the gadget that you’re trying to connect.

Many smartphones come with clever safety features to help keep you and your loved ones safe. While these vary across devices, some of the most common features include location sharing, emergency detections, Medical IDs and Emergency SOS mode. There are also apps including One Scream, Hollie Guard, BSafe and WalkSafe that all help to aid your safety when you’re out and about.

While most of us have plenty of our favourite music stored on devices for entertainment on the move, you can also use them to read eBooks or listen to audio books wherever you are. Just download a suitable app to your phone such as the Amazon Kindle app (compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices) and get ready to enjoy browsing millions of titles at the tip of your fingers.

Published: 05 August 2024