Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, but it can still be easy to overlook their potential beyond conventional uses like talking on the phone, watching videos, taking photos and videos, and browsing the internet. However, these pocket-sized powerhouses are capable of so much more. This Techspert column will cover five lesser-known – yet intriguing – ways to leverage your smartphone capabilities.

#1 Document Scanner 🖨️

Say goodbye to bulky scanners and tedious scanning processes. With just a few taps, your smartphone can effortlessly digitize documents, receipts, and notes. Most smartphones come with a pre-installed scanner app, and many other options are available for download on iOS and Android platforms. Using a scanner app allows you to capture high-quality scans, enhance text readability, and even convert scanned documents into editable formats like PDF or Word.

#2 Digital Microscope 🔬

With the help of a simple macro lens attachment, you can transform your smartphone into a powerful digital microscope. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, hobbyist, or just curious about the world around you, this accessible gadget allows you to explore the microscopic details of flowers, insects, or even food items. Capture stunning close-up images and gain a whole new perspective on the intricacies of the world. Macro lenses are available online within a variety of price ranges.

#3 Personal Safety Gadget 🛡️

Enhance your safety with versatile smartphone apps designed to protect you. From discreetly alerting trusted contacts in case of emergencies to providing real-time location tracking and even emitting a loud alarm to deter potential threats, these apps offer peace of mind wherever you go. Whether walking alone at night or exploring unfamiliar areas, having your smartphone as a safety companion can be a lifesaver.

#4 Convenient Toolbox 🧰

Forget rummaging through your toolbox for a measuring tape, compass, metal detector, etc. With augmented reality (AR) apps, your smartphone can now be a reliable measuring tool. AR apps go far beyond measuring distances, some can be used for virtual home interior design, gaming, previewing furniture in your home before purchase, etc.

Other apps use your phone’s magnetometer sensor to detect fluctuations in the magnetic field, potentially indicating the presence of metal objects nearby. Thanks to the same magnetometer sensor, you no longer need to buy a compass should you ever need one. Your phone already has one pre-installed.

#5 Plant Care Assistant 🪴

Have a green thumb but struggle to keep your plants healthy? Your smartphone can come to the rescue with plant care apps that provide personalized tips and reminders based on your plants’ needs. With the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, many plant care apps now only need a picture to detect the type of plant, diagnose any defect or problem, and offer guidance on watering schedules, sunlight requirements, and even fertilization techniques to help keep our plants healthy and beautiful.

Want to learn more about tech tools for gardening? Keep an eye out for Senior Planet’s next Gardening Tech At a Glance online lecture by visiting our online class schedule here. In the meantime, consider joining the Senior Planet Community group Gardening Club to engage with other plant lovers.

Your turn

With millions of apps available for iOS and Android, the smartphone applications above merely scratch the surface of its boundless potential. In the comment section, let us know a few uncommon ways you use your smartphone. 📱

Techspert Jonathan is Senior Planet’s Sr. Digital Community Relations and Product Specialist and a former Senior Planet San Antonio technology trainer. He is also an iOS developer with a background in Information Systems and Cyber Security.

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