Believe me when I say you’re not using your mobile phone to its full capacity. We’ve moved well beyond calls and texts since the turn of the century, and the future’s bright.
Advanced camera features
Do you think cameras are just for taking pictures? Think again. Your smartphone has a range of advanced camera features that transform its function.
One of the major examples of this is augmented reality apps which connect images to AI technology, blending the physical with the digital. You can send a 3D scan of an object to the software, and it will identify key elements within the image. These are particularly useful around the home: you can diagnose problems with plants, check if pictures are straight and give rooms a full makeover in a matter of seconds.
Health monitoring
When connected to fitness trackers which also exist within the Internet of Things, your mobile phone can transform into a health monitoring device.
With your tracker recording your movements, your phone can gather consistent data related to your health from your daily step count and sleep quality to your average heart rate and stress levels. Apps can utilise this data to identify trends and make recommendations for improvements to your routine.
You can also use your phone to calculate your calories and optimise your workouts, helping you reach your health and fitness goals more quickly.
Smart home control
Smart technology such as voice-controlled devices has revolutionised our homes in the last decade. From smart TVs which enable programme streaming to thermostats which automatically adjust target temperatures in rooms, these devices are enhancing our lifestyle in a range of ways.
Using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, you can connect your phone to the devices for constant control. Whether you’re just comfortable on the sofa or stuck in the office, you can use your phone to give commands such as turning on lights or turning off the heating.
With the recent launch of video doorbells, you can also use your phone to monitor your home security and approve parcels from anywhere in the world.
Interactive entertainment
We all know that you can play games on your phone, but the variety might surprise you. Enjoy the fun of community classics from the comfort of your home with online bingo platforms or apps and digital casinos. Test your logic with single-player puzzles, or engage in multiplayer missions by connecting with like-minded people from around the world.
Entertainment options go beyond games too. Your smartphone is a music and podcast player, miniature television and digital book. There are apps to teach you new skills, from languages to home DIY. You can also access any website in the world, so the opportunities for learning are endless.
Andrea Bell is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter:@IM_AndreaBell
