Your phone already has lots of interesting features that you’ve probably never used. While some are already built into your phone, others call for downloading an app from the Play Store or the Apple Store.
Take a break from the constant social media scrolling and utilise your smartphone for something unique or more useful. Yes, your smartphone is capable of more than just making calls, sending texts, and posting to social media. That is fundamental. I bet you had no idea that your phone can measure your heart rate.
Here are 7 amazing things you never knew your smartphone could do;
Monitor your heart rate
Even with the abundance of smartwatches and fitness trackers available, it is feasible to track your heart rate using only your smartphone. By utilizing heart-rate monitoring apps, your smartphone’s rear camera and flash can be utilized to gauge the amount of blood flowing through your skin, employing a technique known as photoplethysmography. To obtain your results in a matter of seconds, simply position your finger over the camera and flash.
The heart-rate monitoring apps mentioned earlier are not typically pre-installed on smartphones, but they can be obtained by downloading them from your smartphone’s app store. To determine which app to download, I suggest visiting the app store and selecting a free app with the highest number of positive reviews. Regularly tracking your heart rate offers several advantages, such as gaining a better understanding of your body and being more attuned to its needs.
Start your car
Please note that your ability to utilize your smartphone as a key or car starter will rely entirely on the specific make, model, and year of your vehicle. Fortunately, many cars now offer this functionality, presenting two compelling reasons to make use of this feature. Firstly, you can conveniently start your car remotely from the comfort of your home. Secondly, you can set the desired car temperature before entering it, ensuring a comfortable environment.
To access this feature, I recommend researching your specific car model online to determine if there is an associated app available.
For instance, Ford provides an app called FordPass, enabling Ford car owners to unlock and lock their vehicles, start the car remotely, and even schedule remote starts through the app. Android devices also offer a feature called digital key on select smartphones, which can be utilized in conjunction with the car manufacturer’s app or the manufacturer’s email to transform your phone into a digital key.
Metal Detector
Discovering a buried treasure is highly improbable, but you can explore the App Store or Google Play to find various metal detector apps. These apps utilize the magnetometer present in most modern smartphones and can alert you through sounds or vibrations when your phone comes close to metal objects like needles, pins, or even valuable items such as rings or earrings that you may have accidentally dropped.
Battery tester for remote control
To determine if your TV remote control batteries are functional, you can launch the Camera app on your smartphone and switch to the front-facing selfie camera (in some cases, the rear camera may also work). Aim the remote control at the camera and press and hold any button on the remote. If everything is in working order, you will notice a flickering pinkish-purplish light emanating from the tip of the remote control. This light represents the infrared beam that transmits signals to your TV and other devices. If the light appears especially dim or if no light is visible, it may be time to replace the batteries in your remote control.
Scan QR codes without an App
Previously, it was necessary to have a dedicated QR code reader App installed on your phone. However, the process has become much simpler. Nowadays, if you own a smartphone, you can effortlessly scan a QR code by directing your camera towards it. The phone’s camera app automatically detects the QR code and provides a notification that allows you to access the corresponding product page or website with a single tap.
Detect your car troubles
If you’re hesitant to spend a significant amount of money on a mechanic just to find out that there’s nothing wrong with your car, there’s a solution available. An application called Automatic Pro is designed to address this situation. By downloading the app on your iPhone or Android device and obtaining the corresponding adapter, you can connect it to your car’s OBD-II port, typically situated near the lower part of the steering column.
Once the adapter is plugged in, the app offers several useful functionalities. It can assist you in remembering your parking location, identify engine issues through diagnostics, and even notify your loved ones in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Power on your lights at home
Want to instantly make your house safer and better lit? For that, an app exists. If you have wifi-enabled lightbulbs in your house, you can use the Amazon Alexa app to turn them all off at once to save energy or keep your property safe by making it appear occupied even when you’re not there.
