1. Brew yourself a cup of coffee
Software designer Qualcomm has developed AllJoyn, “The Internet of Everything”, that allows you to control multiple devices from your smartphone. Any brand of phone can be connected using Qualcomm’s open source networking platform. Feel like brewing a fresh cup of coffee while lying in bed? Go ahead!
2. Instant Webcam
By downloading the App Mobiola, you can turn your smartphone into a webcam to use in conjunction with messaging applications like Skype, Google+. etc. If you have a Wi-Fi connections.
3. Start your Car
The Viper Smart Start app allows you to start your car remotely once the device has been installed in your car. You can warm the engine on a cold winter morning while finishing up breakfast in your kitchen. The Viper Smart Start is available on iOS, Android and Blackberry.
4. Measure things with your camera
There are many apps available now that allow you to measure things simply by pointing your camera at it. Great for settling those “Who is taller?” debates once and for all!
5. Augmented reality for home design
Some apps, like uDecore, allow you to view a real room in your house through your device’s camera, and using augmented reality, visualize different pieces of furniture and design elements.
6. Monitor your heart rate
Smart phones can be hearth smart too! Azumio’s Instant Heart Rate measures your hearth rate after you place your finger on your smartphone screen for a few seconds. The app, available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone, was awarded the Best Health and Fitness App in the Mobile Premier Awards in 2011.
7. Toss The Remote
Chances are, you’ve experienced the frustration of searching deep into the couch cusions looking for that lost remote. Search no longer by using ThinkFlood’s RedEye Mini infrared device. It is attached to your phone and allows you to control multiple devices at once!
8. The power of light
With Phillips “Hue” app and smart lightbulbs you can control the brightness and color of your lights from your smartphone. You can also turn your lights on or off remotely when you are away.
9. Scanner
Get rid of those crumpled receipts, business cards, and other miscellaneous papers crowding your wallet. Your smartphone can easily act as a personal scanner! Several apps will scan your papers using your phone’s camera, then store it to a contact in your phone. You can even scan in documents to quickly email as PDFs to get your work done on the go!
10. Unlock your phone
Unlocking your smartphone can serve unlimited purposes, such as; saving you money when you travel internationally, ability to use the phone of your choice on the carrier or your choice, possibility of combining two phone numbers into one phone, increase in resale value, and countless other advantages!
Alex Lim
Alex Lim is a certified IT Technical Support Architect with over 15 years of experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex IT systems and networks. He has worked for leading IT companies, such as Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco, providing technical support and solutions to clients across various industries and sectors. Alex has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the National University of Singapore and a master’s degree in information security from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also the author of several best-selling books on IT technical support, such as The IT Technical Support Handbook and Troubleshooting IT Systems and Networks. Alex lives in Bandar, Johore, Malaysia with his wife and two chilrdren. You can reach him at [email protected] or follow him on Website | Twitter | Facebook
