After purchasing a new phone, the question often arises: what to do with the old gadget? It has a scratched body and a crack on the screen, but the device is still viable – the cameras are working, the battery holds a charge. Don’t rush to throw away such a device; there are other use cases for it.
Video surveillance system
To create a simple apartment surveillance system, you do not need to buy expensive equipment. The main sensor of the smartphone will provide an image that is not inferior in quality to budget IP cameras. It is enough to install one of the specialized applications, place the device correctly, and then connect it to your home Wi-Fi network and a power source. Now you can remotely monitor the space in the camera’s field of view and control the system from your smartphone. Features depend on the selected software. The Salient Eye app takes a photo when motion is detected and sends an SMS or email notification to the owner. The Alfred Camera application can broadcast the received photo directly to your screen, turn on the flashlight remotely, and switch from the rear to the front camera.
Radio nanny
The simplest option is to set up an automatic answer when you call and place your smartphone in the right place. When you call an abandoned device, you can listen to the sounds around it. More options will be provided by an application like Baby Monitor, which must be installed on both phones. This is also a webcam option, but with two-way communication. When sounds appear from a sleeping baby, the program will send an SMS or make a call to a preset number. It is also possible to receive a photo, play a melody or voice recording remotely.
Entrance door alarm
An interesting option for phones equipped with an accelerometer. You should attach the gadget to the front door after installing the DoorSec Quick Door Security application. Whenever the door moves, the smartphone will turn on the alarm siren and send an SMS to a trusted phone number. The alarm is set by a special button on the screen, which generates a PIN code and gives 20 seconds to exit and close the door. You can disable the security by making a remote call from a given number or by entering a code upon return.
Wireless touchpad
A smartphone can serve as a touchpad or touch keyboard for a computer or laptop in case of problems with standard elements. There are many applications for these purposes, the most popular of which is Unified Remote. The program works with Windows, Mac and Linux, has simple settings, and most features are available for free. Just connect your smartphone to your computer via Bluetooth or WiFi – and you will get an input device with several operating modes.
IR remote control
The advantage of this function is its versatility. If your smartphone is equipped with an infrared sensor, it can be used instead of a standard remote control for any household appliance that has an infrared port. Typically, such phone models already have an application preinstalled for these purposes: for example, Mi Remote in Xiaomi devices. The program allows you to save several remote controls configured for different devices: TV, air conditioner, media center.
Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot
Most people know about this function in smartphones, but usually use it in rare cases. On a separate device, you can organize constant distribution of mobile Internet to several devices while traveling in a car or in the country. For these purposes, you will need to buy a separate SIM card with a large package of cheap internet. This will be more profitable for family members or a company than for everyone to use their own gigabytes.
GPS tracker
Such devices are not cheap. Of course, a smartphone is not as compact as a dedicated GPS tracker, but in some cases this will not be a hindrance. Turn on location tracking on your old phone and place it in your travel suitcase when traveling, or stash it in the luggage basket of your bike if there is no place to safely leave it. The method is suitable even for large pets while walking in the forest without a leash. Of course, the smartphone will have to be recharged often, so this option is for one-time situations.
Navigator + DVR
The smartphone is capable of taking over the functions of navigation and recording traffic events. The main device has to combine these functions with making calls and receiving notifications, quickly depleting its charge. The driver is forced to frequently remove the device from the holder and switch between applications. The division of application areas in this case is very convenient. For the DVR function, you can install a program like AutoGuard Dash Cam, which cyclically re-records events to save memory, just like a special device does. The video quality will be very modest, but it’s better than nothing.
Replacing a smart speaker
If your smartphone works with voice assistants, you can turn it into something like a smart speaker. We connect any computer speakers to the device via an AUX cable and give the necessary permissions for the microphone. If you have smart devices in your home, you can link the gadget to the ecosystem and control various household appliances and lighting using voice commands.
Stationary hours
Just download the appropriate application and mount your smartphone on a wall or stand. A simple but useful option. Such electronic watches can play different melodies, change the photo background from a given gallery, report the weather forecast and constantly be in the field of view
Do you like football games with prizes?
In this game, incredible penalties, travel and prizes await you!
