This summer season marks 15 years since Apple launched the primary iPhone, and since then, smartphones have turn into the Swiss Army knives of expertise. But with the avalanche of updates since 2007, less-obvious options are sometimes buried within the course of. Here’s a fast have a look at some presumably missed instruments, proven right here in iOS 15 and Android 12.
Point the Way
A maps app has been a part of the trendy smartphone toolbox from the start, however Google and Apple have now added the digital camera and a touch of augmented actuality to the expertise for further assist with on-the-ground orientation. (Your outcomes will differ by location, although, and be ready for some battery drain.)
In Google Maps for Android and iOS, enter your vacation spot, faucet Directions and choose Walking. Tap the Live View icon within the nook of the map. Your cellphone instructs you to level the digital camera at close by buildings so the app can acknowledge your environment by evaluating it with Google Street View photos. Once set, your instructions seem overlaid on the view by means of on the digital camera display screen to information you alongside.
(*4*)
The Compass app included with Apple’s iOS software program offers you a common concept of your location.Credit…Apple
Apple Maps makes use of the iPhone’s digital camera in the same manner if you request strolling instructions in supported cities and faucet the AR icon on the map display screen. (For various navigation choices, Apple features a stand-alone digital Compass app with iOS, and Google Maps has a compass that seems onscreen if you begin your journey.)
Scan Stuff
In addition to its tour-guide duties, the cellphone’s digital camera can double as a scanner for each paperwork and quick-response, or QR, codes. In iOS, you may scan a doc or receipt within the Notes app by creating a brand new observe, urgent the digital camera icon on the toolbar and choosing Scan Documents. You may scan and connect a doc to an e mail message you are composing by tapping the scan icon on the keyboard’s toolbar.
(*4*)
Apple’s iOS Notes app features a command that turns the iPhone’s digital camera right into a doc scanner.Credit…Apple
(*4*)
Google’s free Stack app features a document-scanning operate and a spot to arrange the scanned information.Credit…Google
As for these boxy, black-and-white QR codes for web sites or digital cost techniques, simply open Apple’s Camera app or Google Camera and level it on the QR code to scan it. Many of Samsung’s Galaxy telephones have a QR Scanner choice that works with the digital camera app, too.
(*4*)
Both the iOS Camera and Google Camera apps can mechanically sense and scan QR codes.Credit…Apple; Google
But there’s a caveat with QR codes, past privateness issues: Be cautious to scan codes solely from trusted sources, as a result of cybercriminals use them for fraud and to unfold malicious software program.
Name That Tune
The cellphone’s microphone has likewise expanded its powers past voice memos, dictation and audio/video calls in recent times. One purpose: Apple’s 2018 acquisition of the Shazam music-recognition app.
(*4*)
Shazam, now owned by Apple, can mechanically establish songs when the Auto Shazam setting is on. The app may add a playlist of tracks to Apple Music.Credit…Apple
The Auto Shazam characteristic — which mechanically tries to establish music enjoying close by — works on each the iOS and Android variations and will be enabled by urgent and holding the Shazam button when the app is open. (This might sap extra battery juice and information.)
After you establish a music with Shazam, you may play it in an Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify or YouTube Music account. In the Shazam settings, you may join your listing of acknowledged songs to Apple Music or Spotify.
(*4*)
Once enabled, Google’s Now Playing software program for its Pixel telephones tries to mechanically acknowledge any close by music and retains an inventory of recognized songs.Credit…Google
Many of Google’s Pixel telephones embrace the same Now Playing characteristic you may allow within the Sound & Vibration settings. Once activated, the software program shows music titles on the Lock display screen and creates a historical past listing of the music enjoying inside microphone vary. (The Now Playing device is designed for Pixel telephones, however an internet search reveals artistic coders have tailored it for different Android telephones.)
Get Help Fast
When you want emergency help, your cellphone has shortcuts to attach you. On an iPhone 8 or later, maintain down the right-side button and one of many quantity buttons till you see the Emergency SOS slider onscreen, and then drag the slide to name the native emergency quantity; if you cannot drag the slider, preserve holding down the buttons till the cellphone mechanically makes the decision. In the Emergency SOS settings, you may allow the cellphone to make an emergency name if you press the aspect button 5 occasions.
(*4*)
Both iOS and Android have shortcuts for making emergency calls with the press of a button or two.Credit…Apple; Google
Android-based telephones, together with Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy fashions, have their very own emergency-service aids. On telephones with an influence button, maintain down that button till you see the Emergency icon and then faucet it. On a cellphone with no energy button, attempt swiping down on the display screen to get to the Quick Settings for Emergency Mode or swiping up from the underside to get to the Emergency Call button. Google’s free Personal Safety app for Android supplies extra instruments for dealing with future emergency conditions, for many who wish to be ready.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.