10 Things You Didn’t Know Your Smartphone Could Do

1: Scan QR Codes Without an App

There’s no need to use an app to read specialised QR codes anymore as you can simply use your iPhone’s camera. All you have to do is point your camera at the QR code and it will scan automatically. You will then receive a pop-up notification with the product page link or website. You can also do this if you have an Android, just open Google and enable the screen search, using the same process as with iPhone.

2: Create Custom Vibrations

If you’re someone that often has their phone on silent, you’re going to find this one useful. You can custom vibrations on your smartphone, making it easier to identify if it’s your parents ringing you, or just a scam call. To do this go to Setting > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone/Text tone > Vibration > Custom > Create new vibration. Once you are here you can customise the vibration pattern.

3: Search Photos by Category

Don’t want to scroll through 2,000 photos to find one picture you took months ago? Don’t worry, finding a specific image is easier than you may think. You can use the search function at the top of your photo app and search by category. For example, type in the word “dog” and photos of you and your dog should pop up.

4: Play Your Favourite Show on Your TV

Bored of watching movies on your smartphone’s small screen? Would rather watch it on your TV? Well, now you can. If you have an iPhone, you are able to mirror whatever you’re playing on your smartphone, on to your TV. Swipe up on the home screen and you will see where it says, “screen mirroring”, make sure to stand fairly close to your Smart TV and enter your airplay passcode. You can still do this if you own an Android phone, if you have a Chromecast or Chromecast enabled device. If you don’t own a Smart TV, you can still use this feature just by using third party apps such as ‘Reflector’ or ‘Air Server’ on to your computer and using the mirroring feature as described.

5: Update Siri’s Pronunciation

If you’ve ever noticed Siri has been pronouncing a specific word or name wrong that you use often, there’s an easy way you can fix this. Once you’ve activated Siri, you can say “you’re pronouncing (word) wrong,” and you will be asked the correct pronunciation. Then you will be given a list of options for correcting Siri and you can choose the correct one.

6: Shake to Undo Mistakes

Want to quickly undo a message without pressing back continuously for a long time, simply shake your iPhone and an option will appear to undo what you have written. You can still do this if you own an Android smartphone, just download a shake to undo module to enjoy the same effect.

7: Measure height and distance

​No need to own a measuring tape anymore, both Android and iPhone can measure everything for you all through your camera. Download the app Smart Measure Pro (Android) and Dot Measure (Apple). Both of these apps use your smartphone's camera to measure the distance, height, width, and area of a target.

8: Monitor Your Heart Rate

If you are conscious of your health or interested in monitoring your heart rate, then this app will be great for you. Both iPhones and Android have an app you can download to monitor your heart rate. Android&iPhone – Instant Heart Rate app. The app uses your camera to track your heart rate, and its free!

9: Foreign Language Translation (Google Translate App)

Nobody ever thought it would be this easy to translate foreign languages within seconds. You don’t even have to type in words anymore, with the Google Translate app all you have to do is point your smartphone camera at anything with printed words on for example a road sign. The app will display an English translation in the picture, within seconds.

​It works with languages such as Italian, French, Portuguese, Russian, German and Spanish. For Android and Windows users, you’re in luck, as you can enjoy the app without having to be connected to the internet.

10: Keep You Safe While Walking Home

With the majority of young children now owning a smartphone, they and the rest of the public often feel a little on edge when walking to places alone at night. There is now a way to keep safe by letting contacts e.g. your parents, track your location. The app bSafe, available for both Android and iPhone allows you to set a timer, so that if you don’t arrive somewhere in the time allocated, your selected contacts will be notified. The app can even schedule fake calls to make it seem as if you are talking with someone while walking home.

How we help

​Don't forget here at Smart-Cover we offer smartphone insurance, protecting you from theft, loss, damage and more.  

Contact us via our website or call us on 03333 449 559 if you would like to find out more, our customer service team will be happy to help with any queries you may have.

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