How To: 5 Things You Can Do With Your Old Android Phone
So you have an old Android phone and you’re wondering whether you should trade it in for a newer one. How about you keep the old phone and get a new one anyway? There are plenty of things you could do with your old Android phone than you probably thought. So, before you plan on selling it for a price much lower than what your phone is still worth, here are 5 things you can do instead:
1. Turn it into a home media controller
Your smartphone can actually do a lot if you know the right apps for it. It can be used as a home entertainment controller through a couple of ways.
If you pair your device with Google’s Chromecast streaming stick, you can stream content wirelessly from apps like YouTube, Netflix, Google Play Movies, Wynk, YuppTV, and Eros Now to your TV over your Wi-Fi network. The device is available on Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal.
Another way to set-up your home media controller is by downloading an app called Plex. This is a free app that allows you to stream content to your TV.
2. A permanent GPS system for your car
Why buy an expensive GPS system when your old Android smartphone can do it for free (apart from the data charges, of course). Mount your phone into your car’s dashboard and let it serve you as a dedicated GPS device.
The added advantage to this is that, since you can leave it permanently in your car, the device can also serve as a tracker via. apps like “Wheres My Droid”, if you ever you find your car missing from the parking spot.
3. An MP3 player for the car
If you are going to use the device as a permanent GPS system, you might as well use it as an MP3 player by attaching an aux cable or connecting the phone to your car via Bluetooth. Just fill her up with all your favorite music using as much storage as you want (since you won’t need it for anything else) and you can forget about CDs or the radio.
A home security cam
Chances are your old smartphone still has a decent camera. And if you want a little more security in your office or home, you can turn that phone into a web-security camera. All you need to do is download the free IP Webcam app and follow the instructions to set it up. Within seconds you’ll be able to view your camera from any platform using VLC player or web browser.
Another popular app called Presence can turn your old smartphone into a security camera and motion detector.
Make it kid-friendly
Children need something to distract them. Nowadays a Lego set just doesn’t cut it. Your child may just be at peace if you let them fiddle with your old smartphone. Clear your phone of all the apps that do not concern them and add a few apps made just for toddlers, and then let them take it from there. Not only is it a great way to distract your child allowing you time alone with your TV, but a few educational apps and games can really be fun and helpful as well.
If you can think of more ways to get the most out of your old smartphone, let us know in the comments below.
