Jan 30, 2023
Smart Stuff Your Smartphone Can Do
The introduction of cell phones and smartphones has changed the way people communicate and complete various tasks. From more traditional uses like making phone calls and sending text messages, to the more modern usage of streaming music, taking pictures, and gaming, cell phones offer a plethora of capabilities for users to take advantage of. However, many users are unaware of some of the unique and lesser-known tasks their phones can perform. Below are just a few lesser-known things cell phones can do.
Keep you apprised of alerts
One unique feature of cell phones is the ability to access special internet-based frequencies, such as Wireless Emergency Alerts. This feature allows users to receive emergency notices directly from the National Weather Service, the US National Security Agency, and other government agencies about potentially dangerous events such as hurricanes, flash floods, and earthquakes.
Enable this feature:
This feature is enabled by default and can be accessed through the settings menu of most cell phones.
Monitor your location
Another less well-known use for cell phones is for tracking and monitoring a user’s location. This can be useful for a variety of applications, such as keeping track of a child or elderly family member, or for locating a lost cell phone.
Enable this feature:
Smartphones already come with a feature called Find my iPhone or Find my Android that can be used to locate a phone using GPS, even if the phone has been turned off.
Monitor the weather
Cell phones can also be used to monitor environmental conditions in a person’s immediate area. This can be incredibly useful for individuals who live in areas prone to natural disasters, as they will be able to monitor the environment for shifts in air pressure, temperature, and humidity that could signify an impending storm.
Enable this feature:
Today’s modern cell phones come with temperature, air pressure, and humidity sensors which can be used to track the weather in a person’s local vicinity.
Test batteries in your remote control
Wondering if the batteries in your remote control need to be replaced? Use your cell phone to test them easily.
Enable this feature:
Launch the Camera app and switch to the front-facing selfie mode. Point your remote control at the camera then press and hold any button on your remote. If the batteries are good, a pink/purple light will flicker at the top of the remote. If there’s no flicker or it’s really dim, replace the batteries. Applicable to iPhone and Android.
Scan documents
This is a great, lesser-known feature that’s particularly helpful at tax time when your accountant needs your year-end statements, and you don’t feel like running to Staples of Office Depot to have them scanned.
Enable this feature:
iPhone: Open Notes, then tap the icon in the lower right-hand corner. The camera icon will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap it and select Scan Documents. Put your document in view of the camera and tap the shutter button. (If your device is in Auto mode, it will automatically scan your document.) You can scan several documents in a row and then press “Save,” or “Save” after just one scan.
Android: Open the Camera app. Then put your document in view of the camera. A yellow border and a button that says Tap to Scan will appear. Tap it, then hit Save. If you don’t like the image, tap Retake.
Flashlight
The flashlight feature on today’s smartphones is probably one of the most important. Turn it on to guide you through the dark to your front door or when you’ve dropped something on the floor of the car and can’t find it. It’s a huge help in many situations.
Enable this feature:
iPhone: First, access the Control Center. On newer phones, you can do this by swiping down from the upper right-hand corner of the home screen. On older phones, swipe up from the bottom. Tap the Flashlight icon that appears at the bottom of the screen. This will turn on the flashlight. To make it brighter, hold the icon down for a few seconds. To shut it off, tap the icon again.
Android: Drag your finger down from the top of the display and tap the on-screen Flashlight button.
QR code reader
Thanks to the pandemic, it seems almost every restaurant and bar under the sun has ditched paper menus in favor of barcodes. You scan the barcode, and it takes you to the menu. But how? Like this.
Enable this feature:
iPhone: Open the camera app and place your phone over the QR code as if you’re taking a photo of it. When the code is recognized, a yellow notification will appear. Click on it and you’ll be taken to the link associated with the code. If it’s not working, go to Camera Settings and make sure the Scan QR Codes setting is on.
Android: Open the camera app and place your phone over the QR code as if you’re taking a photo of it. When the code is recognized, you’ll be taken to the link associated with the code. If it’s not working, make sure the Scan QR Codes setting is on.
Pedometer
If you’re one of those people who strive for 10,000 steps a day, you don’t need anything but your smartphone to track your steps. Your iPhone or your Android will keep track of them for you whether the device is in your hand, your pocket, or strapped to your arm.
Enable this feature:
iPhone: Click on the Health app (the one with the bright red heart), then click Edit and select Steps. Keep your phone with you when you walk. To see how many steps you’ve taken, open the Health app periodically during the day.
Android: If you have the Google Fit app on your phone, open it and tap the Steps button. This will track your steps during the day. You can even review your steps per day, week, or month, by tapping on those words. If you have a Samsung phone, you can track your steps each day via that device’s Health app.
There are so very many things that your cell phone can do for you that eliminates the need to purchase an additional device. Need a flashlight? Use your cell. Want to track your steps? You don’t need to buy a pedometer. You can use your cell! Same thing with a scanner and weather radio. These tools and more are all available on your smartphone. And that makes your smartphone a money saver. Why not take those savings even further and save on your cellular service with PureTalk?
Did you know….
The average family of four that switches to PureTalk saves $75 a month for a total of $900 a year.
With PureTalk, you get the best cell phone coverage for less and the best unlimited plans – not to mention the most cost-effective, realistically priced unlimited plans – anywhere. You also get the best cell phone coverage in Canada and Mexico and a referral program that can save you big time on your PureTalk service. Beyond that there’s the fact that the average family of four that switches to PureTalk saves $75 a month for a total of $900 a year and, if that’s not enough to help you make the switch, we offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
In addition, at PureTalk, we believe that nothing is more important than family. That’s why we’re happy to help you find the right cell phone – and plan – for your child and your entire family.
Mix & Match Family Plans
Did you know that PureTalk offers plans that start at just $20 a month for unlimited talk and text and blazing fast data? We do. And our Mix & Match Family Plans let you choose the right plan for each family member. You can have any number of lines and choose the perfect wireless plan for each one. Your family members get exactly what they need, and you never pay for anything they don't. Whatever your family's size or wireless needs may be, you're sure to save a bundle!
Plans for Seniors
Did you know that most seniors use less than 2GB of data per month? PureTalk offers great plans for seniors that let you pay only for what you – and they – actually want – and nothing you don’t. And with PureTalk you get the same great service and blazing fast coverage while saving money each month.
At PureTalk, we don’t think you should pay for data you don’t need and aren’t going to use. Switch today and receive great service and blazing-fast coverage while saving money each month.
Choose from PureTalk’s most popular plans:
$20/month: Unlimited Talk & Text; 2GB Data* Learn More
$25/month: Unlimited Talk & Text; 4GB Data* Learn More
$30/month: Unlimited Talk & Text; 6GB Data* Learn More
Need more data one month?
Simply go into your account portal and add more. When next month rolls around, if you need less data, you can go right back into your portal and reduce it. Simply log onto PureTalk.com, click on My Account, and select Manage My Data. Make your changes, save them, and log out. It’s that simple.
Off to Canada or Mexico?
Think of PureTalk as your travel partner. Get the best cellphone coverage in Canada and Mexico with PureTalk International Roaming for just $10. It’s really a great deal. Plus, there’s no setup. No additional wireless roaming charges. And no need to run out and purchase a local SIM card. Your phone simply works when you arrive. No hassles and not a moment of disconnection.
To add International Roaming:
Simply log in to your PureTalk account and click the “Add-Ons” tab. Then, select International Roaming as a one-time purchase. The service will be added immediately to your cellular phone package and you’re good to go.
When to add International Roaming as a recurring charge:
If you travel to Canada or Mexico frequently, add International Roaming as a recurring monthly charge. Set it up once and it’s one less thing to think about when you’re headed out of town.
PureTalk’s International Roaming means:
- Constant connectivity.
- No pricey roaming charges.
- No additional devices to lug around.
In addition to our no contract, low cost, unlimited talk and text cell phone plans, PureTalk offers Canada- and Mexico-bound customers great value and something even more important: peace of mind. PureTalk’s International Roaming is the best $10 you’ll ever spend. Add it with one click, and stay connected.
Other wireless providers have referral programs, but none come close to PureTalk’s. At PureTalk, when you refer your friends, you reward yourself.
When you join PureTalk, you’re given a unique referral link you can share with friends and family. For each friend who signs up through your unique link, you receive a $20 credit applied to your account, and your friend receives a $20 credit applied to their account. Best of all, there are no limits. You can refer as many friends as you want, and you will get a $20 credit for every single one of them.
Everything you need to know about the PureTalk Customer Referral Program:
1. Each customer has a unique referral link to share with friends. For each friend who signs up through your unique link, you will receive a $20 bill credit applied to your account, and your friend will receive a $20 credit applied to their account.
2. There are no limits to how many friends you can refer with PureTalk's Customer Referral Program. Refer all of your friends and get a $20 credit for every single one of them.
3. Your $20 credit will post to your account after your friend completes their second active month of service.
4. To see which of your friends you have referred to PureTalk, log in to MY ACCOUNT and click the "Referrals" tab at the top of the page. You will see all of your referrals listed in the "Referral Credits" table at the bottom of the page.
5. You can post your referral link anywhere you want. On your social media channels, your blog, in emails, etc. You can grab your unique referral link by logging in to My Account and clicking the Referrals tab.
6. There are two ways you can earn referral credits. Your friend can use your unique referral link or enter your phone number at checkout when asked if a friend referred him.
Don’t forget: Remind those you are referring to PureTalk to enter your phone number at checkout IF they’ve forgotten to sign up through your referral link.
With the PureTalk referral program you can earn as many credits as you have friends and save even more on the plan of your choice!
PureTalk’s Risk-Free, 30-Day Money Back Guarantee makes it easy to give us a try
At PureTalk, we get that making a big purchase is a big deal. You work hard for your money and if you spend it on something that doesn’t meet your needs, that’s a big problem. That’s why we offer a Money Back Guarantee. This means there’s no risk when you sign up. You can make the switch to PureTalk without breaking a sweat.
The overpriced carriers don’t seem to care if you’re worried about making a big change. They expect you to sign up with them simply because you know their name.
Not PureTalk.
Here at PureTalk, we want to make sure you feel good about making a change in your wireless carrier. Earning your trust is important to us. That’s why, in addition to all the things PureTalk offers – great savings, reliable coverage, blazing fast data, and freedom from contracts – we offer a full refund if you don’t love your service. Try us for 30 days. If you’re not totally satisfied in that time, or until you’ve used 500 minutes, or 500 MB of data usage, (whichever comes first) call us at 877-820-7873 to cancel and request your refund.
Love our service or your money back. 100% guaranteed.
Why choose PureTalk?
When you choose PureTalk, you’re choosing to support a company whose values align with your own. You’re choosing to support a company whose CEO is a U.S. veteran. And you’re also choosing to support American jobs: 100% of our customer service is based right here in the United States.
Plus, with PureTalk, you can bring your phone and keep your phone number or choose from our terrific selection of the latest iPhones and Androids.
What Our Customers Are Saying
“Serves my needs perfectly”
“Pure Talk may not be for technophiles, but it serves my needs perfectly at a terrific price. What I really love about them is how helpful and delightful their support people are.” Michael R. 5-star review via TrustPilot
“No more dropped calls”
I am so glad I switched to PureTalk. The customer service is fantastic which is so rare these days. But most of all I live in a small apartment and I have my own internet and It didn’t matter where I was in the room, calls dropped constantly. But I have not had any problems since I switched to PureTalk.” Jennifer Hersh 5-star review via TrustPilot
Don’t wait. Pick a plan now that meets your needs, suits your lifestyle, and helps you save!
*After you have used your plan’s high-speed data allowance, we will not turn off your data. Your speed will be throttled to 256 kbps. Typically, you can expect to experience download speeds of 4-35Mbps and upload speeds of 1-5Mbps with an average device to network edge round-trip latency of less than 60ms. The average speed and latency of our 4G LTE network is suitable for video and audio streaming, web browsing and other general Internet usage consistent with PureTalk terms and conditions. **After 60GB of data usage you will experience slower speeds.
Posted 1 month ago