With
more than 2 million apps in the Apple App Store and 2.2 million in Google Play,
there are tons of things you can do with your smartphone beyond making calls
and texting. Here are some of the most innovative apps that make your
smartphone do things you've never imagined.
1. Measure your heart
rate
Instant
Heart Rate is an app that uses your phone's camera and flash to take a reading
of your pulse. Just place your index finger on the camera and the app will
automatically measure your heart rate by detecting color changes.
The
app also collects data from each reading to create charts that help you monitor
your heart rate over time. Plus, you can add tags and notes such as "Just
woke up," "Before bed," "Exercising," and
"Resting," to make your tracking more effective.
You
don't have to be a fitness enthusiast to benefit from this app. It's also
helpful if you have a medical condition such as cardiovascular disease or
diabetes and need to monitor your heart rate closely. When I tested the app, it
was within a beat or two of manually measuring my heart rate.
A
free basic version is available for both Apple and Android users. However,
there is also a Pro version (Apple, $2.99/Android, $1.99) that's ad-free and
offers unlimited data tracking.
2. Hunt for treasure
One
of the most unexpected things your smartphone can do is search for metal. If
you own an iPhone, download a free app called Metal Detector. This app taps
into your phone's built-in magnetometer, which helps your phone detect the X,Y,
Z axes for things like the compass.
Metal
Detector won't detect everything that's metal, but don't discredit its ability.
Point your phone's camera toward the metal objects and turn up the dial to
increase the intensity. You'll be surprised by the things it picks up. The app
detects any metal that is magnetic.
If
you don't have an iPhone, a similar app (also called Metal Detector) is
available for Android devices. These apps share the same name; however, they
were created by different developers and have slight differences in the way
they operate.
3. Control your
vehicle from anywhere
Wouldn't
it be great if you could warm up or cool down your car before you even reach
the parking lot? That's what Viper SmartStart does. It's like turning your
phone into a remote control for your vehicle.
With
the full system, you can start your car, unlock your doors, open your trunk,
locate where you're parked, and even activate your security system. Premium
versions also include features such as text alerts for speeding and when your
car has a low battery.
The
apps for Apple and Android are free to download and test, but you'll need extra
hardware and a monthly service plan to make the system work.
There
are four different service plan options, ranging from $70 to $240 per year,
depending on the features you select. You will also need a module installed in
your car, which costs around $300, plus installation.
4. Measure height and
distance
Using
your phone's camera and fancy math, the iOS app EasyMeasure estimates the
distance or height of an object.
Before
you play around with this app, an initial calibration is required. For better
results, you'll need to set the lens' height. According to the app's tutorial,
the lens' height is 4 inches from your real height.
To
use the app, stand up and hold your phone at eye level then aim the little
arrow at the base of the object you want to measure. Using the camera's angle
and your position, the app estimates the object's distance.
EasyMeasure
is available for both Apple and Android users as a free download. There is also
an option to upgrade to a premium version (Apple $2.99/Android, $.99) that is
ad-free.
5. Level objects
Here's
a "handy" use for your smartphone, turn it into a leveler! iHandy
Level is a free download for both iOS and Android that uses your smartphone's
accelerometer to help you level objects. The app even mimics a real bubble
leveler with a wooden overlay.
The
leveling action works with all your phone's orientations so it's quite
versatile. Use it in portrait mode, landscape mode or go hands-free and lay
your phone flat on its back.
iHandy
Level can help you hang picture frames, TV mounts, light fixtures and just
about anything you want to straighten out.
Other
features include a digital readout of the current angle and a Hold button that
locks the leveler in place.
6. See in the dark
Thermal
vision isn't something we're born with, but now it's possible to use it to see
in the dark. All you need is a camera attachment, such as the Seek Thermal.
This
high-resolution thermal camera attaches to your smartphone through the
lightning port for Apple or micro USB port for Android. There are two different
models currently available, the Compact and Compact XR.
Compact
models cost around $250 and include a 206 x 156 thermal sensor. This model is
also waterproof and can detect temperatures between -40 degrees and 626 degrees
Fahrenheit at a range up to 1,000 feet.
For
$300, the Compact XR model gets you a larger field of view, as well as a range
of up to 1,800 feet. You'll find these products on Seek Thermal's website and
on Amazon.
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