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Saturday, October 27, 2012

12 Things You Didn't Know Your Smartphone Could Do



In today's digital age, we're all used to carrying around one device that has multiple functions and features. Smartphones, with their host of built-in features and available apps, offer you the ability to do pretty much anything you can dream up. In fact, it's probably easier to list what a mobile phone can't do than what it can! But that wouldn't make for as interesting or educational reading, so here are some of my favorite surprising uses for your smartphone:

1. PC/Mac Webcam You can use your phone in conjunction with messaging applications (Skype, Google+, Yahoo, Windows Live Messenger, AIM, etc.) and Wi-Fi for video chatting. Applications to download: Mobiola WebCamera by Shape (free) is available for the iPad and iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile or Symbian smartphones.
 
2. Scanner Whether you want to scan a receipt for tax purposes, a business card for work, a barcode for a price check, or a check to be deposited, there are a host of scanning apps that will let you get rid of your bulky faxing/scanning combo from the late '90s. It's best to figure out what you'll be scanning and then and download a function-specific app. If you don't want to download an app, you can snap a photo and store it on your phone or computer to use later (for example, take a snapshot of a recipe card). Applications to download: TurboScan ($1.99) lets you scan and send multi-page documents and WorldCard Mobile or CardScan (both $6.99) let you scan and sync business cards
 
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