Do you have an Android smartphone or tablet at home earning money for not being able to fulfill your mission? Still work? What do you think of using them for other tasks? After all, as the years go by, we have more and more technology becoming obsolete and going to our drawers, attic, or worse … Dumpsters. In short, wouldn’t it be a good idea to make the most of these devices? This way of avoiding putting more batteries and electronic components in the trash.
If you don’t know, an abandoned Android device is a real mine of potential, you just have to know how to remove it.
Do you have an old Android smartphone/tablet at home? Want to take advantage of it?
1. Trackpad or wireless ‘smart’ remote for your PC, TV or other smart devices.
With some software in the mix, you can use your old smartphone as an authentic universal remote for everything that goes on your PC. In fact, if you have a mini-pc connected to your living room TV, you can enjoy this same smartphone as a wireless trackpad. To do this, you only need to download the Unified Remote app. (And have Bluetooth connection on your PC)
However, if you want a command to control everything that is ‘smart’ in your home, you just need to install the necessary apps on your smartphone like Nest, Hue, Google Assistant, etc … And control everything from this device. In addition, if you have a Chromecast, you can also take advantage of this ‘old’ Android to turn it into an authentic streaming machine (Netflix, YouTube, HBO, TedTalks, etc …)
3. Helping some types of scientific research
Do you know Folding @ Home? Well, there is the same thing for the world of Android smartphones! Like Vodafone’s DreamLab, University of Berkeley BOINC, etc…
Of course, the performance of your device may seem low … But 100x smartphones just like it working for a single cause? The story is already different.
4. Extra security camera
Very briefly, why would I buy a security camera? You can use an old Android smartphone that even has dust collecting at home. After all, you just need to install the application (like the IP Webcam app), configure everything, and you’re done.
5. Video conferencing station
Are you always on telescope, telework? How about a video conferencing station? This way, you don’t have to use your everyday smartphone or laptop for this task. Just install Skype, Meet, Google Duo, Zoom, or whatever application you use.
6. Digital Photo Frame
Have you ever wanted to have a digital photo frame showing photos in your living room? How about taking advantage of your old smartphone, going to Google Photos, and choosing the ‘Slideshow’ option? You can even choose which photos you want to see displayed. (Watch out for nudes!)
7. Smart Calendar
Nowadays, we have more and more alarm clocks/clocks or smarts calendars on the market. However, you can do exactly the same with your smartphone. Saving some money in the process.
8. Transform your car into a ‘Smart Car’
First of all, obviously having a 5 ”or 6” phone in your car is not the same as having a Tesla with a giant console. Still, with a connection to the radio, you have here GPS, Music, etc … Without having to spend a single cent. After all, you can download music and maps at home! You don’t even need an internet connection in the car.
Interestingly, you can even download the Android Auto app, to have access to simplified commands.
9. Learning tool for the youngest
However, if you happen to have a child, grandchild, nephew, etc … Completely flea to have your first smartphone. You don’t have to give him a Galaxy S20 Ultra, iPhone 11 Pro or anything like that right away. You can offer your old smartphone, to give it the first touches, and first, gain some responsibility.
10. Offer to those who need it most!
In short, your old companion may no longer be for your everyday use. But surely there is someone in need who would be very grateful for the possibility of having a smartphone in their hands, even if they are old.
Furthermore, what do you think about all this? If you have any suggestions, share your opinion with us in the comments below.
