Given the increasing complexities of information technology and the accompanying rapid turnover of mobile devices, it is not uncommon to have a spare old phone lying around in many households nowadays. Many of these devices still boast a relatively decent amount of computing power and storage of a magnitude unimaginable just a few decades ago. Instead of letting these resources idle away, why not put them to good use? Here are 10 ideas to make full use of that old but unnecessarily obsolete piece of technology!
1. Turn it into a digital photo frame!
Whether we like to admit it or not, the advent of digital cameras and smartphones have resulted in a deluge of photographs on our digital storage which often get tucked away and go unnoticed. It is a good habit to organize and de-clutter our photo collections every once in a while, and perhaps hand-pick those especially memorable moments to be displayed on digital photo frames. Old phones might be well suited for this job ---simply head over to the app gallery/ Playstore to look for apps such as Fotoo, through which you will be able to configure and display your photo slideshows in a eye-pleasing format.
2. Turn it into a network extender/ wireless access point!
If you live or work in a large area, chances are that you will encounter wireless dead spots --- a problem which can be mitigated with the use of mesh WiFi or network extenders. Many modern smartphones have the built-in capability of extending a wireless network by virtue of its own native functionalities or via 3rd party apps. Simply find an open area in your space with an intermediate amount of connectivity and park your phone there. Then, connect to the intended wireless network you which you would like to extend, and create a new mobile hotspot. You can then connect additional devices beyond the boundaries of the original network's reach and enjoy an expanded area of network connectivity. Of course, the network capabilities of a smartphone cannot compare to that of a full-fledged router/ network extender/ mesh WiFi, but it can be a useful interim measure while awaiting a full network upgrade!
3. Use it as a second monitor!
Have you ever felt restricted by the workspace on your laptop/ desktop computer, especially when multitasking or opening windows side by side, and wished that there was an extra space to which you could project your applications? With the help of software like Spacedesk, you can create a second virtual monitor as an extended display on your Android mobile device via a wired (USB) or wireless connection. For more information, check out the article here from Techwiser.
4. Use it to mine bitcoins while surfing the internet!
As mobile devices have limited computing power, it may be next to impossible to actually mine cryptocurrencies using the local resources of the device; however your phone may still be able to support cloud mining apps such as CryptoTab, which is a browser with cloud mining functionalities. Use your old mobile device to surf the internet and earn cryptocurrencies effortlessly in the background as you do so!
5. Use it to monetize your internet connection!
Unbeknown to many, internet bandwidth is a very valuable resource that is usually surplus of what is required for normal daily usage, and can actually be monetized to generate a steady stream of passive income! Apps such as Honeygain, Peer2Profit, EarnApp & TraffMonetizer among many others, can be installed on your old phone to securely 'rent out' the unused portions of internet bandwidth, while keeping your data and security safe. For more information on this, check out my previous article here!
6. Transform it into a dedicated desk calendar!
Dock your old device on your desk and use it as your personal calendar. Simply use Google's own Calendar app, or search the app store for many other similar apps!
7. Turn it into a security camera!
Consider using your spare phone as a security camera which hooks up to the internet, through which you will be able to access your security footage from anywhere in the world! Simply choose from a wide variety of apps suited for this purpose (such as Alfred, Manything, Salient Eye and Presence, & IP Webcam among many others), configure the downloaded application and mount your phone in a suitable spot to act as a surveillance camera.
8. Use it as a media hub/ TV box!
Hook up your old phone to a USB docking station and turn it into a media center, or even a mini computer! Listen to the news or watch movies on Netflix or YouTube on your TV via HDMI, all using your phone (if your TV does not already have smart functionalities). Or connect your phone to a gaming controller and indulge yourself in a game on the big screen --- the possibilities are endless!
9. Use it as a wireless network drive!
Convert your existing phone into network-attached storage with the help of apps like Pocketshare, ES File Explorer and many others. Use this storage as a convenient workspace to share between family members using the same network, or as a DLNA server to host movies for streaming on the TV, for instance --- the applications are limitless!
10. Make it a mounted command center for a non-connected car.
Save yourself the hassle of having to reach for your primary phone, by using your spare phone as a dedicated command center for a car that doesn't have its own built-in equivalent. Simply mount your phone using a car dock, connect it to a power source, and use it as a GPS device to help you in navigating the roads or even as a music streaming device.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, your old mobile device can still prove to be a worthy asset by re-purposing it for other uses, while making full use of its functionalities. Give your old mobile devices a new lease of life with the above-mentioned utilities; in fact, some of the above functions can be combined together to run simultaneously on the same device, for example by using your phone as a security camera and letting it run apps that monetize your internet connection in the background, hence killing two birds with one stone!
What are your thoughts on this? How do you repurpose and reuse your spare mobile devices? Feel free to leave your comments below!
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