Get More Out of Your Phone With These Built-in Features and Apps

In our pockets, purses, and palms, smartphones have become extensions of ourselves; the ultimate personal technology. We use our phones for communication, entertainment, and countless daily tasks. The problem is, the price of these new phones are going up and up and we aren’t really seeing all that much new value out of them. It lends you to ask the question whether or not we are truly getting the most value out of these powerful devices? It also lends us to ask what more can manufacturers do to deliver value that’s worth the price that today’s flagship devices command.

More Than Just a Phone

Many of us barely scratch the surface of what our smartphones are capable of. They can do many great things; but, how can you unlock more value from the device you already own? Here are a few ways:

Productivity. Yes, Really

You can check your scanner at the door. Your phone can be a high-quality document scanner, converting physical papers into digital files like PDFs with built-in features or dedicated apps that users can easily obtain from their platform’s dedicated app store. It’s been well established that storing files digitally saves time and money.

Price Alerts

Whether it's flights, hotels, or that technology that you've been eyeing, set price alerts to send you notifications when prices drop, helping you snag the best deals.

Manage Data Usage

Background app refresh and automatic updates can silently consume your mobile data. Dive into your phone's settings to limit background data for non-essential apps and leverage Wi-Fi whenever possible. Wi-Fi calling can also save you a bundle, especially when traveling.

Digital Wallets and FinTech

Beyond convenience, digital wallets often offer exclusive discounts, cashback, and rewards at various retailers. There are all types of apps available that can help you manage and improve your financial well-being.

Offline Navigation

Download offline maps before you venture into areas with spotty signals or while traveling internationally, where you could be in line for huge data bills. You'll save data and avoid getting lost.

What New Features Will Ignite Our Excitement?

While we can always squeeze more out of our current devices, the future promises even more groundbreaking advancements. Get ready for a new wave of smartphone innovation that will bring truly exciting capabilities. Possible innovations include:

Stretching Screens and New Form Factors

Foldable phones are just the beginning. Imagine smartphones with displays that can stretch and adapt to various purposes, offering even more versatile experiences. There have been recent advancements in flexible circuit boards and internal components that could bring new options to users before long.

AI Everywhere

On-device AI is rapidly evolving. We're seeing AI assistants that process data locally for enhanced privacy and responsiveness, and AI-powered photo and video editing that can instantly remove objects or expand image borders. The future holds even more customizable AI experiences, with phones understanding and adapting to our emotional states and offering proactive support.

A Smarter Life

Expect an explosion of advanced environmental sensors. Phones will be able to detect air quality, UV radiation, humidity, temperature, and even noise levels, offering real-time insights and health tips based on your surroundings. Body composition analyzers and built-in thermometers could also become standard, turning your phone into a comprehensive personal health monitor.

Immersive Audio and Visuals

Spatial audio technology is already transforming how we hear sound, making it feel like it's coming from different directions. Under-display cameras will lead to truly full-screen experiences, eliminating notches and punch-holes. While we've seen impressive camera advancements, expect even higher resolution sensors and more sophisticated computational photography for stunning low-light and astrophotography capabilities.

One With Your Car

Your smartphone will become an even more integral part of your vehicle experience. Beyond mirroring, expect deeper integration with car operating systems, intelligent power management, and even Vehicle-to-Everything communication, enhancing safety and users’ ability to manage their driving experience.

Graphene Construction

Graphene, a material 200 times stronger than steel, could revolutionize smartphone durability. Imagine ultra-thin, transparent, flexible, and virtually indestructible phones that can withstand the rigors of daily life.

Improved Charging

Airborne power is the way of the future. While wireless charging is convenient, the dream of airborne charging—where devices power up simply by being in the air—is a technology already in development that could redefine how we keep our phones alive.

Our smartphones are already incredibly capable, but by actively exploring their existing features and anticipating the innovations on the horizon, we will be able to unlock their full potential and create a more integrated, intelligent, and exciting future.