From creating a wi-fi hotspot anywhere to paying for things without a credit card, the average smartphone has a few unexpected tricks up its sleeve.
We’ve selected 10 things you may not know your your smartphone can do - some require an app download, but all are free.
WiFi Hotspot
If your phone runs Android Gingerbread, Windows Phone, BBOS or iOS, you can use it as WiFi hotspot to get online using devices (such as a tablet or laptop) that don’t have a cellular data connection. This is called tethering.
Turn on the hotspot function on your phone, search for it using the second device, enter the password and start browsing.
Tethering uses data, so to avoid hefty charges make sure you’ve got an unlimited data allowance. Some networks don’t allow it either, so check first.
Google search the real world
Google Goggles (free, Android) lets you identify products, places and logos using the camera on your Android phone. Use the app to take a picture and it then analysis writing or imagery and matches it with a database.
Google Goggles can be employed in a myriad of ways - use it on holiday to discover more about landmarks, scan business cards to your contacts, scan barcodes, translate foreign languages and even solve Sudoku.
Google Goggles needs an active data connection, so if you use it abroad stick to WiFi to avoid charges.
Car keys
Ever have that fleeting moment when you wonder ‘did I lock my car?’ Mercedes-Benz mbrace (iOS) and My BMW Remote (iOS) are free apps that let car owners lock their vehicles remotely by sending a signal to the car.
Before you download the apps check the running requirements - BMW requires BMW Assist and a bluetooth-enabled navigation system.
Mobile wallet
Use your smartphone to pay for goods without opening your wallet.
Many smartphones include NFC chips, which work with services like Orange QuickTap to pay for small-value items using a special reader found in shops such as M&S and Subway.
Even if your phone doesn’t have an NFC chip, the Starbucks app (free iOS and Android) lets you buy coffee using your phone. Simply load money on and pay by scanning the on-screen barcode - useful for those days when you don’t have any change, but need a caffeine fix.
Heart Rate monitor
We certainly don’t advise self diagnosis, but Instant Heart Rate (free Android, iOS, Windows Phone) is a quick way of measuring your pulse. Hold your finger over the lens for about 10 seconds and the camera tracks colour changes, with every heartbeat visible on a real-time graph.
See instantly see how your heart rate compares to average and store up to five measurements. With built-in heart rate zones, Instant Heart Rate Monitor is a useful tool for exercise.
Spirit Level
Planning some DIY this weekend? Thanks to a built in gyroscope, there are many apps that turn your smartphones into a spirit level.
Some like Spirit Level Plus (free, Android) replicate simple spirit levels, while others like Spirit Level (free iOS) can also display the angle and lock accuracy values. Upgrade to Spirit Level Pro (69p) to measure angles of elevation, slope and incline and align pictures.
Voice Memos
Forgot your mothers birthday card? With the help of your
smartphone quickly send a personal voice message instead. Select Soun Recorder on an Android device or Voice Memo on an Apple phone (each with
a funky old-fashioned microphone interface), tap to record,
say/sing/shout your message and share your recording via email or
message.
The recipient can then download the file to their smartphone
or computer and you’ll be off the hook!
Track your family
Find My iPhone is a free app that lets you pinpoint the location of your phone should you lose it, but for parents it’s a great way of keeping track of your childs location. Install the app and log onto www.iCloud.com, enter their Apple ID password (if they’ll give it to you!) and as long as the phone is turned on, you’ll see the location on a map.
Android users can use Life360 Family Locator (free Android, iOS) to locate family members, receive alerts when they reach destinations and even send messages.
Speed Cameras
Expensive speed camera fines are a source of frustration for motorists, TomTom Speed Cameras (currently free if you subscribe via the app) and Trapster (Android and iOS) warn you of forthcoming speed cameras to help you avoid fines and drive more safely.
TomTom Speed Cameras also warns of red lights, average speed checks and mobile hotspots.
Watch live TV
TVCatchup (free, Android and iOS) lets you watch live Freeview television on your smartphone, it’s totally free and although there’s no record function, you can pause it.
Streaming video uses a lot of data so make sure you’re connected to a WiFi hotspot and activate ‘Use WiFi Only’ to avoid
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