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. 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, WorldCard or CardScan. 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.3. Replacement for Your Wallet While some women like carrying around a fashionable purse, I prefer leaving my apartment with as little as possible. There are applications for storing credit card information (Visa, AmEx, and Mastercard have their own apps) and banking information (Bank of America, Capital One, PNC and others have their own apps). And if you have discount or membership cards, there are apps for storing their information as well.Applications to download: PayPal Mobile and CardStar. PayPal Mobile (free) lets you send money on the go from your iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Symbian phones. CardStar (free) lets you keep all of your frequent shopper cards in one place if you're an Android, Windows, Blackberry or iPhone user.4. Mobile Hotspot Some phones allow you to create a Wi-Fi network that multiple devices — usually up to5 or 7 — can use at once. This allows your phone to get your iPad or laptop on to Wi-Fi, without a router or another peripheral device. Of course, there is an upcharge, usually around $20 to $30 extra a month. If you're a frequent traveler, you may think it worth it since you usually have to pay extra fees for Internet coverage on each of your devices anyway.Application to download: This one doesn't require an app - it's a feature that's included with on phones and requires an extra charge.5. Identify Things I admit one of my greatest limitations is not being able to accurately identify objects. For instance, I'll recognize an individual and not remember her name, or see a picture of a famous landmark and not be to recall what it is. Google Goggles is becoming my new secret weapon -snap a photo of something and Google uses the image to perform a search. While it won't ID a passerby on the street, it's great for identifying products, famous landmarks, storefronts, artwork, and popular images online, like celebrities. The algorithm behind the recognition technology is improving, so hopefully soon I'll be able to snap a photo of a woman on the street wearing shoes I'm coveting and find out who makes them!Application to download: Google Goggles, only for Android phones (free).6. Live TV Many of the local service providers (Comcast, Verizon, etc.) and telephone providers (Sprint) offer applications for streaming live content to a smartphone. And there are specific apps for particular programs - like MLB sports. But if you just want to be able to watch live TV on the go and are unaffiliated - you can download an app like netTV orTVUPlayer. While the image and audio quality isn't the best, it beats missing a critical moment in sports or breaking news. Applications to download: netTV. NetTV (free for lite version) offers a suite of programs from around the world.These are just a few of the surprising applications of smartphones. Other things I like to use my smartphone for that you might not have thought of include: checking in for flights (no more printing out tickets at home or waiting annoying lines!), setting your DVR remotely (if you're local provider allows it), and ordering food on my way home so dinner's waiting for me (Seamless Mobile has been a lifesaver for me!). For some of the more advanced functions of a smartphone, you may have to purchase add-ons. That's what all of the following functions have in common!
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