15th anniversary this summer Apple releases the first iPhone, and since then, smartphones have become the Swiss Army knife of technology. However, an avalanche of updates since 2007 has often buried less obvious features in the process. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the often overlooked tools presented in iOS 15 and Android 12.
point the way
Map apps have been part of the toolbox of modern smartphones since the beginning, but Google and Apple are now adding cameras and augmented reality dashes to the experience to further aid orientation on the ground. , results vary by location, be prepared for battery drain.)
on Google Maps android When iOSEnter the destination with[道順]to tap[徒歩]Choose. Tap. live view An icon in the corner of the map. You’ll be asked to point your camera at a nearby building so the app can see your surroundings compared to Google Street View imagery. Once set, directions will be superimposed on the camera screen view to guide you.
Apple Maps uses your iPhone’s camera in a similar way when requesting walking directions for supported cities Tap the AR icon on the map screen. (As another navigation option, Apple has a standalone digital compass app On iOS, on Google Maps compass It will appear on your screen when you start the journey. )
scan things
In addition to its role as a tour guide, your phone’s camera can also act as a scanner for both documents and scans. Quick Response (QR) CodeOn iOS you can: Scan a document or receipt with the Notes app Create a new note, press the camera icon on the toolbar,[ドキュメントのスキャン]Choose.you can also Scan and attach documents Tap the scan icon in the keyboard toolbar to send to the email message you are composing.
For boxy black and white QR codes for websites and electronic payment systems, just open. apple camera app Also google camera Scan towards the QR code.a lot of samsung Galaxy phones have QR scanners An option that also works in the camera app.
However, QR codes have caveats beyond privacy considerations. scam and spread malicious software.
name the tune
Phone microphones have likewise expanded their capabilities beyond voice memos, dictation, and audio/video calls in recent years. One reason: Apple’s Acquired in 2018 of the Shazam music recognition app.
The Auto Shazam feature, which attempts to automatically identify music playing nearby, iOS When Android version It can be enabled by pressing and holding the Shazam button while the app is open. (This may result in additional battery juice and data loss.)
Once you’ve identified a song in Shazam, you can: Play on your Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify, or YouTube Music accountYou can connect your list of recognized songs to Apple Music or Spotify in Shazam settings.
Many of Google’s Pixel phones include similar features. now playing A feature that can be enabled in the Sound & Vibration settings. When launched, the software displays song titles on the lock screen and builds a history list of music playing within microphone range. (The Now Playing tool was designed for Pixel phones, but a web search reveals that the creative coder has adapted it for his other Android phones.)
get help right away
A shortcut is provided to connect to your phone if you need urgent assistance. On iPhone 8 and later, on the right –side button and one of the volume buttons Emergency SOS Drag the on-screen slider to call your local emergency number. If you can’t drag the slider, hold the button until the phone automatically calls you. The Emergency SOS setting allows you to set your phone to make an emergency call by pressing the side button five times.
Android-based mobile phones such as google pixel When samsung galaxy Models have their own emergency services aids. On phones with a power button, hold that button until you see the emergency icon, then tap it. On phones without a power button, try swiping down the screen to go to the emergency mode quick settings or swiping up from the bottom to the emergency call button. Google’s free personal safety app for Android provides more tools for dealing with future emergencies for those who want to be prepared.
