Christmas and Epiphany are two occasions when many people ask for a new smartphone. That’s why SPC has gathered 6 curious actions unknown to most users of these devices that will help us gain comfort and efficiency in using smartphones.
SPC, the Spanish consumer technology brand, wants those who are going to ask Santa Claus or the Three Wise Men for a new smartphone to get the most out of it. Christmas is a time of year when many take the opportunity to upgrade their device or ask for their first smartphone, especially the younger members of the family. That’s why these 6 curious actions, unknown to most users, will help us use our devices better and gain convenience in our daily lives.
Write WhatsApps without using your hands, with voice dictation
WhatsApp voice messages are very common nowadays, but there are situations when we can’t listen to the audio. Also, sometimes we need to write a long text message in just a few seconds. For these situations, there is voice dictation to convert what we say into text.
WhatsApp already allows text input by voice. The keyboard includes a microphone icon on the top bar, and by tapping it, we can dictate what we want to write while seeing the words appear on the screen. This way, we can send a written message without typing, in just a few seconds, without using our hands and without needing to send an audio message.
If your vehicle doesn’t have Bluetooth, use the Voice Assistant as your car’s hands-free system
If we want to go further, Android phones include a built-in virtual assistant that we can interact with by speaking. Just activate the assistant by saying “Hey Google” and you can start talking to control many device functions or its apps without typing. And don’t forget to ask the assistant to read the texts on the screen: just say ‘read my text messages’ and the assistant will read them aloud automatically so you only have to listen.
Along the same lines, this assistant will be very helpful when you’re driving, as you can interact with your phone without taking your eyes off the road by asking the assistant to call someone from your contacts. You can also search for routes, play music, and many other functions without touching the screen.
Translate text instantly with Google Lens just by pointing your camera
Google Translate is one of the tools we use most when traveling, as it helps us understand new words, decipher a restaurant menu, or communicate with others; but it can be tedious if we have to type long and complicated words or phrases in another language. That’s why Android offers us a much faster and easier way to translate: using Google Lens.
This app is integrated into the Google search engine itself (you’ll see a camera icon next to the search bar), in the Translate app, and also in your phone’s Camera app. Once this function is selected, if you point your camera at text in another language you want to translate, it shows the meaning in Spanish (or the set language) directly overlaid on the original content. It seems like magic, but it’s one of the most useful functions of our smartphone since you can also copy the translated text to use it in other apps, like Google Maps or WhatsApp.
In an emergency, press the smartphone’s power button 5 times for SOS calls
Android phones include the SOS call function, something few people know about but that can be a lifesaver. This easy-to-activate feature allows you to send a quick and discreet distress signal in risky situations.
By simply pressing the power button on your phone five times in a row, you can automatically make a call to 112. This action activates a silent alert that communicates your situation and location to emergency services without alerting potential attackers. It’s important to set up this function beforehand on your mobile device by going to the “Emergency” section under “Security” in “Settings.” Once configured, this tool can be the solution in an emergency situation.
Using your phone while walking can have consequences; use the Heads Up feature to avoid tripping
That said, something you should keep in mind is that using your phone while walking on the street can be dangerous, as you might trip or accidentally step into the road. The Heads Up feature lets you set reminders to help you remember to watch where you’re going, so you can avoid risks and keep yourself safe. It’s important that the phone doesn’t completely distract us, and these security features included in Android devices are perfect for safe and trouble-free use. This feature is set by selecting the “Look ahead” option within the “Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls” section in Android Settings.
The importance of digital disconnection and healthy smartphone use
Along these lines, current phones allow, thanks to the “Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls” section, tracking the daily use we make of the device and its different apps, so we can monitor whether we are making healthy use of our smartphone.
This app also allows you to set usage limits so that certain applications can be blocked after reaching a set usage time. This can be useful for, for example, social networks or games, which tend to consume a lot of time: if we set a maximum daily usage time, we can continue enjoying these apps without compromising our work, studies, or time dedicated to other activities like exercising or going for a walk. Moderation is the key to wellbeing.
With these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your new smartphone and enjoy advanced features that will help you in your daily life thanks to the latest technology.
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