[memason]

I see lots of smartphones around The Villages... Certainly, the smartphone is more than just a phone...

I see lots of posts with folks trying to decide whether to get a smartphone or a normal cellphone.

I use my smartphone for almost everything, which I'll share as the thread progresses...

Let us know how you use your smartphone and any special apps that help you do it.

[Golfingnut]

Check Email
Search the internet
GPS
Facebook
Calculator
Calendar
Clock
Appoint reminders

[getdul981]

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

Check Email
Search the internet
GPS
Facebook
Calculator
Calendar
Clock
Appoint reminders

All the above, except Facebook.
Also, use it for:
Camera
Alarm Clock
Texting (which I hate, but everyone else seems to love it)
Weather
Play Games
Golf Range Finder (not the best, but its FREE)
Dictionary
Radio
MP3 player

[Midvale]

I use Google My Tracks to see how fast/far I ride my bike. Tapatalk to check forums. Also as a wifi hotspot for other devices when I RV.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I could never give up my smart phone.... not sure how I ever lived without it! Do everything on it. When was the last time you saw a Payphone anywhere?

[memason]

I use mine to listen to radio stations...

TuneIn Radio app will allow you to listen to over 20,000 radio stations, worldwide. When home, I use this with the iPhone plugged into the stereo system and into the car stereo when traveling. Similar to XM, except that you will have the normal radio commercials, but you will not loose the station as you travel... This might let you listen to your favorite radio station from back home.

[gomoho]

It is my computer in the car - when home love to tune into Pandora and Bluetooth it to my Bose mini link speaker.

[getdul981]

Memason - Question.. Does the Radio count as data when you are not at home? We have 10 MB of data per month and have never gotten anywhere near it, but we don't use the radio feature when not at home either.

[memason]

I'm using mine to control the temperature in my home, from anywhere in the world.

By using a Honeywell WiFi thermostat and app, I can monitor the inside [and outside] temperature and change it from anywhere in the world. When traveling, in the summer, I can check the temp in the house and change the set point to cool a little more, if needed. Sometimes, I just just turn on the fan to circulate the air for a couple hours.

[SemiMike]

Foreign language study/review. The free version of Duolingo is great!

[Bambi]

All of the above and:
GPS
Flashlight
Bubble level
Compass
Speedometer on golf cart
Heart rate monitor
Skype and FaceTime
Books
Netflix - beam to my Apple TV
Check airline flights
Candy crush
Notes.... Grocery lists, etc.
Storage and display of store loyalty cards
Copies of medical cards, AAA cards, credit cards And emergency numbers in a encrypted
Cloud storage account
Timer for cooking, etc.
On line coupons for Publix, etc.
Store bar code scanner which compares prices in nearby stores for same item
Price locater for gas (Gas Buddy)
Weather warnings
Back up for genealogy research
Adding data to my Family Tree Maker when researching out of state etc.

[dillywho]

Many of the above, plus: (Hope I don't repeat any previously posted)


Phone - I forward my landline (which we need, some don't) to my smart phone. People calling have no idea we are away from the house.

TV stations

GasBuddy (free) to check gas prices

BP Monitor which can record and track BP and more (great for DR visits because it shows the history and charts) (free)

One of my favorite ones is the Voice Memo - I record our Dr. visits in the office or hospital. By the way, they really like for you to do that. This way you can go back and review exactly what he/she said. Great for updating family because you can share the recordings without having to try to be sure you tell all the kids the same thing.

Newspapers back home - Amarillo and Lubbock

Photos & videos

MapQuest

Notes: use for
Today - errands, etc
Misc
Grocery lists by store (don't get to the store without it that way)
Med list
Dr. Appts by Doctor & notes for Dr. visit (don't have to go to calendar to search but they are on the calendar, too)

Most importantly: My husband can be somewhat independent and we don't have to stay "tied at the hip". He had a stroke 12 yrs ago and lost the ability to effectively communicate (aphasia). He wears a Medical ID Bracelet with all his information in it. I am always just a phone call away. He still plays golf, plays billiards, drives (always has the cart, tho), plays cards, etc.

[Sable99]

Keep 'em coming. I'm learning I'm underutilizing my iPhone!

[Polar Bear]

Hard to list, since basically you can do anything on a smartphone. Probably be quicker to list what I don't do...heheh.

But the single biggest thing for me...aside from all the usual internet stuff...is having all my information in one spot. Calendar, to-do list, contacts, notes (text and voice), all in one app, all synchronized across all my devices...pad, phone, PC.

How did we ever get by without them!?! :^)

[getdul981]

Originally Posted by dillywho

Phone Now, That's a novel idea!

TV stations I use mine to set recording times for our DVR.

I also us mine for a level and Compass.