Mobile technology seems to be advancing at the speed of light these days. Unfortunately, this usually means that we, as consumers, usually have a high turnover of various electronics and gadgets.
Getting new gadgets is always pretty exciting, but what happens with the old ones? There’s a good chance that they end up in the Gadget Graveyard, otherwise known as the junk drawer in my house.
Old Android smartphones aren’t necessarily obsolete when you replace them, though. Even if they have no service, there are still a number of great uses for old Android smartphones. After all, you should still be able to use the wi-fi on your old Android smartphones, even when you aren’t on a service plan. You can use the wireless connection to download and install free apps from Google Play.
Breathe new life into your old Android smartphones with these ideas!
Music Player
Are you a music junkie? Turn one of your old Android smartphones into a feature packed media player! Although the stock music player on most Android devices is usually sufficient, there are also tons of free and paid amps to enhance your music experience.
Free Apps to Try:
Camera
Chances are, the cameras still works on your old Android smartphones you have. Technology has come a pretty long way since the first cell phone cameras. Cameras on most new and old Android smartphones take pretty decent pictures, so why not take advantage of it? There are tons of great free apps to help you capture awesome shots and edit photos. You can even post and share pictures via your social networking account over your wi-fi connection. It’s certainly a lot less of a hassle than transferring photos from your camera to your computer and cheaper than buying a wi-fi digital camera.
Free Apps to Try:
- Fast Burst Camera Lite (This is a MUST have app for me!)
- Photo Editor by Aviary
Digital Picture Frame
After you take all of those pictures with your new camera old smartphone, don’t forget to display them! You can turn old Android smartphones into snazzy desk-size digital photo frames and display an ever-changing stream of your favorite photos.
Free Apps to Try:
Gaming Device
Playing games on your phone is a great way to pass the time, but it’s also a great way to drain the battery. Keep your main phone juiced up and use one of your old Android smartphones as a pocket gaming device. Just download and install your favorite free games to keep you or your little ones entertained.
Free Apps to Try:
Security or Nanny Cam
You don’t need to plunk down serious cash for a high end security system or nanny cam. You can use old Android smartphones! Just install a security cam app and monitor what you need from another mobile device or computer. Use it to keep an eye on your kids, see who’s at your front, or simply check in on things when you aren’t home.
Free Apps to Try:
eBook Reader
If you’re an avid reader, you have an unlimited stream of ebooks at your fingertips if you have an old Android smartphone. I bought a tablet specifically as an eBook reader, but once I got my Android phone, I found that I prefer reading eBooks on that instead. It’s smaller, easier to handle, and much more portable.
Free Apps to Try:
- Kindle (Always lots of great free Kindle books available!)
- Nook
Free Phone Calls
Some people have been able to use their old Android smartphones without service to make free phone calls over wi-fi connections! Some services and apps even give you a free phone number. Although this option probably won’t replace your home or cell phone completely, it’s a great way to cut costs and use less minutes on your cell phone.
Free Apps to Try
