Any spare smartphones around? They are still useful you know...

 

Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Old Smartphone

As technology advances at a rapid pace, many of us find ourselves with old smartphones gathering dust in drawers. Instead of letting these gadgets go to waste, consider repurposing them into functional devices that can enhance your daily life. Here are some clever ways to give your old smartphone a new lease on life:

1. Turn It into a Game Console:

Your old smartphone can become a portable game console for endless entertainment. Install your favorite games or explore the vast library of apps available on app stores. Pair it with a Bluetooth controller for a more immersive gaming experience. Additionally, you can emulate classic games from consoles like the NES, SNES, or Game Boy, transforming your device into a nostalgic gaming powerhouse.

2. Use It as a Music Player:

Convert your old smartphone into a dedicated music player to enjoy your favorite tunes without draining the battery of your primary phone. Load it with your music library or stream from services like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music. You can also connect it to speakers or headphones for high-quality sound on the go. This can be especially useful during workouts, long commutes, or parties. I especially advice searching for even older cell phones like Sony Ericsson W series like W800, W705 and many more (Walkman!) they offer great music quality and look really awesome - phones from my younger days :)

3. Set It Up as a Bike Navigation System:

For cycling enthusiasts, an old smartphone can be a fantastic bike navigation system. Mount it on your bike's handlebars and use GPS apps like Google Maps, Komoot, or Strava to plan and track your routes. These apps provide real-time navigation, elevation data, and performance tracking to enhance your biking experience. Plus, having a dedicated device for navigation ensures your main phone stays safe and fully charged. I personally have on my trekking bike my main phone in special bag with screen, and second older phone on holder - main phone uses wifi tethering and gives internet to old phone with gps app while main phone plays music to bone conducting earphones (never use standard earphones - hear surroundings and wear helmet!)

4. Use it as a System Monitor for your PC:

Use Trigone software to turn your smartphone for external monitor for your pc cpu, gpu etc temps etc. See videos on YT.

5. Additional Uses:

E-Reader: Install e-book apps like Kindle, Apple Books, or Kobo to use your old phone as a compact e-reader.

Remote Control: Transform it into a universal remote control for your smart home devices, TV, or even your computer.

Digital Photo Frame: Use apps to display your favorite photos in a continuous slideshow, adding a personal touch to your home or office.

Security Camera: Set it up as a security camera or baby monitor using apps like Alfred Camera or Presence.

By repurposing your old smartphone, you not only reduce electronic waste but also get to enjoy the many benefits these versatile devices can offer. Whether it's for entertainment, productivity, or convenience, your old phone still has plenty of life left in it!