This summer marks 15 years since Apple released the first iPhone, and since then, smartphones have become the Swiss Army knives of technology. But with the onslaught of updates since 2007, less obvious features are often hidden in the process. Here’s a quick look at some possibly overlooked tools, shown here in iOS 15 and Android 12.
point the way
A mapping app has been part of the modern smartphone toolbox since the beginning, but Google and Apple have now added the camera and a dash of augmented reality to the experience for extra help with on-the-ground orientation. (However, your results will vary by location, and be prepared for battery drain.)
In Google Maps for Android and iOS, enter your destination, tap Directions, and select Walking. Tap the Live View icon in the corner of the map. Your phone prompts you to point the camera at nearby buildings so the app can recognize your surroundings by comparing it to Google Street View images. Once set up, your directions appear overlaid on the view through the camera screen to guide you.
Apple Maps uses the iPhone camera in a similar way when you request walking directions in supported cities and tap the AR icon on the map screen. (For alternative navigation options, Apple includes a separate digital compass app with iOS, and Google Maps has a compass that appears on the screen when you begin your journey.)
scan things
In addition to its tour guide functions, the phone’s camera can work as a scanner for both documents and quick response or QR codes. On iOS, you can scan a document or receipt into the Notes app by creating a new note by pressing the camera icon in the toolbar and selecting Scan Documents. You can also scan and attach a document to an email message you are composing by tapping the scan icon on the keyboard toolbar.
As for those black and white square QR codes for websites or electronic payment systems, just open the Apple Camera or Google Camera app and point at the QR code to scan it. Many of Samsung’s Galaxy phones have a QR scanner option that also works with the camera app.
But there is a caveat with QR codes, beyond privacy considerations: Be careful to only scan codes from trusted sources, as cybercriminals use them to commit fraud and distribute malware.
name that melody
The phone’s microphone has also expanded its powers beyond voice memos, dictation, and audio/video calls in recent years. One reason: Apple’s 2018 acquisition of music recognition app Shazam.
The Auto Shazam feature, which attempts to automatically identify music playing nearby, works on iOS and Android versions and can be enabled by holding down the Shazam button when the app is open. (This can drain extra battery juice and data.)
After you identify a song with Shazam, you can play it on an Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify, or YouTube Music account. In Shazam settings, you can connect your list of recognized songs to Apple Music or Spotify.
Many of Google’s Pixel phones include a similar Now Playing feature that you can enable in the Sound and vibration settings. Once activated, the software displays song titles on the lock screen and creates a historical list of music played within microphone range. (The Now Playing tool is designed for Pixel phones, but a web search reveals that creative coders have adapted it for other Android phones.)
Get help fast
When you need emergency assistance, your phone has shortcuts to connect. On an iPhone 8 or later, press and hold the right side button and one of the volume buttons until you see the Emergency SOS slider on the screen, and then drag the slider to call the local emergency number; If you can’t drag the slider, press and hold the buttons until the phone makes the call automatically. In the Emergency SOS settings, you can enable the phone to make an emergency call when you press the side button five times.
Android-based phones, including Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy models, have their own emergency service aids. On phones with a power button, press and hold the power button until you see the Emergency icon, then tap it. On a phone without a power button, try swiping down on the screen to access Quick Settings for emergency mode, or swipe up from the bottom to access the Emergency Call button. Google’s free personal safety app for Android provides more tools to handle future emergency situations, for those who like to be prepared.