With more than 2 million apps in the Apple App Store and 2.2 million in Google Play, there are tons of things you can do with your smartphone beyond making calls and texting. Here are some of the most innovative apps that make your smartphone do things you’ve never imagined.
Instant Heart Rate is an app that uses your phone’s camera and flash to take a reading of your pulse. Just place your index finger on the camera and the app will automatically measure your heart rate by detecting color changes. The app also collects data from each reading to create charts that help you monitor your heart rate over time. Plus, you can add tags and notes such as “Just woke up,†“Before bed,†“Exercising,†and “Resting," to make your tracking more effective. You don’t have to be a fitness enthusiast to benefit from this app. It’s also helpful if you have a medical condition such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes and need to monitor your heart rate closely. When I tested the app, it was within a beat or two of manually measuring my heart rate.
One of the most unexpected things your smartphone can do is search for metal. If you own an iPhone, download a free app called Metal Detector. This app taps into your phone’s built-in magnetometer, which helps your phone detect the X, Y, Z axes for things like the compass. Metal Detector won't detect everything that's metal, but don’t discredit its ability. Point your phone’s camera toward the metal objects and turn up the dial to increase the intensity. You’ll be surprised by the things it picks up. The app detects any metal that is magnetic. If you don’t have an iPhone, a similar app (also called Metal Detector) is available for Android devices. These apps share the same name; however, they were created by different developers and have slight differences in the way they operate.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could warm up or cool down your car before you even reach the parking lot? That’s what Viper SmartStart does. It’s like turning your phone into a remote control for your vehicle. With the full system, you can start your car, unlock your doors, open your trunk, locate where you’re parked, and even activate your security system. Premium versions also include features such as text alerts for speeding and when your car has a low battery. The apps for Apple and Android are free to download and test, but you’ll need extra hardware and a monthly service plan to make the system work.
