October 15, 2020

Do you know what your phone can do?

Since 2011, the number of Americans owning smartphones has increased from 35 percent to 81 percent, although there remains a significant digital divide, demographically. A Pew Research survey found the vast majority of younger Americans rely on smartphones, while just 53 percent of the 65-and-over crowd use the devices.1

Americans who have embraced technology are finding it can greatly simplify and enhance their lives. During this pandemic, many of us have had to embrace technology to help do our jobs, keep in touch with our family and friends, and even to complete every day tasks like ordering our groceries or getting a heads up on who has toilet paper in stock. No matter what you want to accomplish, the chances are you can download an app to get it done. Apps, a.k.a. mobile applications, are computer programs that make it possible for your phone to do almost anything. All you have to do is tap the right icon. For example, you can:

Drive more safely: Even adults have been guilty of using their phones while driving. Some apps use text-to-voice translators to let you listen and respond to texts and emails while driving so you can keep your eyes on the road.2

Check out a book: Anyone with a current library card can download e-books and audio books from their libraries with an app.2

Stay healthy: Whether you want to know more about nutrition, take a fitness classes, track your diet and exercise, or research specific health issues, it’s likely there is an app to help your specific needs.2

Shed some light: Need help seeing in the dark? I bet your phone has a flashlight app. If not, you can download one.2

Stay in touch: Have family or friends who live far away? Mobile messaging apps let you share pictures, send texts, and make voice or video calls. Did you know that you can also use your camera to scan QR codes? This will be helpful if you venture out for a bite to eat as most restaurants have done away with paper menus and now require you to scan their QR code to see their delicious offerings.3

Entertain yourself: You can watch television and movies, listen to music and podcasts, read books and articles, find dates, play games, order carryout, and so much more.4

Translate languages: International travel may not be in your immediate future, but when the time comes again, it can be daunting to travel through a country when you don’t speak the language. There are numerous app to help translate and even teach you to speak a new language and help bridge language barriers.5

Manage your money: If you have trouble with budgeting and spending, an app may help. Did you know you can deposit checks and manage your investment accounts securely with an app too?5

Provide first aid: Don’t panic when disaster strikes. The American Red Cross has an app that provides expert advice for everyday emergencies.6

Apps can be mighty helpful. In fact, you may find yourself spending too much time on your phone. If that’s the case, there are apps for monitoring and controlling phone use.7

 

 

Sources:
1 https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/
2 https://mashable.com/2013/02/04/baby-boomer-apps/
3 https://www.pcmag.com/feature/366492/cheap-and-easy-apps-gadgets-to-help-you-stay-in-touch
4 https://socialnomics.net/2018/01/20/the-most-popular-entertainment-mobile-apps/
5 https://www.lifehack.org/427248/10-innovative-ways-of-using-your-smartphone
6 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.fa&hl=en_US
7 https://www.inc.com/jeremy-goldman/6-apps-to-stop-your-smartphone-addiction.html

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