AARP . . . the American Association of Retired Persons . . . sent out an email on “19 Things You Didn’t Know Your Smartphone Could Do.” And if you didn’t already know your phone had these, you’re officially old.
1. A flashlight. If you’re still carrying one around, no need.
2. The weather. There’s an app for that.
3. A calculator. Quote, “You can perform basic math functions when holding the phone vertically. [Or] rotate the phone on its side to summon a scientific calculator that can give you [more] advanced actions.”
4. Directions. They say the most popular GPS apps are called Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps. (And if you need that tip, there’s also a MapQuest app that lets you print.)
5. Kitchen timer. Or “egg timer” . . . as they called it in your day.
6. QR code reader. They posted a big explanation of what that means, but basically . . . point your camera at those weird things that look like barcodes from the future. (Bonus tip: Your phone has a camera.)
7. Video camera. Fun fact . . . your phone shoots video too. (???)
They also included a few tips that MIGHT be helpful to people younger than 100: You can use your phone to measure things without a ruler . . . to translate foreign languages . . . and to listen to the RADIO.
