Smartphones have access to a lot of helpful tools that can be really useful, especially when traveling abroad. Unfortunately they also come with the requirement of paying for a data package, which is an extra cost most people don't appreciate. While you can't get your phone to do everything a smartphone can, there are a lot of helpful tools out there that can make your phone more powerful than it currently is. Here's a couple of those tools:
Bing 411:
Normally, I'd suggest a Google service, like GOOG-411, but, as of November last year, the project has been discontinued. Bing 411 works almost exactly the same, and just as well. Simply call the number (1-800-246-4411), and tell it what you want it to do. It essentially gives you access to the powerful tools Bing offers online, all over voice instead. Some of the services it offers are:
Bing 411:
Normally, I'd suggest a Google service, like GOOG-411, but, as of November last year, the project has been discontinued. Bing 411 works almost exactly the same, and just as well. Simply call the number (1-800-246-4411), and tell it what you want it to do. It essentially gives you access to the powerful tools Bing offers online, all over voice instead. Some of the services it offers are:
- Find local shops and restaurants
- Get directions to said locations
- Find phone numbers to call buisnesses
- Get local traffic reports
- Find movie theater showtimes and ticket information
- Find the current weather and future forecasts
Google SMS:
The downside to Bing 411 is that it's fully automated; So, if you can't get it to comprehend your voice commands, you're out of luck. Fortunately, Google runs a service that lets you text it commands, while it replies with the information you request. Google SMS is also more feature rich than Bing 411, with features like:
- Flight information
- Calculator/converter
- Driving directions
- World clock
- Weather
- Shopping information
- Translations
- Web snippets
- Zip code locations
- Stocks
- Sports scores
- Dictionary definitions
- Movie theater times
- Local business locations and information
Unfortunately, from experience, sometimes the 160 character limit hinders results (Like when asking for Cardinal game scores, it will provide scores from the Arizona Cardinals), and, sometimes, the features don't work at all. More often than not, though, the service works as-advertised. Additionally, Google provides SMS access to Google Calendar (allowing you to send yourself event reminders, and view upcoming events), and create blog posts for Blogger by sending texts. Click here to try out any of these services.
Facebook Text Messages:
If you're an avid Facebook user, you probably find times where you want to socialize on-the-go. Fortunately, Facebook runs a service that lets you send commands via SMS to perform the following actions:
Facebook Text Messages:
If you're an avid Facebook user, you probably find times where you want to socialize on-the-go. Fortunately, Facebook runs a service that lets you send commands via SMS to perform the following actions:
- Update your status
- Send friend requests
- Subscribe to people
- Receive notifications
Many people find the last feature annoying, others find it useful. Whatever the case, you can sign up to use Facebook Text Messages, and turn notifications off. It's up to you. Visit this link to start using Facebook Text Messages.
Additionally, Facebook runs a service that lets you upload pictures and videos via MMS. Simply access the Facebook Mobile page to obtain your secret photo/video uploading email address, and add it as a contact in your phone. The next time you have a photo to upload, send it via that email, with the caption as the subject of the message. It will automatically upload to a special Mobile Uploads album on Facebook, and appear in your friends' news feeds. This feature does not cost any money, as long as you pay your mobile carrier for MMS uploads.
Google+ via SMS:
Just like Facebook, Googly+ also allows you to access your account through text messages. However, Google's service allows you to have much more control over what you do. Some provided features are:
- Update your status
- Specify privacy settings for status update
- Use Messenger via SMS
Unfortunately, Google+'s SMS service does not allow you to upload images and videos via MMS yet. If you're still interested, however, head to this link to start using Google+ via SMS.
Twitter Mobile:
Twitter, being designed to be used via text messages, has built in capabilities to let you tweet, follow, and message others on Twitter. Some features are:
- Send tweets
- Follow/unfollow users
- View a user's latest tweet
- Retweet or favorite said tweet
- Send a direct message to a user
- Notifications of tweets from specific users
- Notifications of direct messages and replies
YouTube Upload from Mobile:
YouTube allows you to upload videos from your phone via SMS. To do this, you'll have to set it up first, by getting a unique email address, similar to Facebook's photo/video upload. Add the email as a contact, and send your video to the email address, with the title of the video located in the subject of the message. YouTube will then automatically upload the video to your account.
Windows Live Messenger via Mobile:
This is probably one of my favorite mobile "apps". This one lets you IM friends on Windows Live Messenger via your phone. It also allows you to update your WLM status. Although it's not feature rich, the lone feature it supports works and is very powerful on its own. To set up Windows Live Messenger via Mobile, simply click here.
There's plenty more mobile services out there that I haven't covered, but these are by far the most useful, and, personally, my favorite. None of these use data, and some don't even use text messaging, if you don't pay for either of those. It's a good backup to have in case you find yourself roaming on another network, or maybe even on a network without data. Even then, these are all very powerful tools that allow you to access more of the internet from simply sending a text or speaking a command.
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