7 new ideas for your old phone if you buy the iPhone 11 or Note 10 – CNET

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You can still put your old phone to use.


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With so many new phone options, like the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and Note 10, there’s so much temptation to upgrade your old phone to one of the new devices. You can sell or trade in your old phone, but if you do hold onto it, you can give it new life by turning it into something you’ll actually want to use.

After all, smartphones are small, powerful computers with storage space and a camera. Instead of spending cash on another expensive device, be creative and make it yourself. Your phone makes a handy substitute for lots of other electronics — you can even turn it into a home security camera or diagnose your car’s mechanical problems.

Read more: iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max specs vs. Galaxy S10, Note 10 and Pixel 3 XL Android phones

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The Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device.


Hyperkin

Turn your old Android into a Nintendo Game Boy

You can play video games everywhere you go when you turn your Android into a Nintendo Game Boy. All you need to get started is a compatible Android phone and a Hyperkin Smartboy Mobile Device. 

In order to play the games, you’ll need to purchase Game Boy cartridges (unless you still have them). But you can also play Game Boy Advance ($310 at Amazon) apps if you don’t have the retro cartridges.

Use your iPhone or Android as a universal remote

It’s great having one remote that can do everything — think Click, the Adam Sandler movie. OK, maybe not that extreme. But being able to control all of your devices from one remote is a relief. Download a remote control app, such as iRule (for iPhone or Android) and then sync your phone to devices including your Xbox One, Roku and Apple TV.

If you have smart light bulbs, you can sync your phone to those as well. Follow these tips on how to turn your device into a universal remote so you never have to wonder where your TV remote is hiding again.

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Turn your Android into a Google Home.


Chris Parker/CNET

Turn your Android into a Google Home

Repurposing your Android phone to be a Google Home smart speaker is simple and requires no app downloads. Make sure your phone is updated to the latest Android OS so you have “OK, Google.” Next, you’ll need to find a Bluetooth speaker to pair your phone with. Make sure both devices stay plugged in and on at all times. You’ll be ready to give Google commands in no time. The best part is you won’t have to spend $129 on a Google Home. Learn more about what you can do with a Google Home here.

Your iPhone or Android can double as a home security camera

Feel secure by turning your old phone into a home security camera. Download a security camera app, like Alfred (for iPhone or Android) to get started. Check on your house while you’re at work to make sure all is well. Place the phone in the main room of the house in a spot where you have the best view.

When you’re home, set it up outside (hidden, of course) to see who’s knocking on your door or to see any suspicious activity. Maybe you’ll find it’s just a raccoon that’s been leaving candy wrappers in your yard and not your neighbor’s kid.

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Turn your phone into a baby monitor.


Alina Bradford/CNET

Use your old phone as a baby monitor

Instead of running into your child’s room every time you think you hear crying or a strange noise, check to see if your baby is OK by turning your old phone into a baby monitor.

You can set your old phone up in the room and access it from your current phone by installing Skype on both devices. You can also use a baby monitor app like Dormi (for Android) or Cloud Baby Monitor (for iPhone). We haven’t tested them on real babies, but the customer ratings are excellent. You’ll feel better knowing that you can be in any room and still see your baby.

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Turn your iPhone or Android into a wireless mouse

It can be annoying when your wireless mouse dies on you with no warning. It helps to have a backup, and you can turn your phone into a mouse in no time. You’ll need to download an app, such as Remote Mouse for iPhone or Android, in order to do so.

Once you have the app, connect your phone and desktop to the same Wi-Fi network and say bye-bye to that old-school mouse. Keep it in your laptop case for when you’re on the go and stop by a coffee shop to get some work done.

Keep your old phone as a music player

Free up storage space on your new phone by using your old phone as a media player. Since you have a new phone, you can wipe all the data off your old phone (except your music and music apps).

You’ll be able to add as many songs as your old phone will allow without worrying about how much storage you’re using. Hook it up to your surround-sound speaker if you’re having a party and let the fun begin.

The great thing is you’ll be able to leave it in one place and won’t have to worry about incoming calls and messages interrupting your tunes.

Originally published earlier this year.

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source: cnet.com