Advertisement
Teaching an Old Phone New Tricks

Blog | January 26th, 2012

As the world becomes more and more saturated with iPhones, Androids phones and Blackberries, those of us without a smartphone can feel stuck in the dark ages. Like cavemen banging rocks together in hopes of a spark, are we just helplessly sitting in the dark? Is it becoming necessary to give in and buy a smartphone? Not so fast. Smartphones are expensive, and their monthly data contract can cause your phone bill to skyrocket. If you can’t justify the cost, it’s not worth the purchase. Plus, your not-so-smart phone can still do some pretty cool things. Learn how to make your phone a little smarter without paying for a smartphone.

Warning!

            While these services are free, understand that the standard calling and texting fees will still apply. It will still count toward your monthly total of text messages or phone minutes.

Just Google It

            While you can’t ask Siri the question that irks you unless you have an iPhone 4S, you still have a world of knowledge at your fingertips. Google offers a way to search through a simple text message (otherwise known as SMS, standing for Short Message Service). By texting 466-453 (spelling “Google” on most phones), you can get information on the weather, sports scores, stocks, flight info, definitions, movie times, local restaurants and more. Start by texting the word “help” to get some information on what’s available, and then text “tips” to get examples of how to format your texts. For example, texting “Define bumbershoot” will get you a message, stating that a bumbershoot is, in fact, an umbrella! Text “Burger 60626”, and you’ll be given the name, address and phone number of a few burger joints in that Chicago zip code. Your phone is getting smarter already!

What’s the 411?

            For years, people have dialed 411 to talk to an operator that will direct their call to the business of their choice. However, this service costs money and should be used sparingly. Time for the next lesson of phone education! Both Google and Bing offer free 411 services! You can call Google at GOOG-411 (800-466-4411) or Bing at BING-411 (800-246-4411). You’ll be greeted by an automated voice that will briefly explain the service. Amongst other tools and functions, these services find the numbers of whatever business you are looking for. It’s like having the yellow pages in your pocket!

Never Miss a Meeting

            Do you use Google Calendar or Microsoft Windows Live Calendar? If so, you can integrate your phone! If you use Google Calendar, click on the “Calendar Settings” in the top-right of the calendar page. You’ll be able to add a phone under the “mobile settings” tab. Google allows you to text GVENT (48368) “next” to see the next event, “day” to see the day’s schedule and “nday” to see tomorrow’s events.

            If you’re a Windows Live user, click “options” in the top-right then “Add or remove a mobile device” under “How you’re notified”. You’ll now be able to get reminders via text. Note that not all cell phone carriers are supported and are able to use these calendar services.

OMG! LOL! Stay Social!      

If you’re an avid user of Twitter, you don’t need a smartphone to tweet your life in 140-character chapters. Under “Settings” in Twitter, click on the “Mobile” tab to use your mobile phone to send tweets out to the world. You can do more than that, too. You’ll see the different available text commands, including the ability to read tweets, follow or unfollow users, retweet and more!

            If you’re like many Facebook users across the globe, you have developed a need to be in constant contact with your Facebook profile, status and news feed. You can set your mobile phone up to do just that, under Facebook’s “Account Settings” page. Click on the “Mobile” tab on the left and choose to “Add a Phone”. You’ll be able to get texts for friend requests, messages and posts on your wall or friends’ status updates. Of course, you’ll be able to post your own statuses, too.                                     

See, your phone is smart after all! Saving money, you can still stay connected! Do you have a smartphone? Do you think it’s important? Share here!