Your phone's camera does so much more than take pictures

Your Smartphone Camera's Hidden Talents: Beyond the Usual Snap

Updated from its original March 15, 2018 publication.

Forget just capturing landscapes and friends; your smartphone camera is a versatile tool with the right apps. Let's explore its surprising capabilities.

Instant Translation of Foreign Text

Traditional translation apps require manual text entry, a cumbersome process. Why not scan and translate directly?

The free Google Translate app (Android and iOS) offers this solution. Select your source and target languages, choose the "Camera" function, and select "Instant." Point your camera at the text, and the translation appears on screen. This works with 88 languages – check the app for the complete list.

Samsung Galaxy S20 and later models offer "Live Translation" within the native camera app. In "Auto" mode, tap the Bixby Vision button (eye icon), select "Text," and point your camera. The phone automatically detects and translates the text.

Explore the Cosmos

Stargazing just got an upgrade. Identify celestial objects with a stargazing app.

Star Walk 2 (Android and iOS) is a top choice, offering a user-friendly interface and numerous features. Using your location and gyroscope data, it identifies constellations, satellites, and more. Explore 3D models and even see how the night sky shifts through time. It's free with ads or a $3 ad-free version.

Augmented Reality Adventures

Overlay digital graphics onto your camera view with augmented reality (AR). Both Android and iOS support AR, and many apps leverage this technology.

Snapchat (free, Android and iOS) is an excellent starting point. Tap the screen to access AR stickers, adjust placement, and capture photos or videos.

Other AR apps include PGA Tour AR (iOS only, free), Inkhunter (Android and iOS, free) for tattoo previews, and Ikea Place (iOS only, free) for virtual furniture placement. Of course, don't forget AR gaming like Pokémon Go (Android and iOS, free).

Digitizing Paper Documents

While a paperless world remains a goal, efficiently digitizing documents is crucial.

While simple photos work, dedicated apps offer features like automatic cropping and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for searchable text. Google Drive (Android) and Dropbox (Android and iOS) are excellent choices. Google Drive's Android version scans documents with OCR; Dropbox's scanning feature (paid upgrades unlock OCR and search) uses your camera.

Instant Information Lookup

Google Lens, integrated into Google Photos (Android and iOS), identifies objects in photos.

Open an image in Google Photos, tap the Google Lens button (simplified camera icon), and get information on landmarks, flowers, and more. Google Pixel users can access Lens via Google Assistant.

Website Access via QR Codes

QR codes provide quick website access. Point your phone's camera at a QR code, and a notification will appear with the URL.

Security Camera Functionality

Turn your old phone into a security camera. Manything (Android and iOS) offers livestreaming, motion detection alerts, and cloud storage (subscription required). For baby monitoring, Dormi (Android) and Cloud Baby Monitor (iOS) provide live feeds, sound/motion alerts, and communication features (subscriptions may apply).

Memory Enhancement

Use photos as memory aids. Capture Wi-Fi passwords, box contents during moves, vacation passes, or hotel emergency numbers. Organize these in dedicated albums (iOS) or Google Keep notes (Android).

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