The success story of the smartphone began a quarter of a century ago. With more and more skills, the technological wonder is replacing more and more everyday objects – and with a surprise effect.
From utopia to technology for billions: In the 1960s, communication in the US science fiction series “Star Trek” took place via so-called communicators. Three decades later, a “communicator” of the same name was to usher in the golden era of smartphones.
The “Nokia 9000 Communicator” went on sale on August 15, 1996. 25 years ago it was equipped with a fax function, calendar and calculator.
Today, the devices are suitable for the masses: According to management consultancy Deloitte, 89 percent of German citizens have a smartphone. Some apps even replace everyday objects. A selection:
MONEY POUCH Today, when paying, you hold your cell phone over a reader at the cash register. The bill is then settled via Google Pay for Android devices or Apple Pay for iOS cell phones. The data of the accounts from which the money is withdrawn are stored there. With NFC (Near Field Communication), mostly the same technology is used that is also used for contactless payment with a bank card. An NFC chip is standard on newer smartphones. The iPhone from Apple has had this function on board since Model 6 (2015).
SPIRIT LEVEL The picture is crooked? The toolbox used to be needed, today there is an app for it. Android users have to download them first. One of the most popular is the free “Galaxy spirit level”. Two tubes with a simulated bubble indicate whether the cell phone is tilted. IPhone users do not need an extra download: The function has been on board since version 7 of the iOS operating system – first in the compass application, since iOS 11 as a sub-function of the measuring tape app.
MEASURING TAPE Newer iPhones (from model 6s) can scan the environment and measure objects. For this purpose, the device is held on the object to be measured as when taking a picture, then the start and end point of the measurement are defined manually. Several measurements are possible – such as the height and width of a plant or special shapes such as the square and rectangle of a picture frame. The “AirMeasure” app is available from competitor Google, for example.
GAMES CONSOLE The performance of modern chips and fast Internet make the cell phone interesting for game manufacturers too. The A14 chip used in the iPhone 12 is said to be faster than three gigahertz (GHz). For comparison: the portable Switch console from Nintendo only clocks at around one GHz when playing. That means: If you want to play mobile, you can also do so with a new smartphone. If you take out a subscription on a platform like Steam, you can play thousands of games with fast Internet access.
DICTIONARY Just stick a fish in your ear and suddenly understand all languages? It is not as easy as in the cult novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams. However, the technology is already so advanced that visitors abroad can leave the dictionary at home. Anyone who uses Google’s free “Translator” app (Android and iOS) can, for example, have the menu translated live using the camera function. According to the manufacturer, this should be possible with currently 94 languages.
REMOTE CONTROL The smartphone can even replace the TV remote control. This is usually done via the home WiFi, which must be connected to the television and mobile phone. That means: The TV must be a more up-to-date device that is internet-capable. Almost every manufacturer offers a solution. At Samsung, for example, this app is called “Smartthings” and can control compatible devices – from tumble dryers to TVs. There are also universal remote controls as an app – such as “SURE Universal Remote” for Android and iOS.
IMPFPASS One consequence of the corona pandemic is the digital vaccination certificate. Just like the yellow vaccination book, this can prove a complete corona vaccination and thus exempt from the test when going to the cinema, for example. There are apps for this (all Android and iOS): «CovPass» is only used to show the vaccination certificate. This can also be done by other apps that were developed for other main tasks: The “Corona Warning” app is intended to help track chains of infection. The “Luca” app is used for quick check-in and check-out with your own contact details, for example in cafes or restaurants.
STEP COUNTERS They were very popular for a long time: fitness bracelets that count the steps. The smartphone can do that too. Google and Apple offer independent solutions for this: on Android smartphones, this activity tracker is called “Google Fit”, and on the iPhone, the “Health” app has been on board since iOS 8. Both count the steps, measure and save the distances covered while walking or running. If you prefer an external solution, you can also use the extensively equipped “Pacer” app for both systems.
HEART RATE MONITOR If you want to measure your heart rate yourself, you can do so without an additional device such as a smartwatch. Checking the heartbeat and recognizing rhythm disturbances – this is what the German health app “Preventicus Heartbeats” (Android and iOS) wants. Measurements are made by preferably placing the little finger on the mobile phone camera. The manufacturer promises: The pulse curve can be derived from the video signal. “Highly precise and patented algorithms determine your heart rhythm using this pulse curve,” it says on the website.
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