Remember when your phone was only a phone and it had to be connected to a wall jack? Outside, you needed to find a pay phone and have coins to place a call. Wow, how times have changed!
Chances are that if anyone told you at that time that your phone someday would be a device that exchanged e-mails and messages, listen to music, catch up on the news, check the weather, stocks, and watch a movie, you would probably want them committed. It is estimated that over two-thirds of the US population owns a smartphone. A smartphone is loosely defined as a hand-held computer, typically offering Internet access, data storage, email capability, etc.
If you already own a smartphone (iPhone, Galaxy, Blackberry, etc.), it probably came with basic apps (applications) that will permit you to surf the web, take pictures, and communicate with friends and family via e-mail or text messages.
Sales of mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) now exceed computers. More people are accessing the web through mobile devices than computers. In addition to the functions listed above, there are now mobile apps that permit you perform many functions on the fly. Below are some examples:
Travel
– Book and track a flight
– Search and book a hotel
– Make restaurant reservations
– Reserve a car service
Finance
– Track your portfolio and execute trades
– Check your bank balance, transfer funds, and pay bills
– Make mobile payments
Entertainment
– Look up movie showtimes, view trailers, and read reviews
– Stream for favorite movies and TV shows
– Purchase, listen to, and read books
– Play games such as Scrabble, Solitaire, and Bridge
Photography
– Take and edit pictures
– Share them with family and friends
– Create albums by event or date
Medical
– Set up emergency contacts
– Research symptoms and ailments
– Keep a record of medications
– Refill prescriptions
– Check out doctors and hospitals
Social Media
– Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
These are just a few of the many services that are offered online. If you would like to discuss your personal preferences and how to set them up on your smartphone and/or tablet, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com.
