Upgrading to a new tablet can be all kinds of exciting but, if your old tablet is still in good working order, just a little too outdated for daily use, there’s always the question of what to do with those devices. The march of technology is relentless, resulting in many of us having surplus gadgets gathering dust in our homes. While you could donate your old Android device to your child, recycle it, or even sell it for a small fee, there are loads of other interesting and imaginative ways to reuse an old Android tablet (or even smartphone). Here are just 5 easy ways to repurpose your old Android tablet as a ‘new’ gadget.
1. Turn your vehicle into a smart car
If your car is a little outdated on the technology front or you didn’t spring for the over-priced ‘heads-up’ display on the dash, then an old Android device will help you upgrade your cars onboard technology in a flash. While you can use your smartphone as a personal navigation device, WiFi hotspot, and media centre in your car, fiddling around with the small touchscreen can be distracting while you’re driving. For a safer solution, buy a car dock for your Android tablet and simply mount your tablet to the dashboard to use it as a smart car command centre.
Download the Android Auto app for an even better experience. With a simplified interface, large buttons and powerful voice actions, Android Auto is designed to make it easier to use apps that you love from your mobile device while you’re on the road, including maps, calendaring, and media. To use Android Auto, you’ll need a device running Android 5.0 or higher.
2. Use it as a photo frame
If you’ve got loads of family photos to display then your old Android tablet could also come in handy as a permanent digital photo frame. Simply mount your old tablet to the wall or buy a mini photo frame easel to rest the tablet on and use it to display your most treasured photos and precious memories. A simple way to get going is with the slideshow feature on Google Photos or download an app like Pixgram, Fotoo and PhotoCloud Frame Slideshow, which offer extra features like photo transition and music effects.
3. Turn it into a baby monitor
If you’re expecting a new addition to your family or have an infant in the house, an old Android tablet can be a cost-effective and flexible baby monitor. Simply mount the old tablet in your baby’s room and then use your smartphone to watch and listen to your child remotely. You can use baby monitor apps like Baby Monitor 3G and Dormi to make this process even easier.
4. Repurpose it as a home surveillance camera
Forget the hassle and expense of installing a full CCTV security system in your home, your old Android tablet – paired with an app like Alfred Camera – could be the cost-effective home security solution you are looking for. With features like live streaming, instant intruder alert, night vision, walkie-talkie, and unlimited cloud storage to store, share, and playback your video footage, Alfred Camera is a home security wonder.
5. Reuse it as a reading device
If you’re looking for a way to read your digital books but don’t want to splash out on a Kindle then your old Android tablet could offer the affordable solution you are looking for. While, in theory, the idea of using your smartphone to read is neat, many people find the screen too small to offer an optimal experience. Solve this problem by using your old tablet as a dedicated e-reader. Simply strip away any apps that you don’t need and just install the ones you need to download and read books such as Amazon Kindle or Google Play Books.
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