Unexplored Features on Smartphones: Insights from a Tech Savvy User

When it comes to using smartphones, we often hit upon a common conundrum: which features do we barely use despite the advanced capabilities of our devices? In this article, we delve into the unused features on different smartphones and explore why they might not be utilized as frequently as we think they should be. I share my journey and experiences with various smartphones, focusing on how certain features like SMS-Man website, integration with other Apple devices, and the "phone" feature reflect the evolving nature of smartphones in today's digital age.

The Unutilized Feature: SMS-Man Website

One of the least explored, if not completely abandoned, features on my iPhone XS Max is the SMS-Man website. My preference leans towards using the desktop software for virtual phone numbers, as it is far more convenient and hassle-free. Over the years, this preference has been reinforced by my frequent travels, making it even more inconvenient to rely on a laptop or other devices for this task.

The integration of this feature into my daily life is minimal, mostly because the desktop software offers a seamless and efficient experience. Hence, the SMS-Man website remains an underutilized feature in my smartphone arsenal.

iPhone XS Max: A Standalone Device

My phone of choice, the iPhone XS Max, is a standalone device without a Mac or Apple Watch. Therefore, the feature that remains largely unused is the integration with other Apple devices. However, a minor exception is the use of AirTags, which add a level of convenience and tracking to my daily life.

As technology advances, our reliance on standalone devices has grown. Each new model of smartphones introduces a plethora of features, some of which may not be fully leveraged due to convenience, preference, or simply lack of necessity in everyday life. In my case, integrating with other devices has not been a priority, even with the availability of AirTags.

The Evolution of Smartphones: How They've Changed

In 2000, a cell phone was primarily a phone. By 2011, it was secondary to being a conduit for communication and information. In 2022, the phone has evolved to become more than a communication tool. It has become a 1995 supercomputer in our pockets, an information appliance, and a sensor cluster. The shift from primarily being a "phone" to a multi-functional device is profound and indicative of how our lives have intertwined with technology.

I own a Samsung S10, and certain features have not seen the light of day in my usage pattern. One prime example is the wireless power sharing feature. The battery life of the S10, even without sharing, does not meet my expectations, making the feature redundant in my daily routine. Similarly, the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, a key feature of the phone, is seldom used due to its complexity and the inconvenience of using a screen protector that requires more pressure to unlock.

The face recognition (FaceID) feature is a daily must for me. However, even with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor on my Samsung S8, I have consistently relied on FaceID due to its ease and reliability. This preference solidifies my stance that FaceID is non-negotiable for any smartphone.

Other Underused Features on Smartphones

Several other features on my smartphones fall into the category of rarely used. The "phone" itself is an outdated term for a smartphone, which now doubles as an alarm clock. I have not found the need to use the "alarm snooze button" or have ever switched off the power button. Instead, I opt for airplane mode, a feature that offers a compromise between battery management and connectivity needs.

The least used feature on my smartphones may be the FaceTime/video calling aspect. While I recognize its benefits, I prefer to use my laptop for video calls as the battery drain on a smartphone can be significant. Additionally, a laptop often provides a more stable and comfortable platform for video calls, making it a preferred option for me.

As technology continues to evolve, the features of our smartphones will continue to adapt to our needs. However, certain features may remain underutilized, simply because our preferences and habits dictate our usage patterns. From the functional to the decorative, the least used features of my smartphones highlight the changing nature of how we use technology in our daily lives.