Top Gadgets that You are Using Wrong and How to Use Them Right

With the constant evolution of technology, it is easy to assume that we are using our gadgets to their fullest potential. However, most people tend to use their devices in a way that suits their comfort level, neglecting the backup features that could save them time and energy. In this article, we will discuss some of the most commonly used gadgets that people tend to operate incorrectly, and how to use them right.

Smartphones

The widespread use of smartphones has created a class of avid users who find it difficult to unlock their devices by drawing a pattern or entering a pin. To avoid this hassle, you can set up your phone to recognize your face or fingerprint, and you will gain quick access to your device without typing anything. Moreover, you are probably finding it difficult to type long messages or emails with ease, but there is a shortcut to fix this. By holding down the space bar on your keyboard, you can enable a feature that turns the keyboard into a touchpad, which makes scrolling through documents and messages a breeze.

Additionally, If you are used to searching for apps on your phone by swiping through multiple pages, there is a quicker way of doing this. Simply, swipe up from the bottom of the phone to the middle of the screen and a search bar will pop up. Furthermore, with the iPhone’s latest update, you can use Siri to easily control your phone’s settings, including launching apps and turning on the flashlight.

Laptops

Laptops are essential tools for working professionals and students, but most users tend to use only a fraction of their capabilities. First and foremost, the trackpad is an essential component of the laptop, but most people still prefer using a mouse. In August 2018, Apple decided to discontinue this feature in their MacBook products. Instead of reaching for a mouse, try gesture navigation on the trackpad. This involves swiping 2 to 3 fingers to navigate around tasking including swiping between open apps, showing your desktop and more.

Moreover, with the introduction of windows 10, Microsoft introduced the virtual desktop feature. This feature allows multitasking by creating separate desktops for different tasks you are working on, which helps to decrease overlap and clutter on your screen. Additionally, running multiple apps at once can slow down your laptop’s performance, and this is where the Task Manager feature comes in handy. Pressing the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC button at once will open the Task Manager, which allows you to close the unused applications and free up some space.

Television sets

As with many devices, there are many untapped features on television sets that we are failing to use. One of these is browsing the internet on your television. Many people are unaware that they can connect their laptops or phones to their television sets and browse the internet on a larger screen. In addition to internet browsing, you can also use your television as a large display for your laptop by connecting the cable to your devices HDMI port.

Also, with the use of media streaming devices such as Roku, Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV, people are streaming movies, shows, and videos in different ways. Instead of looking for individual shows and movies which can be time-consuming, utilize the “search” feature. It allows you to search for an actor or director, and their movies and shows on available streaming channels across the streaming device. For example, typing “Leonardo DiCaprio” will produce all movies and shows he stars in across the channels on offer on the device.

Smart watches

Smartwatches, similar to other gadgets, have features that many people are not aware of. One of the most crucial features is the native GPS. Instead of using your phone’s GPS, use your watch’s feature to gather effective data immediately after your workouts, and even during walks to see how many calories you have burned out.

Additionally, you can customize the watch face on your smartwatch, depending on the time of day. For example, if you are going to bed, customize your watch face by only displaying the time, and turn off your notifications to have a relaxed rest.

Conclusion

It is never too late to tap into the otherwise hidden features of your devices. The primary objective is to use them to their full potential, so it is crucial to keep searching for new hacks, tips and shortcuts to enhance your experience. Using shortcuts and tips can not only make the usage of the device more manageable but also more enjoyable. With these gadget hacks, it is time to start exploring and fully utilizing your devices to make your life smoother and more comfortable.