Smartphone cameras have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Nowadays camera phones outsell conventional cameras, making them the most popular platform people use when capturing their special moments.
But does the camera on your phone have other uses aside from selfies and Snapchat? Have a look at what other clever things your smartphone camera is capable of.
Language Translation
Ever visited a foreign country and been completely bamboozled by a sign, map or restaurant menu? Well, all you really need to get the right translation is an iOS or Android smartphone and the Google Translate application.
Simply open the Google Translate app, hover the camera icon on the front page, snap a picture of the sign or other text you want translated and away you go!
Check Product Prices Online
Ever seen a product on the shelves and wondered about what they cost online? Well you’re in luck because Amazon have developed an app that allows you to scan the product’s barcode using your smartphone’s camera, and find out if the product is cheaper in store or on the Amazon online store.
If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, South African online comparison site, PriceCheck offers a similar app whereby you scan the product’s barcode, then compare the prices from different online retailers through their website.
Perform A Visual Search
There are more than a few visual search apps on the Google Store which allow you to snap a photo of just about anything and perform a Google Image Search.
Not all of the apps work as conveniently as performing a standard text search, but they are an interesting use of your smartphone camera.
Do Some Star Gazing
The SkyView app available from Google Play is a great way to use your phone’s camera to pick out stars or constellations without having to use a telescope.
There are plenty of other star gazing apps you can choose from, but each are more or less the same, giving you a run down on their history, place in the universe and other information.
