Do Not Rush To Sell Old Cell Phones, Who Knows It's Still Useful

Smartphone illustration (Irvan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - Every year there are new cellphones that pop up with more sophisticated technology. This condition makes us always tempted to want to follow the trend by buying a new cellphone.

However, what happened to your old cell phone? If the condition is still good, chances are it will still be sold. If not, don't throw it away yet. As it turns out, old phones can still be converted in other ways and can be very useful, as summarized from PC Mag.

1. So CCTV Cameras

If you have an old cell phone that you no longer use, turn it into a home security camera or CCTV. It's quite easy, you just need to download a security camera app like Alfred on your old and new devices, then put the old phone where you need it, but just make sure the device has access to power.

You can use something as simple as a tripod. Then use your current cell phone to monitor the activity on your old phone camera.

2. So webcams

If you don't have a webcam for your desktop computer or your laptop is down, you can use an old smartphone. Free software such as DroidCam and EpocCam allow you to turn your smartphone into a webcam for your computer.

3. TV remote

Keep in mind, most streaming media devices come with their own remote control, but because it's small, of course it's easy to lose.

Instead of buying a new one, just use your cell phone. Each service has its own mobile app, you just need to download it on the old device, then link your account, and you can have a working remote control again. It's also useful for app-based live TV streaming services, such as YouTube.

4. Make it a Music Player

Your old cell phone can be easily conjured up to listen to music, and podcasts on your favorite streaming service. You can use a headset or connect to a Bluetooth speaker while cleaning the house, getting some work done, or exercising at home.

Not only that, you can also use your old mobile device as a dedicated video streamer. Download a movie or two before you leave the house for on-the-go entertainment that doesn't eat up your data plan or phone battery.

5. Donate Cellphones for the Needy

This time if you really don't need your old phone, you can donate to someone who is more in need.

For example, for scientific research, because today's smart phones have the same computing power as old desktop computers. Like The BOINC, an app developed by the University of Caifornia, Berkeley, leveraging unused computing power like your device for crowdsourced science.

6. Make Mobile Emergency

While you may always have your cell phone with you, there's nothing wrong with having a spare device just in case. For example, you can keep the phone in the car in case of an emergency.

You can also give a disabled device to an older sibling who may not have a mobile device, but can use it to call emergency services just in case.