5 Functions You Probably Didn't Know Your Android Could Do

When we talk about Android, without a doubt we are referring to an operating system with a market share of hundreds of millions of users and that we commonly use simply to share photos, call, chat with our friends or connect to social networks, but we can also take advantage of the capabilities of our Android device to the fullest.

For these reasons and others, we bring you some actions that will help us get the most out of our tablet or mobile. Without a doubt, we will be surprised by the functionalities that Android offers us. To next, some of them.

Five curious functions for Android devices

Measure distances

Does our device serve to measure distances? Yes, Android gives us the possibility to measure distances of all kinds, it is perfect to replace tape measures or those cumbersome meters. We only have to install applications for these cases, one of them is called My Measurements and Dimensions, Handy Construction Calculator(paid €5,83), or partometer (paying €1,99) the latter allows us to see the measurements of the objects, just by showing them to the camera of the mobile or tablet.

Web server tools

The android operating system is so amazing, that we can also host and run a web server. Perhaps the size of our device does not offer us comfort to carry out these actions, but the platform has this capacity, with its mySQL database, FTP programs and PHP support. We can say that the platform has the ability to offer tools to computer scientists and developers to create and upload a website.

Hardware Connectivity

Through the small cable called USB OTG (On the go) we have the possibility of connect all kinds of hardware to our Android, from keyboards, mice, external memory such as a hard drive, to a series of accessories such as the control of an Xbox One or PS4, in this way we can turn our tablet or phone into a video game center or turn it into a mini computer. We can practically connect all the components that have a USB input.

Heart rate

In addition to measuring distances, we can also determine our heart rate.

If we are athletes and we like to exercise, we can use this function on any smartphone through apps, in some cases, such as the Galaxy S4 or the recent Galaxy S5, they incorporate the "SHealt" application, ideal for doing sports and that also offers recommendations of diets for a healthy life.

Apps like the ones we link below, calculate the heart rate, using the camera. Free applications, to check the heart rate:

• Instant Heart
• runtastic heart rate

Control smart electronics

One of the best functions that we can find is to control devices remotely, that is, use our phone or tablet, as a remote control, all this is possible thanks to remote control applications, so we can lock the car doors , turn on the thermostat, among other actions, with which we can control any electronic device. We can also turn our TV on or off with the Galaxy S4 or Galaxy S5 with the WatchOn application.

It may interest you:

• 5 functions that you did not know that your Android could do – 2 part

Now that we know these actions and functions, feel free to share yours through a comment at the bottom of this article. You can also enter our channel Todoandroidit's on youtube and check our videos about android.