10 Things to do with your Cell Phone

Written by Caran Smith Monday, April 19 2010

Social Media – It’s undeniable that we live in a social world, and trying to keep up with all of your social networks can be challenging especially when you’re always on the go. To better manage them, you can download all of your profiles directly on your phone, allowing you to post tweets, comments, pictures, and more to some of your favorite sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

Skype Mobile – You can now talk to your friends and family around the world without worrying about running up an outrageous wireless phone bill. Skype Mobile allows you to make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype contact around the globe as well as send and receive unlimited instant messages with other Skype users all without using any of your monthly wireless minutes.

Family Locator and Usage Controls – Never worry about your children’s whereabouts or how they're using their phone again by utilizing a tool such as a wireless family locator. A family locator lets you easily locate your family members from any phone or a PC, in real time, at any time. You can define a location – such as work, school, or summer camp, and when your family member enters or leaves the location you will automatically be notified. Parents can also set usage controls on their children’s phone that allows them to better manage their children’s wireless experience. They can set allowances for voice minutes as well as text, picture, instant and video messaging; set time-of-day restrictions for data use and messaging; create lists of trusted and blocked numbers; and employ content filters for music, games, and other material.

Wi-Fi – Want to stay connected while on the road? Now you can by taking advantage of wireless networks at thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots around the country. Customers can utilize the internet at select locations across the United States, including airports, bookstores, coffee shops, hotels, and other public locations.

Navigator – You can save money on buying an expensive GPS device by taking advantage of the navigation services available right on your wireless phone. Services allow you to find, share, and go to millions of locations, avoid traffic, and drive or walk with ease. Plus, you can easily find nearby gas stations, including their price-per-gallon. Look up movie reviews and show times, concerts, and other local events and get directions.

Visual Voicemail – Hate listening to all of your voicemail messages just to get to the most recent one? With visual voicemail you can save time by scrolling through your messages and select only the ones you want to listen to, erase, or archive them right from your screen on your wireless device. You can call back, text, and add to contacts.

Text Google – Do ever wish you could have Google at your fingertips at all times? Well, you actually do. Just send a text to Google (466453) from your cell phone and instantly receive the search results on your cell, including addresses and phone numbers for virtually any business or restaurant, movie times and locations in your area, weather, sport scores, definitions, stock quotes, product information, calculator, directions, and more.

Mobile TV – Transform your wireless phone into a portable TV allowing you to catch your favorite shows anywhere. Whether you’re waiting for your kid’s soccer practice to end or need entertainment for your kids on a road trip, you can stream the entire family’s favorite shows or even your favorite team’s game directly on your wireless device.

Staying Fit – Are you trying to lose weight, but lacking a Jillian Michaels to keep you on track? There are applications, including the Sensei for Weight Loss, that will transform your wireless phone into a virtual dietitian and health coach that delivers customized meal recommendations, fitness information, and motivation. Even your shopping list is mobile.

Pocket-Size Hallmark Store – Have you ever been on-the-go and suddenly remembered it's your mom's birthday? Or your best friend's first day of work? With Hallmark Mobile Greetings, you can connect and send instant wishes to the people who make life great. With more than 550 of these not-quite-a-card but more-than-a text animated greetings, you can cheer someone up, flirt, gossip, laugh, celebrate, or say hi. Just download the app to your wireless phone and start sending.

Caran Smith serves on the leadership team for the Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama Region where she is responsible for all public relations and community programs for the two-state area. She was recognized in 2005 and 2007 as one of the company’s top PR professionals nationwide. Smith graduated from the University of Kansas and resides in Canton, Ga., with her family.