While people require a mobile phone to stay connected on the go, smartphones users can do a lot more. Many tend to use such devices to enjoy a wholesome multimedia experience, thanks to features such as the camera, good quality audio and video playback, a crisp screen to read eBooks, along with email, and social networking apps to keep you connected. However, if that's all you think your smartphone is capable of, then you haven't really utilized it to its full potential. Here are five ways to make your Android phone more productive.

1. Business Card Wallet
   If you meet a lot of people in your normal course of work, and end up with quite a few visiting cards, chances are that you may not find what you are looking for when you need it the most. Apps such as CamCard - BCR (Western) can come to your rescue. Priced at Rs 360, the app isn't always very accurate, considering that business cards don't follow a standard design format. However, what sets it apart is that you can view the original image and edit contact details without having the card handy. If you're not sure about buying the app, you can use the Lite version to see if it's worth.
    

2. Survival Kits
   If you an adventure lover, then apart from a good physical Swiss knife, it would make sense to carry a virtual survival kit on your phone that is not just light on your device, but also on battery consumption. One such app you can check out is the Super Swiss Army Knife. Priced at Rs 100 the app offers eight different functionalities, including a ruler and protractor based Simple Measure Tool, a Distance measure, a handy Flashlight tool, a Compass, a Bubble level tool to check if the surface is levelled and flat, a Cross vertical measure and the Plumb tool that uses the camera to show you the angle of deviation, and a Magnifier tool. You can also try the free version that is similar to the paid, but the paid app is ad-free. Certain features are hardware dependent; for example the flashlight will not work if the device doesn't sport an LED light.
    

3. Eye Checkups
   Have you ever misplaced your spectacles and hunted around the house wasting precious time? Or do you need get a quick check up of your yes before visiting a professional optician? With the apps that we are going to mention, your Android phone would just come to your rescue. If you cannot read text in small font sizes, you can convert the phone camera into a magnifier using apps such as Magnifying Glass. It enables you to zoom text, add light using the LED flash of your camera, and freeze panes for easier reading.
   
   For checking your vision, free apps such as Vision Test help you get a very basic check of your eyes. However, since this app is UK-based, it will not suggest any optician nearby. Moreover, this is just an app and you need to look for professional help before jumping to any conclusions.
   
   If you want to snoop around in the dark instead, then you can purchase the Night Vision Cam Pro for Rs 100, or try its free lite version instead.
    

4. Shopping Till You Drop
   With several major banks such as ICICI Bank and SBI Bank now offering apps across platforms, you can now transfer funds and pay utility bills when on the go. Moreover, services such as airtel money and Obopay help you carry money right on your cellphone. However these services are restrictive if you want to buy things. That is when apps such as BookMyShow, ngpay, IndianDeals, and Flipkart can be of help. You can book movie tickets, make travel arrangements, shop for things, and hunt for deals via these apps.
    

5. Wardrobe Assistants
   If you have too many clothes and are usually lost about what to wear almost every day then you can get a virtual wardrobe assistant to come to your aid. You can either pick a paid app such as My Fashion Assistant for Rs 50, or a free one such as ClosetVirtual to virtually arrange the cupboard. These apps require you to photograph your entire collection, including clothes, shoes, belts, and other accessories. Once ready, you can match your clothes and pick up accessories for them at any time.

Tags : Apps, Mobile Phones, Android, Kamakshi