Recycle Your Old Mobile Devices

Recycle Your Fire Tablets And Android Phones

Cracking the glass on a mobile device has happened to most of us. It is easy enough to do. One quick drop is all it takes. Also, most users want to upgrade their mobile device to get the new features offered on new models, or you have kept it so long it is just too slow for your needs. In any of the above cases, it does not mean the mobile devices are necessarily useless, but only that we would rather have a new model than keep it any longer.

Some devices do have a trade-in value but they must be working, relatively new, and undamaged. Anything other than that, and the value is probably not worth a trade-in.

If the mobile device is working, you can always donate it to one of several worthy charities like, “Cell phone for soldiers”, “The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence” or the “911 cell bank”. Even local VA chapters often accept them.

However, when it is simply too old, or the screen is indeed cracked, you still have options. With software like Alexa and Google Assistant, these devices can now work as access points for Smart Home Support.

Fire Tablets

One nice feature on the Fire Tablets is the ability to switch to “Show Mode”. When connected to power and entered into Show Mode the Alexa features are enhanced to allow you to use any of the features of an Amazon Echo Smart Assistant. While the show mode does not have to be enabled on a Fire tablet for Alexa to work, having the tablet automatically switches to Show Mode when plugged in makes it even more versatile. It will show you the time on the screen, wake you in the morning with music, or by using one of the three new routines: “Wake-up Lighting’, ‘Sleep Lighting Timer’, and “Light Dimming/Brightening Routines”. For example, you can have Alexa slowly brighten your bedroom lighting to simulate sunrise and stretch it from 5 to 59 minutes.

Android And Google Phones

Android and Google devices allow you to install Alexa Google Assistant in much the same way. So instead of saying Alexa, you say either “Hey” or “OK Google” and have your own personal assistant in any room you wish including the garage or backyard. For me, that means no more yelling at my Echo Show 10 that is sitting on my Kitchen counter when I want to access a smart plug or switch in another room.

Summary

Most have used “Hey Google”, “OK Google”, or “Alexa” as a voice assistant for Google Maps or search. Even Microsoft’s Cortana is getting in on the act by recently recognizing several smart home devices. Also, Apple iOS 16 and higher will allow you to install Alexa on your iPhone to replace Siri. With the proliferation of Smart Plugs, Switches, Thermostats, Garage Door Openers, and many other smart devices, it is nice to know that you can activate them using nothing more than an old Android phone or tablet plugged in and sitting in the room of your choice. Also, if you keep your computer on most of the day, both voice-activated programs can work with Windows.

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