Samsung’s Galaxy Upcycling program can turn your old Galaxy smart phone into a useful smart home device. Though a simple software update, your old Galaxy S10 or Note 10+ could become a baby monitor, pet care solution or light sensor.
The beta service, which started on Friday, is part of the company’s sustainability efforts and aims to put those devices left at the bottom of a draw to new use. The updates are available through SmartThings Labs and enhance the sound and light control features of the devices. The phones can then use an AI system to pick out certain sounds, such as a baby crying or dog barking, and then send an alert to other devices.
Using the camera, they can also be used to measure light levels and turn on the lights or other devices such as the TV when it gets dark. The updates are designed to minimize battery use, so the devices can operate for long periods without recharging. It also allows the phones to connect to a wide range of smart home devices through SmartThings – Samsung’s smart home app.
- Amazon Prime Day 2021 date leaks again – this time with a July date
- The Totally Rated show: DJI’s new flying machines, Resident Evil’s 9ft zombies and the new OnePlus watch!
- Watch out, Google Maps, Apple Maps is ramping up its Street View beater
The feature works on all S, Note and Z Series Galaxy models, released from 2018 onwards and running Android 9 or above. Users can make the updates themselves from the SmartThings app.
It’s a great way to make use of an old phone and offers some very creative uses. You could use multiple devices to provide home security, by placing them next to windows or to keep a night light on while you’re away. Baby and pet monitors can be expensive bits of kit, so turning your old phone into one for free definitely makes sense.
Now, where did I put that old phone?
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.
-
Team GB has already won a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics for the best-looking merchandise
I’m low-key obsessed with this Paris 2024 Olympics bomber jacket – and you can buy it, too.
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Hate pull-ups? These 5 dumbbell moves will give you the same upper body strength without the gym
Here are five dumbbell exercises that will work the same muscle groups involved in executing a pull-up
By Lucy Miller Published
-
Eve Systems upgrades its Smart Weather Station with new Matter support
Eve adds Matter to its Smart Weather Station – and it won’t cost you any extra
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Get a full SimpliSafe home security system for half price in the Prime Day sale
SimpliSafe home security kits are 50% off for Amazon Prime Day
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Forget pricey installation costs – Era's smart lock can fit on any door in under an hour
It's compatible with most PVCu, composite, aluminium and timber doors
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
This LG freezer lets you see what’s inside without even opening the door
LG launches its first two-door fridge freezer with InstaView and MoodUP technology
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
5 ways to extend the lifespan of your outdoor smart home gadgets
If you use your outdoor gadgets on a day-to-day basis, you should be doing these five things
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
The Aqara smart lock supports Apple Home Key – and it’s finally available in the UK
Apple users are going to love the Aqara U200 retrofit smart lock
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Blink Mini 2 review: a petite cheap indoor-outdoor camera – but the app could be better
Will Blink’s new Mini live up to the hype of the original?
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Mystery Google device spotted – could it be a new Nest Thermostat?
A new Google device filling has been spotted and we think we know what it is…
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published