11 useful applications for your old tablet

In the tablet, there is one problem: they quickly become obsolete. This applies mainly to devices on Android, and iPad but the trouble is also not shy away from. More recently, you have to its fullest use your tablet, and now suddenly discovered that the manufacturer did not intend to release a new version of the OS for it. Old programs cease updated, the device begins to slow down, clearly hinting that it was time to go to the store for a replacement.

It is sometimes a paradoxical situation: your tablet still powerful enough for the new versions of Android, but no updates for it. In this case, cheaper and less productive new devices work with newer versions of Android.

Of course, the owners of Android tablets may try to install custom firmware. Provided that enthusiasts ported LineageOS or AOSP to your device. If a miracle does not happen, the purchase of the new tablet can not be avoided.

But what to do with the old? If you wish to throw away working iPad or tablet on Android, here are some ways to find a use for it.

1. Media Center

Android and iOS have been many applications for streaming music and video. In addition, many tablets with Android, even quite old, equipped with HDMI connector to connect to a TV and mini-jack for audio. Put it all together and you get a good media center for those who do not obzavolsya SmartTV.

Connect the tablet to the TV, turn on the YouTube, PandoraAny strimingovy service and listen to music, watch videos, even on TV, which does not require an internet connection.

2. Torrent-client

Why not? There are many torrent-clients for Android and iOS. Also, some Android devices allow you to connect external storage devices through the OTG-Adapter. Put to download multiple torrents after connecting the tablet to the power supply, and there you have finished a torrent client. Be sure to turn off the charge saving function that turns off the Internet connection when nonconducting screen in some versions of Android.

3. Remote

Many smart TVs, media centers like Android TV, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or media servers, such as Kodi or Plex, allow you to manage them through the applications for Android or iOS. Just install the appropriate application, and make sure that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. All, now you do not need a remote control.

In addition, there are many applications for remote control of your computer by teams with Android or iOS. So you can control not only the TV and the media center, but the desktop computer via Wi-Fi.

4. Desktop news source

You often minimize windows on the computer in the middle of the day to once again watch the tape in social networks or news? Forget about it. Set up the tablet to it shows you letters Gmail, RSS news, the tape on Twitter or Facebook all the time. Turn off screen dimming, put the tablet upright on the table using a docking station or fasteners and look at it whenever you become interested in what happens on the web.

A particularly useful tablet becomes, if you need to see something, and you can not minimize an open window. Some hardcore gamers adapt their plates, so that they showed them the temperature of the system mode with the appropriate application.

5. external monitor

Old tablet will come in handy if I want to get an external monitor, and pay for it - no. Just install the app for Android or iOS tablet and connect via Wi-Fi or directly via USB, so that at the same time and his charge. Now, part of your desktop (though not very large) is displayed on the tablet. Cheap and cheerful.

6. Device for guests

When the guests are asked to connect to your Wi-Fi, it is still all right, but what to do if they want to connect to the internet and they forgot all their gadgets? You can not give them their personal devices - reserved for guests old tablet. Its something certainly will not be sorry. In addition, in most versions of Android and iOS has a "guest mode" for this purpose.

7. Webcam

Except in cases where you need a fancy camera detects faces and facial expressions, it is possible to manage the camera plate. To oversee the apartment while you are not home, or video most it. Connect your device to the video server on your PC, for example, with the help of this application here and record images from the camera. Feel like Sam Fisher.

Still it is possible to turn an old tablet device video, setting him on Skype or one of its alternatives. Such a thing can be useful to your parents, pensioners, if a full-fledged laptop, they are not willing to buy, and want to be in touch.

8. Home Weather Station

You live in a private house outside the city? Of course, you can spend money on all sorts of electronic gadgets like smart thermostat or barometer connects over Wi-Fi, but what if the old tablet can show you the weather, temperature, barometric pressure and phase the moon?

Hang gadget on the wall, plug the charger, turn off screen dimming and expand to full screen any weather app or widget. Benefit them in the Google Play and the App Store so that know what to do.

At the same time, configure your "weather station" that signals when going to rain - so you have time to bring home left on the street stuff. And in addition it can be used as an alarm clock.

9. game console

Even the oldest and thin Android-tablet and the iPad is still in the tens of times greater than in the old console performance. So why not take advantage? Install any emulator of your choice and play the hits of his childhood.

If the tablet is compatible gamepad find and connect the gadget to your TV, you can fall out of life for a few hours.

10. Car Navigator

On the way to work you will surely put the smartphone in the car dock to listen to music or to check what is better to go around the streets of traffic jams. For these purposes it is possible to adapt the old plate, and you do not have to worry about that you forget it at night in the car. It is best suited for this tablet with a small screen sizes, such as the Nexus 7.

Just do not need to watch TV shows when you're behind the wheel. You are welcome.

11. Alternative clever column

Your old tablet is able to virtually the same thing as an intelligent column. Alice can set from "Yandex" or any other voice assistant of your choice and get a replacement budget acoustics. Yes, the tablet, unlike the speakers, there is no speaker, covering 360 degrees or advanced microphones. But such a device and is worth less because it already you have.

see also

• How to check the laptop battery, smartphone or tablet →
• What to do if your computer, smartphone or tablet is too quiet sound →
• 10 best budget tablets at the beginning of 2018 →