this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2023
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I have a couple Android phones with little resell value and I'm wondering what I could do with them on my spare time.

Not sure if this is the right sub to ask but figured it could be a good start to see if anyone here has done anything with phones.

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[–] Beccarorron@alien.top 4 points 2 years ago

You can use it as a security camera on the cheap.

[–] puppetjazz@alien.top 4 points 2 years ago (2 children)

You can glue them together for double phones.

[–] fmillion@alien.top 3 points 2 years ago

Glue the edges together and make your own Surface Duo.

[–] domanpanda@alien.top 2 points 2 years ago

Ive seen people building whole houses from empty bottles. He could do the same with those phones. He would end up with true "smarthome"

[–] sethleedy@alien.top 3 points 2 years ago

SyncThing backup storage.

[–] dornforprez@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Wifi based walkie talkies for the kids? hehe

[–] neojorge@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I have one in the door peephole. Using Android ip webcam I can turn it on to see through the screen who's behind. Also i added it to home assistant so I can see through it anytime. If someone rings turn the screen on, so you know who is it without getting too close. Send a photo to your smartphone when somebody rings...

[–] domanpanda@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago (2 children)

What if they dont ring but start to lockpick/bash your door right away? :D

[–] stupv@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Home security is to deter would-be criminals, not prevent determined criminals. Ultimately if someone wants to get into your house, and has the skills and tools to do so, you aren't going to stop them

[–] MalafideBE@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Use the accelerometer as a break-in sensor.

[–] Bagel42@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Home assistant + fully kiosk browser

(Or root + termux + docker)

[–] sarkyscouser@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago
[–] Digital_Voodoo@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

You could also have a look at r/androidafterlife

[–] JordyPordy_94@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

I used mine to monitor stats on my gaming PC with an app called Remote Systems Monitor. I think you have to pay a one time fee to unlock everything, but it was well worth it imo. The application on your PC sends the data to the app over your network locally.

I paired it with Automate app, so when my PC turned off the power to USB got cut, the phone would lock and dim the brightness down to 0 - just so I'm not frying the battery. Then it would do the opposite when I turned my PC back on, was a pretty fun little project to do.

[–] emprezario@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Turn them into sms gateways

[–] froli@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

r/androidafterlife is a good place to look

[–] Spanky_Pantry@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Something I was looking at the other day: you can use them as Streamdecks. (StReam, not Steam.) Basically they become external keyboards, each key being assigned to a function such as start a program, select a tool or whatever, with a graphic to suit.

Elgato (who make the Streamdeck) make an Android app to use a phone as a deck, and there are several other such apps.

[–] WussWussWuss@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Line them up using a stiff support and take 3d photo’s.

[–] Laughing___Gas@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Currently using 4 android phones I got from friends/families "junk drawer" to use as a home security system.

[–] notdoreen@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

That sounds really interesting. Can you share how you set this up and what software you used?

[–] Laughing___Gas@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

It's just an app from the play store. I've looked into self-hosted open source things but didn't find much. The app I use is called "Alfred". It has the basic features. Motion sensor People sensor Saves the motion clips to the cloud Continuous playback Two-way talk Auto-low light Etc...

[–] notdoreen@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

You you keep the phones permanently plugged in or charge them periodically?

[–] Laughing___Gas@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Plugged in all time,screen off, battery saver on 😊