15 Smart Tech Life Hacks to Increase Productivity – Apply Today!
Technology has made our lives easier in countless ways, and there are numerous “tech life hacks” out there that can help us to work smarter and more efficiently. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual looking for new ways to streamline your workflow or just want to make your daily routine a little easier, these 10 genius tech life hacks are sure to come in handy.
1. Old mobile devices into new purposeful tools
If you have an old mobile device that you no longer use, there are many ways to repurpose your old mobile device into new tools and gadgets, depending on your needs and interests. With a little creativity and the right apps:
- Use it as a security camera: With the right app, you can turn your old phone into a security camera that you can remotely access and monitor. Simply install the app, set up the camera, and place the phone in a strategic location.
- Turn it into a media center: If your old phone has a large screen, you can repurpose it as a media center by installing a media streaming app like Kodi or Plex. This will allow you to watch movies, TV shows, and other content on your phone, or even stream it to your TV.
- Use it as a smart home controller: If your old phone has internet access, you can turn it into a smart home controller by installing a smart home app like SmartThings or Google Home. This will allow you to control and automate your home’s lighting, thermostat, and other appliances from your phone.
- Use it as a baby monitor: If you have a new baby at home, you can use your old phone as a baby monitor by installing a baby monitor app. This will allow you to keep an eye on your baby from anywhere in your home, and even listen in on their sounds and movements.
- Turn it into a GPS tracker: If you want to keep track of your loved ones or your possessions, you can repurpose your old phone as a GPS tracker. Simply install a GPS tracking app and attach the phone to the person or object you want to track. This will allow you to see their location in real-time.
2. Use keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a simple yet effective way to save time and streamline your workflow. Whether you’re using a PC or a Mac, learning the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts can help you to navigate your computer more efficiently and get things done faster. Some examples of useful keyboard shortcuts include:
- Ctrl + F: This shortcut allows you to search for a specific word or phrase within a document or webpage.
- Ctrl + Shift + T: If you accidentally close a tab, use this shortcut to reopen it.
- Ctrl + Shift + N: Use this shortcut to open a new incognito window in your web browser.
- Ctrl + Shift + F: This shortcut allows you to change the font size of the selected text.
- Ctrl + Shift + Del: Use this shortcut to quickly access the “Clear browsing data” option in your web browser.
- Ctrl + Shift + I: This shortcut opens the developer tools in your web browser, allowing you to inspect and debug web pages.
- Ctrl + Shift + P: Use this shortcut to open the command prompt in Windows.
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc: This shortcut opens the Task Manager in Windows, allowing you to manage and end processes.
- Win + D: Quickly hide or show the desktop, regardless of how many windows are open.
- Spacebar: Scroll down a webpage.
- Shift + Spacebar: Scroll up a webpage.
- Win + Left/Right Arrow: Quickly select and work on two windows side by side.
- Alt + Tab: Easily switch between multiple open windows.
- Win + L: Quickly lock your computer for confidentiality.
3. Use task management software
Task management software is a great way to keep track of your to-do list and stay organized. There are several options available, such as Trello, Asana, and Todoist, each with its own unique features and capabilities. These programs allow you to create and manage tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress.
4. Set up a password manager
With so many different online accounts and services requiring a login, it can be tough to keep track of all your passwords. A password manager can help by storing all your passwords in a secure location, allowing you to access them easily and securely. Some popular password manager options include LastPass and 1Password.
5. Use a virtual private network (VPN)
A VPN is a useful tool for protecting your privacy and security online. It encrypts your internet connection and allows you to access the internet anonymously, making it a great option for those who work remotely or use public Wi-Fi networks. VPNs can also help you to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites.
6. Use a grammar checker
Grammar checkers can be a lifesaver for those who struggle with spelling and grammar. There are several options available, including Grammarly, which can help you to catch mistakes and improve your written communication.
7. Use a text expander
A text expander is a simple yet powerful tool that allows you to type long phrases or blocks of text using just a few keystrokes. This can be a huge time-saver for those who frequently type out the same phrases or blocks of text. For example, if you frequently type out your email address or phone number, you can set up a text expander to automatically insert these phrases with a single keystroke.
8. Use a productivity tracker
Productivity trackers can help you to stay focused and on track, by tracking how you spend your time and identifying areas where you might be able to improve your efficiency. There are several options available, including RescueTime and Toggl, which allow you to track your time on different tasks and websites.
9. Use a document scanner
Document scanners can be a huge time-saver for those who frequently need to scan and digitize paper
documents. There are several options available, including handheld scanners, desktop scanners, and even smartphone apps that can turn your phone into a scanner. These tools allow you to easily scan and digitize paper documents, making them more portable and easier to share.
10. Use a screen recorder
A screen recorder is a useful tool for creating video tutorials, demonstrations, or presentations. There are several options available, including Quicktime (for Mac users) and OBS (for PC users). These programs allow you to record your screen, along with audio and webcam footage, making it easy to create professional-quality videos.
11. Speak instead of writing to save time
If you are running out of time or find it difficult to type due to an injury, consider using the voice typing feature. This feature is available on both Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
To enable this feature in Word, go to the Home menu and select the dictation option or press the Windows key + H to access the dictation toolbar. Then, simply click on the microphone and start speaking the text you want to type. To add punctuation, simply say it out loud.
The process is similar in Google Docs. Go to the Tools menu and select the voice typing option. Then, click on the microphone to begin speaking your text.
By using voice typing, you can save time and effort while still getting your work done efficiently.
12. Find out book reading time before starting to read
To determine the reading time of a book before picking it up, you can use the online platform How Long to Read. Here’s how:
- Go to the How Long to Read website and search for the name of the book you are interested in reading.
- From the list of books that appear, select the one you want to read.
- Read the passage provided by How Long to Read, and start the timer when you begin reading.
- When you finish reading the passage, stop the timer.
- How Long to Read will calculate your reading speed and provide an estimate of how long it will take you to finish the book you have selected.
This can be a useful tool for planning your reading schedule and making sure you have enough time to finish each book you choose.
13. How to search for a song by humming
Ever been in a frustrating situation where a song is stuck in your head, but you can’t seem to figure out what it is?
There are several apps available that allow you to hum a tune and identify the song. Some popular options include Shazam, SoundHound, and Midomi. Simply hum the tune into the app and it will search its database to find a match.
When you are finished, hit the same button to stop listening and begin the search. These apps will instantly show you all the matches it finds based on your humming. No more frustration of having a song stuck in your head without being able to identify it!
14. Easily Share Your Wi-Fi with Guests Using QR Codes
If you are tired of constantly changing your Wi-Fi password and sharing it with guests, there is a smart solution available. Qifi.org allows you to generate a QR code that allows others to access your Wi-Fi without having to enter a password.
To create a QR code, simply go to Qifi.org and enter the name of your Wi-Fi network and the password. The platform will generate a QR code that you can print out and give to guests. They can then scan the code to connect to your Wi-Fi.
This is a convenient and secure way to share your Wi-Fi with guests, without having to worry about giving out the password.
15. Set up automatic backups
One of the most essential tech life hacks is setting up automatic backups of your important files and data. This can save you a lot of time and hassle in the event of a computer crash or other data loss.
There are several ways to do this, including using cloud storage services such as Google Drive or Dropbox, which automatically save copies of your files to the cloud. You can also set up a local backup system using an external hard drive, which allows you to create a copy of your files that you can store offline.
Conclusion
Technology can be a powerful tool for streamlining your workflow and making your daily routine easier. These 10 genius tech life hacks are just a few of the many ways that you can use technology to work smarter and more efficiently.
Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your productivity, protect your privacy and security online, or just make your daily routine a little easier, these tech life hacks are sure to come in handy.
