5 unexpected uses for your old smartwatch

Your old smartwatch can be repurposed in various ways to extend its usefulness beyond just a basic timepiece. One unexpected application is turning it into a dedicated AI assistant, allowing you to converse with an AI like Gemini or Siri without needing your phone. To do this, you'll need to install the appropriate AI app and enable voice activation on your smartwatch. For those who prefer not to use voice activation, pressing and holding the side button can activate the AI assistant.

Another handy use for an old smartwatch is as a note-taking device. By using the built-in voice recorder app or a transcription app, you can easily jot down thoughts and ideas without having to pull out your phone. This feature is particularly useful for Wear OS smartwatches, which have more advanced AI transcription capabilities.

An old smartwatch can also be transformed into a child monitoring tool. With cellular capabilities, children can make calls, send texts, and share their location, all without needing a smartphone of their own. Samsung watches offer a dedicated Kids mode, while Apple Watch has a similar feature called Apple Watch for Your Kids, both of which provide parents with various monitoring and parental control options.

Lastly, an old smartwatch can serve as a dedicated sleep tracker, helping you monitor and improve your sleep patterns. While charging your watch overnight may leave it with a drained battery, you can use it to track your sleep during the day and transfer the data to your phone. However, the accuracy of the reported data may vary depending on the smartwatch model. Regardless, if any concerning sleep patterns are detected, it's always best to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.