Updated

Updated · The Mercury News · Jul 16

Larry Magid Highlights 5 Smartphone Features for Navigation, Backup and Emergencies

Updated

Updated · The Mercury News · Jul 16

Larry Magid Highlights 5 Smartphone Features for Navigation, Backup and Emergencies

1 articles · Updated · The Mercury News · Jul 16

5 smartphone tools stand out in Magid’s latest guide: AR walking directions, cloud backups, device-finding services, Emergency SOS settings, and biometric sign-ins.
Google Maps Live View and Apple’s immersive walking directions use a phone camera to overlay arrows on real-world landmarks, helping users orient themselves on foot in unfamiliar places.
Built-in backup and find-device features can restore apps, photos and settings after loss or upgrade, while also letting users locate, ring, lock or erase a missing phone remotely.
Emergency SOS, Face ID or fingerprint login, and automatic software and app updates add another layer of readiness by speeding access, protecting data and keeping security patches current.
Magid said these are only a fraction of what modern phones can do, pointing readers to an AI-generated list of 183 features for broader exploration.

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