It’s easy to forget just how much of an impact the smartphone has had on the world. Though the first smartphone, the iPhone, was only released back in 2007, the device has become a necessity. More than 90% of US adults own a smartphone, and that number is only moving in one direction.
We use our smartphones for just about everything, from banking to work to getting around. But the fun stuff, the entertainment possibilities, is where the smartphone really excels. Your handy device offers endless entertainment in one convenient package, in a way that would have been unthinkable even just a few decades ago.
In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at why the smartphone is likely the greatest entertainment device that you’ll ever own.
You Can Stream Everything
Remember the pre-digital era? If you wanted to watch something back then, you’d have to hope that you were in front of the TV when it was showing or owned the DVD/VCR. Now, all you need to do is have a smartphone and a subscription to a streaming service, and you can watch whatever you want, whenever you want. Smartphones have opened up whole other worlds of possibilities for what to do when you’re bored and have nothing to do. Dealing with a long flight delay? With your smartphone and headphones, you can simply immerse yourself in the best television and movies that the world has to offer.
There’s an Endless Amount of Games
Mobile gaming has come along in a big, big way in recent years. In fact, mobile gaming has become so big that it accounts for around 50% of the entire gaming market.
And that’s no accident. Game developers have worked hard to put together engaging, fun games that appeal to a wide range of consumers. Even traditional console gamers will find that there’s a mobile game that interests them! Some of the best mobile video games of the past decade include Monument Valley, Genshin Impact, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and Call of Duty: Mobile. If you’re looking for the best games that smartphones have to offer, then focus on them.
Looking for something a bit more casual? Temple Run, Candy Crush, and Angry Birds are hugely — almost unfathomably — popular.
And You Can Play Classic Games
And there’s more to mobile gaming than simply new games. You can also play classic games straight from your device, too. In many ways, the smartphone has breathed new life into traditional games, helping to bring them to entirely new audiences. With your device, you can play classic games like solitaire, hearts, checkers, chess, and backgammon. These older games might have fallen out of favor with audiences were it not for the internet. Thanks to the smartphone, you can play these games — and many other classics — with just a few clicks of a button.
You Can Read/Listen to Books
Most of us need a little bit of motivation to read more. Indeed, if there are virtually any barriers between us and the book, then we’ll probably leave it for another day — a day, of course, that never comes. The smartphone has removed virtually every barrier to reading. You can be reading any book you like (provided there’s a digital version) within minutes, and you don’t actually need to ever read. With a subscription to an audiobook service, you can simply plug in your headphones, hit play, and have the book read to you. If you’ve ever wanted to read more but couldn’t quite make it happen, then audiobooks are a game-changer.
Podcasts Have Become Incredible
Smartphones haven’t just allowed for traditional forms of entertainment — such as music and books — to be repackaged. They’ve also allowed for the creation of new forms of entertainment. Take podcasts, for example. We’re currently through the golden age of podcasts, with a near-endless number of critically acclaimed podcasts to choose from. Indeed, we can confidently say that whatever your interests are, there will absolutely be a podcast out there for you to enjoy.
Haven’t yet dipped into the world of podcasts? Try one of the following — if you’re like everyone else, you’ll absolutely love them.
- Serial
- WTF With Marc Maron
- Stuff You Should Know
- This American Life
- Radiolab
Take a Virtual Tour
Want to travel the world? Sure you do — we all do. Alas, there are a fair few barriers that prevent us from traveling as much as we’d like to. There’s the money factor, for one. And there’s the job factor, for another.
While it can’t replicate the traveling experience fully, the smartphone does offer some handy ways to scratch your travel itch. You can take virtual tours of many of the world’s leading cultural institutions. You can even go hunting for northern lights in Iceland with a guide by your side, or take a virtual tour of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Follow Sports Live
Big sports fan? There’s nothing worse than having to miss a big game all because you’re double-booked and can’t be in front of your television. With your smartphone, you can often follow the game live from wherever you are with a subscription service. Even if you’re not in a position to watch the game directly, you can always use your device to get live updates. While that might not be the perfect solution, it’s a lot better than not knowing the score!
Hop on Social Media
Does social media always have the best reputation? No. Is it a powerhouse for entertainment? Absolutely. While you’ll want to be mindful of spending too much on social media, there’s no doubt that there’s a whole ocean of outstanding content on there. If you enjoy short, entertaining, then hop on Instagram or TikTok. Once you’ve trained the algorithm on the type of content you like, you’ll be served up something fun and engaging every time you open the app.
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Follow Along With Others
And you don’t just need to look at random videos served up by social media, either. Platforms like Twitch allow you to follow popular streamers, which isn’t just entertaining but also makes you feel part of a community. While there’s a focus on video game streaming on Twitch, streamers also chat — in fact, that’s the main draw. If you’re looking for a form of entertainment that’s very much of the 21st century, then following along with Twitch streamers is it.
Make Your Own Content
But who says that you have to let someone else entertain you? With your smartphone, you can become a content creator yourself. It’s never been easier to put together high-quality videos using a smartphone. The in-built camera offers professional-level videography, so all you need to do is get the lighting right and you’re ready to roll. If you have star quality, then coming up and recording your ideas can be a world of fun. And hey — you never know what kind of opportunities it might lead to once it’s out there in the cyber world.
Video Calls With Loved Ones
Finally, let’s not forget the best form of entertainment of all — chatting with loved ones! There’s nothing better than catching up with your nearest and dearest, and while it’s preferable to do that in person, it’s not always a realistic option. With your smartphone, you can video call your friends and family and speak to them as if they were in the same way. And what’s more? Those video calls are absolutely free. Don’t wonder what the future will be like — we’re already living in it!
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