Repurposing a device means turning an old unused gadget into something that serves a purpose. You may have discovered an old smartphone or computer in your garage or room while decluttering and wonder what to do with it- here are four ways you can give it a second lease on life.
As a Smart Hub
Smart hubs are central devices that act as a dashboard for all your connected home devices. A good example is a smart home speaker such as the Echo or Nest, with the added function of controlling them using only your voice. A computer or tablet can serve a similar purpose as long as they’re within your wi-fi network. You can ask it to shut off your AC or turn on the smart lights at a certain time, for instance.
For Playing Games
Some games can run on older devices, especially retro titles and browser-based games like Poker or Solitaire. If you want an instant retro arcade without having to spend thousands on a custom-built machine, you can install emulator apps, attach a game controller, and voila! You now have a gaming system everyone can use.
Music Player
Have a dedicated device run your audio content using a repurposed tablet or computer. Install your preferred streaming service and connect a speaker via wireless or wired, and you’ll have a modern sound system ready for use. Aside from music, you can also have the device stream podcast episodes or serve as a white noise for better sleep.
Educational Tool
Lastly, an old computer or tablet can still serve as an educational tool for your children or younger kids. A worn-out and slow tablet can be used as an e-book reader, while a computer can act as a video player for lessons and extracurricular activities.
