Five Things You Didn't Know Your Tablet Could Do

If you own an Android tablet, you most likely utilize it in many different ways throughout the course of a given day. However, most people aren't using their tablets to their full potential. If you aren't quite an expert with your Android tablet, you may be missing out on some functionality. Here are five things that you may not have known your Android tablet could do.

1. Control Your TV

With your Android tablet, it's possible to control both your television and your DVR with an app called XBMC. You can use it like a remote to scroll through channels, control the volume, look at DVR recordings, and do anything else that you could with a TV remote. With this functionality, you can stop worrying about where the remote is. You can put it in one of the quality leather iPad cases out there and have a great looking remote control for the living room.

2. Monitor the House

Your Android tablet can also be used as a type of home monitoring tool. You can integrate it in with a security system to look at your home camera feeds and turn on and off the system. One example of an app that can do this is the SimpliSafe app.

3. Send and Receive Texts

You don't need to have a data plan for your Android to be able to send and receive text messages. By using an app called Tablet Talk, you can connect your tablet to your mobile phone account and send and receive texts from the same phone number.

4. Control an Aircraft

Your Android can actually work as a remote control for a remote controlled airplane or toy drone. You simply download the appropriate app for the remote controlled plane and then use it to start flying. It's really pretty simple to use and you'll be surprised just how well it can work. I-Helicopter is an app that allows you to control an RC helicopter.

5. Perform Vehicle Diagnostics

One of the functions that you can enable with your tablet is to perform vehicle diagnostic tests. By getting the Delphi app called Vehicle Diagnostics, you will be able to diagnose exactly what is wrong with your vehicle. You install a simple device in the car and then it sends signals to your tablet. It's really easy to use, and it can help you figure out what's wrong with your car if you're getting an error code. You can even use it to unlock your car door.

As technology continues to advance, expect even more amazing functionality from your Android tablet. It is already an almost essential gadget to have, and it will be even more so in the future.