Make Your Dumb Phone Smart With ifttt
The Capabilities of Feature Phones in a Smartphone World
The question of whether a phone is considered "smart" often arises in today's tech landscape.
Allow me to clarify: are you still utilizing a mobile phone with capabilities less extensive than those found on modern iPhones or Android smartphones?
Embracing Simplicity and Cost Savings
Like many, I intentionally choose to use a simpler phone.
My preference stems from a desire to avoid the ongoing expense of a data plan, resulting in a remarkably low monthly phone bill of just $20.
Despite its limited features – primarily making calls and sending text messages – I find it perfectly adequate for my needs.
Leveraging Available Resources
The lack of advanced features isn't a significant drawback, as I reside in an area with widespread access to free WiFi.
This ensures I'm rarely far from internet connectivity.
Furthermore, even without WiFi, my phone's functionality can be greatly expanded through the use of If This Then That (IFTTT), a web application automation service.
IFTTT: Bridging the Gap
In essence, IFTTT, coupled with SMS messaging, allows me to imbue my basic phone with a surprising degree of intelligence.
This enables me to perform tasks such as updating social networks and managing my calendar.
A Unified Approach to Phone Enhancement
Previously, our contributor Jessica demonstrated methods for enhancing traditional cell phone functionality via SMS.
While her suggestions were valuable, they necessitated the use of multiple, distinct programs to accomplish different tasks.
The Power of Integration
IFTTT represents a significant advancement by consolidating these various services into a single, streamlined platform.
As previously discussed, this tool facilitates the creation of straightforward rules based on triggers and resulting actions.
A wide array of services are supported, including Twitter, Dropbox, Facebook, Google Calendar, and Gmail, among many others.
SMS as the Key to Dumb Phone Intelligence
However, it is the integration of SMS messaging that truly unlocks IFTTT's potential for enhancing simpler phones.
Here are several ways you can leverage this capability:
- Utilize SMS commands to trigger actions within IFTTT.
- Receive notifications via SMS based on IFTTT rule executions.
- Control connected devices and services remotely through SMS.
Sharing Updates via Facebook and Twitter
Many individuals desire the ability to share their ideas and updates while mobile. This is a common practice among a vast number of smartphone users who frequently utilize their devices for this purpose.
However, a smartphone isn't a prerequisite for this functionality. Simply sending an SMS message to IFTTT allows you to achieve the same result.
The instruction detailed above will publish any SMS message sent to IFTTT, provided it includes the tag "#post", directly to Facebook. The inclusion of this tag is crucial, as it informs IFTTT of the desired action regarding the transmitted information.
Do you find this concept perplexing? It’s quite straightforward. When a text message containing the keyword "#post" is sent to IFTTT, it will automatically be published as a status update on your Facebook profile.
You can establish similar tasks for both Twitter and Facebook, utilizing the identical tag. The outcome is a streamlined process: you can update both social media platforms with a single text message. Effectively, your phone’s capabilities are being enhanced!
Receive Priority Emails from Gmail
Do you have specific contacts whose emails require immediate attention, regardless of your location? Utilizing IFTTT, it’s possible to receive emails from designated individuals directly on a basic mobile phone, eliminating the need for a smartphone.
Setting Up Email Notifications
This setup allows for the forwarding of emails from important senders to a non-smartphone. As an example, a configuration was implemented to receive all emails from Kathy, ensuring no message is overlooked.
The notification can be configured to display only the email subject line, or the complete email content. However, be aware that receiving full email messages via SMS may rapidly consume available text message storage.
It's important to note that this functionality is specifically designed for use with Gmail accounts.
This method provides a simple solution for staying connected to crucial communications without relying on advanced mobile technology.
Email Communication via SMS
Sending emails through SMS is readily achievable, and conversely, messages can be dispatched to any email address using SMS. Simply substitute the recipient's email address in place of their phone number.
However, a potential issue arises with replies. Responses will be delivered to your mobile phone rather than your email inbox, which can lead to confusion. A solution to this is utilizing IFTTT to manage email correspondence from a basic mobile phone.
Creating specific commands for each contact you wish to email is necessary, making this method less than perfect. It's important to note that this functionality requires the use of Gmail.
This approach allows for email functionality on devices without native email capabilities. It provides a workaround for staying connected when a traditional smartphone isn't available.
Consider the implications of receiving email replies as SMS messages. This can be particularly useful for quick confirmations or urgent notifications.
Utilizing IFTTT for Enhanced Email Management
- IFTTT acts as a bridge between your SMS and email accounts.
- It automates the process of forwarding emails to your phone and vice versa.
- This eliminates the need to manually copy and paste messages.
The setup process involves configuring IFTTT applets to define the rules for email forwarding. This ensures that messages are routed correctly and efficiently.
While not a seamless solution, it offers a viable alternative for those seeking to leverage SMS for email communication. It's a practical method for maintaining connectivity in various situations.
Calendar Updates on the Go
Do you wish to synchronize your calendar with your mobile phone? Fortunately, this functionality is readily available. A simple rule configuration allows for seamless updates.
Consider establishing a rule similar to the one illustrated below.
This setup enables you to create appointments via SMS, utilizing natural language phrasing. For instance, composing a message like "meet Mark at his secret castle Thursday at noon #cal" will automatically schedule the event in your calendar.
The process is remarkably straightforward and efficient, offering a convenient way to manage your schedule.
Key Features
- SMS Integration: Appointments are created directly from text messages.
- Natural Language Processing: The system understands everyday language.
- Calendar Synchronization: Events are automatically added to your preferred calendar.
This method provides a surprisingly powerful and user-friendly experience for managing appointments from a basic mobile phone.
Exploring the Potential of IFTTT
The possibilities for automated tasks and notifications are extensive. For instance, you can receive text alerts when desired items become available on Craigslist.
Alternatively, IFTTT can inform you of impending snowfall based on the weather forecast.
Discovering More IFTTT Applications
Further inspiration can be found by exploring the IFTTT recipe directory. This resource showcases a diverse range of creative IFTTT applications.
Additionally, our curated list of recommended recipes provides even more ideas for leveraging this powerful platform.
Sharing Your IFTTT Innovations
Do you have unique IFTTT implementations of your own? We encourage you to share them in the comments section below.
I am eager to learn from your experiences and expand my understanding of IFTTT’s capabilities.
