Android Recycling, Light Switches & Dropbox Encryption - Tips

Weekly Tech Tips Roundup

Each week, we compile a selection of helpful tips submitted by our community through the HTG tips box. This week’s focus includes resourceful ways to repurpose older Android phones, enhancing home security with illuminated LED switches, and streamlining the process of encrypting your Dropbox files.

Repurposing Old Android Phones

Rather than letting outdated Android smartphones gather dust, consider giving them a second life around your home. These devices possess capabilities extending beyond their original purpose.

They can be effectively utilized as dedicated security cameras, baby monitors, or remote controls for smart home devices. Their versatility makes them valuable even after being replaced by newer models.

Boosting Safety with LED Switches

Enhance the visibility of your light switches, and consequently, improve safety, by incorporating glowing LED switches. These switches emit a soft light, making them easily locatable in dark environments.

This is particularly beneficial in hallways, bedrooms, and any area where navigating in low light is common. The increased visibility reduces the risk of accidental bumps and falls.

Effortless Dropbox Encryption

Protecting sensitive data stored in Dropbox is crucial. Fortunately, encrypting your Dropbox contents is a straightforward process.

Utilize third-party encryption tools or Dropbox’s built-in features to safeguard your files from unauthorized access. This ensures your personal and professional information remains confidential.

Implementing these methods adds an extra layer of security to your cloud storage, providing peace of mind.

Repurposing Older Android Devices for Home Use

A reader, Nicole, recently shared a resourceful suggestion regarding older Android phones.

Despite the allure of the latest smartphone technology, older devices retain considerable utility for various household applications. These phones are often inexpensive to acquire, either through friends or online marketplaces like eBay. I have successfully transformed them into advanced multimedia remotes for my XBMC media centers.

Purchasing a dedicated "super remote" would necessitate an expenditure exceeding $100. However, utilizing an Android phone connected via Wi-Fi provides a touchscreen-enabled alternative for as little as $30.

Benefits of Recycling Android Phones

The functionality of an Android phone isn't solely defined by its processing power or age. Devices no longer serving as primary communication tools can still be valuable.

• Cost-Effective: Older phones are significantly cheaper than dedicated smart home devices.
• Versatile: They can be adapted for a wide range of tasks.
• Continued Functionality: Apps that don't rely on cellular connectivity will continue to operate as expected.

Nicole’s email serves as a compelling reminder to consider repurposing rather than discarding outdated technology.

The potential for transforming an old device into a useful tool, such as an XBMC remote, is a practical and economical solution.

This highlights the enduring value of older Android phones, even after they’ve been replaced as daily drivers.

Enhance Your Light Switch with a Glowing Feature

A reader, Mark, shares a resourceful solution to an often-overlooked issue in the electrical setup of his workplace.

My office building is quite old. Furthermore, I frequently work in a basement workshop. Surprisingly, the basement stairs lack a standard light switch at the top. Illumination is provided solely by a pull chain located at the bottom. While sufficient for descending, the area at the bottom becomes almost completely dark. Reaching the pull cord is genuinely inconvenient! Recently, I discovered an ingenious modification on Instructables – someone disassembled a solar light and connected it to the pull chain of their bedroom light. When the light is off, the pull chain emits a glow; when on, it ceases to glow (and simultaneously recharges the solar module’s battery!). I finally implemented this on the troublesome pull chain, and it’s a remarkable improvement in visibility. I’m now considering adapting this concept to other applications. Perhaps our readership can contribute further ideas.

Integrating a solar garden light with an interior pull chain represents a unique approach to addressing this problem. We find it to be a clever solution!

Secure Your Dropbox Files with SecretSync

Frank offers a helpful suggestion for Dropbox users concerned about data security.

I rely on Dropbox for file synchronization, but I also prioritize privacy. I experimented with manual file encryption, but it proved cumbersome. I needed a straightforward method to selectively encrypt my Dropbox folder, ensuring sensitive files were encrypted in real-time while leaving other files (such as my MP3s) readily accessible. A free SecretSync account fulfilled this requirement perfectly. Installation is simple, and it establishes a folder within your Dropbox account that is synchronized across your devices and decrypted locally. This is significantly more convenient than managing encrypted containers manually!

This is an excellent recommendation, Frank! Boxcryptor, a previously reviewed service, offers comparable capabilities.

• Key takeaway: SecretSync provides a user-friendly solution for selective Dropbox encryption.

Do you have a useful tip to share? Please send us an email at tips@howtogeek.com!