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7 Extra Uses for Your iPhone's Camera
The iPhone is quite popular, mostly because of its camera. With it, you can take some really nice pictures and record your favorite memories in high quality. But do you know you can do much more with your iPhone's Camera app?
Well, if you don't, here's our guide detailing all the cool things you can do with it. From translating text to scanning documents and identifying foreign objects, there's a lot the iPhone's camera can do. So, keep reading.
1. Replace Your Mac's Webcam
The technology powering the iPhone's camera feels much better than the Mac's. And in today's world, having a computer with a great webcam is becoming increasingly important if you get on a lot of video calls, for example.
Apple released the Continuity Camera feature alongside macOS Ventura and iOS 16. Thanks to this addition, you can have better webcam quality on your Mac. It works wirelessly and seamlessly across several video conferencing apps, from FaceTime to Zoom.
Using the Continuity Camera feature, you can get more out of your iPhone's camera and step up your video call game with cool video effects like Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in the middle of the frame, and Desk View, which simultaneously shows your face and desk.
2. Scan Documents and QR Codes
Previously, you may have downloaded a third-party app to help you scan documents or QR codes. That's a long, tedious process that might not be entirely safe. However, with the native Camera app, you can easily and securely scan documents on your iPhone and save them in the Files or Notes app.
: Apple has a new iPhone security feature: Why you'll want to turn it on (WGN-TV Chicago)
WGN-TV Chicago
Also, as QR codes become a popular means of accessing menus, files, and websites, you no longer need to type URLs manually. So, when you're out and need to access some information, just open your iPhone camera to access the menu at a restaurant or join a Wi-Fi network. Point it at the QR code, and you'll be redirected to the corresponding webpage within seconds.
3. Copy and Translate Text
If you're ever in contact with an object, perhaps a flyer or book with some foreign language, your iPhone's camera can become a personal translator. All you need to do is point your camera to the foreign text, and within seconds, the Live Text feature integrated into your iPhone camera should recognize the print.
Make sure the text is within the yellow frame, tap on the Live Text icon, then tap on the Translate icon, and it will bring up a pretty basic translation of the text in your preferred language.
While this translation feature in the iPhone camera is a nifty little tool that helps break language barriers, it's limited. However, the Live Text feature equally makes it easy to directly copy the text from the Camera app and paste it into your browser or translator app.
So, you don't have to waste time typing long texts; just point your camera, wait for Live Text to recognize it, and copy and paste as you like.
4. Convert Currency and Units
Our phones make it so easy to do what once was herculean. So, you don't need to memorize the various units, rack your brains for the current exchange rate, and then do some tasking mental math to do some simple conversions. Let the Camera app sort that out for you.
All you have to do is point your iPhone's camera at the digits you want to convert, ensure it's within the yellow frame, and tap the Live Text icon. It should instantly recognize the digits and bring it up with a conversion icon at the bottom-left corner. Tap on it to see the corresponding value. This works just right for both units and currencies.
5. Measure Objects
You may have forgotten to pack your ruler or measuring tape with you. But you can rely on your iPhone's camera if you still need to get some measurements. And if you have an iPhone 12 Pro or newer Pro model, it comes with a LiDAR sensor for accurate measurements.
You can get measurements of objects and distance by using the pre-installed Measure app that works with your iPhone's camera and LiDAR sensor (on compatible models). You can even use it to measure another person's height. And that's just one of the exciting ways to use LiDAR on your iPhone.
6. Magnify Items
You may not have noticed that a nifty little app called Magnifier, which comes pre-installed on your iPhone, can transform your camera into a magnifying glass. It can help you get a closer look at tiny texts or objects without squinting.
You can set it up quickly if you follow our detailed guide on using the iPhone's Magnifier app. With it, you'll be able to see surrounding objects even better.
7. Identify Objects With Visual Look Up
Whenever you come across an item and think to yourself, "What is this?" Remember that your iPhone camera can double as a visual search engine, helping you learn more about your surroundings. It could be some plant, animal, or landmark.
All you have to do is capture an image with your iPhone's camera, and your iPhone adds some information to the photo to give you more context.
To use Visual Look Up, open up the picture you've taken in the Photos app. If your iPhone's Visual Look Up feature recognizes objects, the regular Info (i) button takes on a sparkle. Tap that button, or swipe up on the photo. Then, tap the option next to Look Up to see relevant results, as indicated in the screenshots above.
Open Your iPhone Camera and Explore
Learning all the fun ways you can use your iPhone Camera can really make a difference. Now, you know that you've got a currency converter, a magnifying glass, a translator, and a document scanner all within one app on your iPhone.
The next time you need to get a quick measurement or conversion, you don't have to bother finding and installing a third-party app on your iPhone.
