Everyone is looking to save money right now, but that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on fun.
Here are seven things you can do for free– and you may be surprised.
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1. Streaming services
Many people don’t know that some streaming services offer free content. However, many of the services do require you to watch ads in order to stream your TV show or movie. Some of the most well-known are the free version of Peacock and Facebook Watch. However, there are other lesser-known streaming services too. Pluto TV, Crackle, and Roku Channel, offer both new and old movies and shows for no cost– other than watching commercials.
2. Phone numbers
The app TextNow will generate a phone number that can be used on your smartphone. Along with the phone number, TextNow also has voicemail services and allows you to set a ringtone. Calling and texting are free through the app when using wifi. If you want to use data, SIM cards can be purchased– but are not required to use the app.
3. Books
If you have a library card you can rent books for free through the Libby by OverDrive app. All you need to do is download the app, create an account, and search for whatever book you want to read. Just like a regular library, there is a due date and the rental will run out. The app will sync across your devices– so if you switch devices, it will remember where you left off.
4. Audiobooks
Any ebooks that you’ve downloaded onto your iPhone or iPad can easily be converted into audiobooks. This is because of a built in tool called Speak Screen that can read the ebooks out loud.
You can activate this on your Apple device by Settings, then Accessibility, then Spoken Content, and then Speak Screen. When you have the ebook open, you can the swipe down on your screen from the top using two fingers and Speak Screen will begin. You can also adjust language and voice settings.
5. Radio
If you like listening to radio shows– they can also be accessed virtually. Archive.org is a great place to find old radio shows from the 1930s 40s, and 50s. There are also podcasts that feature the old radio shows.
6. Video surveillance
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to install video surveillance in your home, or just check on your pets while you’re away– there’s an app that can help. You can use any old smartphone or device and download an app called Presence. Then, you have to log on onto your current device as well. Next, you’ll want to place the camera of the old smartphone how you want while looking at the monitor on your current device to get the placement you want. You may want to place it near an outlet so that you can keep it charged. After its all set up you can check it on your current device whenever you like.
7. Office software
Most office software requires an internet connection. An app called Apache’s OpenOffice provides a downloadable series of tools that can help you in a variety of ways. This app also supports documents from other processing software and has options for word processing, spreadsheets, and more.
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