Every Single Little Way Smartphones Have Changed Your Life

Taking a break from your smartphone helps you see the world in a different way — but who are we kidding? We couldn't last long without one. From the day Steve Jobs announced the original iPhone in 2007 and popularized touchscreen devices, they have revolutionized the world. Soon after came apps on our iPhones and Androids, which brought features we never knew we needed. So the next time you lament how everyone is glued to their screens, take a step back and think about how these powerful handheld computers have improved our lives and helped us stay connected with the people we love. Hopefully with time, we'll find a balance and a way to separate the good from the bad. Until then, let's look back at all the smartphone life improvements we sometimes take for granted.

01
The entirety of human knowledge is at your fingertips, settling all trivial dinner table arguments.
Google

The entirety of human knowledge is at your fingertips, settling all trivial dinner table arguments.

02
You can watch little ones grow up with FaceTime.
Apple

You can watch little ones grow up with FaceTime.

03
You have a camera with you at all times.
Shan L. via Apple

You have a camera with you at all times.

04
You'll never be lost again.
Waze

You'll never be lost again.

05
Expensive long-distance fees are long gone.
WhatsApp

Expensive long-distance fees are long gone.

06
Online shopping means you never have to go to the mall.
ShopStyle

Online shopping means you never have to go to the mall.

08
You can watch your shows "with" your BFF who lives somewhere else.
Becky Kirsch

You can watch your shows "with" your BFF who lives somewhere else.

09
Your music library is in your pocket.
Apple

Your music library is in your pocket.

10
You don't have to wait for the weatherman's segment on the nightly news.
Apple

You don't have to wait for the weatherman's segment on the nightly news.

11
No more awkward credit card splitting at dinner, thanks to payment apps like Venmo.
Venmo

No more awkward credit card splitting at dinner, thanks to payment apps like Venmo.

12
You can keep in touch with Grandma on Facebook.
Reddit user Oriek via Imgur

You can keep in touch with Grandma on Facebook.

13
Or feel your mom's love over text message.
Instagram | the_frank_files

Or feel your mom's love over text message.

15
No need for cash or card to hitch a ride.
Uber

No need for cash or card to hitch a ride.

16
You don't have to listen to every voice mail to get to the good ones.
Apple

You don't have to listen to every voice mail to get to the good ones.

17
The radio goes with you everywhere.
NPR

The radio goes with you everywhere.

18
You can watch a movie while you wait at the airport — or anywhere, really.
Netflix

You can watch a movie while you wait at the airport — or anywhere, really.

19
You're always prepared, with a flashlight and compass.
Annie Gabillet

You're always prepared, with a flashlight and compass.

20
It's easy to monitor your spending.
Mint

It's easy to monitor your spending.

22
You don't need a notebook to jot down genius ideas.
Ryan Roschke

You don't need a notebook to jot down genius ideas.

23
Buh-bye to carrying heavy guidebooks around on vacation.
TripAdvisor

Buh-bye to carrying heavy guidebooks around on vacation.

24
Snapchat, Instagram, and MMS pictures are way easier than postcards.
Instagram | anniegabillet

Snapchat, Instagram, and MMS pictures are way easier than postcards.

25
And finally, you always know who sings that song.
Shazam

And finally, you always know who sings that song.