Most of us have a drawer full of old gadgets lying around. Letting them pile up and collect dust isn’t just a waste of money but also a missed opportunity. You’d be surprised by how many useful things your old phone is capable of. In this Komando DIY, we’ve got four things you can do with your old smartphones after you upgrade.
Don't buy these 10 obsolete products
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Have any old gadgets around? Your dusty phones, boomboxes and gaming consoles can be worth a fortune. Here’s a list of items to fatten your wallet.
“New” is a relative term when it comes to tech. One product can remain on the shelves for years while another is replaced annually. The impact this has on your buying decisions can vary. Purchasing last year’s toaster oven may mean missing out on the new air fryer, but it’s not the same as getting an older smart speaker.
Here’s why you should avoid buying specific outdated tech.
End of Life
When a product leaves the market, it’s known as End of Life or EOL. This could result from introducing a newer product, low sales, or other reasons. EOS is sometimes used interchangeably with EOS or End of Sale.
EOL does not necessarily mean the manufacturer will stop supporting the product, but this is inevitable as time goes on. Replacement parts will also become more difficult to find.
End of Service Life/Support
A product pulled from shelves can have support from the manufacturer as long as they’re willing to offer it. When that’s removed, it’s known as the End of Service Life (EOSL).
Support could come in many forms, from producing spare parts to software updates and patches. The latter is critical regarding tech, whether it’s a physical product or software.
Without updates, your phone, smart speakers, security cameras, operating systems, browsers and routers become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Developers are constantly working to stay ahead of hackers, and you should always have the latest updates to protect yourself.
As a general rule, connected devices and apps that haven’t had an update in 12 months can seriously compromise your privacy and personal information. Go through your tech at least twice a year and determine which ones might be outdated. Then, either update their software or get rid of them.
Here are 10 products to avoid. If you already have them, stop using them.
Get cash for your broken gadgets
Got old gadgets just collecting dust? You can turn them into Amazon gift cards, and the best part — they don’t even have to work!
💸 Declutter and save: Don’t toss your old gadgets. Trading them in can get you Amazon credit or discounts on your next purchase. Head to Amazon’s Trade-In page to see what your gear is worth. Easy money!
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Clever uses for your old phone: Security camera, alarm clock, emergency calling
Most of us have a drawer full of old gadgets lying around. Letting them pile up and collect dust isn’t just a waste of money but also a missed opportunity. You’d be surprised by how many useful things your old phone is capable of. In this Komando DIY, we’ve got four things you can do with your old smartphones after you upgrade.
Dangerous nudes, angry neighbors, antivirus scams
Plus, how an Apple Watch saved a child’s life, why Gen Z loves old gadgets (and will pay you handsomely for them), use your voice to control your TV and why you should wrap your car keys in tin foil.
How to breathe life into old tech
Do you have old gadgets lying around collecting dust? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a new program that can revitalize your outdated devices.
Digital Life Hack: Trade in old, broken gear for Amazon cash
Do you have any old gadgets sitting around that you’re not using anymore? Listen now to trade them in for a discount on your next Amazon purchase.