Your phone can control far more than speakers and smart home devices. These four quirky accessories each solve a specific problem.
Bluetooth Page Turner for Ebook Readers
A Bluetooth page turner is a small wireless remote that flips ebook pages or skips music tracks without touching your screen. The DuRoBo Moodi has two buttons with swappable faces and charges quickly. Its main downside is that the battery drains fast if you forget to turn it off.
Smart Telescope for Night Sky Photos
A smart telescope like the DWARF mini pairs with your phone to capture night-sky photos far better than a phone camera alone. The live preview is dim, and there’s a learning curve, but the app guides you. It’s best for people who want a compact, easy-to-set-up alternative to a traditional telescope.
USB-C Thermal Camera for Finding Drafts
A USB-C thermal camera turns your phone into a heat-detecting viewfinder that shows air leaks around windows and doors. The Rision Magic Pro needs almost no setup and offers a higher-resolution image than the standard Rision Magic. Both are more affordable than comparable FLIR and Seek Thermal models, and sealing leaks can lower your energy bills.
Ultra-Thin SSD for Smartphones
The Lexar Muse is billed as the world’s thinnest SSD, slim enough to sit in a case on the back of your phone. It can be a more affordable way to add storage than buying a new phone, and last year’s model is a budget-friendly option if thinness isn’t a priority.
Quick FAQ
What accessories can you connect to a phone?
Page turners, smart telescopes, thermal cameras, and portable SSDs, along with speakers, drones, security cameras, and robot vacuums.
Is a phone thermal camera worth it?
It can be if you want to find drafts and cut heating and cooling costs, though standalone thermal cameras with smaller displays are also available.