Today – We're are using our Smartphone’s just as much for business as leisure. The reliance on these super computers in our pockets to transact business is a measure of how far phone technology has advanced. Modern Smartphone’s enable us to check emails, browse the internet, take pictures and store data offline - all at the speed of Danny Zuko in Grease Lightning (sorry, couldn't resist).
When thinking about your next mobile business use case, here are a few functions you may want to consider:
Bluetooth: Bluetooth is an essential component of any smartphone. Bluetooth connectivity enables you to connect wirelessly to another device. This is important when you’re on the move and don’t want to be held down fiddling with long wires. Most cars today come with hands-free Bluetooth options for your phone with exceptional audio quality.
You can also connect seamlessly with keyboards and make punching out, transferring documents and files easy.
VoIP: Voice over IP (VoIP) is a methodology for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over the Internet. More importantly it’s a feature that can help reduce your phone bills significantly, particularly when transacting business overseas.
There are tons of VoIP applications that can offer you great value for money. Some VoIP applications allow you to call some countries for free. I’ve listed my top 3 below:
Viber - In addition to free texts, Viber allows you to place voice calls over data or Wi-Fi to any other Viber users, anywhere in the world, for free. If you'd like to place VoIP calls to landlines and other mobile users, you can, using Viber's “Viber Out” service. Viber Out calls will cost you, but they start at 1.9 cents per minute and vary depending on the country you're calling. Viber-to-viber calls are always completely free.
Google Hangouts – Hangouts is another great free texting app and it supports Android, iOS, and you can even take and make voice and video calls from your computer. Even outgoing calls is easy, and you can place outgoing voice or video calls right from your computer. As always, if you're calling another Hangouts user, everything is completely free. If you're calling someone's landline or mobile phone directly, your calls are free domestically, and internationally you'll be subject to Google Voice in Hangouts' rates, which are low (starting at 2 cents/min) depending on who you need to call.
Skype - Is a bit of a hot button service. It has a massive following of passionate and devoted users, but every time it's mentioned I also hear people have sworn off it completely for one reason or another, or because of historic performance issues. Regardless, it's still a major player when it comes to free VoIP calling and texting, and like others mentioned above, it offers absolutely free voice and video calls to other people who also use Skype. Skype was one of the first services to really give you totally free calling in-network and then charge you nominal rates to call out, thanks to Skype Out and Skype To Go. Skype also incorporates a number of features other services don't match well, including support for large conference calls and, Skype is cross platform, with apps for desktop along with apps for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.
Auto-attendant: This is a feature that is usually used in more up market telephone systems and can leave a lasting professional impression on your callers. Auto attendants allow inbound callers to be transferred to extensions or groups without the help of an operator or receptionist. It acts as your own virtual receptionist, helping you to enhance your business image with each and every call.
Electronic Signatures: The future of business in the APAC region is digital. Electronic signature companies like DocuSign help you sign documents electronically and easily send documents for signature in just minutes. Whether you’re in an office, at home, on-the-go or even across the globe you can send safe, secure, and legally binding documents from your Smartphone device.
While most smart phones will be suitable for business, be sure to find out if all features mentioned here are available for your phone. There is a whole lot that your smartphone can do and I have only scratched the surface here. Applications like calendars, contacts management, email and geo-tagging are other important features worth looking at for more advanced users.
Do you think I’ve missed any important features? Let me know!
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