Androids are beautiful! Sure, we may be biased, but the explosive impact of Google’s operating system on the technology industry is undeniable. It’s on some of the best mobile phones and helps billions of people connect, stay informed, and have fun. But Android isn’t just for phones, tablets, smartwatches, and smart Google TVs. Android’s openness and flexibility enables a wide variety of products. From the genius and practical to the quirky and just plain weird, these gadgets surprisingly run on Android.
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1 These digital cameras are
Android mirrorless camera? Imagine the possibilities!
When it comes to RAW image quality, dedicated digital cameras are still the way to go. However, moving your photos to your computer, running them in Lightroom, and uploading them to your favorite social media or cloud storage platform can be a hassle.
Samsung tried to solve this problem in 2012 by releasing the Samsung Galaxy Camera. It was a 16MP digital camera with a 21x zoom lens, 4.8-inch touchscreen, Android 4.1, and access to all available social media and Android photo editing apps. A year later, Samsung announced the Galaxy NX with a large image sensor and interchangeable lenses, firmly establishing itself in the realm of professional users. Galaxy Camera 2 was released in 2014 with slightly improved specs compared to its predecessor.
Android-powered digital cameras were never a hit, but the concept continues with the Yongnuo YN455, a $700 mirrorless camera with Android 10 and Micro Four Thirds optics. As you can see in this review video, it’s far from perfect, but it deserves extra points for keeping the dream alive.
Fun fact: Android was intended to be an advanced operating system for digital cameras. The idea was proposed in 2004, three years before the first iPhone was introduced.
2 This 3D printer
revolutionize manufacturing
Source: Snapmaker
It’s no coincidence that the Snapmaker 2.0 3D printer’s control module is reminiscent of Android smartphones from a decade ago. Beneath the custom software skin is an older but functional Android OS build that enables important features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, removable storage, and CABus communication to control the machine’s mechanical modules. It will be. You can’t install apps, but there’s very little you’ll want to run on the 1.1GHz Cortex-A7 processor. However, for 3D printing, engraving, and laser engraving, it has enough processing power on its own.
3 This actual printer is
A green robot that helps you accomplish your tasks
Printers are widely despised because they are unreliable. In 2013, Samsung offered a potential solution with its Smart MultiXpress printer and scanner combo. Yes, they were running Android.
This may seem like an over-engineered solution, but with the right OS you can now print to your printer without a computer. You can also scan and email documents individually. Thanks to the built-in NFC, you can easily pair the printer with your phone when you want to print things like photos from your gallery. An NFC-based authentication system was also available to restrict access to documents and data accessible on the device.
4 this samsung refrigerator
Everything tastes better with a little Android
Source: Samsung
If you have a 2013 Samsung Zipel T9000, you can use “Sent from Samsung Android Smart Refrigerator” as your email signature. But seriously, having a 10.1-inch touchscreen and Android on your refrigerator is great for finding and updating recipes. Create a grocery shopping list or play YouTube videos while you cook. The current Samsung Family Hub refrigerator, which has a larger touchscreen measuring up to 32 inches diagonally, has moved to Samsung’s Tizen OS.
5 This digital photo frame
And yes it works pretty well
Source: Flameo
When I received Frameo’s digital photo frame as a gift, I was skeptical. But surprisingly, it definitely serves its purpose. Perhaps it’s because the manufacturer chose to run Android instead of some obscure, half-baked alternative. The touchscreen works, the software is updated, and the Wi-Fi connection allows you to wirelessly transfer photos from your phone to the frame. Unfortunately, the standard software does not allow the installation of apps.
6 this smart mirror
Is it a mirror or a phone screen?
Many people bring their phones into the bathroom, so the idea of an Android smart mirror isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. Place the large touchscreen and tablet inside behind your bathroom mirror so you can watch videos, play music, or check the weather while getting ready for work. The problem is that Android smart mirrors are hard to find and buy, and they aren’t cheap considering the hardware specs.
7 this sony projector
Ahead of the times and beyond anyone’s budget
Source: Sony
Sony Xperia Touch is an innovative combination of an Android tablet and a short throw projector. Yes, it’s a projector used to project movies on the wall. It didn’t have a touch screen, but it detected touch input on the projected image. That means you can play 23-inch Fruit Ninja on the table when you point the projector down.
Although it looked like something out of a sci-fi movie, the Xperia Touch had a major flaw. Battery life is short at 2 hours, touch input doesn’t always work well, and images are dark and low resolution. But importantly, at $1,699, it was prohibitively expensive. For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus launched for $850, and the Galaxy Tab S3 cost $600.
8 This landline phone
I’ve come full circle
Source: Hindetel
Stationary phones with built-in Android and a touchscreen are getting a lot of attention, but who needs them is a bit of a mystery. company employee? Is it a technology website with a list of stupid gadgets? I really don’t know.
We do know that these strange contraptions usually come with a SIM card slot for wireless 4G connectivity. Most models do not connect to the landline network, but judging from the specifications, some models do. As for specs, these are what ancient tablets had, so good luck running more than just an address book or calculator app.
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9 This Android game console
Nothing beats the comfort of physical buttons
In contrast, Android-only game consoles had a clear target market and took too long to reach that market. One of the most well-made examples is the Ayaneo Pocket Air, pictured above. At $300, it’s not cheap. Still, it offers a lot of features, making it perfect for playing modern Android games or emulating vintage classics. It features high-quality physical buttons, a huge battery, and a brilliant 5.5-inch OLED touchscreen. Have you been tempted? For more information, read our Ayaneo Pocket Air review or check out our list of the best Android gaming handhelds.
10 This e-book reader
It’s like a Kindle on steroids.
Source: Onyx Box
ONYX BOOX Go 10.3 stands out with its high-resolution E Ink Carta Plus (Carta 1200) black and white display, perfect for reading books. This tablet runs Android, so it can do more than the best Kindle, and you can take handwritten notes using the included pen. Sure, you can’t play games or watch movies on these devices, but if you’ve ever wanted an e-book reader that can at least play music and check email, this is the dream. It could be a device.
11 This space satellite
Android in space!
It’s easy to imagine that space satellites require cutting-edge processing power. But at the end of the day, the phone is more than capable of getting the job done. The STRaND-1 microsatellite project began in 2013 and used a combination of Nexus One and traditional satellite computers. Traditional computer problems caused the project to fail, and the Nexus One never had a chance. Two months later, NASA put a satellite carrying a smartphone into orbit and put it into operation. In honor of the telephone inventor, they were named Alexander, Graham and Bell.
Android in everything!
Android is known for its open nature and freedom of customization, and the presence of the above gadgets is proof of that. It’s amazing what you can accomplish and how much effort you can save when you have access to a flexible and powerful platform like Android. However, we must admit that Android is not perfect and has its ups and downs. Here are the Android versions that seemed particularly disappointing.
