Smartphone equals smart renovation

Technology can be our best friend or our enemy. But, with the rise of smartphones and their constantly evolving sophisticated capabilities, many people treat the once humble mobile phone as a lifeline these days.

Video calling, picture messaging, voice recognition, and hi-tech cameras are just some of the functions that present day mobile phone boast. And then there are the internet capabilities, which give your hand-sized phone power comparable to most home computers.

Computer giant Apple has dominated the smartphone market with the iPhone, which virtually shaped what the modern mobile is today.

However, after enjoying years of consecutive success as a global leader in the smartphone field, the iPhone looks to be losing its hold over people.

With the rise of Samsung now being the biggest producer of smartphones in the world, technology almost seems to be surpassing Apple, not shaped by it as it once was.

The new Samsung Galaxy S III boasts a number of fancy functions that its rival lacks - including running on the fastest networks and the ability to act as smart wallet.

The new Galaxy is also thinner, lighter and has a bigger screen - making the iPhone look somewhat clunky these days.

Apple works on a systematic release schedule, which some say puts it on the back-foot with only one shot at producing ground-breaking technology a year.

The next release is expected in September or October, and there are questions as to how Apple will compete against its rising competitors.

However, one thing's for sure - smartphones have revolutionised the way people use their phones.

Even the humble tradie can find a multitude of benefits and novel applications to use!

One of the most convenient aspects of a phone application is that you can download one or many for a specific reason, and once you no longer have use for it you can just simply delete it!

For tradesmen or homeowners undertaking home renovations, there are some great applications and tools that you can download to provide handy hints, advice and hot trends.

Here are a few to get you started.

Sun Seeker: 3D Augmented Reality Viewer
This application provides valuable advice for renovators on how to maximise sunlight in their home. Using the compass function of the smartphone, the app will give you accurate information.

Home Design 3D
Using this application, you draw the rooms and outline of your home and the specific furniture which will fill each room. The app will then combine all the information and produce a 3D image, that will allow you to look at a room from every perspective.

The Builder App
This handy application connects renovators with tradies and suppliers once a concept has been put together. It also allows you to gather quotes from the appropriate tradesmen within a 25 kilometre radius.