Are you one of the lucky owners of a Nexus 7, Google’s revolutionary tablet that took the world by storm back in 2012? While it may not be the latest and greatest device on the market, your old Nexus 7 still has plenty of life left in it. With its powerful processor, beautiful display, and robust operating system, there are countless ways to repurpose your trusty tablet and make it useful again.
Transform It into a Dedicated E-reader
One of the most obvious uses for an old Nexus 7 is as an e-reader. Since the device is already equipped with a high-resolution display, you can easily install popular e-reading apps like Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books, or Kobo to access your favorite books. The Nexus 7’s compact size and lightweight design make it the perfect companion for your daily commute, beach trips, or bedtime reading sessions.
To take your e-reading experience to the next level, consider the following tips:
- Adjust the display settings: Go to Settings > Display > Brightness and adjust the screen brightness to a comfortable level for reading. You can also toggle on the “Auto-brightness” feature to let the device adjust the brightness based on ambient light.
- Get comfortable with gestures: Learn the gestures and shortcuts available on your e-reading app to navigate through your books efficiently. This will help you focus on the content rather than struggling with the interface.
Use It as a Security Camera or Baby Monitor
If you’re looking for a creative way to repurpose your old Nexus 7, consider turning it into a security camera or baby monitor. There are several apps available that can transform your device into a functioning camera, allowing you to keep an eye on your home, baby, or pets remotely.
Here’s how to get started:
Security Camera Apps
- IP Webcam: This popular app turns your Nexus 7 into a wireless IP camera, allowing you to monitor your home or office remotely. You can even set up motion detection and alerts.
- Alfred: This versatile app not only turns your device into a security camera but also offers features like motion detection, alert systems, and even a built-in DVR.
Baby Monitor Apps
- Cloud Baby Monitor: This app allows you to turn your Nexus 7 into a baby monitor, complete with real-time video streaming, motion detection, and alerts.
- Baby Monitor 3G: This app offers similar features to Cloud Baby Monitor, along with additional features like temperature and humidity monitoring.
Convert It into a Digital Picture Frame
If you’re looking for a unique way to display your favorite memories, consider turning your old Nexus 7 into a digital picture frame. With its vibrant display and compact design, the Nexus 7 is an ideal device for showcasing your cherished photos.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Install a digital frame app: Choose an app like Digital Frame, Picture Frame, or Dayframe to create a slideshow of your favorite photos.
- Transfer your photos: Copy your favorite photos to your Nexus 7 or upload them to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Customize the display: Adjust the slideshow settings, transition effects, and display duration to your liking.
Use It as a Music or Video Player
Your old Nexus 7 can still be a great media player, providing hours of entertainment for you and your family. Simply install your favorite music or video streaming apps, and you’re good to go!
Some popular options include:
- Music streaming apps: Install apps like Spotify, Google Play Music, or Amazon Music to access your favorite tunes.
- Video streaming apps: Choose from popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video to enjoy your favorite shows and movies.
Turn It into a Kitchen Companion
If you enjoy cooking or baking, your old Nexus 7 can become a valuable kitchen companion. With its compact size and robust display, the device is perfect for displaying recipes, cooking guides, and videos.
Here are some ways to use your Nexus 7 in the kitchen:
Recipe Apps
- Yummly: This popular recipe app offers a vast library of recipes, complete with step-by-step instructions and videos.
- Kitchen Stories: This innovative app combines recipe tutorials with engaging videos, making cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Cooking Guides and Videos
- Cookpad: This Japanese cooking app offers a vast collection of recipes, cooking guides, and videos.
- Tasty: This popular Facebook-owned app features short, engaging cooking videos perfect for busy home cooks.
Use It as a Learning Tool for Kids
Your old Nexus 7 can still be a valuable learning tool for kids, providing access to educational apps, e-books, and interactive games. Here are some ways to repurpose your device for kids:
Educational Apps
- Duolingo: This popular language-learning app offers a fun, interactive way for kids to learn new languages.
- Khan Academy Kids: This educational app offers a range of interactive learning activities, including math, reading, and social-emotional learning.
E-books and Interactive Games
- EPIC!: This popular e-book app offers a vast library of kid-friendly titles, including interactive books and quizzes.
- ABCmouse: This educational app offers a range of interactive learning activities, including reading, math, and science games.
Sell or Donate Your Old Nexus 7
If none of the above ideas appeal to you, consider selling or donating your old Nexus 7 to someone who might appreciate it. You can sell your device through online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, or donate it to a local charity or organization.
Before selling or donating your device, make sure to:
Wipe Your Data
- Perform a factory reset: Go to Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset to erase all your personal data.
- Remove your Google account: Go to Settings > Accounts > Google and remove your Google account from the device.
By giving your old Nexus 7 a new lease on life, you’ll not only reduce electronic waste but also make a positive impact on the environment. So, get creative and find a new use for your trusty tablet!
Q: Is it worth reviving an old Nexus 7?
Reviving an old Nexus 7 can be a great idea, considering the device’s original capabilities and the possibilities that can be unlocked with a little creativity. With the right approach, you can breathe new life into your old tablet and make it functional and enjoyable again. This can be especially true if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or want to reduce electronic waste.
By reviving your old Nexus 7, you can also explore new uses for the device, such as using it as a dedicated e-reader, a kitchen companion, or a home automation hub. With a bit of effort, you can transform your old tablet into a functional device that meets your specific needs, making it a worthwhile investment of your time and energy.
Q: What are some creative ways to repurpose an old Nexus 7?
There are numerous creative ways to repurpose an old Nexus 7, depending on your interests and needs. For instance, you can use it as a digital picture frame, a music player, or a dedicated device for streaming your favorite TV shows or movies. You can also use it as a kitchen companion, loading it up with cookbooks, recipes, and conversion apps to make meal planning and cooking easier.
Additionally, you can explore more advanced uses for your old Nexus 7, such as using it as a home automation hub, a security camera monitor, or a dedicated device for tracking your fitness goals. With a little imagination, the possibilities are endless, and you can give your old tablet a new lease on life that’s both functional and fun.
Q: Can I still use my old Nexus 7 for reading?
Yes, your old Nexus 7 can still be a great e-reader, even if it’s no longer receiving software updates. You can load it up with your favorite e-book apps, such as Kindle, Kobo, or Google Play Books, and access your digital library. The Nexus 7’s screen is still clear and responsive, making it an excellent device for reading.
You can also sideload your own e-books onto the device, giving you even more flexibility and control over your reading experience. Additionally, you can adjust the display settings to optimize the screen for reading, such as adjusting the brightness and contrast to reduce eye strain.
Q: How do I improve the performance of my old Nexus 7?
Improving the performance of your old Nexus 7 involves a combination of software and hardware tweaks. On the software side, you can try clearing the cache and data of individual apps, uninstalling unused apps, and disabling animations to free up system resources. You can also try using a lightweight launcher and customizing your home screen to improve responsiveness.
On the hardware side, you can try cleaning the device’s storage by uninstalling unnecessary apps and deleting unused files. You can also consider replacing the battery if it’s no longer holding a charge, or using a battery case to extend the device’s battery life. Additionally, you can try using a task killer to close unused apps and free up system resources.
Q: Can I still use my old Nexus 7 for streaming?
Yes, your old Nexus 7 can still be used for streaming, although you may need to make some compromises. While the device may no longer support the latest streaming services or formats, it can still be used to stream content from popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
You can also use your old Nexus 7 to stream music or podcasts, and you can even use it to cast content to a Chromecast or other streaming device. Additionally, you can try using third-party streaming apps that are compatible with older devices, giving you even more options for streaming your favorite content.
Q: Are there any security risks associated with using an old Nexus 7?
Yes, there are security risks associated with using an old Nexus 7, since it’s no longer receiving software updates or security patches from Google. This means that any known vulnerabilities in the device’s operating system or apps may not be addressed, leaving your device and data vulnerable to exploitation.
To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to be careful when installing apps, avoiding anything that looks suspicious or untrustworthy. You should also avoid using your old Nexus 7 for sensitive activities, such as online banking or shopping, and consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic. Additionally, you can try using a third-party security app to scan your device for malware and other threats.
Q: Can I sell my old Nexus 7 or is it worthless?
While your old Nexus 7 may no longer be worth its original purchase price, it can still have some value. You can try selling it online through platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, or trade it in for a newer device.
The amount you can get for your old Nexus 7 will depend on its condition, storage capacity, and functionality. If the device is still in good working order and has a decent amount of storage, you may be able to get a reasonable price for it. Additionally, you can consider donating your old Nexus 7 to a local charity or thrift store, which can help extend its lifespan and reduce electronic waste.