The World's HeroHow many people actually use all the features on their cell phone? Cell phones now have video and picture recording, texting, internet, games, music, ring tones, wallpapers, navigation, news feeds, television channels and then there’s the iPhone which I’m tired of hearing about. Yes, it’s slick; it does a lot; I’m sure it will end world hunger, global warming and revive all the polar bears that have drowned.

But back to your cell phone that’s loaded with features that usually require activation or subscription fees on your account. Are any of these features worth the cost?

That’s your personal choice, but let’s also be honest. You can live without the gadget wizardry and use the cell phone just for phone calls. And under no circumstances does anyone need ring tones’¦ please spare our ears of annoying ring tones!

Seriously though, there are some practical uses for the camera features on your phone, whether you choose to activate a picture / video sharing plan on your phone or not. Some of these uses could actually save a life.

Catch A Crime

Cell phones are increasingly being used to aid police in criminal investigations. Typically, someone witnessing an emergency calls 911 first or gets someone else to do it, then they capture film or video of the suspect in action. Digital imaging features on cell phones have helped pin criminals to hit-and-runs, assaults, kidnappings, theft and so on.

With over half of the world’s 741 million cell phones capable of digital image recording, perhaps the world can be a safer place if criminals knew they can be caught in the act by anyone.

There are a couple of drawbacks. Only some 911 call centers are able to accept video or picture messages, and the process to upgrade technology for 911 call centers is slow and expensive. You’re left with sorting out the logistics for giving authorities your picture or video evidence.

In most cases you can record video or take pictures on your phone, but you will be charged an exorbitant amount to send the file outside of a picture / video sharing plan. Check your account for rates on digital file transmission outside of a plan.

Self-Defense

True Story: During an altercation over a parking spot, an acquaintance of mine recorded video of a woman hurling insults and threats at him after he prevented her from stealing his parking spot. When she asked what he was doing with his phone pointing at her, he informed her that he has her on video making threats to his car, and that he also recorded her license plate to press charges if needed.

It was a risky move in my opinion. You never know if recording a person making threats could push them over the edge and put you in more danger. Escaping a potentially dangerous situation is always the best option. However, there might be cases in which you would want to record a threatening situation — especially if it can be done safely.

Capture Corruption, Incompetence or Rude Customer Service

Companies should be terrified of Consumerist.com. At any moment, bad business practices or poor customer service can be recorded, uploaded online and be exposed to the millions of readers on this website.

Your cell phone’s camera features may help leak shady practices and bring necessary reform. The danger is that you run the risk of a company suing you, whether they have a good case or not.

Other Practical Uses?

Has the camera feature on your phone ever come in handy for reasons not mentioned above? Is the camera feature totally pointless?

I pay an extra $10/month on my cell phone plan to send unlimited pictures and videos. I hardly use the feature, except for taking silly pictures and emailing them from my phone. The added bonus is that I always have the option to transmit digital image evidence from my phone. It gives me an added sense of security when I’m out and about. After all, I live in a big city with safety and quality of life issues that come up all the time. I never know if I’m ever going to need to catch and/or report a crime.