Mobile Devices and Accessories Double as Kitchen Assistants

Mobile devices, wearables and smart home technology are keeping consumers connected more than ever before. Use of these tools is helping to simplify and enhance all areas of people’s lives – and meal preparation is no exception. With a few swipes, touches, voice commands or gestures – mobile technology can assist in the kitchen – especially as people across the country are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying home.

“Mobile technology is constantly evolving,” said Nakeita Stewart, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Illinois. “As local tech experts, our associates are committed to showcasing how easy it is for consumers to streamline the latest technology into daily life, even if they are elbow deep in flour.”

When it comes to shopping for food, finding the right recipe and making the best use of time while cooking, U.S. Cellular highlights how the right blend of features and accessories can turn mobile technology into kitchen aids.

Voice Assistants: Smartphone, wearable and smart speaker-based voice assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby or Cortana can help find recipes, create grocery lists, provide step-by-step cooking instructions and set timers. They can also help to control connected appliances like coffee makers, stoves, refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers.

Connected Home: There are a wide range of connected home products on the market. One of the most robust is Google Nest Hub, which allows users to see and control all compatible devices from one. It has hands-free and facial recognition technology. When watching a cooking demo or listening to step-by-step instructions, users can simply look at the camera and hold up their hand to pause, stop or resume viewing or listening. It can also pull up alerts, notifications or messages without touching the device. Wondering if the dough of Grandma’s famous cookie recipe is rising the right way? Video call and ask her. Did someone just drop packages on the porch? Confirm it’s the groceries you ordered using Google Nest Hello doorbell or Google Nest Camera.

Food-focused Mobile Apps: Free up more time to work on your recipes by streamlining your shopping. Now is a great time to try the Instacart app (free on both iOS and Android) and get food delivered from stores while you’re busy with other tasks, whether it’s working from home or helping your kids with schoolwork. Reference Allrecipes Dinner Spinner (free on both iOS and Android) to cook with what’s currently in your pantry. This free tool lets you spin through a combination of options by dish type and ingredients on-hand. You can search based on how long a meal takes to make, which is handy for those juggling work, parenting and cooking.

Smart Sanitation: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that people clean all “high touch” surfaces, such as phones and tablets, every day. Apple, Samsung and Google have tips online on how to properly clean their devices such as:

• Use a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or disinfecting wipes. You may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces, such as the display, keyboard or other exterior surfaces.
• Don’t use bleach
• Avoid getting moisture in any opening and don’t submerge your device in any cleaning agents.

To learn more, visit the U.S. Cellular stores in Peoria, where knowledgeable associates can help consumers navigate the evolving capabilities of mobile technology.