Cell phones and smartphones were so ubiquitous to modern society, it was hard to imagine life without them. But when the Kaiju ravage the world and civilization as we know it goes to hell in a hand basket, the luxury that comes with these devices will no longer be available. Or will they?
By the time that the Advent occurs, advances in cell phone design have the devices much more than simple communicators. They offer many applications that can be of service to survivors.
Recharged cell phones may no longer function (or not function well) as a means to communicate, but they remain useful as pocket-sized portable cameras and video and sound recorders for people who have a need for such a thing. Most cellphones have a host of built-in functions, outside of standard communication, that will continue to be useful as long as they have power. For example, a phone can find its location using GPS (Global Positioning System) by interacting directly with satellites in orbit around the earth.
The compass in most phones use a magnetometer chip, and would work without access to GPS. If you had a sextant (and let’s face it, who doesn’t), you could use the very-accurate clock in your phone to work out your longitude and latitude. The calculator would be useful for all kinds of calculations needed for survival, like rationing and fuel consumption.
And there are actually many uses for a cell phone as a recording device. Selfie-sticks or one’s own hand can hold a cell phone out to see what is lurking around the corner as well as to record all kinds of information: A new type of enemy, an important location, a particular building, street signs, equipment (“Is this what you are looking for?”), and people who may represent possible resources, help or danger. Showing someone a picture of the face of a cult leader or bad guy is much better than describing the guy with words. Likewise, taking a photo of a street sign, address, building or landmark can be immensely helpful in locating it again, or avoiding the place.
Video or sound recordings of meetings with strangers and people who have an offer, request, demand or ultimatum to deliver are also valuable. The recording captures tone and inflections, not just words, and preserves everything said, leaving nothing to memory.
Survivors can recharge their cell phones via car chargers, solar devices and wherever there is electricity, provided they have the right simple equipment like a car charging cord. When the equipment, wi-fi and power source is available, photos and information can also be shared with other electronic devices, tablets and computers, even on the Internet, if available.
The value of a cell phone goes beyond photos and recordings. Many have an app that enables it to be used as a flashlight, count footsteps and link to health monitors. All have alarms and sounds that can be set to a specific time or which can be used to create sound and light to distract, lure or confuse enemies (and other survivors). Music and games can be used to entertain and help pass time. Recorded messages and photos of loved ones can be used for sentimental reasons and motivation, not to mention mobile phones can be used as the timers for bombs and electronic devices, and other applications.
Informational apps like Wild Edibles, First Aid, Cooking will all be useful even when the grid is down.
And of course, as a very last resort, you could throw the dead phone at an enemy. Mind you, the older brick-style phones would be more useful for that purpose.