How to Turn an Android Into a Tricorder

Given the Android platform’s flexibility and customization options, there are several apps on the Google Play Store which allow you to change your device’s look. If you are a Stark Trek fan, you would remember the tricorder. It is the hand-held device which was used to scan objects, analyse and record data. If you want to have the tricorder on your device, there is an app for that. However, quite obviously, the app’s features will be cosmetic and your device will not get real scanning abilities (you already knew that didn’t you?).

Instructions

  • 1

    Go to the web version of the Play Store or run the Google Play Store app on your device directly.

  • 2

    Using the search function, look for ‘Tricorder’. From the search results, select the ‘Tiltricorder Free’ app, developed by Dan Miller-Schroeder.

  • 3

    This is the free version, tap install to download on your device. After download, the app will be installed automatically and you can run it from the notification panel or the app drawer.

  • 4

    The app’s main screen shows the Tricorder scanning along with sound effects. You can tap the PWR button to switch it off and back on again.

  • 5

    On the left you can see the type of readings (Alpha, Beta, Gamma or Delta) while the buttons under the screen can be tapped to hear the Tricorder announce diagnostics or initiate an auto destruct sequence. They are marked as the three main scanning features of the Tricorder – Geological, Meteorological and Biological.

  • 6

    If you move your device around, the scanning wave changes, as do the readings on the left and the sound of the Tricorder. These effects serve well if you try and move your device around like you are scanning objects.

  • 7

    The app has advertisements however, which you may not like. If you have a rooted device, you can block these; otherwise you may have to purchase the ad-free version of the app, also available from the same developer.

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