How to Increase Productivity and Stay Connected

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SamsungGS8atSamsClub #CollectiveBias

The key to going from overwhelmed to relaxed, in the groove, connected, and enjoying increased productivity is right in the palm of your hand.

I remember a time when having a cell phone meant that you were cutting edge.

 

When I got my first cell phone I loved the convenience of being available and connected at all times.  I had my cell phone, my desktop PC, and my planner.  I was pretty set, or so I thought.  Over the years I have evolved with the times upgrading devices and have found myself using my PC and planner a bit less but just this past week I upgraded my smartphone to a Samsung Galaxy S8 from Sam's Club.  I dug into the nuts and bolts of the phone and have been geekily surprised with all of the options, bells, and whistles that are helping me to increase my productivity and stay seamlessly connected with my family, friends, and my business.

Stay Organized
Stay Organized with the Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+

I'm going to share with you a few of my favorite features and the ones I'm using to streamline my life and add some time to my day.
One of the most important qualities of a smartphone, in my opinion, needs to be responsiveness.  The GS8's screen is amazingly responsive.  A "touch" anywhere on the screen gets you to exactly what you want instantaneously.
The edge panel is another of my favorite details.  I use the edge to easily access my calendar,
 Samsung Galaxy S8 Edge Panel - reminders
reminders - this is GREAT for list makers like me.  Everything right there with one swipe,
 Edge Panel - add your faves for quick access Samsung Galaxy S8
the tasks edge - the Take screenshots app is a game changer.  No more pushing the volume key while squeezing the power key.....just a tap and the screenshot is YOURS.  I have been using this to screenshot recipes, decor inspiration, and settings I want to remember which is super important....I am a tweaker and change things up all the time and then can't remember what the original settings were.
The edge can also house weather updates, your preferred apps,
 
and your favorite peeps!

 

The edge is super customizable with many more options than I could possibly mention in one post.

What is Bixby?

 Bixby - Samsung Galaxy S8
Next up, Bixby! What's Bixby?  It's your new personal assistant.  I have just started exploring the very basics of what Bixby can do but she learns you.  What does that mean? Well, the more you make use of Bixby the more familiar with you she becomes and that opens up a whole new world of possibilities.  You can open apps, check the weather, toggle the flashlight, toggle power saving, performance mode, blue light filter and a slew of other options.
Galaxy S8 Bixby - Increasing Productivity
There is also Bixby vision which is so cool! Enable Bixby vision and you can search for products online and discover new places nearby.  I haven't started to use Bixby vision yet but my nephew has the GS8+ and he was telling me how much he has been enjoying it.  I'll do an update for you once I've had a chance to use it.

Never Miss a Beat with Wireless Charging

Charge it! No, I don't mean to run full force ahead I'm referring to the charging capabilities.  If you're home or near a plug, go ahead and charge up your phone quickly BUT if you're out you have another option that is a total game changer.   Fast wireless charging....yep, WIRELESS.  No more tethered cord drama.  With fast wireless charging, you can power up without having to plug in.  Let's say you're out at your son's or daughter's baseball, soccer, football (any activity!) and you're taking pictures and then all of the sudden, you get the low battery warning.  No worries - fast charge your GS8 and you'll be back in business in no time.  This is one of my favorite features.  I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten to charge up my phone before something important and then been in a bit of a tizzy but no more!

 

Track Your Health and Fitness Goals

Samsung Health App - Samsung Galaxy S8 increasing productivity
Do you have your phone with you all the time? I usually do and the Samsung Health app is incredible.  I set it up in seconds, literally, and it keeps track of how many steps I've taken for the day, I can check my heart rate and stress level with the touch of a finger.
I need to up my game! Increasing Productivity with Samsung Health on the Samsung Galaxy S8
I can also use it to track my water intake for the day and SO MUH MORE.  From the looks of this photo, I definitely need to up my "steps" game.  After seeing this I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood and easily added another 3000 steps to my day.  I really love having this reminder to take some much-needed me time. For now, I am ignoring the track your caffeine option.  I love my coffee....baby steps.

 

Sam's Club Mobility Center

 

What I love most about my GS8 is that almost everything I need to be productive and organized is literally in the palm of my hand.  I have had and tried a lot of smartphones in the last few years and this phone is my favorite by far.
Samsung Galaxy S8 from the Sam's Club Mobility Center
If you're interested in upgrading to the Samsung GS8 (or Samsung GS8+) for yourself, this is the time to do it.  For ONE DAY Only, Saturday, August 5th, Sam's Club is offering a Free $350 Sam's Club gift card.  Head to the Sam's Club Mobility Center for your purchase.  The representative there can handle all your mobile needs including guiding you through your phone purchase plus setting you up with major carriers in your area.  You can purchase a new line or upgrade and change your carrier if you wish.  I have had Verizon since my first flip phone and the Mobility Center rep got me all set up to continue with them using my new phone without a hitch.  I felt like a VIP! 
Samsung Galaxy S8 Increasing Productivity
  • Disclaimer: *One gift card per activation on installment. Limit five gift cards per membership. Gift card will be provided at the time of activation and may not be used toward same transaction or to pay for membership fee, or select services. Subject to all terms of Sam’s Club Mobile Secondary Retail Agreement. This offer may not be combined with any other offer promotion. Limited time availability. Offers subject to change. Carriers, coverage, and products may vary by location. Devices may require select plan and data subscriptions, credit approval, activation fee and termination fees. Upgrade eligibility may vary. 4G not available in all markets. See club for details. This offer is not valid online. Limit of five phones per membership.

How do you stay organized with your smartphone? I would love to hear your tips!

P.S. Make the switch from your old phone to your new phone as easy as pie with this helpful video.

Crazy Easy Tips for How-To Use Your Smartphone to Increase Productivity

 

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10 Comments

  1. Oh Wow! I don't begin to use my phone like you. Thanks for showing me all the awesome features, Mary Beth!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      You're welcome, Diane! Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out this post. xo

  2. Laura / Pet Scribbles says:

    This has to be the best and most comprehensive review of a smart phone's features I've read in a long time! Thanks for showing us how we can be better organized -- love these tips!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Laura! I'm really glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂 xo

  3. I love these helpful tips! It seems every day gets busier and busier so having clever phone features is amazing!!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      I'm glad you enjoyed the tips, Heather, and I agree, every day gets busier and busier. It seems like I just wake up and it's time for bed again. I hope you have a wonderful summer. xo

  4. Amy Anderson says:

    Okay, Bixby and the wireless charging have me intrigued. I'm ready to throw my iPhone in the garbage so I'm going to check this out!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      I honestly like it more every single day. 🙂

  5. Brandi Kennedy says:

    Looks like a great phone! I love that they come with so many helpful features these days - makes a HUGE difference for me, too.

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thanks so much, Brandi! I like this phone more and more every day. Have an awesome week.