It's National Cooking Day

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.

“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 dashboard. 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. Is the house heating up with the stove running all day? Adjust the temperature with Google Nest Thermostat E. Did the doorbell ring while pulling the potatoes out of the oven? Confirm it is the dinner guests and welcome them in with the Google Nest Hello doorbell.

Accessories:

Accessories like a hard case protect and minimize damage to the device while still allowing access to view recipes and instructions. Some popular options include the Otter + Pop Defender Series case for Samsung Galaxy and Otter + Pop Symmetry Series case for iPhone that include a built-in PopSocket® for easy maneuverability.

Apps:

Pinterest, the well-known pinning app, has soared in popularity for recipe searches, but it is not the only app that can be useful in the kitchen. Yummly is another free app offering personalized guidance for cooking, whether it be recipe recommendations, helpful videos or even planning grocery lists. For those looking for a more social cooking experience, Cookpad is an app that allows users to connect and share recipes and photos, as well as chat with family and friends about what’s cooking.

When adding mobile technology to the mix in the kitchen, remember to keep safe sanitation practices top of mind. Frequently wash your hands and include devices among the surfaces wiped down during clean up. Apple, Samsung and Google all recommend avoiding harsh, chemical-based cleaners when wiping down devices. Try a simple microfiber cloth instead.

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