Tech tips to make your Fourth of July a little easier

The Fourth of July is one of those holidays where your phone can actually make the day better. Whether you’re heading to a fireworks show, grilling in the backyard, or trying to keep an eye on your dog during all the noise, there are a few simple tech tricks worth knowing.

This year is an especially big celebration as the U.S. marks its 250th birthday, and there are events happening all over the country. If you’re still looking for something to do, the America 250 app has an interactive map of official celebrations, along with livestreams if you’d rather celebrate from home.

One question I get every year is how to take better fireworks photos. The biggest mistake people make is pinching to zoom. Instead, stick with your phone’s main 1x camera, which almost always delivers the best image quality. Before the show starts, turn off Night Mode if your phone enables it automatically. Tap and hold on the screen to lock focus and exposure, then lower the exposure just a bit to keep the bright bursts from blowing out.

Here’s another trick courtesy of Jefferson Graham, host of Photowalks TV: record video instead of trying to time individual photos. On both iPhone and many Android phones, you can snap full resolution photos while recording video by tapping the white shutter button that appears on screen. That way you get the excitement of the show on video and still walk away with great pictures. And don’t forget to include the people you’re with, nearby buildings, or local landmarks. Those often make for much more memorable photos than fireworks alone.

If you’re on grill duty, a wireless meat thermometer like the Meater can make life a lot easier. It connects to your phone and lets you monitor the internal temperature from wherever you’re hanging out, so you’re not constantly lifting the lid or hovering over the grill while everyone else is having fun.

One last reminder if you have pets. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest days of the year for lost animals because so many are frightened by fireworks. A tag with a QR code, like the ones from FidoAlert, lets anyone who finds your pet quickly contact you by scanning it with their phone. The service can also send an alert to nearby users to help spread the word.

If you’re planning a road trip, here’s one more tip: Google Maps now makes it easier than ever to explore the full historic Route 66. Just search for “U.S. Route 66” to see the entire iconic route, along with famous landmarks, local favorites, quirky roadside attractions, and hidden gems worth stopping for along the way.