Technology is now an intrinsic part of our daily lives. But are we relying a little too much on our hi-tech equipment? Abu Dhabi Week takes a look…
MANY ASPECTS of our daily routine require technology. To communicate in the working or social arenas, whether it’s email, SMS or social media, we are almost constantly using the digital airwaves. But how much of our daily routine really needs a gadget? Is today’s society using these devices for more than just its basic needs?
App-tastic
Within the last several years, apps for both android and iOS have reached almost one million; big business for app developers and big options for consumers. Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr all have apps for both phone systems which means being on the go doesn’t stop you from scrolling through your feeds. But can this wait? Of course, certain apps are helpful. Whatsapp for example is used by many people to message text via the web, reducing phone bills substantially. But apps such as Candy Crush Saga and Angry Birds have managed to snare many players into hours of game play, reaching the point where users claim they would struggle without their web devices.
Market research company Euromonitor found that a staggering 71 percent of participants of the survey claim they would be lost without their tech-tool. And with your Instagram activity posting to all your social media sites, your chances of switching between them to see notifications have just gone up.
Old school vs new skool
Blackboards are certainly eating their own chalk-dust, as digital whiteboards now dominate classrooms. These interactive whiteboards are a standard installation now in primary and secondary schools. Students and teachers can view and interact in a whole new way. Videos, stylus pens, sound and clear imagery means an incredible array of teaching possibilities. Some schools also have iPads that are used in lessons. This means good news for app companies but of course, more tender eyes on HD screens.
According to US welfare institute the Kaiser Family Foundation, children as young as eight spend on average seven hours and 38 minutes per day using ‘entertainment media’, an hour and a half of this sending and receiving SMS messages. With around 20 percent of the population owning two games consoles and ten percent owning three, time spent on tech is increasing. Fast.
System meltdown
So where does it go from here? Have we begun to create a society so dependant on digital kit, that when it comes to being social with human beings, we just might freeze up and crash? For many people of this generation, it simply doesn’t compute that our daily lives can actually function with less use of social media and electronic devices.
Our favourites: Music related accessories
Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphones
The first in-ear noise cancelling headphones are here. They deliver stunning performance and comfort and you can activate them for two settings: one to shut out the noise of the world, or one to stay connected. Sleek design, super lightweight – a real investment.
Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker
With over 30 years of noise reduction cancellation, it’s no wonder we’ve picked two Bose products. Fitting snugly in the palm of your hand, this 680-gramme speaker is a little power box! Bose have made it their mission to keep the sound quality crystal clear, and they haven’t failed. Connecting via Bluetooth to your mobile phone or tablet, music on the move just got a whole lot cooler.
ION Water Rocker floating speaker
Sound waves and water waves sync in perfect harmony. The ION Water Rocker is designed to keep your smartphone or MP3 away from water, while the speakers pump out the tunes for you and your friends in the pool or sea. Controls on the top of the device allow you to control your tracks without a splash.
App of the week
Spending Tracker
A really useful app for the money conscious, this digital wallet allows you to keep a track of your finances on the go. And with your bank sending an SMS of your transactions, you can then easily update your wallet’s figures. You can also have repeated transactions set up i.e. salary income or phone bill.
YouTube
Swedish Fishermen singing kiss from a rose
Flannel shirts, some kitchen condiments and three wooly-hatted fisherman. Who would have thought these fishy friends could harmonise sweeter than a mermaid! Singing their version of Seal’s Kiss From a Rose, we are glad these guys sang for the world of YouTube – even if it was just for the halibut.
Tweet of the week from WannaHaves (@Yes_I_Want)
This account has some really great tweets. Filled with pictures of gadgets and other uniquely designed products, this account always manages to make us smile. And this week’s tweet shows a really cool USB stick design. What do you think of it? Let us know: @AbuDhabiWeek
