CONNECT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

We all wish we had more time with our friends and family. But although nothing can beat the warmth of a real, in-person hug, technology can connect us with our loved ones, even when we can’t all be in the same room together.

Video calls are a great way to bond. Although lockdowns made everyone an expert in video calls, there are still plenty of ways to make getting face-to-face with pals more accessible, reliable and rewarding. Smart speakers with screens are a fantastic idea for hassle-free, voice-enabled calls. Place one on your coffee table or kitchen countertop, and a quick call can be part of your daily routine or fun and spontaneous.

We all know it’s frustrating to be on a video call when the connection keeps dropping out, the picture glitches or the audio is muffled. Consider upgrading your webcam to elevate professional calls and allow you to enjoy personal ones. It’ll give you the ultimate peace of mind so you can chat, play games, hang out or watch a movie at the same time with zero fuss.

New and upcoming virtual and augmented reality devices, like the Apple Vision Pro, could soon add a whole new dimension to connecting with people you care about across long distances. With one of these headsets, video calling becomes much more realistic, allowing you to see life-sized versions of the people you love in front of you as you move around your home. One day, these devices may even be able to replicate the sensation of hugging them, but we might have to wait a little longer for those immersive advances.

Although tech can bridge the gap when you’re not with loved ones, it can also elevate experiences when you do get time together. An instant camera adds a nostalgic thrill to a gathering, letting you play, create analogue memories and share digital ones. A projector is the perfect companion to any movie night, speakers are essential for a party, and a karaoke machine is a must-have if you want to turn the fun up to 11.