Today’s ‘connected world’ can seem baffling and bewildering. But fear not, our experts are here to help you get the most from ‘smart’ devices, apps and more…

Sometimes it feels as if we are all being pushed into using the internet for things we would prefer to do face to face, or by good old fashioned Royal Mail. For some park home residents using the internet can be a daunting prospect, and fears of online fraud don’t exactly fill us all with confidence.

Nevertheless, the benefits almost certainly outweigh the dangers, and with more and more offers and services being provided exclusively by websites and applications known as apps, there is no better time to dive in and discover the wonders of the online world.
After all, once upon a time, we all thought we could live without mobile phones, colour TV, dishwashers and satellite navigation. Today, there are life-enhancing, time and money saving options that were unheard of only a few years ago – all of them accessed through websites and easy-to-use applications, accessed through laptops, tablets and mobile smart phones.

In association with Barton Group, here are some ideas on how to use some of these fantastic ideas to make life that little bit better. Why not take some first steps towards making more of the internet – you may never look back…

THE SMART REVOLUTION
You may have noticed the word ‘smart’ being added onto everyday appliances?

Suddenly, as well as smart phones, there are smart TVs, smart meters, smart security devices and even smart fridges. What this means is devices that are equipped with sensors and communications, that allow them to be monitored and controlled from a distance.

For example, you can monitor weather outside your home and the indoor temperature, and then set your heating to come on or go off accordingly – even when you are on holiday!

Smart meters tell you how much energy you are using and then help you to keep those bills down. Meanwhile smart TVs bring all the best features of the internet straight on to the TV – imagine viewing your favourite family photographs in high definition on your flat screen television!

THE AGE OF THE APP
Apps are like super-simplified mini websites that you open on your smart phone or computer by clicking their icon or logo.

They are designed to work quickly and simply – helping with an amazing array of day-to-day tasks and activities.

For example, watching old TV programmes on catch up, storing and retouching photographs, downloading music, or storing train and airline tickets.

There are apps that help you sleep, track activities like walking and cycling, and there are apps for weather forecasts, train times and booking travel tickets.

All available on your phone, 24 hours a day, wherever you are.

The beauty is that everything is available whatever you are doing and all in one place.

 

Read the full story in the November 2018 issue of Park Home & Holiday Caravan