Technology and COVID-19. How technology is adapting to our new needs.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which is still forcing many people to stay at home, has highlighted just how useful technology can be in such difficult times. During this long period of imposed isolation, owning a smartphone to keep in contact with loved ones or living in a high tech home, has been extremely useful when dealing with such a dramatic situation.
Up until a few months ago, smart solutions like these were considered superfluous by many, but during quarantine they have become more widely used, leading to changes in many people’s lifestyle.
Smartphone and PC used against Covid-19
According to recent surveys, the smartphone is the most widely used technological device. It has become an inseparable companion, helping us manage and organise our private and professional lives. This now ubiquitous object can be used for phone calls, video calls, web searches, or to access the latest updates on the coronavirus crisis.
During this unprecedented situation of forced distancing, the smartphone has become a window on the world: a sort of virtual balcony to look out from, helping us to maintain close contact with the important people in our lives. Some use it to chat with relatives and friends, some to access social networks, others for work; all this is possible thanks to the flexibility of the technology.
The other most widely used device during the Covid-19 quarantine is undoubtedly the PC. Thanks to smart working and online lessons, workers in many sectors and students have been able to continue their daily activities from home. For many, this was a new approach which, after some teething problems, has produced interesting results.
Previously, smart working was often considered a minority working practice, but it has now become clear that many companies can benefit from its use. Office management costs can be reduced, employees are often more relaxed and production increases.
Of course, the PC has also been a precious source of entertainment during the Covid-19 lockdown. Some have used it for gaming, others for video calls to relatives and friends and others have used it to explore their own interests or hobbies.
Domotics for a smarter home
The sector in which technology has demonstrated its flexibility in meeting a wide range of needs during the Covid-19 period, has been domotics. The ‘smart home’ has been discovered, or in some cases re-discovered by many people, who have learnt to appreciate its convenience.
One of its most popular features is the ability to control the temperature in the room you are in via smartphone. There are apps available which can assess the climate conditions according to geographic location, the weather forecast and the micro-climate in the room in order to set the thermostat with just one click.
The smart TV has also been one of the most appreciated domestic appliances during quarantine. Hi-tech TVs are designed to connect to the internet, providing their users with the opportunity to watch all the programs they wish, either live or pre-recorded, directly via streaming.
In addition to the devices mentioned above, enthusiasts can take advantage of the benefits offered by other smart appliances, such as: washing machines (which, thanks to the dual rotation of the drum, help save water and speed up the washing cycle), ovens (which recognise food types and select the best cooking methods), vacuum cleaners (which clean the house quickly and in complete autonomy), etc.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
