One story we probably did not anticipate to be printed in The Wall Street Journal during a pandemic was the rush to buy jigsaw puzzles, leading to many retailers selling out their stock. The wholesome activity is one of (the few) beneficiaries of the COVID-19 pandemic as people look for something to entertain themselves during lockdown periods across the globe.
However, while we might revert to simple pleasures, technology does have a role to play in getting us through this crisis. From apps that keep us connected to clever innovations that help us stay safe, here are five examples of tech helping us through the pandemic.
Medical Alert Systems
For many of us, it’s a worrying time when relatives, especially the elderly and those with underlying health issues, are isolated from family. There is a range of medical alert systems now available from providers, like Phillips Lifeline and Medical Guardian, which really are a godsend. The industry covers a broad range of products, including wearables like smartwatches that can detect falls and breathing difficulties, or monitor systems that put the user under constant medical surveillance. The peace of mind these services can offer to families should not be underestimated, especially when you can’t physically check up on loved ones.
E-Books and Audiobooks
It really does feel like the time to tackle that copy of Melville’s Moby Dick or Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The Japanese have a term – tsundoku – that refers to acquiring too many books without bothering to read them, and many of us are guilty of that. Perhaps reading Tolstoy is a bit too ambitious, so keep it as an ornament. However, there are lots of good deals at the moment for free books and audiobooks during the lockdown. Amazon (Audible’s parent company) is pitching in with freebies, and lots of authors are allowing free readings of their work.
Podcasts
Not a new technology by any stretch, but have you noticed the increase in podcast output during the pandemic? It’s understandable when you consider that much of the standard entertainment output has been stalled, and entertainers can record podcasts from home. A good rule of thumb is to pick a podcast with some depth, something to take you on a journey in the weeks ahead. A good place to start is with the eminently brilliant “Rewatchables” Podcast. Normally, it reviews old movies, hence the name, but the team is now releasing an episode by episode pod covering The Wire. Perfect timing.
Video Communications Solutions
The fortunes of Zoom and House Party have been well documented of late, with the former helping with remote working and the latter linking us up with friends and families (often with a few drinks in hand). Neither are new technologies, however, and there is a myriad of other instances of video streaming technologies getting a bounce during the lockdown. Live dealer casino games, like those you see at this cash casino website here, have also proved popular with resorts closed down globally. Elsewhere, you have a rise in people engaging in content creation on Twitch, TikTok, and YouTube.
Gaming Subscriptions
We decided to ignore television and movie subscription services here as we thought them something of an obvious answer, but game rings are a different matter. Interest in video gaming has spiked in recent weeks, but the solution does not always lie in a shiny new console and expensive individual titles. Apple Arcade, Google Stadia Pro, EA Access and a host of other services give you large selections to choose from, with regularly updated collections. All have their pros and cons, however, so do some research before you sign up.
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