Tech Tips To Help Boost Joy This Christmas

Christmas is a time for giving – there’s no two ways about it. But with mounting pressure to make each year more memorable than the last, it’s a period where tips to make the celebrations easier are particularly welcome too.

The reality is, our routine has been digitised in all aspects. And each day that passes is another where voice assistants, Bluetooth, and smart devices – amongst other things – sit more permanently in our lives than ever.

Offering a reminder of just how much our lives can be enhanced by technology, Systemwork founder, Jamie Durham, shares some advice for over the festive season…

Make use of reliable video call software

No matter how much we’d like, it’s impossible to be in more than one place at once. For many, this might see present opening, food feasting, and general catch-ups take place via video call over Christmas – with friends and families residing in various geographical locations. And investing in the right technology can allow for a smoother, happier interaction all round.

Providing you have a stable WiFi connection, FaceTime is an excellent tool – it’s end-to-end encrypted, has an easy-to-use interface, and is free. The downside is that both parties must have an Apple device to use it. So, what are the best alternatives?

Providing you have a Gmail ID, Google Meets is equally as reliable. It has high-quality video and audio, is compatible across multiple devices, plus boasts the ability to record, screen share, text chat, and moderate controls (great for quizzing!).

Maximise your smart devices

With so many plates to juggle this holiday season, you’ll want the ensure behind-the-scenes entertainment and ambience is as efficient as possible. That’s why ensuring your Internet of Things (IoT) technology is set up, updated, and performing as it should be is crucial.

From automating coffee machines for the perfect morning pick-me-up and light switch-ons for the cosiest evening ambience, to using virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri to cycle through your favourite festive playlists, the right technology can significantly enhance your Christmas celebrations.

Ensure cyber security remains a top priority

Throughout the December month, even the most secure of devices can fall foul to hackers. It has become a notorious period in the cyber security space – with perpetrators hoping to extort money from vulnerable consumers, who naturally have their guard down over a typically joyous season.

As well as ensuring devices are fully up-to-date with the latest software and using VPNs to convert public networks into private ones, there are a number of other ways to boost digital resilience – including only shopping on trusted websites and regularly changing passwords across different sites and devices.

Perhaps most importantly, shoppers must think before they click. Most people wait for a handful of deliveries on the run up to Christmas – providing an opportune moment for hackers to create a believable attack. Think “sorry, we missed you” messages and prompts to reschedule your order via a text message link, or criminals posing as a well-known retailer with a discount offer using malicious email phishing techniques.

If you’re suspicious, never click a link or open an attachment. You can even report unsolicited messages to communications regulator Ofcom for free, by forwarding it to 7726.