Travel and technology are closely linked. Globetrotters rely on apps and devices to get them to their destination – and help them find their way around when they arrive. From rich destination guides designed for mobile, to boarding pass apps and up-to-the-second currency converters, the latest gadgets make exploring the world a lot easier than it used to be.
Closer to home, apps and mobile technology make life easier, too. From knowing exactly how long you’ll have to wait for a bus, to booking restaurants and tickets on the go, technology has increased the sense of confidence and freedom you have on the move.
Now, the latest connected technology has brought home and travel much closer: it’s a major change that can make day-to-day life – as well as holidays and business travel – less stressful.
When you’re away on holiday or business, one thing that can cause stress and stop you from enjoying yourself is worrying about what’s happening at home. According to a study by Hive, one in three British people admit to feeling anxious that they’ve left electrical appliances on when they leave home.
So-called “power paranoia” can ruin your day – but when you’re away on holiday, the stakes are even higher. From the money, time and effort invested, to the amount of personal belongings kept there, your home is a precious place and there’s always the tendency to worry when you’re away for any length of time.
The new family of Hive products, available from January 2016, includes features that give you a sense of security while you’re away. When you have those moments of panic on the move, wondering if you switched the iron or hair straighteners off, Hive Active Plugs provide a stress-free solution, enabling you to check if you have left anything on and switch it off remotely. Alternatively, you could switch something on, such as a lamp, as a security measure giving you greater peace of mind while you’re away from home. And if you think you might have left a door or window ajar, Hive Window or Door Sensors will let you check.
Forgetting to flick the light switch off on your way out the door is a common bugbear that wastes money and energy – and worries you on holiday. Launching soon, Hive Active Lights will enable you to turn lights on or off remotely. Unlike a scheduled timer switch, you can control your lights from the hotel or sun bed, switching them on and off whenever you like, so it looks as if someone is in.
If you’re still worried about security back at home, Hive Motion Sensors will send you an alert if any movement is picked up while you’re away. If you ask a friend or neighbour to pop round and check everything is OK if you get an alert, this can really help you relax.
Technology has already made global travel much less complicated; now the smart home allows you to stay in control while you’re away. From now on, you can throw yourself into your adventures while monitoring what’s happening at home from the palm of your hand.
