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Between Apple watches, internet-equipped TVs, and smartphones, most people are never more than an arm’s length away from digital devices. With tech companies churning out gadget after gadget, technology continues to entangle itself in day-to-day life, changing the way consumers interact with everyday essentials. If you’re looking for the next time-saving, stress-reducing tech, read on to see six everyday items getting an electronic facelift.
PO boxes
Nearly every mailroom across the United States allows you to set up and direct mail to a PO box. Though many find the added security and privacy beneficial, dragging yourself to the post office every time you need to check the main can be wildly inconvenient.
Fortunately, tech solutions companies have begun implementing virtual PO box capabilities, enabling patrons to manage mail online instead of in person. With a virtual PO box, you can view up-to-date deliveries, forward important mail to a new destination, and even send unwanted junk to the shredder without leaving your home.
Keys
Traditionally, locking mechanisms have required a physical key, leaving many forgetful homeowners stuck outside waiting for a spare to turn up. However, thanks to new-and-improved tech, many homes, businesses, and automobiles have gone digital with their security measures, eliminating the need for easy-to-lose keys. Whether it’s a keypad, identity scanner, or mobile-enabled smart lock, you can gain access to your home with a simple click of a button.
Wallets
Many tech-savvy banks have begun offering online access to financial accounts through secure wallet applications. Devices equipped with money transfer capabilities—like ApplePay, Amazon Pay, and Google Wallet—enable consumers to make purchases and transfer funds instantly.
Essentially, shoppers can access any card through their smartphone, eliminating the need for bulky, chronically disorganized wallets. However, consumers should apply due diligence when offering sensitive information to digital wallet applications by checking reviews and credibility to bypass fraudulent charges.
Newspapers
In the past, newspapers were physical, arriving at every house on the block bright and early each day. Today, most readers access news online through smartphones or computers, offering readers a wider variety of news sources to consume. From large newscasters like BBC and CNN to more niche papers like The New York Times or The Economist, people from all walks of life can reap the benefits of online newspapers.
Watches
The days of manually adjusting the time on your watch are over, as smartwatches continue to skyrocket in popularity. Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit have jumped on the smartwatch train, integrating their devices into the everyday life of consumers. Most up-to-date watches include instant messaging, fitness tracking, and cellular capabilities, essentially functioning as miniature smartphones.
Phone books
Rarely is the phrase “check the phone book” uttered nowadays. Instead, personal and residential addresses, phone numbers, and emails exist on virtual phone books, allowing immediate information access. So, instead of memorizing phone number after number and rummaging through junk drawers for take-out information, you can run a quick google or contact search in seconds.
Wrap Up
Technology advances rapidly, with new-and-improved devices popping up left and right. By embracing technological advancements in everyday life, consumers can save time throughout the day and streamline routine tasks, often with the click of a button.
