TECHNOLOGY is helping Brits save 13 days a year by making everyday tasks quicker – from household chores to managing finances.
A poll of 2,000 adults found those surveyed save around six hours every week and rely on seven devices to speed through life on average.
Smartphones were crowned as the top time-saving technology or appliance by 42 per cent.
This was followed by washing machines (32 per cent), online banking (28 per cent), email (23 per cent) and air fryers (22 per cent).
When it comes to technological progress, 46 per cent are most grateful to have left dial-up internet behind in favour of instant .
While 30 per cent appreciate having navigation at their fingertips rather than having to ask for directions.
When it comes to home entertainment, the pace of change is such that many Gen Z have never used vinyl (50 per cent), VHS players (46 per cent) or CDs (27 per cent) and 19 per cent have never heard of a floppy disk.
What’s more, 49 per cent of Gen Z couldn’t imagine waiting for their favourite song to come on the , whereas 35 per cent of this generation can’t imagine the dread of missing a TV show at the time of broadcast because they are so used to streaming on demand.
By contrast, 38 per cent of Baby Boomers are still amazed they can now listen to songs from decades ago in seconds.
For 86 per cent of these older Brits, they recall painstakingly rewinding tapes by hand, while 92 per cent remember waiting for camera to be developed – tasks that have all but disappeared thanks to modern tech.
The research was commissioned by Smart GB as part of a campaign encouraging households to make an appointment when they are contacted by their energy supplier about switching out older smart meter hardware for new kit.
With the aim being to help them continue to benefit from accurate billing and access to energy reward schemes and tariffs.
Sara Cox, radio and TV broadcaster and author, said: “When I started out in radio, a lot of tasks were manual, from cueing up tracks on minidiscs to printing faxes from listeners, whereas today’s tech has made things quicker, smoother and more flexible.
“It’s transformed how we work behind the scenes, but also how listeners tune in and engage, whether that’s live in the studio, on demand or on the go.
“That same shift is happening in our too. From smart appliances to , technology is quietly making routines easier and more efficient, helping people to stay on top of things day to day.
“So, if you hear from your energy supplier about putting in new smart meter kit, get that appointment booked in as it’s a quick and simple job to get done.”
It also emerged 76 per cent of Brits agree technology has made their lives easier, with the kitchen highlighted as the part of the home where the most time is saved.
More than half (55 per cent) said they couldn’t live without the gadgets and appliances that make up their kitchen today.
Microwaves (45 per cent), air fryers (29 per cent), dishwashers (26 per cent) and machines (12 per cent) are among Brits’ kitchen essentials.
Yet 77 per cent of Baby Boomers recall a time when everything in the kitchen was done manually, and 83 per cent remember life before dishwashers took on the washing-up burden.
Overall, 41 per cent will always or often embrace new technology when they can, with 59 per cent introducing new tech to save time, while 38 per cent are drawn to gadgets and apps which could help them save .
When it comes to updating the technology they already have, 53 per cent will complete updates within a day of being notified, according to the survey carried out by OnePoll.
Victoria Bacon, a director at Smart Energy GB, said: “The research highlights just how quickly technology has become embedded in our everyday lives.
“While many of us think about technologies such as smartphones, online banking and household appliances, there are also tools working quietly in the background helping people save time and simplifying routine tasks.
“This includes smart meters that can help households have a clearer view of their energy use and identify where they might be able to save some money on their .
“Booking an appointment with your energy supplier to switch out older smart meter equipment will help ensure customers can continue to enjoy smart meter benefits, including accurate bills and access to flexible schemes and tariffs.”
