Milton Keynes, UK, 2015-11-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Over one million people¹ in Ireland admitted they only know how to use certain parts of their tech devices, according to new research² by technology brand Bush.
Although one in ten Irish people never read user manuals, one in two reckon their lifestyle would improve if they knew how to get more use out of their gadgets – allowing them more time to listen to music around the house to boost their mood, relax in front of the TV, and talk to distant family and friends more often.
The top technology challenges were revealed by the research as:
- Understanding what the cloud is (59 per cent)
- Streaming music and films (46 per cent)
- Using wearable technology (43 per cent)
- Connecting to tablets and smartphones via Bluetooth (37 per cent)
- Understanding all the different programmes on the washing machine (28 per cent)
Andy Robertson, family technology expert who has worked with Bush to devise a series of life hacks3 to help Irish people get the most out of their gadgets, said: “Young people are the most confident when it comes to understanding technology, but for parents or grandparents born in a generation where the cloud referred to something in the sky, and a stream led to a river, it can be a bit harder to work out the quickest way to access your files remotely, or how to stream the latest box office film on your TV.
“There is so much untapped potential in the gadgets and appliances that we use every day, so I have developed some life hacks on how to get the most out of technology – whether you are using it for work, having a night in front of the TV, or cleaning up.”
Some of Andy’s top life hacks include…
- Save time usually spent manually backing up photos and other files from your smartphone or tablet on to other devices by enabling the ‘auto-sync’ feature in settings. Thanks to the cloud, which allows you to access files from any device, anywhere, your files can now be saved and stored instantly.
- Banish any frozen pictures and sound delay for good when streaming movies by accessing a secret menu in Netflix to increase the buffering rate. This means more of the programme will be downloaded before it plays. Before you begin, simply press ctrl and alt on your browser, or the up and down arrows on your remote control to adjust it.
- Bluetooth speakers are great for creating impact, but it makes a big difference depending on where you place them in the room. For a fully immersive experience when watching the big match or a blockbuster movie, try positioning them behind or at the side of the sofa to feel like you’re there in real time.
- Make clothes last longer by swotting up on your washing machine knowledge – 20 to 30 degrees preserves brights and darks, 40 to 50 degrees cleans everyday items, while 60 is a must for bedding and towels.
The research also found that over a quarter of Irish people have between €251 to €500 worth of unused gadgets in the home, while 16 per cent admit their stash of unused tech ranks between €501 to €1000.
Charlotte Dewhurst, Head of Bush at Argos, added: “Bush has a long history of making technology accessible to everyone, and with gadgets becoming more advanced than ever, we wanted to understand how many people are making the most of their devices.
“With the modern day household now home to so many gadgets, it makes sense for people to get full use out of their devices – whether it’s for work or play.”
People can put their own questions to tech expert Andy Robertson about getting the most out of their own gadgets by logging on to the Argos Facebook page throughout Thursday.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors
1 Based on 4.6 million Irish population (Source: Central Statistics Office) and 25% of respondents saying they do not know how to use all of the functions on their gadgets and appliances.
2The research for Bush was carried out between 2/10/15 and 9/10/15 amongst 502 Irish adults by Opinion Matters.
3 Life hacks are tips to make our lives easier and more efficient
For more information on the research, life hacks or to speak to Andy Robertson, please contact Aoife Sweeney, PR Manager, Argos Republic of Ireland on aoife.sweeney@argos.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter @ArgosIreland_PR
Research methodology
The research for Bush was carried out between 2/10/15 and 9/10/15 amongst 502 Irish adults by Opinion Matters.
About Bush
Bush was founded in the UK in 1932 and started life as a radio and gramophone manufacturer based in Shepherd’s Bush, London. Since then, Bush has been part of households for decades, entertaining families with its TV and audio range and providing essential house appliances from dishwashers to washing machines. Bush has been owned by Argos parent company Home Retail Group since 2008.
About Argos
Argos is Ireland’s leading general merchandise retailer and provides a unique offer of choice and convenience. It sells general merchandise and products for the home from 40 stores in the Republic of Ireland and around 700 stores in the UK.
Argos opened its first stores in the Republic in January 1996 in Limerick and Dublin; there is now an Argos catalogue in approximately three quarters of all Irish homes. Argos is already one of the largest retail employers in the country with around 1,100 employees. In 2005, Argos launched its Irish website, www.argos.ie, which now has over 25,000 products online.
Argos:
t: 0845 120 4365
e: media.relations@argos.co.uk
SOURCE: Home Retail Group