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Top 10 tech gifts for Christmas – mobile phones included

By Graham Shear
6 months ago
In Business

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This year, tech toys are high on everyone’s Christmas wish lists. More than six out of ten households hope to receive a new gadget.

A poll of 2,000 parents who had children between 2 and 18 years old found that mobile phones as well as games consoles and smart lighting systems were high on their wishlists. 60 percent already have up to 20 connected devices at home.

41% fear that this will lead to more family disputes, due to slow Wi-Fi, too much people hogging connections and having to set up everything.

This is especially important for 45 percent of parents who heavily rely on technology to keep their children entertained.

A spokesperson for Vodafone, which commissioned the research, said: “Thirty years ago, the only tech issues households really had to worry about at Christmas was making sure every toy had batteries.

“These days, with smart tech available for every room in the house and everyone having HD-streaming devices in their pockets, homes need a fast and reliable internet connection that reaches all corners of the home.”

The study was conducted to mark the opening of its ‘Ultra Connected Christmas House’ powered by Pro II broadband.

It was a partnership between the brand and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. They hosted a Christmas kitchen party complete with smart lighting, disco balls, and Wi-Fi powered projections.

Big family Christmases are back

Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “Whether I’m listening to my favourite Christmas playlists, streaming festive films or purchasing last minute gifts, the family and I rely on having super speedy Wi-Fi in all corners of the home.”

The research also revealed that 48% of respondents believed having their family and friends over at Christmas significantly slows internet speeds.

But 58 per cent think a strong Wi-Fi connection has become ‘imperative’ to a successful December 25th.

And with 46 per cent expecting a ‘big’ gathering this year, with extended friends and family coming together, this could spell trouble for millions of households.

As 28 per cent fear their current Wi-Fi setup won’t be able to handle so many people using it at once.

While 37 per cent admit to frustration when they have trouble connecting in certain areas of their home, with 18 per cent furious when they’re trying to watch a video only to be held back by buffering and stuttering.

22 percent of families are likely not to be happy with the Wi-Fi network and will argue over which movie they should watch.

According to OnePoll figures, 16 percent will fight over who makes what Christmas dinner.

The spokesperson added: “With big family Christmases back this year, the need for a fast, secure and reliable broadband throughout the home has never been greater.”