How Developments Keep Us Connected

With younger generations moving away from home to start a life and the sprawling reach of military service members, families and friends need versatile methods for staying in touch. While older ways such as “snail mail” and telephone calls are steadily abandoned, technological advances have stepped in to take their place. A mother no longer needs to wait agonizing days or weeks to receive news of her Army child’s well-being, thanks to smartphones, WiFi and chat applications becoming commonplace. Similarly, the young family who moves across the country can use video chat applications to stay in touch with extended family so that grandparents, cousins and the like can get a regular view of how much the children have grown. 

Although there is no true substitute for an in-person hug, having a visual connection helps loved ones to keep in touch from anywhere in the world, and at any time of the day. The following methods are just a few examples of how technology is helping people to stay close regardless of distance.

Cell Phones

The cell phone has gone through many changes over the four decades of its existence. What used to be a large, awkward object only owned by business people and the well-to-do, the mobile phone has morphed into a miniature supercomputer that we simply cannot live without. These wonders of engineering have developed over the years at a rapid pace, with important implications for users. As smartphones became commonly owned items and demand for intensive applications increased, the networks powering them have been increasing their own development. You have probably heard the term “3G” and “4G” speeds, which naturally became “5G” - but what is 5G technology, and how will it help everyday smartphone users with their daily tasks and communications? In short, it supports faster data processing, which means better video streaming, chatting and talking. So you can spend hours showing off report cards, engagement rings, and share those special moments with loved ones. 

Smart Televisions

Like smartphones, smart televisions have embedded technology for popular applications at the user’s fingertips. Some televisions offer the option to use social media while watching your favorite show, and can also give you real-time news and weather without interrupting your viewing. This way, you can watch programming and stay abreast of current events right along with a loved one who is also connected. It is almost like having that person in the room with you! 

Smart Watches

In true futuristic fashion, we now have the ability to talk to our watches - and they respond appropriately. Wireless service subscribers are able to access their contacts list to send messages and make calls, log on to social media accounts, and even control home appliances from a wristwatch. This allows for true hands-free operation, so we can stay in touch and accomplish tasks while on the go - whether in the car, while doing laundry or during a jogging session. 

With practical balance, technology has become an irreplaceable part of our world. As long as we remain a part of reality and continue to interact in person, we can use these amazing tools to make things better for everyone. So now you can stay in touch with Mom, call your best friend spur of the moment because you heard a song that reminded you of him, inform your boss of a project’s status as you work, and be “present” for important events happening in another location - all while taking care of your day to day tasks and without needing to lug around heavy equipment. And the good news is that things can only improve from here!