Apps – how did we live without them? From banking to food shopping, social media and more; it’s safe to say most of us can’t live without them. Here are the new kids on the block when it comes to what you well may wish to download.

The post These new apps could be perfect for you appeared first on Checklists.

We’re increasingly putting WiFi above everyday essentials. That’s right – we said basic essentials. Ready to be shocked?

For a start, more than a third of us would rather go without hot water for a week than lose internet access, with 34% saying they’d sacrifice their fridge! What’s more, 47% would go without their cooking appliances. And, even in the depths of winter, 32% would choose to be without heating before going offline.

The study of 2,000 UK adults highlights how the internet has moved beyond entertainment, to become one of the most relied-upon household services in the UK. Even traditional TV ranks below internet access. Over half of Brits (54%) say they would rather lose terrestrial TV for a week than the internet.

“This isn’t just about streaming and scrolling,” says Zen Internet’s Stephen Warburton. “The internet now underpins how we work, access money, manage our homes and stay connected to the people who matter. When people say they’d rather lose heating or hot water than go offline, it shows just how critical reliable connectivity has become. When something becomes this embedded in daily life, reliability stops being a luxury and becomes an expectation.”

Does age matter?

In a word, yes. Almost half (45%) of 18 to 24-year-olds say they would struggle to go without internet access beyond 12 hours, while only 12% think they could cope for a full week. What’s more, almost two in five Gen Z (that’s those born between 1997-2012), and Millennials (born between 1981-1996) say they would rather lose their heating in colder months for a week. That’s compared to just 24% of Baby Boomers – those born between 1946 to 1964. Similarly, 42% of Millennials say they would rather lose hot water for a week, compared to 30% of Baby Boomers.

Does stress matter?

In another word, yes. Losing internet access is now considered more stressful than sitting in traffic. Around 46% of Brits ranking 24 hours offline above being stuck in a jam (38%). Thirty-five per cent say losing access to online banking is worse. Forty-four per cent believe forgetting your phone is more stressful than losing credit cards and cash. And not having access to WhatsApp or text messages is considered more stressful than having no access to emails.

We just hope you’re reading this and aren’t sitting in a cold bath with no fridge to keep your food fresh…

The post Here’s what us Brits would give up over Wi-Fi appeared first on Checklists.

To celebrate their functionality, here are some amazing air fryer recipes that are sure to bring smiles to your dining table. Keep in mind that all air fryers are different, so some recipes may need to be slightly altered to work properly.

Air fryer mini banana pancake dippers

Pancakes are almost always a crowd pleaser for the whole family. While they probably aren’t the healthiest breakfast option, they are a nice treat every once in a while. What’s great about pancakes is that you can top them with anything you want.

This banana pancake recipe opts for a ‘stuffed pancake dipper’, which can be dipped in melted chocolate, Nutella or maple syrup. To make the recipe easier, you can use a pre-made pancake mix instead of making batter from scratch. Just make sure to mix yours to a thicker consistency than normal pancake batter.

Air fryer personal pizzas

If you’re in a pinch and need a definite crowd pleaser, you can’t go wrong with pizza. What’s great about this recipe is that it makes perfect, personal-sized pizzas. That means that every member of your family can top their pizza to their own liking.

While assembling your pizza in the air fryer can be a bit tricky, the reward of crispy dough and oozing cheese is incomparable to oven-baked pizza, which can be finnicky, unless you have a dedicated pizza oven. Just make sure to cook the dough on its own in the air fryer first, and you’ll be amazed by the final result.

Air fryer pork belly bites

Pork belly is one of the most delicious pieces of meat you can get your hands on. It’s made from the same part of the pig as bacon, but it’s thicker. It’s best served as crispy as you can get it, so air fryers are naturally one of the best ways to cook it. Also, because pork belly has so much natural fat, you arguably don’t have to use any oil.

While this pork belly bite recipe includes oil, I’ve seen other recipes that omit oil. With the calorie savings from less oil, you can afford to make yourself a sauce for the bites once they’re done. There are many sauces that would complement pork belly, but a few of the best options would be chipotle sauce, ponzu sauce and honey garlic sauce.

Air fryer tahini black bean fritters

Swinging the pendulum back over to the healthy side, why not try some vegan fritters that are packed with protein and veggie goodness? Not only are they healthy, they’re also delicious, with flavours like miso, garlic, tahini and white wine vinegar.

What’s great about these tahini black bean fritters is that they can be served in a bun like a burger, in a pita, or on their own with sauce drizzled overtop. Have these for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and enjoy the healthy invigoration.

Air fryer steak and chips

Getting your steak cooked just the way you like it every time can be a bit tricky, especially for less confident cooks. Air fryers can help you take the guesswork out of cooking steak. This recipe can help you with a good starting point, and with the rest of the steps along the way. Once you figure out which temperature and time works best for your air fryer, you can simply use the same setting every time.

If you have a dual-tray air fryer, you can also fry some chips to go with your steak. This recipe can take around 35 minutes. Start before you cook your steak, perhaps while your steak is warming up to room temperature. Just remember to check and shake the chips regularly to ensure that all of them get nice and crispy.

Air fryer potato kievs

While many people have tried chicken kievs before, don’t underestimate potato kievs. They pack delicate, buttery, and cheesy goodness into every bite, and your family will love you for it. However, because they’re packed with butter and cheese, you probably shouldn’t have them every night – though you will want to.

While this recipe calls for garlic butter as the stuffing, there are endless combinations you could try. One enticing option is stuffing your kiev with basil pesto.

Air fryer salmon

Salmon is packed with, protein, vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish, like salmon, are part of a balanced diet. But many people prefer the taste of chicken or red meat to salmon, so sadly most people don’t get enough of the nutrients that salmon provides.

However, this maple soy salmon recipe is here to change your mind about salmon. Get ready for a taste-bud adventure, and enjoy it in under 10 minutes of cooking time. With just four ingredients, it’s hard to imagine a meal that’s easier and healthier. You can also use any excess maple soy glaze as a sauce to cook your side vegetables in.

Air fryer beef and broccoli

Who said Chinese takeaway needs to come from a Chinese restaurant? With this recipe, you can emulate the perfect beef and broccoli in the comfort of your own home. The sauce is really the star of the show. Make sure you get all of the ingredients and follow the instructions carefully.

This recipe uses an air fryer, a pot (or instant pot), and a pan, so there is a bit of washing up to do afterwards. But don’t let the ingredient list or washing up stop you – this meal will be a hit with your family.

Air fryer doughnuts

After eating all of those amazing air fryer meals, you might be craving some dessert. But instead of reaching for store-bought sweets, you could try out this air fryer doughnut recipe!

What’s great about homemade doughnuts is that you know exactly what is in them. This means you can adjust the sweetness level to your liking. You can top your doughnuts with whatever you like, but this recipe uses a vanilla glaze – a certified classic.

The possibilities with air fryers are endless, and with these recipes, you can treat your friends and family to a number of flavourful feasts.

The post Best air fryer recipes you need to try today appeared first on Checklists.

Iconic design: Crosley Voyager CR8017B Portable Turntable, £99.99

If you’re dabbling with vinyl for the first time or simply enjoying rediscovering the classic analogue sound, Crosley’s Voyager makes a great entry-level option. The fruit of 100 years of rich audio history, record collectors love this model thanks to its vintage-style aesthetic and clean, feels-more-expensive sound. Spin 33 1/3, 45 or 78 RPM records – or connect with your other devices through Bluetooth – and ride the sound waves of a musical icon.

On a budget: Mixx Revival 55 Vinyl Record Player, £79

Offering a listening experience at a pocket-friendly price, this nostalgic design offers Bluetooth input and output, plus three vinyl speeds with pitch-control, and an auto-stop feature. The chic suitcase-style, available in a wide array of colours, make it a hit with trendy teens, and whether you’re savouring a classic record or belting out a curated digital playlist, this budget buy is very much one to consider.

For an upgrade: Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2, £599

If you are at the stage where you want to dip your toes into high-end vinyl playback, this giant of the audio world makes a savvy investment. The original model, Debut PRO, has been prised by music lovers across the globe since its introduction back in the late 1990s, and this new arrival, Debut Evo 2, draws from the same refined industrial design, but benefits from a range of updated technology, from a new improved cartridge and platter to updated tonearm and stronger chassis.

For beginners: House of Marley Rise Up Bluetooth Turntable with Built-In Stereo Speakers, £179.99

For pop pickers looking for an easy gateway into the joy of vinyl, this popular model is just the ticket. With built-in speakers and the option of using Bluetooth, it comes ready to play straight out of the box and gives high quality sound. Combining sustainable materials with a clean, contemporary design, Rise Up is ideal for anyone looking to build an enviable vinyl collection, without forking out too much cash.

For serious audiophiles: Technics SL-1300 G, £2,799.99

The post You spin me: five record players for old-school listening appeared first on Checklists.

Do check in on the kids

Kids will happily while away an entire day if left to their own (ahem) devices. But overdoing screen time can lead to physical problems such as eye strain, neck pain, and sleep disruption, while potentially causing developmental delays in language, creativity, and social skills. For small children, the World Health Organisation recommends no screen time for kids under two and no more than one hour per day for two- to four-year-olds. Setting parental controls on your children’s devices will also help protect older kids from harmful content and encourage a gentle digital detox.

Don’t sleep with your phone

If you’ve ever left your phone charging on your bed at night, you are not alone. 74% of Brits charge devices in their bedrooms, say HR Fire and Safety, who warn that leaving gadgets with lithium-ion batteries charging for long periods can not only reduce your device’s lifespan, but it can also present a major fire hazard. Caused when the heat from your phone is trapped under flammable materials such as pillows and duvets, the London Fire Brigade reports an average of 24 fires each week resulting from overcharging. Save on scares by vowing to charge your phone on a hard, non-flammable surface instead — and always unplug when you’ve reached 100%.

Do stick to the 20-20-20 rule

The nation’s daily average for consuming screen-based media is now almost 7.5 hours, according to the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, so it is no surprise that many of us complain of having sore peepers. The remedy? Optometrists recommend resetting your vision by taking a break from your screen every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Obviously keeping a timer and tape measures to hand is a little extreme, but simply looking away from your screen regularly to focus on something far away should do the trick.

Don’t shun software updates

Some devices seem to demand software updates more often than Madonna demands a new wardrobe — but remember these annoying notifications are there for good reason. Offering new features, fixes for viruses, and performance improvements, software updates also include new security features which will protect your data and solve known flaws that attackers can use to compromise your technology. The easiest way to stay up to date is to enable automatic updates on all your software and always install promptly when notified. The National Cyber Security Centre is also a great place to start for those needing a quick crash course on software how-tos.

Do look after your battery

Finally, if you suspect that your battery is draining too quickly, it may be time for a little check-up. Small changes like lowering your screen brightness and disabling push notifications can save oodles of energy, as can turning off Wi-Fi when it isn’t needed to stop your phone from constantly searching for a connection. Still at a loss? Try checking your daily usage summary in the battery section of your phone’s settings. You may discover that app you installed two years ago — and haven’t looked at since — is an energy vampire.

The post Five gadget dos and don’ts well worth considering appeared first on Checklists.

Never dial and drive

“If you’ve ever sneaked a quick scroll at a red light, think again: while the law used to prohibit calling or texting while driving, since 2022 any handheld interactive use is illegal. This includes taking photos or videos, scrolling through a playlist or checking social media. It even includes using the phone as a sat-nav if held in your hand. If caught, you could be looking at a minimum of six penalty points and a £200 fine. And if you passed your test within the last two years, this single offence could result in your driving licence being revoked. Even momentary inattention due to phone use can cause a severe accident, so leave your phone alone or in a hands-free cradle while driving.”

Lawful surveillance

“A video doorbell or camera is great for protecting your property, but you gain responsibilities if it records into your neighbour’s garden or the public street. Simply pointing a camera at the street or at your neighbour’s property can violate data protection laws, so while purely domestic use is fine, recording outside your boundary triggers legal obligations. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) requires you to take precautions if your camera captures areas outside your property line, which means angling them to minimise intrusion, and displaying signs telling people they are being recorded. Footage can only be kept for a maximum of 31 days — and you must respond if a neighbour asks for copies. While the ICO often gives warnings for domestic cases, neighbours have a right to complain if your set up unreasonably intrudes on their privacy.”

Streaming sense

“Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, every time a film or series is accessed without permission, a copyright infringement occurs. Downloading is the most straightforward infringement, but even seemingly transient streaming is a breach, as it creates temporary reproductions of the content in your device’s cache memory. Those that sell illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) boxes on a commercial scale can result in up to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines, while civil cases against commercial infringers can result in the offender being required to pay damages and have injunctions taken out against them. Ultimately you don’t know who knows you’ve got a ‘dodgy’ device, so beware of the consequences and purchase your TV box or stick from reputable sources.”

Subscription traps 

“Companies make it all too easy to sign up for subscriptions online, only to force you to call, fill out complex forms, or navigate impossible menus to cancel them — but in April 2026, under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, companies must now make cancellation as simple as signing up. This means you should get clear information upfront about costs and renewal dates, with reminders before a free trial turns into a paid subscription with automatic renewals.”

Fake reviews

“Regulators are taking serious action to stop businesses from tricking consumers with manipulated reviews or paying to have negative reviews removed. Creating, hosting, or commissioning fake reviews is a criminal offence. Online shopping sites now face huge fines — up to 10% of global turnover — if they don’t implement reasonable systems to stop fake reviews, and if a business gives someone a product for free in exchange for a review, they must clearly disclose this publicly.”

Rebecca is co-founder of shizl, a platform which allows businesses to create, e-sign, share and store legal documents online. For more information visit skizl.com

The post Technology laws you could be breaking (without realising) appeared first on Checklists.

Never dial and drive

“If you’ve ever sneaked a quick scroll at a red light, think again: while the law used to prohibit calling or texting while driving, since 2022 any handheld interactive use is illegal. This includes taking photos or videos, scrolling through a playlist or checking social media. It even includes using the phone as a sat-nav if held in your hand. If caught, you could be looking at a minimum of six penalty points and a £200 fine. And if you passed your test within the last two years, this single offence could result in your driving licence being revoked. Even momentary inattention due to phone use can cause a severe accident, so leave your phone alone or in a hands-free cradle while driving.”

Lawful surveillance

“A video doorbell or camera is great for protecting your property, but you gain responsibilities if it records into your neighbour’s garden or the public street. Simply pointing a camera at the street or at your neighbour’s property can violate data protection laws, so while purely domestic use is fine, recording outside your boundary triggers legal obligations. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) requires you to take precautions if your camera captures areas outside your property line, which means angling cameras to minimise intrusion and displaying signs telling people they are being recorded. Footage can only be kept for a maximum of 31 days — and you must respond if a neighbour asks for copies. While the ICO often gives warnings for domestic cases, neighbours have a right to complain if your setup unreasonably intrudes on their privacy.”

Streaming sense

“Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, every time a film or series is accessed without permission, a copyright infringement occurs. Downloading is the most straightforward infringement, but even seemingly transient streaming is a breach, as it creates temporary reproductions of the content in your device’s cache memory. Those that sell illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) boxes on a commercial scale can result in up to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines, while civil cases against commercial infringers can result in the offender being required to pay damages and have injunctions taken out against them. Ultimately you don’t know who knows you’ve got a ‘dodgy’ device, so beware of the consequences and purchase your TV box or stick from reputable sources.”

Subscription traps 

“Companies make it all too easy to sign up for subscriptions online, only to force you to call, fill out complex forms, or navigate impossible menus to cancel them — but in April 2026, under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, companies must now make cancellation as simple as signing up. This means you should get clear information upfront about costs and renewal dates, with reminders before a free trial turns into a paid subscription with automatic renewals.”

Fake reviews

“Regulators are taking serious action to stop businesses from tricking consumers with manipulated reviews or paying to have negative reviews removed. Creating, hosting, or commissioning fake reviews is a criminal offence. Online shopping sites now face huge fines — up to 10% of global turnover — if they don’t implement reasonable systems to stop fake reviews, and if a business gives someone a product for free in exchange for a review, they must clearly disclose this publicly.”

The post Technology laws you could be breaking (without realising) appeared first on Checklists.

Falling for phishing

‘Phishing’ is when cyber criminals send fraudulent emails – posing to be from reputable companies or friends and family – aim to take money or identity. As of August 2025, 45 million phishing scams were reported to the National Cyber Security Centre, so if you’ve fallen prey to such a con, you’re not alone. If you receive a suspicious email, keep an eye out for bad spelling and grammar or anything demanding an urgent response. Another big giveaway is mismatched email domains, For example, if an email from your ‘bank’ comes from another domain such as Gmail, it’s fake. And don’t panic if scammers do catch you off-guard, as the key is to act quickly. Gave them your bank details? Contact your bank immediately and change any passwords you may have shared. You can also forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.go.uk and have them checked out. 

Weak/identical passwords

Using identical or easy-to-crack passwords across your accounts is a sure fire way to let hackers grab your personal information. Particularly important for your email account, having an iron tight password means cyber criminals won’t be able to access your most private information, like your bank details. Doubly, if they manage to uncover your password, they could potentially reset passwords elsewhere and access your other online accounts. Set to power up your password? Start by turning on 2-step verification for all your important accounts (go to settings and select ‘2-Step Verification’ or ‘Two-factor Authentication’). You can also use Password Manager – where your device offers to save passwords for you – which means you will never forget Dixie123.?88 again. (PS: that’s not one of our, by the way!)

Ignoring software updates

Failing to update your software leaves you at greater risk of system problems and compatibility issues. Which, in non-tech speak, basically means older versions can be less efficient and make your computer run at a snail’s pace. Using older versions of software also leave you more vulnerable to hackers. But panic not, because when it’s time for an update, your computer or application will generally give you prompts. The secret is to not ignore them! If unsure, you can check for updates in your settings – or even better, ask the computer whizz in the family to do it for you.

Failing to back-up

‘Backup’ is a copy of all your important data stored in a separate, safe location – be it on the internet (cloud storage) or on a removable device such as a USB stick. Make sure you backup everything you value. For example, if your device is lost, broken or stolen it will give you peace of mind knowing all your precious family photos and videos have been stashed in another place. Apple, Google and Microsoft all offer some free storage space, which you can increase for a fee. Backing up today will certainly save on tears tomorrow. It doesn’t take long and can even be set up to happen automatically.

Installing bad software

Finally, you may be tempted to install free software in order to save a bit of cash, but this kind of thriftiness can often do more harm than good. In fact, downloading dodgy software is the most common way computers get a virus, so before you snap up a freebie, make sure you first read online reviews of what you are planning to download – and where you plan to download it from. ALWAYS read the terms and conditions, too. Do not simply click ‘skip’ – or the only place you will be skipping off to will be the computer shop.

The post Computer fails – and how to fix them appeared first on Checklists.

But with the positives that come with cool features, there are some negatives as well. Now, there’s no reason to worry about your smart home overpowering you with sentient artificial intelligence, yet. But, there are some things to consider, positive and negative, before you convert your home to a smart home.

Pros

Energy efficiency

With smart climate-control systems, you can change your home’s temperature with the help of an app, whether you’re in bed or on the go. This allows you to keep your home cooler while you’re away, and some of the new systems allow the smart climate-control systems to introduce even more efficiency with smart technologies. These systems can change your home temperature based on the weather forecast and other sensory technology.

Other smart technologies like smart bulbs can help increase your home’s efficiency as well. You can control lighting from an app and even dim lights and change their colour temperature to enhance certain activities.

Convenience for the elderly, young, or those with limited mobility

For most people, the reason to make their home a smart home is convenience. Smart homes can help take care of some of the more monotonous task in life.

But for some people, smart homes offer an opportunity to stay in their home, or more easily complete tasks that may otherwise be challenging. For example, for those with limited mobility, smart homes allow them to control their homes with the touch of an app or with voice control.

For kids, smart home features can provide a source of entertainment, or help restrict their screen time. They can also help you keep your family safer, with front-door cameras and the option to unlock the door when the babysitter comes by.

Ease of access

In general, smart home features make your household devices more accessible. You can control them with your voice while you’re home, or with your phone while at home or out-and-about. This can make your life much easier and save you plenty of time in the long run.

The benefits of this central control go beyond simply turning lights on and off from your phone. With the newest smart home technologies, you can schedule a cup of coffee each morning, check your fridge contents while you’re at the shop and adjust the temperatures in specific rooms – bring on the easy life!

Customisation

Your home should feel like it’s yours, and smart home features help make your house a home. With increased control of your devices, you can do much more with each of them.

Something as simple as changing the warmth or colour of your lights to help you wind down before bed or to help enhance your movies can better align your home with your personal preferences. Programming certain things to happen at certain times helps as well. For example, you could schedule your blinds to go down at night and up in the morning. You could also let the automated systems learn your habits and adjust accordingly. These examples are really what smart homes are meant for.

One of the newer, yet less technical trends populating homes lately are smart lighting panels. These can add a pop of colour to your bedroom, display images with the help of an app, and even react to the music playing from your speakers.

Minimise risks

Some smart home technologies aim to prevent damage to your home and health. These offer enhanced peace of mind for you, your loved ones, and your wallet.

Water pressure sensors and leak sensors can save you a big headache when it comes to water leaks and frozen pipes. They can send you a notification that something is wrong and adjust water pressure accordingly. It’s easy to see a future in which they could call the highest-rated plumber in your area and you could let them in while you’re away.

Monetary incentives

With increased energy efficiency and home safety features, smart homes end up being a win-win for a number of entities.

Government bodies like to promote green initiatives and sustainability. There are probably programmes or incentives from your local and national governments to help fund your smart home conversion. Many countries and counties are trying to limit their usage of water, electricity, and gas.

Insurance companies are also interested in smart homes, and will likely offer lower insurance premiums for specific features. They are most interested in enhanced security features like cameras and smart locks. They are also interested in damage-mitigation technologies like water leakage sensors.

Increased home value

With the pull to make life easier and save time and money, smart homes are becoming more and more valuable. Homes with integrated smart features can attract a pretty penny.

The main features that can increase a home’s value are energy savers like smart thermostats, home safety features like smart leak sensors and smart smoke sensors and other valuable technologies like premium smart appliances.

New features

One of the biggest benefits of smart homes is the range of gadgets and appliances you can get, and what they can – and will be able to – accomplish. Smart gadgets have the power to utilise wifi to communicate with apps or each other. Some can also automate tasks and use AI integration to make changes to automation schedules.

Some of the newer technologies include robot vacuums that can identify your pet’s waste, smart doorbells that can identify your friends and family, smart fridges that can tell you when your food expires, and smart ovens that can adjust cooking temperature if your food is overcooking, to name a few. It’s easy to see how these products could make your life easier.

The benefits of automation and AI-driven automation are also exciting and helpful. Walking around your home without touching any of the lights is pretty cool. Sprinkler systems that can adjust to the weather forecast to avoid overwatering are useful as well. The limits of machine learning have not been reached yet, and the practical applications are slowly being integrated.

Security

The ability to have cameras and motion sensors inside and outside of your home, as well as connecting to and receiving security alerts through an app on your phone can bring a hefty amount of peace to your worries, especially if you have kids or pets. One of the best luxuries is the ability to check up on your kids or make sure your door is locked after you leave. These features undeniably make your house more secure.

But the fact that smart homes are, by nature, connected to the internet and interconnected means that they could be hacked or monitored.

Cons

Security and privacy concerns

So, you want to furnish your home with the latest smart tech, and you want it to collect all the information possible so it can adjust itself to your habits and preferences?

Well, with all that information, there will be people looking to capitalise. The first concern would be if someone hacked into your main interface to control your key security systems like your doors, windows and alarm. If someone was able to control these systems, they could easily break in to your home.

On the other hand, privacy concerns in regards to big corporate entities and governments have been a hot-button issue since Edward Snowden blew the whistle on widespread monitoring programs. Basically everyone is vulnerable to these concerns due to the fact that smartphones exist. But, the level of tracking and amount of cameras and sensors in smart homes takes these concerns to another level. If you don’t want to be tracked, many smart home features won’t interest you.

Costs

While cost savings and energy efficiency are at the heart of smart home systems, the costs associated with installing these systems can be quite pricey. So, while they might save you money in the long run, the initial cost can be daunting.

One way to minimise the cost of installation is to focus on smart home technologies one step at a time. For example, you could begin with a smart camera system or a smart thermostat, and then work your way towards smart lighting, smart appliances and smart locks.

Another way to help minimise costs is to do the installation and configuration yourself. While some smart devices are easy to set up, some are quite complicated and may not work easily.

Internet issues

Because all of your smart devices, and your smart hub, need to be connected to the internet to do the ‘smart’ things that they do, wifi accessibility and strength throughout your home is essential. It’s definitely worth investing in a top-of-the-line wifi system. Another option is to buy a mesh router system to ensure that all of your devices have a strong connection.

But with heavy reliance on wifi, if any connection issues arise, it could cause some of your devices to lose their abilities. If everything in your home is smart, a power failure or network issue could leave you in a pickle.

However, many smart devices have backup control options. So, if there is an extended wifi outage, you can still complete tasks.

Compatibility issues

There are now a handful of brands in the smart device game. They all seem to want you to get their entire range of smart devices, or the ones that are compatible with their hubs. But this can get tricky if you prefer a specific product, even if it’s not compatible with your smart hub. For example, you might like some of the features of a certain TV, but if it’s not compatible with your Amazon hub, its smart features are rendered useless.

Now, there is a movement in the industry to alleviate this divide. Matter is shaping up to be the industry standard that allows all of the big players to play nicely. The goal is to allow your assistant or hub of choice to control any Matter-compatible device – and to eliminate hubs as a whole.

Matter is supposed to make smart devices easier to use and purchase. As long as you see ‘Matter’ on the product or in the description, it will be compatible with your system. But so far, Matter hasn’t covered all of the bases. Individual manufacturers can still set their own boundaries on how much you can control with their competitor’s assistant. This means you might not be able to tell Alexa to change very specific settings for your Apple product. Also, Matter doesn’t cover every type of product yet, as of October 2023, video cameras have not been integrated into Matter.

Complicated interfaces

Matter alleviates some of the complications surrounding device compatibility. But for less tech-savvy consumers, it could still be daunting and confusing to set up and manage your smart devices. Many people seek smart technology to help them automate the more mundane tasks in their life, like turning lights on and off, but some may find it challenging to make everything work in the way that they envision.

Furthermore, smart devices update their software regularly, which can sometimes cause your devices to get a bit buggy. Smart home systems are supposed to make life easier rather than harder; and this could frustrate some people.

With all of the options available and all of the benefits and drawbacks, it can be hard to decide whether a smart home is for you or not. However, the development of smart homes into the new norm will leave many behind if they don’t take the plunge. Smart homes seem to be a linear advance in the tech and housing industries, similar to the boom of AI and electric vehicles.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging, please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The pros and cons of smart homes appeared first on Checklists.

Dr Johanna Ward on behalf of LUSTRE ClearSkin, talks to Checklist about the reported benefits of LED light therapy, and how products like the RENEW Pro Facewear can help support everyday skin concerns.

1. Support natural collagen production 

LED light therapy treatment uses varying wavelengths of light that are said to help support the skin’s natural healing process. According to Dr Ward, LED light therapy can help stimulate fibroblast cells, which are the activation cells responsible for collagen and elastin production.

2. Calms acne

Blue light technology, which is clinically evidenced for acne, is said to help reduce the appearance of inflammation and the colonisation of bacteria in the skin. Several treatments to the skin are recommended, and results can vary for each person.

3. Soothes eczema flare-ups 

Cracked, dry and itchy skin are the common symptoms associated with eczema. As well as topical creams and lotions, LED light therapy can be useful alongside these products to help soothe flare-ups. 

4. Can help menopausal skin 

Women going through the menopause can often experience skin issues, with hormonal changes causing sensitivity, acne and dryness. LED is believed to help to support menopausal skin changes alongside diet and lifestyle choices.

5. Cool face flushes 

As well as topical anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and IPL, you could also use LED light therapy to help manage rosacea. The combination of red, blue, and infra-red light is said to be a useful option for soothing skin.

6. Chemical-free remedy 

Clinically proven for acne, blue light technology uses non-toxic lights. Look for a mask like RENEW Pro Facewear by LUSTRE® ClearSkin, which uses different light wavelengths which are designed to help support your skin in a non-invasive, chemical-free way,

7. Supports skin health

Blue light is widely reported to help reduce inflammation and bacterial colonisation in acne. Red light is said to be good for helping to stimulate the natural revitalisation process in the skin. These clinically evidenced light therapies are believed to be helpful for long-term use.

8. Easy to use at home

With high-performing at-home and easy-to-use wireless devices now available, LED can form part of your weekly skincare routine. Pop the mask on to clean, dry skin for 10 minutes up to five times a week and you could potentially see visible results in six weeks.

9. Complimentary to other treatments

LED light therapy can be used in combination with other skin treatments. Dr Johanna Ward often recommends LED as first port of call when it comes to refreshing the appearance of your skin.

10. Family-friendly

The great thing about LED masks is that they can be used by lots of different people – men, women, and even teenagers if they are suffering from common skin conditions, such as acne.

Find out more at lustreclearskin.com

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