30 Aug 2017

Research has found that connected devices give users more control over their life (50%) and increased organisation (44%)

Those who spend between more than three hours listening to music with family members feel more productive in day to day life

16-24 year olds use connected devices because it makes them feel more productive (31%)

Connectivity isn't divided by generations as two thirds (66%) of those aged 55 and over feel there are benefits to using connected devices, including them feeling more in control (19%)

16-34 year olds focus on playing music on connected devices (75%) whereas 35-55+ year olds prefer this type of technology for internet usage (73%)

Working, socialising, keeping fit, staying on top of chores - these days the idea of down time' can become more of a pipe dream. In a complex world where communication is faster than ever before, it can often feel like life is spiraling out of your control. However, recent research from Panasonic has found that one way to stay on top of it could be by using connected devices. Linking devices in the home makes users feel more in control (50%), and those who spend more time listening to music at home are significantly more productive in everyday life, according to half (50%) of those with connected devices.

In light of this, Panasonic has launched the GA10, a smart speaker with fully integrated Google Voice Assistant and Hi-Fi audio quality to help keep people's productivity levels soaring. With three quarters (75%) of digital natives' primarily using connected devices to play music, it's no surprise that music makes people feel great.

But the impact music can have on your overall well-being is undeniable and something more should adopt to boost moods and even lower blood pressure, according to neuroscientist, Christine Buske PhD, The effects of music on our psychological well-being have been well studied as music therapy has reported physical, cognitive, and psychological benefits, particularly in older adults. Specifically, music causes a variety of responses in the brain, amongst which is an increase in dopamine release (which is involved in reward), and this process even lowers blood pressure! While music therapy is on the more extreme end of the spectrum of consuming music, everyone can benefit from incorporating more music into their day to day lives. It can have positive effects on creativity, productivity, memory and stress levels; a simple way to unwind or potentially motivate yourself'.

According to the research by Panasonic, the main uses for connected devices in the home are playing music, using the internet and watching TV across the home, all accessible not just by the touch of one button, but also by spoken request due to voice assist; a function that will be featured on 93% of wifi speakers by 2020[i].

But the benefits of living connected lives goes beyond just music. Half (50%) of those with connected devices said they feel more in control of their lives, and two fifths (44%) are more organised suggesting benefits similar to modern day stress-busting techniques.

Dealing with the demands of modern life has put holistic methods, such as mindfulness and meditation, at the top of mainstream options, above traditional routes. Mindfulness encourages refreshing mind-sets, rather than completely changing lives, Buske adds, Mindfulness is the process of bringing your attention to the present moment and can be as simple as focusing on one thing at one time. While social media and technology can have significant impact on psychological cluttering, we should be using devices to regain control over day to day life and reap the rewards of mindfulness as part of this digital adoption. While the internet and our smart phones can be a constant source of information overload and distraction, which can be overwhelming for some, they can in fact be used to help bring order and peace to busy lives by allowing us to reduce time spent on tasks.'

While the younger generations (16-24 year olds) are amongst those most reaping the benefits of this kind of technology, with almost one in three (31%) saying it's made them more productive, and another third (30%) stating it had given them back time for themselves, connectivity is universal as older generations are fully embracing this type of technology.

Two thirds (66%) of those aged 55+ feel making the home a connected one brings many benefits, a positive insight according to Buske, It is interesting, and a good thing, that the majority of older adults are embracing the use of connected devices. Loneliness and depression are major problems for our aging population and being connected to community can help, one way to maintain this is through technology. In studies where connected devices are used to improve and maintain older individual's connection to community and family, there are substantial benefits to these people's well-being. The key thing is that connected devices do not substitute human relationships and interactions, but they can add touch points to everyday life where otherwise they may not exist.

Connected devices can help bring order to our chaotic lives by consolidating our daily worries and actions into manageable and convenient tasks. Re-gaining control over work, family, love lives and free time does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Simply de-cluttering our minds and consolidating to-do lists means we can spend more time enjoying down time and being closer to loved ones. Syncing our lives and interconnecting means we do not just connect more across the home, but across generations; imagine grandparents syncing grandchildren's favourite albums to sound systems - perhaps suggesting why four fifths (81%) of those with connected devices feel happiest about their family life and love life. Adopting a connected life c

LINK:	https://news.panasonic.co.uk/panasonic-unveils-new-ga10-voice-activate...
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