The FINANCIAl — Britons have spent £355 per person over the last year on new technology devices, such as iPads, Kindles or smart phones; treating themselves to a national total of over 70 million devices, according to a new report published by Barclays, an international financial services provider.
Despite the nation’s desire to own the latest gadgets, nearly a third (29 per cent) of the UK population could benefit from support to use the digital devices or gadgets they currently own, so they feel more confident to fully make the most of them, according to Barclays.
94 percent of Brits admit to not using the full functionality of their technology devices and nearly four in ten (39 per cent) admit to using only half or less.
“And when it comes to our everyday mobile phones it’s clear we don’t get the most out of them with only 17 per cent revealing they use their mobile phones’ full potential. And we are worse when it comes to our tablets, with only 22 per cent admitting they use more than half of their gadgets’ full functionality.”
To help the UK make the most of the technology they have purchased or been given as gifts by generous family or friends, Barclays has launched a newly expanded group of 7,000 fully trained Barclays Digital Eagles. They are on hand in branches across the UK, actively encouraging and educating customers and non-customers to acquire digital skills, so they feel confident to explore what their technology offers them – rather than leave their devices in a drawer unused and under-utilised.
“It’s clear that we’re buying technology and not using it to its full extent and not getting the most out of these devices. This may be down to a lack of confidence and also a lack of understanding; an understandable issue as the digital world can sometimes be bewildering to people who are new to it. We want to help customers and non-customers across the UK through our ‘Digital Eagles’ programme, by taking them on a journey to improve their technology capabilities and build their confidence. This will help them to embrace the new digital revolution, so they can reap the benefits of being online to make their lives easier. Whether they’re 10 or 110, we don’t want to leave anyone behind,” Steven Roberts, Strategic Transformation Director at Barclays and Pioneer of the Digital Eagles, said.
When it comes to the top reasons why Brits would purchase a new gadget or app to make their lives easier, the older generations (55 +) say they would most like to keep connected with their friends and family on services such as Facebook, Skype and Whatsapp (35 per cent). This matches the digital desires of their younger counterparts with 25-34 year olds citing the same reason (33 per cent), according to Barclays.
Gordon Banks, star of the World Cup winning team of 1966, has had help from a Barclays Digital Eagle over the last year, to help him really get to grips with the web and make the most of the technology devices he owns.
“I have always been a little wary of the technology we have available and never thought I would have the confidence to use my iPad or mobile phone properly. But with some help from the Digital Eagles I’ve managed to use them more and more. With the World Cup in Brazil I’ve actually been reminiscing about the 1970 World Cup and watching back footage of our England matches on Youtube – I still find it amazing I can watch my save from Pele’s header in slow motion! I see my grandchildren on all these gadgets and used to just stare in amazement but I now know that you’re never too old to learn – it really has really made a difference to my daily life!” Gordon said.
However, when it comes to the 35-44 (30 per cent) and 45-54 (35 per cent) age groups, they would most like to research the best prices for products and services to make their lives easier. Across all age groups, dating sites and apps are the thing they are least concerned with (3 per cent).
Across the UK it is clear that we want different things from our technology devices. The Northern Irish want to use technology to gain access to medical information and book doctor’s appointments (26 per cent). Londoner’s hectic lifestyles and work demands could explain why they most desire new tech for dating (6 per cent), according to Barclays.
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