If you’re the sort of family that battles for the remote control or bumper issue of the TV Times, you’re not alone. Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year but working out what to watch, and who gets to choose, can be a festive drama in itself.
And with everyone at home streaming movies, sharing on social media, and gaming – often in different rooms – it can put a lot of strain on your home’s Wi-Fi connection too. And the more friends and family you’ve got visiting, the more you’re likely to experience slower speeds and interruptions. That’s why it’s worth considering how the broadband experts at EE can help, particularly with their new Smart Hub Plus.
So here’s our five ways to put an end to any festive Wi-Fi woes and bring your festive entertainment A-game.
1. Crack the code
It may seem like a small touch, but making it easier for guests to connect to your Wi-Fi can go a long way. Handing out your Wi-Fi password can be fiendishly difficult. Once you’ve reached behind the router and noted down the code, your guests normally have to awkwardly type in the tiny, random characters before getting online. EE’s new Smart Hub Plus now lets you share your Wi-Fi instantly via a QR code – taking just seconds, so it doesn’t ruin the party mood. What’s more, you’ll be able to set different passwords, remove devices, and keep visitors’ devices separate from your main Wi-Fi, for added peace of mind. Now you and everyone else can settle down to a fun family movie – without anyone pestering you for IT support.
2. Make streaming safer
Sitting younger children down in front of a colourful CGI blockbuster means you can get cooking in the kitchen. But what about older ones tucked away around the home exploring the internet on their own devices? Wi-Fi Controls from EE are the ideal way to ensure everyone has the protection they need – while maximising the fun. Ensure only age-appropriate content can be accessed on every device individually, and set screentime limits – such as a Wi-Fi freeze to make bedtimes less hassle – effortlessly via the app. And if you child is getting their first phone for Christmas, make sure they’ve enrolled in PhoneSmart – a brilliant and fun course to help show they are cyber ready.
3. Game without the strain
Gaming is one of the best ways to spend more time as a family at Christmas – and the options these days range from virtual sports on VR headsets to multiplayer cartoon adventures. And whether your family are serious about PC, console or smartphone gaming, or just getting started, EE can help give them a boost. Wi-Fi Enhancer takes it all to the next level – simply activate Game Mode to turbo-charge your experience by prioritising your connection at the tap of an app. And with geo-filtering to choose the best quality servers, and ping-optimiser to reduce lag, you’re always playing at your best.
4. Don’t work too hard
For some of us, the Christmas holidays aren’t all lazy afternoons on the sofa – in other words, we need to work while others play. If your holiday schedule means you’re likely to be tied up in team video calls then the last thing you need is your nephew strangling the Wi-Fi with their movies and games. Wi-Fi Enhancer also includes a handy Work Mode. When you’re working from home, having this priority at your fingertips can be key to coming across crips and clear – and less glitchy – when jumping onto apps like Zoom, Slack or Teams.
5. Plan a smarter party
New Year is a chance to really impress – and if you’re planning a party then having the right smart tech and best Wi-Fi could take things up a notch. Use smart lighting to adjust the ambiance in each room, or add a splash of colour, and consider smart heating as a way to adjust the temperature up or down easily from your phone so your guests are always comfy.
For when you want to play DJ, then having your smart speakers connected over your Wi-Fi will ensure your music follows you from room to room, and can be tailored to the mood of each. It could be the smartest way to see in the new year in style.
EE’s new Smart Hub Plus is a great way to ensure your Wi-Fi is more than ready for the task of hosting during the holidays – and for kicking off 2024 in top form.
For more tips on how you can do more with new EE, visit ee.co.uk/home
