Mobile phones, tablets, and games consoles are the top tech gifts Brits are hoping to unwrap this Christmas, a study has found.
Three in five British households have gadgets such as wireless headphones, wireless speakers, and smart lighting systems on their wish lists, according to a poll of 2,000 parents, with children aged 2-18.
But with six in ten homes already having as many as 20 connected devices set up, 41% worry that a strain on the Wi-Fi will cause family arguments, as so many devices compete for connection.
This is of special concern for 45% of parents, who rely heavily on tech to keep their kids entertained.
A spokesman for Vodafone, which commissioned the research, said: “Thirty years ago, the only tech issues households really had to worry about at Christmas was making sure every toy had batteries.
“These days, with smart tech available for every room in the house, and everyone having HD-streaming devices in their pockets, homes need a fast and reliable internet connection that reaches all corners of the home.”
The study was conducted to mark the opening of Vodafone's “Ultra Connected Christmas House”, powered by Pro II broadband.
It saw the brand partner with singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor to put it to the test, by hosting a one-off Christmas kitchen party – complete with smart lighting, disco balls, and Wi-Fi powered projections.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “Whether I’m listening to my favourite Christmas playlists, streaming festive films, or purchasing last-minute gifts, the family and I rely on having super speedy Wi-Fi in all corners of the home.”
The research also found almost half of respondents (48%) believe having friends and family round at Christmas significantly slows their internet speed.
And 58% think a strong Wi-Fi connection has become “imperative” to a successful December 25th.
But with 46% expecting a “big” gathering this year, with extended friends and family coming together, this could spell trouble for millions of households.
Almost three in ten (28%) fear their current Wi-Fi setup won’t be able to handle so many people using it at once.
And 37% admit to frustration when they have trouble connecting in certain areas of their home, while 18% are left furious when they’re trying to watch a video, only to be held back by buffering and stuttering.
Away from Wi-Fi wind-ups, 22% of families are likely to row about what movie they should watch.
And one in six (16%) will bicker over who does what when it comes to making Christmas dinner, according to the OnePoll figures.
The Vodafone spokesman added: “With big family Christmases back this year, the need for a fast, secure, and reliable broadband throughout the home has never been greater.”
TOP 10 TECH GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS:
- Mobile phone
- Tablet
- Games console
- Smart watch
- Wireless headphones
- Educational toys
- Wireless speakers
- Smart lighting
- Voice assistant devices e.g. Alexa
- Children's music players e.g. Tonie Box
