The pandemic forced a complete halt to the old way of doing things and brought along a new normal. Paramount in the safety protocols is the need to observe social distancing, which has intensified the reliance on technology to make that happen. That notwithstanding, avoid getting left out because there are helpful ways technology can help you carry out your old routines. As proof of this, in 2020, WSJ Gear & Gadgets discovered a 70% increase in FaceTime than in previous years. So, what things are you using the web to do now? Read on as some are highlighted here.
- Virtual concerts
In the past and even as recently as 2019, virtual concerts in the US were not popular activities people willingly signed up for. However, during the raging pandemic and the need to maintain normalcy, virtual concerts took over. Hosted on pay-per-view platforms, Americans quickly opted for safe ways to have entertainment while maintaining social distancing. Surprisingly, in 2019, the average number at a real-life concert was pegged around 5000 people. However, according to vox.com, virtual concerts seem to have raised the bar even higher. It said the average number for any single virtual show held in 2020 was 10,000 people!
However, the numbers are dependent on the success of virtual concert marketing and advertising techniques employed by organizers. In other words, this statistic meant a lot more people are beginning to prefer enjoying themselves from the comfort of home. Celebrities such as John Legend and Pink are among many successful musicians who have employed this means to entertain fans during lockdowns and a raging pandemic. Today, virtual concerts are here to stay and will gain more ground in 2021 and beyond as more people get access to reliable internet like Viasat internet. Besides, parents can also enjoy these shows without missing out on child care.
- Virtual mailbox service
Before the pandemic hit, it was a traditional habit among Americans to pick up their physical mails. However, with the Coronavirus pandemic and the need to reduce the physical handling of items, the virtual mailbox service has held an upper hand. Moreover, with over 500,000 postal service workers on the line, the debate for an online postal service is rife. That notwithstanding, PhysicalAddress.com’s virtual mailbox service has gained popularity since 2013. With over 40,000 clients in over fifty countries, you can opt for mail box access online.
From the comfort of your home or anywhere else, you can check your postal mail from a trusted web interface. Keep in mind that it’s not the same as your email. The virtual mailbox service functions by scanning and uploading your mails to a secure online server. Therefore, with your smartphone, tablet, or computer, customers can access their postal mails virtually. With additional features such as forwarding and even shredding, your privacy and need for confidentiality are assured.
- FaceTime
Developed by Apple Inc., FaceTime is a patented video telephony product/service. This service recorded a tremendous increase in 2020 when the pandemic hit the United States for the first time. From February 2020 to October of the same year, FaceTime usage surpassed twelve months of use in 2019.
The stats proved that while people maintained social distancing protocols, the need to remain connected to loved ones through virtual means sharply increased. It was no longer the preference to hear the voices of loved ones. Instead, seeing their faces on the screen boosted emotional, professional, and social connections.
Technology has been around for decades, but its significance in communication has been strongly felt in these trying pandemic times. The next time you want to do something that entails personal contact, maybe you should consider how technology can help carry out that task or activity.
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