The tech that’s getting us through COVID-19

Here at Kolmeo, we never stop being amazed at how tech can bring a little more magic to our lives. And that’s more important than ever with these crazy times we’re living through in the year of COVID-19. So we’re bringing you a round up of tech trends that are making sure we get to keep having fun, no matter how long lockdown goes on for.

Streaming is our saviour

Imagine where we’d be right now without streaming. Pretty bleak right? So many of the ways we’re getting access to entertainment or virtual substitutes for our fave face-to-face activities just couldn’t happen if streaming had never been invented.

So it’s no wonder Netflix saw 16 million new sign ups in the first three months of 2020 alone. And if that sounds impressive, take a look at what lockdowns have done for Disney+. In the seven months since launch, their subscriber numbers have reached 50 million, a milestone Netflix took seven years to reach. But whether you love Tiger King or The Mandalorian more, it’s safe to say streaming services have become essential viewing for more and more of us.

24-hour party people

With apps like Netflix Party, people have a new reason to pull an all-nighter with mates. Instead of clubbing, streaming movies and bingeing TV shows has become a popular way to connect with friends wherever they’re waiting out lockdown. Zoom has also been cut loose from the confines of nine-to-five to become one of many apps for virtual happy hours or weekend drinks with friends. And for those pining for the days of global travel, this list of international drinking games and snacks could be just what you need for a new twist on this familiar ritual.

Bringing the bucket list to you

Munching on croissants in your pyjamas could be enough to transport you to Paris during lockdown. But if you need something a bit more authentic, try a free live tour of the Louvre. It’s just one of hundreds of virtual visits you can make to international cultural and natural destinations to give you that feeling of being a global nomad. See if you can spot Yogi Bear in Yellowstone Park as you sip your morning coffee or touch down at the Taj Mahal with your afternoon tea.

Living out food fantasies

If a taste of India, or Vietnam or Italy is what you’re missing, restaurants near and far are coming to the rescue. Naturally, demand for take-away meals has skyrocketed during the pandemic. In the week ending 23 August 2020, spending on food delivery in Australia was up by a massive 277% compared with your average week in 2019.

But if your fine dining habits are breaking the bank, why not flex your culinary muscles at home? This live online masterclass from Atlas Dining in Melbourne is just one of hundreds helping Aussies change up their cooking routine. They even offer a lockdown-friendly box delivery service to make sure you have all the ingredients you need.

Robots to the rescue

If you were living in urban China, you wouldn’t be surprised to see a robot rock up to your front door with your pizza or pad thai. China’s leading delivery app Meituan Dianping started using robots to deliver to customers in Beijing as the pandemic took hold back in February 2020. And with postal and delivery services all over the world facing huge capacity issues thanks to a gigantic surge in online shopping, perhaps we’ll be seeing drones delivering our groceries before too long.

Work out your way

As an antidote to sofa surfing and over-eating, home fitness is definitely a good option for more and more Aussies who can’t get to the gym or yoga studio. And what’s been a loss for fitness destinations has been a big win for specialist sports stores with gym junkies buying in their own kettle bells, yoga mats and more.

Plus, there are now hundreds more online and live streaming classes now available with fitness professionals switching to online teaching to keep them going through lockdown. Fitness finder apps like MindBody have caught on to this and now offer bookings for virtual classes as well as access to face-to-face workouts.

Stay connected

Technology has done so much to keep us sane during COVID-19. But connecting with our fellow humans is completely essential for our mental health. Hugs and handshakes may be in short supply, but you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to ways to connect with family and friends on screens. And if you find the virtual world is messing with your head, mindfulness and meditation can get you back in balance. Of course there are apps for that too, like Headspace or Calm, if being soothed to sleep by celebs like Harry Styles and Matthew McConaughey is your thing.