What technology do you have in your home?

22nd September 2026

What is technology?
We decided that technology was a lot more than computers, tablets and mobile phones, it extended to
washing machines, tumble dryers and beyond. At first, we concluded that technology was something which
contained a microchip. Then, after further discussion, we decided that perhaps anything electrical-
electricity was created by waterpower, therefore was the first piece of technology windmills?
 Merriam-Webster: The practical application of knowledge—especially in a particular area—or a piece of
equipment, method, or machine created by applying scientific knowledge.
 Cambridge Dictionary: The study and knowledge of the practical, especially industrial, use of scientific
discoveries.
 Oxford Dictionary: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, and the machinery or
devices developed from that knowledge.
 Collins Dictionary: The total knowledge, methods, and skills available to any human society for industry,
art, and science
Technology in our lives
Washing machines: this was a piece of technology that we could all recognise the changes over time, from
the old twin tubs, with their separate spinners, to the machines of today; many are linked to apps and
almost all modern washing machines allow the user to choose temperature and spin speed on whichever
programme is being used.
Tumble dryers: these have altered to give us a greater number of options when drying clothes, meaning
more fabrics can be dried without being damaged.
Both tumble dryers and washing machines have energy saving programmes and some are even run by heat
pumps.
Fridges and Freezers: The layout of these has changed to make them more user friendly. Although none of
us have one, we investigated AI versions, AI refrigerators and freezers use smart internal cameras, sensors,
and machine learning to track groceries, manage expiration dates, and optimize energy use.
Ovens: Millie talked a little about her oven, which can be operated by App; it has built in settings for most
dishes, which enables it to combine cooking programmes and cook the food to achieve the best results and
use the most economical settings to do so. In addition, you can choose recipes and even find ways to use
leftover foods, to prevent waste. Ovens in general are more economical and cook food faster with settings
such as fan cooking. Many people also use air-friers, these save time, energy and washing up! Microwave
ovens were also considered to be a necessity, in most homes.
Cameras: Several of us used security cameras in their homes; the one which kept an eye on the hedgehogs
was the winner, for the best positioned.
Coffee Machines: These have become much more complicated, With a choice of what type of coffee, its
strength and the size of cup needed, most of us agreed a cup of instant or filter coffee was a lot easier(but
not as tasty).
Smart TVs: All present used some kind of streaming, although to a different degree. Many of us preferred to
record and then watch without adverts but some did not have the space for this technology because of
where the TV was situated, e.g.: on the wall. The disadvantage of Smart TVs was if the internet was down.
We were concerned also about what to do with old TV ariels and satellite dishes. This also led to a chat
about solar panels, how they were used and the different ways of purchasing/ renting them.
Finally, we discussed other technology, controlled by your smart speaker, such as being able to turn lights
on and off. Several people have rid their homes of Alexa, because of its ability to listen in.
“Every piece of new technology provides a legacy issue”