(MS) - On the surface, it may seem that technological gadgets and activities would hinder family interaction. Aren't the kids locking themselves in their rooms to log onto MySpace or battle real-time on video games? A study conducted last year by the ad agency OMD and Yahoo! determined that high-tech gadgets and new media services actually may be bringing families closer together - provided they're not fighting over the gadgets at hand.The survey spanned 16 countries and 4,500 families with Internet access, asking questions about time spent together as a family and the number of gadgets in the household. The results showed that gadget-friendly households were just as concerned about family interaction and the importance of the nuclear family.
So what is it about being "wired" that promotes family interaction? The main reason may be time saved. Gadgets and technology in general have transformed multi-tasking. It's possible to do homework or complete a work report while watching streaming news stories online and keeping tabs on family and friends through instant messages. Being able to fit more of the necessities into a smaller window of time frees up quality time for the family to spend together.
Here are ways families can embrace technology to improve family interaction even more:
· Family calendar: The calendar scheduling features of business software are not exclusive to the boardroom. They can be used to keep a family organized and on time for all of the events - whether doctor appointments or sports practices - that fill the days. Simply setup a computer in a central location, like the kitchen or family room, and type in the appointment dates as they are received. Some software can also be programmed to give reminders days or hours in advance of an appointment. Many mobile phones and PDAs also feature a calendar/scheduling option. It sure beats scrambling around looking for those appointment cards.
· Talking translator: In this multi-cultural world the ability to communicate in multiple languages is beneficial, but not everyone has the time to learn several languages. The LINgo Voyager 12-Language Talking Translator can be an asset for any family. This portable, pocketsize talking interpreter translates, displays and correctly pronounces over 240,000 words and 27,000 typical phrases in 12 languages. It translates between and among English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Greek, Hebrew and Arabic. For languages with unique characters - such as, Arabic and Japanese - translations are clearly displayed in their own script (so locals can read it) in addition to being transliterated in our alphabet (so you can read it). The gadget also features a built-in currency and metric converter, clothes size converter, and world time clock. LINgo Voyager can be vital for business meetings, traveling or even for homework help. It is available atall Sharper Image stores and at sharperimage.com. For more information, call LINgo at 1-800-697-4825.
· Home entertainment system: Television screens are getting flatter and larger, and surround-sound components are offering lifelike and mesmerizing sound quality.What better reason to upgrade to a plasma or flat-panel television complete with quality theater system than the benefit of the entire family gathering for movie night? And with online movie services that ship DVDs or Blu-ray Discs right to your home from a list you've selected online, you'll never be at a loss for flicks to watch - ones that appeal to everyone in the house.
· MP3 players and accessories: The Apple Ipod was the pioneer in portable MP3 players, but today there are scores of brands that offer players that fit your budget - it'll be easy to get one for every member of the family. These handy devices can usually store dozens of songs. Some also feature voice-recording abilities, which can prove useful for recording lectures at school or dictating thoughts for a business proposal. And with the many accessories, like docking stations and plug-ins for the car, your music can be on the go, or stationary.
· Mobile phones - If you haven't hopped on the cell phone bandwagon just yet, it could be time. Cells make it a snap to keep in touch with kids on the go and give the heads up if you'll be late at work or while commuting. Providers offer family packages with reduced rates on multiple lines.
Keywords: gadget high-tech family myspace kids mp3 player mobile phone
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