Brits are profitable again practically TWO WEEKS a yr because of devices and gizmos

Brits are clawing back nearly two whole weeks a year thanks to time-saving tech.

A poll of 2,000 adults found people reckon they save around six hours a week by using modern gadgets, with the average household relying on seven devices to get life’s dull jobs done quicker.

The biggest time-saver of all is the smartphone, crowned number one by 42%. After that came the trusty washing machine (32%), online banking (28%), email (23%) and the nation’s current kitchen obsession – the air fryer (22%).

One tech ‘breakthrough’ Brits are most grateful for is leaving dial-up internet behind for instant Wi‑Fi. Meanwhile 30% love having sat-nav apps instead of awkwardly asking strangers for directions.

The pace of change is so fast that loads of Gen Z have never even used old-school kit including vinyl (50%), a VHS player (46%) or CDs (27%). Nearly one in five (19%) said they’ve never even heard of a floppy disk.

Almost half (49%) of Gen Z also couldn’t imagine waiting for their favourite song to come on the radio, and 35% can’t get their heads around stressing about missing a TV show because it wasn’t on-demand.

Meanwhile, Baby Boomers are still gobsmacked by it all with 38% amazed they can listen to songs from decades ago ‘in seconds’. And 92% remember waiting for camera film to be developed, while 86% recall rewinding tapes by hand.

The research was commissioned by Smart Energy GB as part of a campaign encouraging households to make an appointment when they are contacted by their energy supplier about switching out older smart meter hardware for a new kit.

The campaign is aimed at helping households to benefit from accurate billing and access to energy reward schemes and tariffs.

TV broadcaster and author Sara Cox said: “When I started out in radio, a lot of tasks were manual, from cueing up tracks on minidiscs to printing faxes from listeners, whereas today’s tech has made things quicker, smoother and more flexible.”

Cox added: “It’s transformed how we work behind the scenes, but also how listeners tune in and engage, whether that’s live in the studio, on demand or on the go.

“That same shift is happening in our homes too. From smart appliances to smart meters, technology is quietly making routines easier and more efficient, helping people to stay on top of things day to day.

“So, if you hear from your energy supplier about putting in new smart meter kit, get that appointment booked in as it’s a quick and simple job to get done.”

The poll also found 76% of Brits think technology has made life easier, with the kitchen singled out as where people save the most time.

More than half (55%) said they couldn’t live without modern kitchen gadgets, with microwaves (45%), air fryers (29%), dishwashers (26%) and coffee machines (12%) among the essentials.

Overall, 41% will always or often embrace new technology when they can, with 59% introducing new tech to save time, while 38% are drawn to gadgets and apps which could help them save money.

Victoria Bacon, a director at Smart Energy GB, said: “The research highlights just how quickly technology has become embedded in our everyday lives.

“While many of us think about technologies such as smartphones, online banking and household appliances, there are also tools working quietly in the background helping people save time and simplifying routine tasks.

“This includes smart meters that can help households have a clearer view of their energy use and identify where they might be able to save some money on their bills.

“Booking an appointment with your energy supplier to switch out older smart meter equipment will help ensure customers can continue to enjoy smart meter benefits, including accurate bills and access to flexible schemes and tariffs.”