Priya Pathiyan
Deputy Editor
There’s something about technology that divides us as much as it connects. Think about a world that’s increasingly a global village with everyone travelling everywhere but separated by the great Apple/Android chasm.
You’d think it’s just a matter of choosing a device that suits your needs. But it quickly becomes a lifestyle choice. Because once you’re committed to one platform, then you typically buy all the related gadgets so that they can speak to each other. And that also extends to other users of the same, who speak the same lingo. It becomes second nature to say you’ll airdrop images or FaceTime with someone rather than ‘email’ or ‘video call’. And just because it sounds cooler and gives you an in into a perceived inner circle, you’re soon ready to pay a lot more to continue to ‘belong’.
It is understandable that after paying high prices for membership to this ‘exclusive’ club, you want to flaunt it a bit. So, when you’re posting your travel photos, it’s not enough to hashtag the droolworthy destination and label it #famjam or #couplegoals, but also the now mandatory ‘shot on XYZ’ to advertise you’ve arrived.
I’ve seen all kinds of people doing this, not just the arrivistes. It gives us a sense of identity and a badge of belonging that is easily identifiable wherever we go. There are never-ending conversations to be had around the shared experience with our gadgets. It’s instant bonding when you meet new people, be it in your own neighbourhood or halfway across the world. And, by that coin, it’s also instant alienation. Like when I was trying to Google Lens a particular flower on a recent trip to Switzerland, an iPhone user was trying to recall which Apple app she used to do the same and slowly drifted away, muttering to herself. We may have been kindred spirits that loved nature, but our devices created crevices in our connection.
But whichever side of the great divide you’re on, rest assured that you’ll still be on top of the trends. At TravelDine, we try to do justice to all sides of the spectrum, bringing you gadget reviews across the board. This time around, we give you the lowdown on the new MacBook Air M2 and how it complements your travel needs.
Stay tuned for more such tech candy even as we continue to spot the hottest must-dos and find you the coolest hotels for your next vacay.