My grandfather had an old saying: you know there's a teenager in the house when the clock on the video recorder finally stops blinking. This humorously pointed out the gap that exists between different generations when it comes to technology. To some, mastering gadgets and technological tools is a piece of cake, while others find the learning curve associated with digital technology quite steep. This discrepancy becomes more evident as we move further into the digital age and everyday activities get progressively driven by smart technology. We order groceries from our tablets, we pay for items in shops with digital wallets, we spend countless hours chatting on WhatsApp, and we even take pictures of our garden plants with a smartphone. While the use of smart technology for such straightforward tasks has been aced by many, there's a considerable number who still find it intimidating.

On my quest for tech-friendly solutions suited for this latter group, I discovered a company named Emporia. They've developed a range of affordable smart tech suited for people who prefer simplicity over the unnecessary complexity that generally accompanies modern gadgets. The Emporia Supereasy smartphone, as the name suggests, is a user-friendly phone primarily designed to make and receive calls. Its design and interface are reminiscent of older handsets, featuring two physical buttons - one to start a call and another to end it, just like a traditional home phone.

Despite its old-school visage, this gadget boasts of some cutting-edge features. It is powered by Android operating system, has front and rear cameras, a 5" display, and is equipped with slots and buttons that you generally associate with a conventional phone. The home screen doesn't operate on a swipe system; instead, it has two large "buttons" that either activate the phone function or takes you through its simple menu. The menu comprises all essential features required for regular usage along with a few complex options such as a web browser and YouTube.

The Emporia Supereasy boasts features like NFC, a 13-megapixel rear camera and a five-megapixel front camera, a removable battery and compatibility with hearing aids. It also includes a programmable physical emergency button on the back. The built-in tag with its case and charging cradle, adds value to its usability, especially for elders intimidated by typical smartphones. Its compact and robust design, coupled with uncomplicated interfaces, offers a great start for those initiating their technological journeys. Despite its modest specification, its ease of use is what justifies its £210 price tag.

Emporia also offers larger gadgets in line with its ethos of simplicity. The Emporia tablet, sporting a 10" display, is designed with the same care and attention to detail as its smartphone. Simple interface coupled with bigger icons reduces over-reliance on swiping, ensuring that even arthritis sufferers find it easy to use. The tablet contains a 13-megapixel rear camera and a five-megapixel front camera, a 5,000mAh battery, and offers WiFi as well as LTE network support. The box includes a compact stand and a set of comprehensive instructions to make the user experience more enjoyable. While it may not compete in terms of raw power and aesthetic appeal with other tablets in the market, its simplicity and user-friendly design make it an ideal gadget for the over-65s. Priced reasonably at £330, the Emporia Tablet successfully fulfills its mission to make smart tech simple for those hesitant to dive into the digital world.