Why personal tech must serve multiple roles in today’s Indian homes

In the fast-evolving landscape of Indian living, the concept of a "home" has undergone a dramatic redefinition. No longer just a place of rest, Indian homes today double as offices, classrooms, theatres, and even fitness studios. This transformation is not a fleeting trend. It marks a structural shift shaped by the rise of hybrid work models, digital-first education, and a tech-savvy, multi-generational populace. In this context, personal technology has emerged not merely as an accessory, but as essential infrastructure. It must be agile, inclusive, and capable of serving multiple purposes with precision and efficiency.

The devices we rely on must now perform far beyond their original intent. They are not just tools but enablers of productivity, connectivity, and convenience within the compressed geographies and complex routines of modern Indian life.

In this transformed domestic environment, technology can no longer afford to serve a single, siloed function. A smartphone cannot be merely a communication device. A television is not just for news, and a laptop is not reserved solely for office presentations. The devices that populate Indian homes today must be multifunctional, capable of adapting seamlessly to roles that change not just by the day, but sometimes by the hour and by the user.

This shift is also rooted in economics, as Indian consumers remain highly discerning and driven by a strong sense of value for money. The ability of a single device to fulfil multiple needs, including education, work, banking, entertainment, and healthcare, makes it not just a practical purchase but a strategic one. Rather than investing in a separate device for each purpose, households, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, expect their technology to stretch across functions. Affordability, when paired with versatility, becomes a key driver of tech adoption.

Yet, this need is not just about cost but rather about space. In Indian cities, where real estate is at a premium, homes must be optimized for multiple activities within limited square footage. In compact apartments, every square foot is valuable. A device that justifies its footprint by serving more than one purpose is not a luxury. It is a necessity. A smart TV might be a child’s virtual classroom in the morning, a working parent’s presentation screen by noon, and a family entertainment hub by evening. Similarly, a multifunction printer could handle school assignments, scan identity documents, and support small business needs, all from the same corner of the living room.

Indian households are also distinct in their composition. It is not uncommon for three generations to coexist under one roof. This brings a wide spectrum of digital literacy, expectations, and needs. A teenager may demand high performance for content creation or gaming, while a grandparent may need simplicity for video calls or telemedicine. Devices must be intuitive and inclusive, offering accessibility without alienating any demographic. In this context, personal tech becomes a democratizing force, enabling digital participation for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

The lines between work and leisure, home and office, online and offline, have blurred irreversibly. A single device must now pivot effortlessly between hosting a professional video call, streaming a fitness session, managing digital banking, and facilitating entertainment. This fluidity demands that personal technology not only be powerful but also context-aware, capable of managing transitions seamlessly and securely, without compromising on performance.

The evolution of the Indian home into a connected ecosystem further underscores the importance of multi-functionality. As smart devices become more accessible, users expect interoperability between phones, TVs, home security systems, lighting, and appliances. A smartphone that controls everything from the air conditioning to the doorbell is no longer a futuristic concept. It is present-day practicality. Centralized control is not just about convenience. It is about optimizing energy use, enhancing safety, and simplifying life.

The pandemic accelerated many of these trends, but the momentum has clearly outlasted the crisis. Hybrid work is here to stay. Online learning continues to play a significant role in education. Virtual healthcare is gaining traction. For many, personal technology is no longer just a facilitator. It is a digital lifeline to employment, education, public services, and community engagement.

Entertainment, long a central thread in Indian family life, has also been transformed. From OTT platforms to YouTube tutorials, devotional music to online gaming, digital content is now as diverse as the users consuming it. The same tablet may stream cartoons in the morning, a cooking show in the afternoon, and host a family movie night later on. Devices must accommodate this range of experiences while delivering quality, adaptability, and personalisation.

Looking ahead, the expectation for personal technology to serve multiple roles will only grow stronger. As India’s digital economy expands and digital literacy deepens, consumers will demand more from their devices, not just in terms of features, but in terms of relevance, ease of use, and contextual intelligence. The challenge for technology providers is to design solutions that are not only powerful but also intuitive, inclusive, and seamlessly integrative. Multi-functionality in personal tech is no longer a matter of luxury or convenience. It is a fundamental requirement for navigating modern Indian life. From economic rationale and spatial efficiency to social inclusivity and lifestyle fluidity, the need for versatile devices is clear. In responding to this need, technology can truly rise to its highest potential, not as an external aid, but as a silent enabler of smarter, more connected, and more harmonious Indian homes.

The author is the managing director at Brother International India Pvt Ltd.

Sci/Tech