Technology is playing an increasingly important part in our lives, but how has it been implemented in the case of hobbies that could be considered luxuries? The following are some of the best examples of how the latest tech is being used to make these activities more modern, engaging, and appropriate for new audiences.

Blackjack in a Live Online Setting

Playing any casino game used to involve going to a physical brick-and-mortar establishment, but these experiences can now be had online. For example, classic card game fans can soak up the experience of their favourites, such as blackjack games, from the comfort of their home. While this might initially sound like a less luxurious way of playing, the introduction of live streaming in recent years has helped to retain the genuine casino atmosphere.

A real-time croupier deals the cards from a studio setting, while players tune in through a webcam at home. With the opportunity to communicate with the croupier and sometimes other players too, online interfaces have ensured that players don’t have to miss out.

Despite these changes, the game is the same as it has been for decades, with players looking to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over that figure. Since the dealer sits in front of a traditional blackjack table and on-screen buttons show the available options, it’s easy for newcomers and experienced gamblers to get started.

Luxury Travel Made Easier

Travelling has always been a hobby where paying more for a degree of extra luxury makes a huge difference to the quality and the service received. With technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) making huge strides in recent years, we can expect to see this reflected in what the major hotel and travel brands offer.

Passpoint shows us how a more personalised experience can be achieved by giving each registered member an instant access to a brand’s Wi-Fi network wherever they go, including up-sell opportunities that can make it even more customised for each user. The use of AI is another way this sector is changing, with the Aiello Voice Assistant one of the first tools of this type to hit the market. Expect to see VR more widely used too, with Igoroom’s booking app aiming to allow luxury hotels the chance to market with 360-degree VR tours.

Art Is Changing

Collecting pieces of art has also been an exclusive hobby, with some of the world’s richest people also owning the biggest private art collections. Traditional pieces of art are still highly in demand but we’re also seeing the emergence of new genres that could change the way we think about this hobby.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have become extremely expensive, with $91.8 million as the highest price fetched by a piece of digital art of this type, although it was technically made up of numerous elements. AI art is another way that industry is being revolutionised with the $432,500 price of the Edmond de Belamy image earlier this year representing the first major sale of this type.

All of these hobbies should continue to be extremely popular, with the latest technology making it easier fur us to enjoy them in new ways. Yet, they should continue to contain the same excitement and luxurious feel that has made them so enjoyable for so long.