Category: Gadgets

If you have a smartphone, you’ve probably come across all sorts of myths about what is or isn’t good for your phone’s battery health. You may have heard everything from charging your phone’s battery overnight can cause it to explode to wireless charging with a phone case may not be as effective. So we’re going to dive into 10 popular wireless charging myths and debunk the ones that simply aren’t true.

Myth #1: Charging Overnight Will Overload the Battery

No, your phone won’t explode if you charge your phone overnight. It won’t get overloaded. Today, there are extra protection chips inside your phone and most other electronic devices like tablets and laptops, that will prevent this from happening.

Once the internal battery is at 100 percent capacity, the charging stops. Just place your phone on the wireless charger or leave it plugged into the outlet when you go to sleep and pick up your phone again in the morning.

Myth #2: Freezing Your Phone Will Prevent Battery Problems

Don’t freeze your phone. Don’t put it in the fridge. Don’t stick it in the freezer. Don’t let it sit on top of a bed of ice. It won’t do anything. Lithium-ion batteries do well in extreme temperatures on their own — extreme heat or extreme cold. If you’re bringing in your phone after a very hot or bitingly cold day, let your phone get back to room temperature before you wirelessly charge your phone. As always, regardless of what temperature it is outside, make sure your phone is protected from the elements with a phone case.

Myth #3: Let Your Battery Go Down to Zero Before Charging

You don’t have to wait for your phone’s battery to drop to zero before you charge it. A full discharge is not helpful for lithium-ion batteries. That will actually wear out the battery faster than it should. Instead, do a partial discharge. Wirelessly charge your phone when it hits about 30 to 40 percent battery life.

Myth #4: Battery Develops a ‘Memory’

This myth ties into the idea that you should let your battery’s life drop to zero before you charge it. If you think that your phone’s battery doesn’t last as long as before, just know that it has nothing to do with that mythical battery “memory.” It’s about your battery’s capacity. While a newer phone with a newer battery can hit a full charge, an older phone with an older battery may only get around 82 percent.

Myth #5: Your iPhone Battery Only Lasts a Few Years

It’s less about the years and more about the charge cycles when it comes to your battery’s health. The Apple iPhone’s lithium-ion battery charge cycle is complete after you’ve discharged 100 percent of your battery’s capacity. Lithium-ion batteries charge faster, last longer and have a higher power density compared to traditional battery technology. The average iPhone battery lifespan is about 400 to 500 charge cycles.

Myth #6: Wireless Charging Won’t Work with a Phone Case

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does wireless charging work with a case?” you’re not alone. With Qi-standard wireless charging, the wireless charger transfers electricity to your phone through electromagnetic induction. That means certain phone cases can interfere with the wireless charging process.

You don’t want to try wireless charging with a phone case that’s too thick. Metal cases may interfere with the electromagnetic signal. Consider thinner and biodegradable phone cases for wireless charging.

Myth #7: Qi Wireless Charging Doesn’t Work

The reality is that once upon a time, iPhones were not compatible with Qi-standard wireless charging. However, since Apple added it to their iPhone 8 and X back in 2017, bringing iOS handset aboard the Qi train, most phones today support wireless charging.

Myth #8: Wireless Charging Is Slower than Wired Charging

When wireless charging technology first came out, wired phone chargers did see faster charging times. With the advancements made in recent years, wireless charging has caught up to its wired charging counterparts. We may even see wireless charging surpass the speed of traditional wired chargers in the near future.

Myth #9: Wireless Charging Is Bad for Your Phone’s Battery

This one is a myth. In fact, wireless charging is said to be better for your battery’s health. It’s also better for your phone’s health because you don’t have to worry about the wear and tear caused by frequently plugging in and out of a wired phone charger.

Myth #10: Wireless Charging Is Dangerous

Wireless charging can be dangerous if you’re not purchasing a wireless charger that is certified by the WPC (Wireless Power Consortium). In the same way that you shouldn’t buy knockoff iPhone or Android chargers, make sure you’re getting certified WPC wireless chargers. Saving a few bucks here and there can damage your phone in the long run and cost you much more money down the road.

Now that we’ve separated the wireless charging myths from the facts, you’ll be able to wirelessly charge your phone in confidence. Just make sure you have one of the right kinds of cases to wirelessly charge your phone.

As people get older, they may struggle with day-to-day tasks due to mental and physical decline. For seniors living alone, this can negatively impact everyday quality of life. The great news is that there is a plethora of  useful technological tools available to help. Investing in some handy high-tech gadgets will ultimately help you enjoy your golden years to the utmost degree.

A senior-friendly cell phone

Senior-friendly cell phones like the Jitterbug from Lively Direct are designed especially for elderly persons. Thanks to their extra-large buttons and easy-to-read text sizes, these devices stand out to buyers perusing the senior-friendly cell phone market.

By investing in accessible technologies, such as a smartphone explicitly geared towards senior citizens, elderly folks age in place can rest easy, knowing medical attention is but a few button presses away. If you’re ready for an enhanced sense of security, splurge on a cell phone that you can use in the case of a medical emergency.

Medical emergencies aside, a cell phone is also a must for senior citizens looking to expand and maintain their social network. With a smartphone tucked in your pocket, the days of back-to-back lonely afternoons will be long behind you.

Medical alert system

If you need emergency help, you can use a voice-activated medical alert system to call for assistance, even if an injury renders you immobile. These devices are handy for persons who have already experienced health scares, like a stroke, fall, or heart attack. A medical alert system is also helpful for individuals with chronic health issues, who may find themselves physically debilitated at a moment’s notice.

GPS technology

Some medical alert systems also include GPS capability, making it easy for emergency responders to locate a senior, such as yourself, who is injured and can’t move. By introducing GPS technologies into your aging-in-place oasis, your loved ones will enjoy added peace of mind.

For those seniors struggling to navigate the GPS technology sphere, opt for simple GPS trackers, like those found in an Apple watch. If you’re prone to forgetfulness, this high-tech gadget is one to remember.

Ring doorbell

A ring doorbell is equipped with a tiny camera and microphone, allowing you to see, hear, and talk to the person outside before letting them in. Seniors living alone may appreciate the added security this brings. It’s also a great way to track the arrival and departure of caregivers. Some ring bells can also be activated remotely using a smart speaker like Alexa.

Smart home security system

A ring doorbell can be just one part of a comprehensive home security system. Seniors may also like to ramp up protection using other devices, like on-site cameras, motion detectors, and motion-activated lights. Modern home security systems can include remote 24/7 monitoring.

Should an emergency or security threat catch you by surprise, an external security hub will be alerted upon the first sight of trouble. From there, it’s only a matter of contacting emergency personnel.

Medication reminder phone app

In more cases than not, seniors must assume responsibility for overseeing a strict schedule of medications to manage the various health ailments that may arise with age, like high blood pressure or diabetes. In the past, people may have used pillboxes with days of the week written on them to keep track of their medications.

However, with high-tech gadgets at your ready aid, there’s no reason to stick to outdated solutions and fall behind on the future-forward innovations of today. If you’re a senior citizen striving for tech-savviness, it’s time to try a medication reminder app that will reduce your risk of missed doses. Install the app on your smartphone or watch for added convenience.

Smart speakers, like Alexa

Smart speakers make it easy to complete simple tasks like checking the weather, turning the lights on, or changing the music, all without lifting a finger. For elderly persons with limited mobility, giving voice commands to take care of these tasks is a big boon. If you upgrade your smart speaker service, it’s even possible to use a tool like Alexa to call 911 in medical emergencies.

The final word

Note that many of the tools described above rely on Wi-Fi to function. Seniors who don’t have a reliable internet connection should consider upgrading their internet plan to make the most of these tools. Once you’ve invested in 4G Wi-Fi, you’ll be ready to take advantage of the cutting-edge tech you need to make everyday life easier.