Going wireless is a trap

Let’s face it: we all live with unreliable and aggravating broadband connections. But did you know that the real problem is your Wifi. Ben Kuhn (h/t Newley Purnell) makes a persuasive argument for going back to good old cables to improve your connectivity and sanity:

“Wifi (and bluetooth, etc.) sucker you in by making it seem like they “just work.” But if you investigate, you’ll often find that the wireless link is operating in a degraded state that performs much worse than a wired equivalent. Since this degradation is silent, it’s often not obvious that the problem is the wireless—instead, you’ll probably conclude that it’s your device/software/self.”

Need to sterilise your phone?

UV Care Sterilizer can get rid of germs on your phones, earphones, watches and wallets in three minutes. Its maker—Messy Corner—has launched five different Covid safety products including: “a hand-held device to disinfect files and papers, a household UV sanitisation box for groceries, vegetables and packaged food to bigger devices for hotels and airports.” (Mint)

High end retailers are gearing up for your safety

UV boxes, steam ironing, disinfectant sprays, eliminating trial rooms and relaxing return policies. Voice of Fashion reports on the ways that designers are working to keep their clothes and stores Covid-free. But they haven’t mastered all the problems posed by in-person shopping as yet:

“Monitoring customers constantly can be tricky for a retailer. How does one ask a customer to put on gloves if they want to touch and feel the garment? That experience is important in making a purchase decision and the lack of it can hinder the shopping experience.”