Most of us use the microwave on a daily basis (and a variety of technology) and almost as many of us use these trusted little devices in design – however, here’s something you shouldn’t do!
A number of new iPhone 6 owners have apparently ruined their expensive devices by falling for the latest hoax sweeping social media. The trick? Someone is claiming the software that comes installed on Apple’s new gadgets contains a hidden feature which allows wireless charging in any standard kitchen microwave.
The hoax, which is making its way around social media and in forums including Reddit, 4chan and Imgur calls the fictitious feature “wave” and even includes a quasi-scientific explanation of how it works.
“iOS8 contains new drivers that interface with your device’s radio-baseband allowing it to synchronize with microwave frequencies and use them to recharge your battery,” reads the ad. “You can now “wave-charge” your device by placing it within a household microwave for a minute and a half.”
The Internet flyer was also cleverly created to mimic Apple’s iconic minimalist styling making it appear nearly authentic:This viral hoax has gullible Apple fans zapping their valuable gadgets. At least a handful of Apple users turned to Twitter to complain the “wave” feature was not working and to share the aftermath of their mistake in pictures of charred iPhones, and small kitchen fires.
I tried putting an iPhone 5 inside of a microwave to do the #wave #IOS8 feature and it broke the phone Don’t try this sailor poon~ (@SambledEggs) September 19th 2014
…just in case any of y’all are as gullible as me, DO NOT MICROWAVE YOUR IPHONE — lorena terroba (@lore1306) September 19th 2014
The hoax is similar to another one introduced by Internet trolls when Apple rolled out its iOS7 platform last year. That version tried to convince users their updated phones were waterproof. “In an emergency, a smart-switch will shut off you the phone’s power supply, and corresponding, component to prevent any damage to your iPhone’s delicate circuitry read the hoax.
And whilst we’re on microwaves – here’s a classic from the UK!
The selling of an in-car microwave oven from one of the biggest and best specialist retailer of consumer electronics, was declared “perfectly safe” by a team from a top driving and road safety organisation today.
The Top-of-dashboard mounted unit, which retails for £130 ($200 AUD) and works off the cigar lighter, will warm a pie in 1 minute or cook a full roast and two veg meal in 3 minutes, including gravy. Experts say they cannot envisage a lorry driver using the oven while driving down the motorway, or using it’s internal light to read maps by. The microwave is the latest innovation for in-car use, following on from the DVD/television, fridge, kettle, satnav and in-car washing machine. Whilst the washing machine was causing problems with vehicles steaming up, no such problems are envisaged with the microwave.
Police have said that anyone caught using an in-car oven while driving and ploughing into the back of a car would probably get 3 points on their license.
Classic!!! Got any good microwave stories to share?
