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Rare new image of Archie emerges

Three-year-old Archie has been seen in a photo with his mum Meghan Markle, making a rare appearance in the public eye after the photo was shared on social media. Archie and Meghan were joined by Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mum, on a video call with Full Circle Strategies CEO Jotaka Eaddy and political strategist Donna Brazile. The toddler was seen on camera sitting on Meghan’s lap, while his grandmother stood behind them. The image was shared by Duchess Harris, a professor in American studies and political science, and quickly spread online. While it is unclear what the meeting was about, the photo marks one of Archie’s few appearances since his birth in May 2019. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/12/archie-meghan-zoom.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Meghan Markle, Archie, and Doria Ragland appeared on a video call with Jotaka Eaddy and Donna Brazile, marking one of the few times Archie has been seen on camera. Image: Twitter The meeting and photo also come as Prince William and Kate Middleton prepare to head to the United States on Thursday, with an itinerary including attending the second Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston, Massachusetts. Coincidentally, Harry and Meghan will also be on the East Coast within days of the Prince and Princess of Wales, as they are due to attend a ceremony in New York to accept the Ripple of Hope award for their stance against “structural racism” in the royal family. The recognition of the Sussexes also comes amid more racial controversy for the royals. On Thursday, Queen Elizabeth’s lady-in-waiting Lady Susan Hussey resigned from her royal position for making “deeply regrettable comments” about Ngozi Fulani, the CEO of Sistah Space, an organisation aimed at supporting women of African and Caribbean heritage that are affected by abuse. Image: Twitter

Lifestyle

Ancient insect calls for update to Jurassic Park soundtrack

For the past 150 years, the single known specimen of a species of katydid-like insect known as <a href="http://orthoptera.speciesfile.org/Common/basic/Taxa.aspx?TaxonNameID=1129138" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prophalangopsis obscura</a> has sat quietly in the London Natural History Museum but now some scientists have worked out what it would have sounded like. A British/Austrian team, used some seriously fancy equipment and an understanding of the physics of insect acoustics to work out what this species would have sounded like when it sang for a mate, giving insight into the ancient insect soundscape of the Jurassic period. Katydids are grasshoppers and crickets. This holotype, or single known specimen, is one of only eight remaining species from the 90 or so which were abundant during the Jurassic period. The research team has shown the sounds produced by this particular insect would have been similar to, although distinguishable from, other related species around this period. <figure class="wp-block-audio"><audio src="../wp-content/uploads/2022/08/journal.pone_.0270498.s002.wav?x88132" controls="controls"></audio><figcaption>The reconstructed calling song of Prophalangopsis obscura. Credit: Woodrow et al. 2002/PLOS ONE, CC-BY 4.0</figcaption></figure> The chirp produced by P. obscura is a pure tone, emitted at around 4.7 kHz — well-within the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10924/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">range of human hearing</a>. Aside from helping researchers understand what the insect world sounded like when dinosaurs roamed the Earth some 145 to 201 million years ago, the findings also suggest that early insects of this type were limited to frequencies below 20 kHz. <div class="newsletter-box"> </div> This is important because the other species of Prophalangopsis known today have evolved to be flightless, using their wings exclusively for sound production and attracting a mate. These evolved species have also developed ultrasonic sound production organs to assist in deterring ground-based predators. That P. obscura retained its ability to fly — even just short distances — and did not develop ultrasonic capabilities, suggests it followed a different evolutionary path to the other species still in existence today, giving extra insight into the evolution of this species and their relatives. But, how do you hear an insect that has been dead for 150 years? Like katydids and their relatives, P. obscura, produced sound by scraping one of its wings with a ‘file’ (or row of teeth). These vibrations would then by amplified by special structures within the insect’s wing and radiated out into the surrounding environment. Scientists at the University of Lincoln, the Natural History Museum, London, UK and Karl-Franzens-University, Graz, Austria used a technique called micro-scanning Laser-Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) to scan and then reconstruct the wings and sound-producing organs of the holotype. They then applied knowledge of close relatives of the species, they were then able to infer the “carrier frequency” (the central frequency at which the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jeb.13179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall sound reaches its maximum energy</a>). Due to its low frequency and pure tone, the song P. obscura sang may have reverberated far and wide across the Jurassic landscape. <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=201424&title=Ancient+insect+calls+for+update+to+Jurassic+Park+soundtrack" width="1" height="1" /> <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/biology/ancient-insect-jurassic-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/clare-kenyon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clare Kenyon</a>. Clare Kenyon is a science writer for Cosmos. She is currently wrangling the death throes of her PhD in astrophysics, has a Masters in astronomy and another in education, and has classroom experience teaching high school science, maths and physics. Clare also has diplomas in music and criminology and a graduate certificate of leadership and learning. Image: Charlie Woodrow </div>

Lifestyle

REVEALED: The two people Queen Elizabeth II will pick up the phone for

A royal commentator has <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals" target="_blank">revealed</a> that the Queen only speaks to two people within “The Firm” on her phone - and they might not be who you would expect. “Apparently, the Queen has two people who she speaks to the most on her phones and she also apparently has a mobile phone which is said to be a Samsung packed with anti-hacker encryption by MI6 so nobody can hack into her phone,” royal commentator Jonathan Sacerdoti said during his appearance on US podcast <a rel="noopener" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royally-us-harry-meghan-kate-and-william-royal-news/id1553314202" target="_blank">The Royally</a>. “But the two people she phones the most is said to be her daughter Princess Anne and her racing manager John Warren.” It has also been revealed that the Queen intends to host the Royal Family at Sandringham House for Christmas. The revelation comes at the end of a difficult year for Queen Elizabeth II, who lost her husband Prince Philip earlier this year and has experienced several health scares in recent months. “The Queen has told everyone she is feeling far better of late and is very much looking forward to welcoming them for Christmas,” a source told The Daily Mail last week. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWtH84uMQCL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWtH84uMQCL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a> </div> </blockquote> The invites have reportedly been sent to Prince Edward, Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and their families. However, Page Six has reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won’t be joining the festivities at Sandringham House. Image: Getty Images

Entertainment

Why Prince William warns not to call healthcare workers “heroes”

Prince William has cautioned against calling health care workers “heroes” amid the coronavirus outbreak, saying it might put undue pressure on those working on the frontline to appear “strong” and deter them from seeking support. In an appearance on the BBC’s One Show, the Duke of Cambridge said some hospital staff and care workers he chatted with through video calls found it difficult to talk about their problems. “I think we’ve got to be very careful with the language that we use,” William said. “[Healthcare workers] should rightly be hailed as superstars, and brave, and wonderful staff – but I’m very conscious from a mental health point of view that we don’t alienate some of them.” The “hero” label might lead healthcare staff to believe they have to be “this strong pillar of strength” and prevent them from asking for mental health support, the duke said. He urged the United Kingdom’s National Health Service workers to look after themselves so that they could emerge from the pandemic “in one piece”. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvkP3oFEMq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvkP3oFEMq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on May 28, 2020 at 12:26pm PDT </div> </blockquote> William’s comments came ahead of the airing of the documentary Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health, where the royal discussed why “it’s OK to not be OK”.

Health

How to change your phone number in Facebook or get rid of it entirely

You can easily change a phone number in Facebook if your original number connected to the social media platform has become outdated. Facebook asks for a user’s phone number for a few reasons, which are: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">A phone number can be used to reset a forgotten password</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">It can be used to suggest people you may know so that you can connect with them on Facebook</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">The phone number can keep your account safe with two-factor authentication and you can also receive text alerts for potentially unauthorised logins</li> </ul> However, if you want to remove the number entirely or change it, it’s an easy fix. How to change your phone number on Facebook <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Log into Facebook on a computer and click on the arrow in the top-right corner of your home page. Click on “Settings”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select “Mobile” on the left side.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">If your account isn’t connected to a phone number, you can add one from this section via the “+ Add a Phone” section.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">If you already have a phone number, you can click on “+ Add another mobile phone number” to add another number.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Enter your number and select if you’d like Facebook to confirm the number with a text message or with a call and click “Continue”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Enter the confirmation code you receive from Facebook and click “Confirm”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">You can remove a phone number on Facebook by clicking the “Remove” button below the number you want to delete.</li> </ol> Easy!

Entertainment

South Africa’s call of the wild

Three giraffes are outlined against a blue sky, pink tongues unfurling around the leaves of an acacia tree. Two cheetahs prowl as the sun sets, and hippos wallow. Every day on safari in South Africa brings something new: wildebeest moving through a dry riverbed, or a leopard slinking through golden grass that crackles in the sun. Back in my luxury lodge, I soak off the dust in an infinity pool and gaze over antelope-dotted plains. As dusk stains the sky red, I hear the quintessential sound of Africa: the roar of a lion satisfied with its kill. I’ve had many South African safari experiences, all different but equally thrilling. At Karkloof Safari Spa near Pietermartizburg, owner Fred Wörner has realised a mad dream to combine wild animals with first-class wellness treatments. (And why not: he made a motser selling wheelie bins to Australian councils, and can now do what he wants.) Now he sits like a James Bond villain – though a rather likeable one – drinking brandy in a throne-like chair decorated with kudu horns, ordering pan-seared ostrich and – on occasion, when tourists aren’t looking – shooting the odd warthog for the pot. In Great St Lucia Wetland on the coast east of Durban, I stayed at unpretentious Makakatana Bay Lodge where the waitress was called Promise, the chef Rejoice, and the vibe was more laidback than at upmarket game reserves. It provides a sampling of raw African nature, where wildlife isn’t yet accustomed to tourist-filled safari vehicles, and zebra and buffalo remain skittish and unpredictable. In the evenings, hippos snort in the dark as I tuck into Rejoice’s simple but delicious food. Lanterns swing in the trees and cicadas hum. Not so far away, Phinda Private Game Reserve has the most varied habitats of any South African safari lodge. I paddle the river to spot crocodile and hippos that yawn to reveal cavernous pink mouths. I see turtles on the beach, and then pluck up the courage to tackle a specialist white-rhino safari with a tracker and armed ranger. After picking up the trail, we descend from the vehicle and follow the rhino on foot through rustling grasses in an unnerving but utterly exhilarating wildlife experience. I’m also fortunate to visit Kwandwe Private Game Reserve northeast of Port Elizabeth. On my first morning’s safari we come across a lion lurking in a thicket, but some of the smaller animals are lovely too: malachite sunbirds sipping nectar in a flurry of emerald-coloured wings; blue cranes strutting through the grass. At day’s end, guests gather with whiskeys to sit around the dining-lodge fire and swap improbable stories of the day’s adventures. Nobody has spied a shy leopard, but we’ve spotted giraffe, eland, springbok and rhino. On a night safari we track down those elusive beasts that haunt the first page of our dictionaries, the aardvark and aardwolf. For a particularly memorably splurge, on one visit to South Africa I take to an aircraft to view the landscape and its creatures from above. It’s like living a celluloid dream. Remember the 1985 movie Out of Africa, and the scenes in which Robert Redford takes Meryl Streep on a joyride in his aircraft, high above a marvellous landscape of flamingo-haunted lakes and rustling grasslands? That’s what comes to mind as I swoop between the vast cotton balls of African clouds, muddy rivers oozing below. Animals look odd from above: humped elephant backs and shifting patterns of zebra and dainty impala. Flying is a different way to see things, but you can’t beat being on the ground and down among the wildlife. At Ulusaba, owned by Sir Richard Branson, I sit on my lodge deck and gazed over Sabi Sand Reserve’s undulating landscape of grass and low trees, pockmarked with waterholes and the odd rocky outcrop. Elephant and rhino occasionally wander about the lodges, and windows have to be latched against baboons. As dawn breaks, we clamber into open Jeeps and head through the bush. The tracker’s radio hisses with a message that there are lions nearby. Then they emerge from the grasses: a shaggy-maned male and three females, parading down the dusty track as if showing off. Over the next two days, we watch a file of stately giraffes blink their long eyelashes, and spot another leopard, one of the most elusive of African animals. Red-billed oxpeckers pluck ticks off the backs of lumbering animals. One hops right into a rhino’s enormous ear, looking for a treat. Later, sunset flares in a magnificent display of crimson and gold. From the lodge deck, the display of stars is so extravagant I wonder whether I’m hallucinating. Vivid blue lizards scamper over the still-hot rocks as guests exchange stories of the day’s adventures. Out of the night an elephant trumpets: the end of another excellent day on safari in South Africa. Written by Brian Johntson. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/south-africa-s-call-of-the-wild/">MyDiscoveries.</a>

Travel

The WhatsApp bug that lets hackers access your files

WhatApp users are being urged to update their app to avoid a security bug that compromises user chat history and files. The hack allows hackers to take over the app when a user opens a malicious GIF image as an attachment or through other channels. When the user opens their WhatsApp Gallery, the bug in the malicious GIF will be triggered and the hacker will have access to their WhatsApp messages, files, photos, videos and more. Tech blog <a href="https://awakened1712.github.io/hacking/hacking-whatsapp-gif-rce/">Awakened</a> reported that devices running Android 8.1 and 9.0 were vulnerable to the attack, while versions of the operating system below 8.0 were not. In response to the report, WhatsApp’s owner Facebook released a vulnerability patch in the messaging app’s new 2.19.244 version. “This issue was reported and quickly addressed,” a WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement. “We have no reason to believe this affected any users, though of course we are always working to provide the latest security features to our users.” To update WhatsApp to the latest version, iPhone users should go to the App Store, select updates and then tap update next to the messenger icon. Android users should go to the Play Store, tap on menu and then select “My apps & games” before picking WhatsApp and clicking on the Update button.

Entertainment

Yes, you can unsend that text and here's how

Oops, wrong number! D’oh, stupid autocorrect! Gah, why did I think texting my ex was a good idea?! We’ve all had our share of cringe-worthy texts that we regret the moment we send them. In the past, you haven’t had too many options: send a quick apology, hope the other person will gloss over your oversight, or block that contact and delete all evidence of your lapse in judgment. Thankfully, that all ends today. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.onsecondthought.co/" target="_blank">On Second Thought</a> is an app that lets you take back your texts after hitting send. It syncs with your usual texting program to let you message everyone on your contact list as usual, just in a different app—and with some nifty “unsend” features that prevent endless embarrassment. The app lets you choose a “grace period” of up to 60 seconds after you hit send when you can delete the message. Even if the other person doesn’t have On Second Thought, you can either recall the text to edit it, or delete it completely. Either way, your almost-recipient will be none the wiser, and you get to save face. If you have a habit of sending unfortunate texts that you regret the next day, On Second Thought has another solution. During periods of time when you don’t quite trust yourself to make great texting decisions – say, when grabbing drinks with that pot-stirring friend who always convinces you to call out your ex – the app can set up a “curfew.” Any texts you try to send during that time will be held until morning. In the morning, when your head is clear, you can decide whether you want to follow through with sending them. The unsend app isn’t available on the Apple App Store yet, but you can <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.onsecondthought" target="_blank">download it</a> from Google Play. Written by Marissa LaLiberte. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/science-technology/yes-you-can-unsend-text-and-heres-how" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>.

Entertainment

Keep an ear out for these phone scams

Don’t fall victim to a telephone scam – educate yourself on the latest tricks to get you to part with your money. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/keep-ear-out-these-phone-scams">Whatsapp scam</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/keep-ear-out-these-phone-scams"> What is it? The Singapore Police Force issued a warning just last month about a scam that causes victims to lose access to their Whatsapp accounts. How does it work? Victims would receive Whatsapp messages from people on their contact list asking for their Whatsapp account verification codes. Once the victims send the codes over, the scammers control of the accounts. They would then use these compromised accounts to con people on the contact list into purchasing gift cards and sending over the passwords for the cards. The cards would then be sold online. How can I protect myself? Don’t entertain unusual requests via Whatsapp, even if they come from someone on your contact list, as the account may have been compromised. Speak with the person to verify their identity. You can also protect your Whatsapp account by enabling the “Two-step Verification” feature. Impersonation scam What is it? There are several variations of this ruse, with the scammers pretending to be all manner of officials, from police officers to bank staff. The latest iteration in Malaysia involves scammer pretending to be postal couriers. How does it work? Scammers will call their victims, impersonating any of the above-mentioned positions. They inform the victims that they have broken the law and will be in trouble if they do not pay a fine, which is to be transferred to an account number they provide. The scammers also tell their victims that the conversation is being recorded and that they must not tell anyone about it or they’ll get in further trouble. How can I protect myself? These scammers use Caller ID spoofing technology to divert the phone numbers from the relevant agencies so it looks like you’re getting a call from the police, for example. But it’s important to note that government agencies will never conduct business in this manner, so this is clearly a scam. Hang up and make a police report. Wangiri scam What is it? This scam has been around for the better part of a decade but it does pop up now and again in a slightly different form, so it’s important to always be alert. Wangiri means “one ring” and “cut” in Japanese, where the victim receives a call from an overseas number that gets cut off after just one ring. How does it work? Getting the call is not the problem, returning the call is. If you return the call, you will likely hear an advertisement for a subscription chat line or internet service, and you will be charged for the call. The latest variation involves receiving a Whatsapp message with a contact attachment – you will be charged for calling the contact. How can I protect myself? Never return the call, especially if you don’t know anyone living in the country from where the call originates. Block the number and Google it to see if there are any reports of scammers using it. Kidnapping scams What is it? This is another scam that’s making its rounds in Singapore again, with local police reporting that they have received numerous reports about it last month. How does it work? Scammers send text messages to victims claiming that they have kidnapped the victims’ loved ones and will harm them if they do not transfer a large amount of money to a bank account. How can I protect myself? Remain calm and contact your loved ones immediately to ensure they are safe. Don’t transfer the money or respond to the text message, and be sure to block the number. Make a police report. Written by Siti Rohani. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/keep-ear-out-these-phone-scams" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. </div>

Entertainment

How to have a healthier relationship with your phone

If you find yourself checking your phone several dozen times a day, don’t worry, it’s not quite your fault. Lots of apps and programs, especially social media apps, have been designed to capture your attention and make it difficult for you to put your phone down. Unfortunately, though, there’s a down side to all this connectivity. A study released last year showed that people with a longer average screen time, and those who used their phones close to bedtime, had poorer sleep quality. Another recent study, released in the journal The Lancet, revealed that the use of your phone in the wee hours of the morning, could increase the chances of developing psychological issues such as depression, bipolar disorder and neuroticism. While the phone is undoubtedly important in our daily lives, we can all agree that we shouldn’t have to pay such a steep price for it in terms of compromising our health. It’s time to take some steps to cultivate a healthier relationship with our phones. Here are a few dos and don’ts: DO: Turn off app notifications Every time a notification goes off, it serves as a trigger for us to immediately pick up our phones. Turning off notifications will ensure that we don’t constantly feel pressured to check what’s going on. If you must, just leave notifications on for chat functions so you don’t miss important messages. DO: Go greyscale Setting your phone to greyscale can help you reduce the number of times you check it. This piece of advice comes from Tristan Harris, a former design ethicist at Google who co-founded The Center for Humane Technology. The reason behind this is that certain colours used by the apps, such as red and bright blue, subconsciously excite us and entice us to check our phones. By going greyscale, you lose such triggers. DO: Leave your phone behind Spend some time physically apart from your phone. Start small by first leaving your phone in your bag when you work out at the gym, and work towards leaving your phone at home when you have a jog around the neighbourhood. After a while, you may get more comfortable with the idea of spending more time apart. DON'T: Charge your device in the bedroom Alternatively, make sure your phone is out of reach or placed at the other end of the room. This makes sure that you don’t check it first thing in the morning before even getting out of bed. DON'T: Place your favourite app shortcuts on your home screen With such quick access to these apps, you’ll be tempted to constantly check in. Instead, keep only important tools on your home screen and relegate the other apps to the back pages. This way, you have to type the app name and do a search whenever you want to launch it, which just might be enough to discourage you from using it. Written by Siti Rohani. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/science-technology/have-healthier-relationship-your-phone">Reader’s Digest</a>.

Entertainment

4 ways your mobile phone affects your body and mind

As mobile phones infiltrate nearly every aspect of our society, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and used to their constant presence. However, there are many ways that the devices impact your body and your mind. 1. It messes with your sleep Scanning your phone right before bed can disturb your slumber. The short-wavelength, bright blue light your device emits boosts your  attention during the day, but at night the light can inhibit the production  of melatonin, which helps you fall asleep. To avoid that, make a habit of not using your phone for at least 30 minutes before you close your eyes. 2. It's not easy to put down It would be easy to avoid  issues caused by your phone by simply  putting down your phone. The problem: it isn’t so easy. That twinge of phone separation anxiety is real. In fact, Rosen says, detaching from your phone can cause your brain to release the stress hormone cortisol. Of course, there are many phone apps (with calming names, such as Forest and Mute) to help you control your phone addiction. Or you can just let the battery run down and forget about it! 3. It can be a hazard while walking We all know that walking around town with your face  in your phone can be dangerous, and there are studies that underline the point. City pedestrians using  their phones looked left and right less often and were more likely  to be hit by a vehicle, according  to a review of studies on distracted  walking in the Journal of Traffic  and Transportation Engineering.   In another small experiment,  94 percent of pedestrians who were using mobile phones to talk and text didn’t see free cash hanging from  a tree. (That’s right, they walked right by a bunch of dollar bills.) 4. It hurts your eyes Your phone can do a number on your eyes. A study in the US found that about 60 percent of respondents experience digital  eye strain symptoms such as dryness, irritation, blurred vision, eye fatigue and headaches. Try blinking often, increasing font size and  taking a break from screens every 20 minutes. Written by Michelle Crouch. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/13-ways-your-mobile-phone-affects-your-body-and-mind">Reader’s Digest</a>.

Entertainment

The new device that charges your phone while you’re on the go

Researchers from Queen’s University in Canada have developed an energy-harvesting device that exploits the side to side movement of a backpack that will generate electricity while you walk. The trial version would be suitable for people who work or trek to remote areas and the device has enough power to deploy an emergency beacon or a GPS. The researchers experimented with seven different conditions for energy harvesting and found that a load of nine kilograms generated the optimum amount of power without any extra effort to the wearer. The nine kilograms would be made up of clothes, food, a stove, fuel, a sleeping bag and a tent which was packed for a long trek. The weight of the device and the backpack adds another five kilos. The setup in total produces about .22 watts of electricity which is enough to power GPS and emergency beacons. <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.182021">In the paper</a>, the researchers Jean-Paul Martin and Qingguo Li calculate that adding more weight to the backpack will help it generate more power. “Modelling predicts that an increase in electrical power production could be achieved by increasing the weight carried,” they write. “If generating over (one Watt) of electrical power was desired for powering higher demand devices, such as talking or browsing the internet with a cell phone, our model indicates that over 20 kilograms of weight would need to be carried.” In total, you would be carrying 14 kilograms on your back to generate enough power for your GPS or emergency beacon. Although this might seem like too much weight for most people, it’s next to nothing for soldiers who are used to carrying at least 27 kilograms and as much as 45 kilograms on their back for long-haul missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Entertainment

The new 5G smartphones causing headaches for Apple

Telstra has recently launched a 5G network within Australia, which means that Samsung, LG and Oppo have also released their first devices that are capable of handling the new network speeds. As these brands are all Android phones, Apple should be worried about their market share in Australia as Aussies will want a phone that can handle the faster speeds. Here are the top three competitors. 1. Samsung Galaxy S10 5G The S10 5G Samsung device has the largest screen out of the three 5G phones on offer, measuring at 17cms. There are four cameras on the back of the device and two on the front, as well as the device offering a 3D depth feature. The 3D depth feature allows more immersive photography and the two cameras on the front mean that there’s a wider angle for you to get selfies with your grandkids. The phone also offers a headphone jack, reverse wireless charging and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzx1sPLl4cc/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzx1sPLl4cc/" target="_blank">A post shared by Welcome To The Blue Galaxy (@samsungblue_)</a> on Jul 11, 2019 at 6:49am PDT </div> </blockquote> 2. LG V50 THINQ 5G LG has shaken up the growing trend of newer smartphones coming with a clear case and has added a new case that snaps onto the back of the V50 ThinQ 5G that also contains a front cover with a built in touch-screen. You’re essentially getting two smartphones in one as the dual screen offered allows you to multitask while on the go. The dual screen is not compatible for all applications. The LG V50 offers three cameras on the back and there are two cameras on the front, which seems to be a growing trend in the smartphone market. However, you have to open the cover each time to take a photo using the front cameras, which might make you want to remove the dual screen entirely, according to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/mobile-phones/5g-smartphones-the-midrange-phones-causing-big-headaches-for-apple/news-story/e3a0f9938976a86248d7134ed6b3b5d6">news.com.au</a>. <a style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzxVGAMJD44/" data-instgrm-version="12"></a> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzxVGAMJD44/" target="_blank">A post shared by 🇰🇷 Ji Yeon 지연 (@bli2s_)</a> on Jul 11, 2019 at 2:04am PDT </div> 3. OPPO RENO 5G Oppo Reno 5G is the cheapest of all three smartphones on offer. The phone offers a 16.7cm display and the screen is edge-to-edge. Oppo also offer an invisible front facing 16megapixel camera that pops out of the phone when activated. There are three cameras on the rear of the phone that include a 48-megapixel lens with a 10x hybrid zoom. The phone comes with 256g of on-board storage, but it lacks water resistance and wireless charging. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxUily-lEZm/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxUily-lEZm/" target="_blank">A post shared by PLANET PONSEL (@planetponsel.id)</a> on May 11, 2019 at 4:42am PDT </div> </blockquote>

Entertainment

The scary reason why you should put your phone on airplane mode when flying

Before take-off, flight attendants advise travellers to either turn off their mobile phones or to activate the airplane mode setting. Airplane mode is designed for safety whilst on the flight as well as helping passengers avoid heavy roaming charges. Depending on the mobile device and the plane the passenger is on, the device could automatically connect to the airplane’s antenna and collect roaming fees when not on airplane mode, reports The Sun. This is due to settings on the mobile phone which automatically connect to roaming networks that are available on the plane. A passenger found this out the hard way after revealing to the The Irish Times that he had left his mobile phone on in the overhead compartment without turning it on airplane mode and ended up racking up a fine of AU$409. He received the bill a few weeks later from his provider AT&T. The company said the passenger’s phone connected to the plane’s antenna and used data that was “outside an unlimited international roaming plan,” which resulted in the extra fees. Although this isn’t the case in all circumstances, the airline confirmed the situation, stating that the passenger’s device “may connect to the in-flight roaming network” without connecting to the fee-paying Wi-Fi network. The money is directly billed to the service provider, which is what happened in this case. This is not only possible on airplanes, but also at sea, where extra fees can be accumulated while travelling across the ocean. In 2016 British man Mark Stokes received a $590 bill from UK telco O2 after his phone’s data was roaming while he was aboard a ferry travelling between England and France. Surprisingly, Stokes incurred the extra charges even though he had paid for a “bolt-on” package to be able to use his phone as normal while travelling. According to the BBC, Stokes was a victim of his phone automatically connecting to the ferry’s own mobile network, which works via satellite. The satellite network is not included in the usual mobile networks, meaning that normal phone tariffs aren’t included and therefore, that is how the charges were accumulated. So, keep these tips in mind when travelling, to avoid being caught out with outrageous roaming mobile phone charges while travelling.

Travel

Why putting down your phone could help you live longer

Having a smartphone can bring about a great dilemma – a lot has been said about the dangers of spending time on our devices, but putting them away is still easier said than done. A look into hormones could explain why phones can be simultaneously stimulating for your mind and harmful for your health. A growing body of evidence suggests that smartphones have detrimental effects on our sleep, memory, attention spans, <a href="https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/smartphone-addiction-study-check-phones-52-times-daily-1203028454/">mental health</a>, <a href="https://hbr.org/2018/03/having-your-smartphone-nearby-takes-a-toll-on-your-thinking">problem-solving skills</a>, and more. But if that’s not enough, the <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/science/2019/05/01/phone-stress-health-problems/">New York Times</a> has reported that keeping our phones close may be increasing our stress levels and, consequently, shortening our lives. Most studies on smartphone use have focused on the way phones and apps are designed to encourage the production of dopamine, a brain chemical that plays an important role in motivating behaviours, habits and addictions. The release of dopamine from using phones and apps makes it more difficult for us to put our devices down. This has been acknowledged by Chamath Palihapitiya, a former executive at the world’s biggest social media site Facebook. “I feel tremendous guilt,” said Palihapitiya in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMotykw0SIk">2017 talk</a>. “The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops that we have created are destroying how society works.” But apart from dopamine, phones can also stimulate cortisol spikes. Known as the stress hormone, cortisol triggers physiological responses such as increase in blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar. While cortisol may help regulate the hormone balance in your body in response to perceived threats – for example, bear attacks – its continuous release from anticipating notifications on your device may not be as beneficial. Chronically elevated cortisol levels have been associated with various health problems, from weight gain, metabolic issues and fragile skin to depression, heart attack, dementia and stroke. “Every chronic disease we know of is exacerbated by stress,” said Dr Robert Lustig, emeritus professor in paediatric endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco, and author of The Hacking of the American Mind. “And our phones are absolutely contributing to this.” This was also supported by David Greenfield, PhD, founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction. “Smartphones put us in an ever-increasing state of hyper-vigilance, where we’re always feeling compelled to check our calls, texts, social media alerts, email, and more,” he told <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19530834/how-smartphones-stress-you-out/">Men’s Health</a>. “This keeps the adrenals constantly activated and cortisol levels elevated.” So how could we reduce our phone use and recover our health? Keeping your gadget out of sight might be one of the options – according to a <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/keeping-your-smartphone-nearby-may-not-be-so-smart-2017080212163">study</a> published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, leaving your device in another room instead of on the desk could improve your focus and reduce distraction through the absence of stressor. Turning off notifications will also make your phone less stressful, as will hiding or deleting apps. Paying attention to physical reactions is also important, said Dr Judson Brewer, director of research and innovation at the Mindfulness Centre at Brown University and author of The Craving Mind. He told the Times that stress and anxiety could manifest in the form of chest contraction. “If we’re not aware of our physical sensations, we’re not going to change our behaviours,” he said. Paying attention to the sensations you are feeling when using a particular app could help you identify ways to rebalance your body chemicals.

Health

Why you should set your phone to black and white

Feeling more glued to your phone than you should be? According to a <a href="https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/02/smartphone-habits-and-pet-peeves-of-australians/">2017 study</a>, the average person in Australia spends 2.5 hours each day on their smartphones, with three out of four men (74 per cent) admitting to having their phone at hand throughout the whole day compared with 60 per cent of women. If you are concerned about your screentime, setting your phone to grayscale may help. Replacing the saturated colours with black-and-white tones may help make the apps look less enticing, saving you from endless checking and scrolling. Switching to grayscale can also help you save battery life and make it easier on your eyes, especially if you have visual impairments such as colour blindness. Here’s how you can change your phone to black and white. iPhone <ol> <li>Open Settings > General > Accessibility > Display Accommodations.</li> <li>Select Color Filters, then toggle the switch on.</li> <li>Select Grayscale.</li> </ol> To set it back to the colourful setting, simply switch the toggle back. Android <ol> <li>Open Settings > About device > Software info.</li> <li>Tap on the Builder number several times until a notification appears that you are now a developer.</li> <li>Go back to Settings and choose Developer options on the bottom of the list. Toggle on the switch at the top if it is not already on.</li> <li>Open Simulate color space.</li> <li>Select Monochromacy.</li> </ol>

Entertainment

Samsung delaying Galaxy Fold launch due to screen issues

A report from <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/samsungs-galaxy-fold-smartphone-release-delayed-11555941705?mod=e2tw">The Wall Street Journal</a> has suggested that Samsung are pushing the breaks on the Samsung Galaxy Fold, which is the brands latest phone. The Galaxy Fold is a phone that is bendable, but people have found it too flimsy. The Fold has been plagued with bad press since the announcement, but not all complaints have been legitimate. Some had issues with the size of the phone, but that can be overlooked as the users adjust to their new device. However, other issues are more pressing. Some users, who were too excited about their new phone to read the instructions, peeled off the protective film that is necessary for the device to function properly. Those who keep the film on report a large crease down the middle of their phone that is frustrating to look at. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> After one day of use... <a href="https://t.co/VjDlJI45C9">pic.twitter.com/VjDlJI45C9</a> — Steve Kovach (@stevekovach) <a href="https://twitter.com/stevekovach/status/1118571414934753280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">17 April 2019</a></blockquote> Some are folding the phone like it’s built to do, but are losing the function of the other screens. Journalists who have been given the phones as trials are reporting these problems, which can be seen in the tweet below. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> The screen on my <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GalaxyFold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GalaxyFold</a> review unit was completely broken and unusable just two days in. Today Samsung has replaced my review unit, and I am waiting on an official statement. <a href="https://t.co/VXionV5PsO">pic.twitter.com/VXionV5PsO</a> — Gautam Tandon (@TheGautamTandon) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheGautamTandon/status/1118804506618335237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">18 April 2019</a></blockquote> Samsung have released a statement addressing the issues with the phones: “We recently unveiled a completely new mobile category: A smartphone using multiple new technologies and materials to create a display that is flexible enough to fold. We are encouraged by the excitement around the Galaxy Fold. “While many reviewers shared with us the vast potential they see, some also showed us how the device needs further improvements that could ensure the best possible user experience. “To fully evaluate this feedback and run further internal tests, we have decided to delay the release of the Galaxy Fold. We plan to announce the release date in the coming weeks. “Initial findings from the inspection of reported issues on the display showed that they could be associated with impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge. There was also an instance where substances found inside the device affected the display performance. “We will take measures to strengthen the display protection. We will also enhance the guidance on care and use of the display including the protective layer so that our customers get the most out of their Galaxy Fold. “We value the trust our customers place in us and they are always our top priority. Samsung is committed to working closely with customers and partners to move the industry forward. We want to thank them for their patience and understanding.”

Entertainment

Are you at risk? Data sharing amongst health apps is more common than you think

Some of the sensitive information you might share with a doctor, including your age, sex, medical conditions and current symptoms, are being shared with popular health apps. Although it’s easy to feel like these applications are helping you, a new study has found that the data that users input into these apps are being shared with third party entities. The study, published in the <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.l920">British Medical Journal</a>, has found that user data from health-related mobile apps on the Android platform is routine and not transparent at all. The information that is put into these health apps can be shared with app developers, their parent companies and potentially dozens of third-party entities. Therefore, the information that you think is private ends up being distributed on a wide scale. Lead author of the report, Dr Quinn Grundy, said that health apps are a “booming market”, but is one with many privacy failings. She told <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-03-21/health-apps-sharing-data-common-practice-study-finds/10923484">The ABC</a>: "I think many of us would expect that this kind of data should be treated differently," said Dr Grundy, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. "Unfortunately, our study shows that that's not the case. These apps behave in much the same way as your fitness app, weather app or music app." Dr Grundy and colleagues at the University of Sydney examined 24 medicine related Android applications that are popular in Australia, North America and the United Kingdom. Some of these apps included ones that might remind you when to take a prescription. The researchers found that 19 out of 24 apps shared data outside of the application to a total of 55 different entities, owned by 46 parent companies. The information that was shared included users emails and device ID to medical conditions and drug lists. The researchers discovered that Amazon and Alphabet, the parent company of Google, received the highest volume of user data. This was closely followed by Microsoft. Dr Grundy explained that whilst most apps have a privacy policy and said that the data was stripped of identifying information, they described what was collected and shared in very general terms. "They wouldn't name specific third parties or why data was shared with them. But would say, 'we never sell your data, but we may shared anonymised, aggregated reports with third parties for legitimate business purposes'," she explained. Peter Hannay, an adjunct lecturer and security researcher at Edith Cowan University has offered a solution. "It's not a matter of 'swap to a different app'," he said. "It would be a matter of just not using those sorts of services at all." However, if you do want to use these services, he has some advice for that as well. "If the application is reminding you to take medication, I would try to find one that doesn't require permission to connect to the internet," he said. "If it's able to work offline, that's something I would consider to be desirable." Do you use any apps that require health data? Let us know in the comments.

Entertainment

6 ways your mobile phone affects your body and mind

It can be hard to switch off your mobile phone, but there are benefits for your health if you decide to do so. 1. It can keep you safe First, some good news. Your phone can keep you safer. A study in the Journal of Emergency Medicine that analysed emergency dispatches over an 11-year period revealed that 137 more lives were saved per 100,000 patients when people called emergency services from a mobile phone rather than from a landline. They can be pretty handy in a pinch. The mobile phone can also be a bane, both to yourself and others. 2. It keeps you from focusing When you are awake, a single buzz signalling a new  notification on your phone can weaken your ability to focus on a task, researchers at Florida State  University have found. Switch your phone to “do not disturb” mode to remove the distraction. 3. It makes you achy People now spend more than five hours a day swiping, typing and tapping – and feeling achy because of it all. “Selfie elbow” is a strain injury caused by holding your elbow at an extreme angle, and roughly 85,000 people a month search for “texting thumb” and similar terms on Google. 4. Risk of cancer is low Radiation exposure, long thought to be a risk for heavy-duty phone users, is probably not a significant concern. Smartphones do emit radiation, but most scientific evidence has not linked the use of a mobile phone to cancer. One draft study found that exposing male lab rats to the highest levels allowed for mobile phones was linked to one type of rare tumor in the tissues surrounding nerves in the heart. If you’re worried, use earbuds or a headset when you talk on your phone. 5. It hinders your memory Snapping a pic with your smartphone may also hinder your memory. On a test after a visit to an art museum, students were less likely to remember objects they had taken photos of. “As soon as you hit ‘click’ on that camera, it’s as if you’ve outsourced your memory,” says psychologist Linda Henkel. 6. It hurts your eyes Your phone can do a number on your eyes. A study in the US found that about 60 percent of respondents experience digital  eye strain symptoms such as dryness, irritation, blurred vision, eye fatigue and headaches. Try blinking often, increasing font size and  taking a break from screens every 20 minutes. Written by Michelle Crouch. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.rdasia.com/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/13-ways-your-mobile-phone-affects-your-body-and-mind">Reader’s Digest</a>.<a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN87V"></a>

Entertainment

10 mobile phone etiquette rules you should be following – but aren’t

Follow our expert phone etiquette rules to avoid being rude and annoying on your smartphone. <div id="section">1. Put your phone away at the dinner table</div> <div> This phone etiquette rule may seem obvious because, hello, it’s rude, but being courteous in public to both your dining partner and other diners is important, says Amy Rice, Gadget Expert for <a rel="noopener" href="http://gazelle.com/" target="_blank" title="" data-original-title="">Gazelle</a>. Parenting, etiquette, and financial expert Brett Graff adds, “If it rings, and you must answer it, explain to your dining companions that your child is home by him or herself or that you’re waiting for a huge business deal to close. Otherwise, ignore it,” she says. 2. End phone conversations when paying for purchases Just because you may not know the cashier doesn’t mean you can keep chatting away while they’re helping you. Unless it’s an emergency, it’s just rude to stay on the phone right in their face. 3. Never shout when talking on the phone Can you hear me now? If they can’t, maybe you should call them back later. When in public, it’s a good phone etiquette practice to try not to raise your voice while on the phone. No one else needs to be privy to your conversations—or your arguments, says Rice. 4. Never text and drive This is an obvious one. Many states have laws in place regarding texting and talking on the phone while driving. Hint: It’s a big no-no. 5. Avoid texting in work meetings You don’t want your boss looking up and seeing you texting away and completely ignoring what’s going on. Plus, if you’re the boss, it’s setting a bad example for your workers. 6. Turn off the phone in church, temple or theatre Rice says there are no exceptions to this rule. There are just certain places where cell phones should be and often are off-limits. And remember, checking your phone and having it light up in a dark theater - even if you don’t talk, text, or tweet - is just as rude. 7. Avoid talking on the phone in a waiting room Waiting rooms can be crowded and noisy—not exactly conducive to a phone call. If you must talk on the phone, Rice suggests leaving the area so as not to disturb your fellow waiting room occupants. 8. Avoid using a phone on public transportation On public transportation, people are often stressed, rushing, or exhausted. All they want to do is get where they’re going, not listen to your conversation about your cousin’s new boyfriend’s sister. “Be courteous when you are in public, enjoy the moment and your friends, but above all be smart about your smartphone manners,” says Rice. 9. Lower your voice when using your phone in public This phone etiquette guideline is a continuation of never shouting in public. Not only should you not shout, but you should automatically lower your voice. If you don’t want to hear other people’s phone conversations, they definitely don’t want to hear yours either. 10. Don't take a call in the middle of a face-to-face chat “Cell phones can destroy all your interpersonal dealings,” says Graff. “You should not even give the screen a glance while you’re speaking to someone at a party or a dinner.” Sometimes it’s best to think of how would you feel if that happened to you? If it would bother you, then you probably shouldn’t do it to someone else. Written by Felissa Benjamin Allard. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.rdasia.com/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/10-mobile-phone-etiquette-rules-you-should-be-following-but-arent">Reader’s Digest</a>.<a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN87V"></a> </div>

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10 mobile phone etiquette rules you should be following – but aren’t

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