AllYouCanTech

**Deceptive Discount Operation at Best Buy: Worker Charged with $118,000 Theft**

A Best Buy staff member in Palm Beach Gardens has been indicted for fraud after allegedly taking advantage of his manager’s override code to obtain discounts of up to 99% on valuable electronics, such as MacBook Pro models. The total worth of the items involved in this operation surpasses $118,000.

The inquiry commenced in December 2024 when the store manager observed unusual sales trends while inspecting inventory records. After this revelation, Best Buy sought the assistance of private investigators. Their investigations uncovered that the employee, named Lettera, made 97 discounted purchases for himself, totaling $81,717, and an additional 52 transactions for coworkers, leading to $36,573 in losses.

Evidence collected during the inquiry included pawn shop documentation and Lettera’s thumbprint, connecting him to multiple MacBook Pro models that were pawned. Local pawn shops collaborated with law enforcement, facilitating the retrieval of stolen goods.

This occurrence underscores an escalating issue among retail chains concerning employee theft, which has become a major point of focus for investigations. High employee turnover rates contribute to stagnated detection of such fraudulent behaviors. In a related matter, another Best Buy employee was noted for permitting shoplifters to exit the store without settling for over 100 items, including sought-after products like AirPods and Beats headphones.

As retail crime continues to develop, businesses are increasingly emphasizing the surveillance of employee conduct to reduce losses and safeguard their resources.

### The Dangers of Overusing In-Ear Headphones and the 60/60 Guideline

In the past few years, in-ear headphones such as AirPods have surged in popularity because of their ease of use and portability. Nonetheless, audiologists caution that overuse of these gadgets can result in serious health risks, including hearing impairment and ear infections.

#### Health Risks Linked to In-Ear Headphones

1. **Noise-Induced Hearing Damage**: Extended exposure to loud sounds can harm the hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in irreversible hearing loss.

2. **Tinnitus**: This condition manifests as ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears, which can be instigated by loud sounds and prolonged headphone usage.

3. **Increased Sound Sensitivity**: With prolonged use of in-ear headphones, individuals may become increasingly sensitive to sound, making normal noise levels uncomfortable.

4. **Ear Infections**: Using in-ear headphones for long durations can trap heat and moisture in the ear, fostering an environment suitable for bacterial growth and infections.

5. **Earwax Build-Up**: In-ear headphones can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, possibly causing temporary hearing loss.

#### The 60/60 Guideline

To reduce these risks, audiologists advise the “60/60 guideline.” This recommendation indicates that users should:

– Listen at a maximum volume of 60%.
– Restrict listening time to no longer than 60 minutes at once.

Dr. Reisman, an audiologist consulted, highlights the necessity of taking breaks. He suggests users take a 15- to 20-minute break for every hour of usage to allow their ears to recuperate.

#### Safety Features in Devices

Apple has introduced safety alerts for users who often listen to high volumes on their AirPods. Users can review their alert history and establish a decibel limit via the Settings menu under Sounds and Haptics, specifically within the Headphone Safety section. Additionally, the Apple Health app features a Headphone Audio Levels tool that records exposure to loud noises, assisting users in tracking their listening behaviors.

#### Conclusion

Although in-ear headphones like AirPods provide convenience, it is essential to use them wisely to prevent possible health risks. By following the 60/60 guideline and taking advantage of embedded safety features, users can enjoy their music while safeguarding their hearing health.

# iPhone Mirroring: An Important Feature with Privacy Implications

iPhone Mirroring has become a notable improvement within the Apple environment, providing users with a smooth method to engage with their iPhones directly from their Macs. This capability permits the display and management of iPhone content on a wider screen, proving especially beneficial for those who favor a cohesive experience across their devices.

## The Strength of the Apple Environment

Apple’s environment is well-regarded for its interconnectivity, offering users a variety of features that boost productivity and ease of use. From combined access to iCloud documents across devices to continuity elements like Universal Clipboard, Apple has established a setting where users can effortlessly switch between their iPhone, iPad, and Mac. iPhone Mirroring integrates seamlessly into this environment, enabling users to utilize iPhone-exclusive applications and notifications without the constant need to change devices.

For numerous users, including those who dedicate a lot of time at their desks, iPhone Mirroring is more than just a convenience; it is an essential part of their routine. It optimizes workflows and improves the overall user experience, simplifying task and communication management.

## Privacy Safeguards: An Important Precaution

Although the advantages of iPhone Mirroring are evident, Apple has instituted rigorous privacy safeguards to reduce any potential risks associated with the feature. Recognizing that iPhone Mirroring could be misused in delicate scenarios, such as abusive relationships, Apple has adopted a careful approach. The feature can only be engaged when the iPhone is locked, which helps obstruct unauthorized access and guarantees that users are informed when mirroring is active.

Users get alerts on both their Mac and iPhone when the feature is engaged, and they are required to input their passcode or utilize Face ID for authentication. This method, while protective, may be inconvenient for those who frequently depend on iPhone Mirroring.

## The Demand for Enhanced Control

In spite of the significance of these privacy protocols, many users seek increased control over their iPhone Mirroring usage. The existing limitations can be bothersome, particularly for those who regularly use this feature. Suggestions for improvement include:

– **Enabling iPhone Mirroring with an unlocked device:** Allowing users to mirror their iPhones even when not locked could increase accessibility.

– **Face ID authentication:** Providing the option to use Face ID instead of a passcode could streamline the authentication procedure, rendering it quicker and more user-friendly.

– **Customizable timeout settings:** Users would gain from the capability to stop iPhone Mirroring from timing out unless the Mac enters sleep mode, enabling uninterrupted use during extensive tasks.

These potential improvements could deliver users with a more customized experience while still preserving vital privacy protections.

## Conclusion

iPhone Mirroring is a powerful feature that highlights the advantages of the Apple ecosystem. While Apple’s emphasis on privacy is praiseworthy, there is a rising demand from users for greater flexibility and control in their use of this feature. As Apple continues to advance its offerings, addressing these user concerns could further enrich the iPhone Mirroring experience, making it even more essential to daily tasks.

**iOS 26.4 Beta 1: Enhanced Personal Hotspot Features**

The recent release of iOS 26.4 beta 1 has brought forth a range of new features, significantly improving the personal hotspot functionality. This update allows users to easily track who is using their data while connected to a personal hotspot.

For numerous users, especially those who depend on mobile devices for work outside their homes, the functionality of personal hotspots is crucial. Connecting devices like iPads or MacBooks to an iPhone’s cellular network has been a standard practice. Nevertheless, managing data usage has consistently raised concerns, particularly among those with limited data plans.

With the introduction of the iOS 26.4 update, users can now view detailed statistics on hotspot data usage right within the Settings app. By going to Settings > Personal Hotspot, a new Data Usage menu will be visible at the bottom of the screen, appearing only after recent hotspot activity. This menu gives a detailed overview of data usage for each connected device, enabling users to monitor their data consumption more efficiently.

Moreover, users can reset this data by clearing their overall cellular usage statistics found in Settings > Cellular. This capability is especially useful for those who regularly share their hotspots with others or handle multiple devices.

Interestingly, it seems that Apple had previously stored this information in a different section of the Settings app, which many users, even those who are experienced with iPhones, might not have known. The rollout of this user-friendly data usage feature in iOS 26.4 is designed to enhance the overall user experience and provide greater control over data consumption.

For those who heavily utilize personal hotspots, this update is a significant improvement, simplifying the monitoring and management of data usage effectively.