“The Flashlight of the Galaxy S26 Can Melt Plastic, Adding to the List of Devices with Comparable Features”

A viral TikTok video seems to depict the flashlight feature of the Samsung Galaxy S26 producing enough heat to burn through a black trash bag. In contrast, the clip also showcases a comparable test performed on the iPhone 17 Pro, which seemingly has no impact on the bag. It’s worth noting that the torch’s burn hole is quite small, whereas the bag appears notably thin. Nonetheless, it raises concerns that the feature generates such significant heat. For instance, what occurs if the light is positioned close to your skin? What is really happening here?

Of course, a strong light like a flashlight will emit some heat the longer it remains on. This is concerning enough that we have witnessed similar incidents with other smartphones. Users have reported that the LED flashlight on the Pixel 10 Pro might harm the phone, as they observed artifacts in photos after keeping the light on for prolonged durations. This issue is not limited to smartphone flashlights alone; conventional flashlights can also produce heat when operated for extended times.

Additional findings from Tom’s Guide indicate that it’s feasible to burn through a garbage bag with Samsung’s newest flagship device. Tests carried out by the site revealed that the flashlight of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, at full brightness, swiftly burned a black trash bag. However, both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 10 Pro also melted the plastic. Thicker areas of the trash bag were not spared from the impact, but no visible melting occurred when a white trash bag was tested. This is likely due to the black color’s ability to absorb more light and heat. We attempted to replicate these findings using a Galaxy S25 Ultra and a Galaxy S26 Ultra, but observed no significant damage. It is possible that the devices might turn off the light to avoid overheating their internals, but that doesn’t completely eliminate the heating issue.

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Costco’s Battery-Operated Heated Socks Present Hazard of Second-Degree Burns

The recall page from CPSC does indicate that incidents may take place during “high-intensity” activities. Priced generally between $30 and $46, the socks are available in black, featuring the phrase “32-degrees HEAT” on the retail packaging, user manual, battery pack casing, and battery pack packaging.

Consumers are requested to return the socks either at Costco locations or online. Remember, you can always go to CPSC.gov for recall updates on various products. Additionally, there are some electronic policies at Costco that every customer should be aware of.

Reasons behind the recall of 32 Degrees Heated Socks

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has officially announced the recall of the 32 Degrees Heated Socks as of April 23, 2026. The report specifies that these socks were sold in the U.S., the UK, Iceland, and Sweden from August 2025 to March 2026. This includes any socks corresponding to item numbers 1872150, 1913659, 1913660, and 1913661. As per the CPSC report, the socks were sold in three

Starlink Satellite Internet Poised for Significant Performance Boost with Latest Update

due to a recent shift in FCC approvals, Starlink is now permitted to reduce the minimum angle to 10 degrees for satellites functioning below an altitude of 400 kilometers, and 20 degrees for those operating between 400 and 500 kilometers. For user terminals situated above 62 degrees north latitude, including areas in Canada and further north, the angle can be as low as 5 degrees.

This modification will enhance service in various ways for Starlink users. It will increase network latency and performance. Furthermore, it will enable Earth-positioned dishes to maintain connectivity for extended periods while Starlink satellites are in the vicinity. With a steeper angle, the dish disregards satellites that fall out of range, and this adjustment provides a broader field of view. This means longer connections with satellites as they traverse the sky. It also implies that Starlink satellites can cater to more user terminals simultaneously. This is encouraging news given that SpaceX has recently achieved a significant milestone by launching a total of 10,000 Starlink satellites, with additional units on the horizon. An increased number of satellites can provide more active and dependable connections for improved service and a greater number of users served.

What is prompting this change in broadcast angle at this moment?

Researchers Create Groundbreaking Non-Touch Rotating Liquid Gears

**Researchers Have Developed Innovative High-Tech ‘Fluid Gears’ Capable of Rotating Without Contact**

Numerous mechanical systems operate using gears. Even the most dependable electric vehicles rely on basic gears to convey motor torque to the wheels. Nonetheless, the persistent friction that gears encounter due to their continuous engagement leads to significant wear and tear. Scientists may have discovered a resolution to this long-standing issue through fluid dynamics.

In January 2026, investigators at New York University and NYU Shanghai announced their creation of a new kind of gear that operates completely without contact — at least among other gears. As per the research (which appeared in Physical Review Letters), this innovative design of cylindrical gear can manipulate the movement of other gears by “spinning up fluid,” specifically a “glycerol-water solution” with adjustable viscosity and density. Additionally, it includes bubbles to track the fluid’s movement. This liquid effectively acts as the gear’s teeth.

The researchers found that when one gear (cylinder) was rotated sufficiently close to a stationary one, the active gear generated a fluid flow that could “grip” the passive gear, causing it to rotate in the opposing direction. You might think that this mechanism would only function effectively at a limited distance, and you’d be partially correct; if the speed of the active gear was increased, the distant gear would begin turning in the same direction, akin to the operation of pulley systems.

**Prospective Uses Will Adapt to the Flow**

You might be curious about the benefits these new “fluid gears” provide compared to conventional gears. One researcher, Leif Ristroph (Associate Professor of Mathematics at NYU’s Courant Institute School of Mathematics, Computing, and Data Science) indicated that it relates to the restrictions of standard gears. Ristroph pointed out that conventional gears require teeth that “mesh just right,” and any imperfection or even an external particle can cause them to jam, whereas fluid gears do not face these challenges. In fact, their speeds and directions can fluctuate “in ways not achievable with mechanical gears.”

That’s certainly interesting, but what is the use of gears that never fail or jam? One possible market could be soft robotics (robots that incorporate flexible components rather than rigid ones). Envision, if you will, a future where a soft robotic system organizes your groceries, and instead of relying on a traditional gear train, the robot employs fluid gears that can modify gear ratios on the fly without the danger of jamming or harming its components.

Naturally, these gears have just been invented, and while the initial study outlines potential applications, additional time will be necessary to comprehensively understand the limitations of this emerging technology. Let’s hope these gears can lead to the development of bicycles with “chains” that never snap or come apart — assuming engineers can design a fluid container robust enough to endure the demands of cycling.

Microsoft’s Approaches to Discourage Students from Opting for the MacBook Neo

Apple’s MacBook Neo stands out as a compact, portable, and high-performance device crafted for college attendees. It represents the brand’s most economical MacBook option, featuring an even lower cost for enrolled students. To seize the attention of the student demographic, Microsoft has rolled out its own offering, tailored specifically for eligible U.S. students. The Microsoft College Offer— as the company dubs it— comes alongside the acquisition of a new PC, incorporating enhancements for study periods, exam prep, and night-time gaming. Fundamentally, this bundle aims to position a new Windows device as a serious rival to the MacBook Neo.

Following Apple’s release of the MacBook Neo priced at $599, which includes an additional $100 discount for college enrollees, Microsoft’s offer arrived as a direct response. The Neo and its discounts are accessible through Apple’s Education Savings initiative intended for those in higher education, new students, relatives, staff, faculty, and homeschool educators. With a price tag of $499 for students, the Neo emerges as an appealing entry point into the Apple ecosystem, but Microsoft’s bundled offer includes several advantages that make it worth considering as an alternative.

At its essence, Microsoft’s strategy to counteract Apple involves providing savings for students who select a specific PC for purchase. This entitles the buyer to a year of Microsoft 365 Premium, a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a customizable Xbox Wireless Controller (plus the chance to explore 4 exciting features you may not know Xbox controllers possess). These additional features would typically exceed $500 if bought individually, yet they are available at no extra cost with a PC purchased via the College Offer program.

Analyzing the contents of the Microsoft college package

Real-World Evaluation Shows Poor Rank for Apple’s $60 iPhone Cover

Beats branding. Similar to most first-party cases, these offer exceptional fit and finish, leading to no compatibility problems. This is why numerous iPhone purchasers choose the company’s own cases, even though they cost significantly more than various third-party alternatives from esteemed brands. Now, real-life evaluations by a YouTube creator have uncovered some unexpected insights regarding a specific Apple iPhone case that may make you reconsider spending $60 on it.

Project Farm — a YouTube channel recognized for its impartial consumer assessments — tested several well-known iPhone cases, including Apple’s TechWoven Case with MagSafe. This case is exclusively available for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, and comes in five color choices. Constructed from recycled polyester, the case features a textured exterior and has a TPU coating on the sides for improved grip. It also includes aluminum buttons and is equipped with built-in magnets for handy MagSafe accessories. More significantly, Apple asserts that it has been tested for thousands of hours and claims it’s designed to safeguard iPhones against scratches and drops. However, Project Farm’s results are not particularly flattering.

Apple’s TechWoven case performs poorly in protection tests

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