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Debunking 5 myths about when your devices get wet

Published

8 months ago

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Last Updated on July 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff

wet
Consumer technologies get wet as a regular part of everyday life. Shuvro Mojumder/Unsplash , CC BY-SA
Rachel Plotnick, Indiana University Nearly everyone has encountered the unthinkable: Your smartphone landed in the toilet. Or you forgot to take off your smartwatch before jumping into the pool. Or maybe you meant to take those earbuds out of your pocket before running the laundry. What now? Internet forums are chock-full of advice to dry out that drenched device, but problematic myths about liquid protection and repair make it hard for consumers to separate fact from fiction. I’m a researcher who studies how technologies play a part in people’s everyday practices and experiences. My new book, “License to Spill: Where Dry Devices Meet Liquid Lives,” explores the wet-dry boundary in how people perceive and treat their electronic devices. Here are five common myths about getting devices wet:

Myth 1: My device turned back on! It’s fine

While it’s a relief to see your technology rise from the dead, what you can’t see are subtle processes occurring inside, like corrosion. The breakdown of your device’s metal parts due to moisture often happens over time, in a period that can take place days, weeks or months after the offending incident. That’s why even humidity from moist climates or your steamy shower can make a long-term impact, despite the fact that everything booted up right away after a splash or dunk.

Myth 2: My ‘waterproof’ device can tolerate any kind of wetness

The term “waterproof” is a controversial one – so controversial, in fact, that the Federal Trade Commission has strict rules about using the term in advertising, once even banning it from ad copy selling wristwatches. Given the vagueness of the term, it’s better to examine different water resistance standards, such as ingress protection, or IP, ratings and MIL-SPEC, or ISO in the case of watches, and to read the fine print about what those standards actually cover.

Myth 3: My device has a great IP rating, so it’s been tested under real-world conditions

Companies often advertise IP ratings as a way to entice consumers to purchase their products, but it’s important to know that these ratings are based on contact with fresh water. If you’re worried about Jacuzzi suds or that tipped-over can of beer, there’s no guarantee that a manufacturer has tested your device in these – often sticky – situations, and an IP rating won’t account for them.

Myth 4: I’ve got some rice in the kitchen. I can fix this myself!

It’s natural to panic and seek out the quickest household solution when a spill or dunk happens, and a cup of rice is still a commonly sought-out option. However, the rice hack doesn’t work very well, and rice particles can enter the device to cause even further damage. Aside from bringing your device to a professional repairer, you’re better off immediately powering down your product, removing its battery and plug if you can, and letting all the components dry over a day or two.

Myth 5: Well, this device is broken, but I’ve got a warranty to replace it

While you’re pulling your product from its watery grave, you might find relief in the fact that it came with a warranty. Not so fast. Most traditional consumer technology limited warranties don’t cover liquid damage. These days, you usually need to purchase an add-on warranty, often called Accidental Damage from Handling. Beware, though: Even those policies may limit how many wetness “incidents” or “events” you’re allowed per year.
Air flow is the best way to dry a device that’s taken a dunk. Don’t expose your device directly to rice, cat litter or other particles.

Keeping it realistic

Water resistance features on devices like laptops, tablets, smartphones and smartwatches have recently improved, but the deck is still often stacked against consumers who must wade through the hype of advertising claims, mystifying classification systems and penalizing policies. That’s why it’s critical for manufacturers to think carefully and ethically about how their products are designed, marketed and serviced. In terms of design, water resistance is no longer a niche feature meant solely for industrial workers or outdoor adventurers. While it’s unrealistic to expect a device that’s designed to resist every hazard, it’s also unreasonable to ask consumers to tiptoe around the products that provide them with access to critical resources and social support. It’s important for manufacturers to avoid promising consumers the Moon. Samsung Australia, for instance, paid AU$14 million in penalties for exaggerating its phones’ protection for swimming. It’s certainly fun to watch commercials with Lil Wayne spraying a smartphone with champagne or see him dunk it in a fish tank, but if manufacturers are advising against these practices, then they shouldn’t be romanticizing them. Sure, it’s probably common sense that your phone shouldn’t take a bath in champagne. Yet life is constantly happening around – and with – our devices, from the shower and the kitchen to the gym and the beach. This means that fairer policies around repair, like those promoted by the right-to-repair movement, and warranties should stop treating consumers like they’re “bad” users. After all, we’re each just one splash away from crying over spilled milk. Rachel Plotnick, Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Studies, Indiana University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Consumer Corner

Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day

Spruce Up Your Home: Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.

Published

2 days ago

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March 12, 2026

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Spruce Up Your Home: Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.

(Feature Impact) Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.

Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day

A Splash of Green and a Sparkle of Gold

Whether you love emerald, lime, sage or leafy green shades, simply adding a pop of a new-to-you hue can infuse your home with some St. Paddy’s fever. Check craft stores for reusable greenery to place in a pot or vase, or get crafty and dot pinecones with glue before dusting them with green glitter and placing them in a glass bowl to make a festive display worthy of a leprechaun’s seal of approval. At Home Get Ready for Spring and Shop New Arrivals to Refresh Your Space!show?id=CINNdwzUdGE&bids=1126379

Scent of the Season

Lighting a candle not only creates a festive vibe, but the aroma from a scented candle can remove any staleness in the air and bring some ambiance to your home. Any earthy scent will do – from juniper to fir, pine, sandalwood or amber. Woodsy choices infuse a room with comfort and warmth. Decorative elements like metal charms, beads and crystals (in bright green or gold) add a pop of whimsy to your candle, too.

Shape a Shamrock

Holidays are ideal times to flex your creative muscles and give your home a little artsy edge. Scour the shelves at dollar stores or thrift shops for things like green clay or modeling dough, colored paper, wooden shamrocks, stickers and inexpensive paint sets. Set your artistic side free with paintings or drawings of shimmery rainbows, mischievous leprechauns and shamrocks in various sizes.

Coins, Clover and Centerpieces

One of the easiest ways to add a little Celtic cheer to your home is with joyful table decor. Add some gold shimmer to your dining room table with sparkly ribbons, a bright runner and gold-flecked napkin rings. A fancy glass filled with green baubles and pebbles can be both subtle and festive. A scattering of faux gold coins and rainbow napkins can make the space feel merry and magical.

Find more ideas to get your home ready for St. Patrick’s Day at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

eLivingtoday.com

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers: Basic Fun! and Hasbro Bring D&D to Gen Alpha in July 2026

Basic Fun! has partnered with Hasbro to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a collectible action figure line aimed at kids aged 5 to 8, debuting in July 2026. Designed to foster imagination and storytelling, these customizable figures will feature blind packing and include a D20 die, creating an engaging experience for young adventurers.

Published

3 days ago

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March 11, 2026

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Basic Fun! is rolling a natural 20 on nostalgia-meets-next-gen play.

In a Feb. 10, 2026 announcement, the global toy company revealed a worldwide licensing agreement with Hasbro (through Wizards of the Coast) to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a new collectible action figure line built specifically to introduce Gen Alpha to the world of D&D. The line is expected to hit major toy retailers worldwide in July 2026, targeting kids ages 5 to 8.

Colorful fantasy toys with dragons and characters. Dungeons & Dragons Questers
The DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers toys from Basic Fun! will debut at retail in July 2026.

What is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers?

Questers is Basic Fun!’s take on translating the spirit of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™ into something tactile, collectible, and kid-friendly—without losing the fantasy DNA longtime fans recognize.

The pitch is straightforward: imagination-led play, world-building, and storytelling—packaged in a format that matches how kids play today: personalization, discovery, and surprise.

Questers is also positioned as a bridge between generations. It’s designed not only for kids discovering fantasy for the first time, but also for fan parents looking for a hands-on way to share D&D’s creatures, heroes, and archetypes with their children.

Built for collecting, customizing, and creating stories

Basic Fun! says the Questers line will feature three collectible scales:

  • Creatures
  • Adventurers
  • Monsters

Each figure will be:

  • Blind-packed (surprise-style collectibles)
  • Fully buildable
  • Designed with interchangeable parts so kids can mix, match, and customize

And the D&D tie-in isn’t just a logo on the box. Each figure will come with:

  • A D20 die
  • A storystarter prompt to encourage kids to create adventures with their collection

That combination—collectability + customization + storytelling prompts—signals exactly what the brand is aiming for: repeat play that feels different every time.

Why D&D, and why now?

D&D’s cultural footprint has been expanding across entertainment, publishing, and digital platforms, and the press release points to a clear shift: Gen Alpha gravitates toward play patterns rooted in personalization, discovery, and world-building.

Questers is designed to meet that moment by turning D&D’s iconic fantasy elements into a “discovery-driven” toy experience—one that doesn’t require reading a rulebook, building a character sheet, or learning game mechanics to start having fun.

In other words: it’s D&D energy, scaled to the toy aisle.

What the companies are saying

Dan Westcott, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!, framed Questers as an on-ramp into the franchise:

  • Approachable, creative, and fun for young adventurers
  • A meaningful way for fan parents to share a universe they already love

Kara Kenna, Franchise Creative Director for D&D at Wizards of the Coast, emphasized the “hands-on” fantasy exploration angle—positioning Questers as a way for kids to engage imagination and play in a physical format.

Release timing and what to watch for

The big headline for retailers and parents: Questers debuts in July 2026, with a worldwide rollout planned at major toy retailers.

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What to watch for as the launch gets closer:

  • Character/creature reveals (and how deep they go into classic D&D lore)
  • Price points and pack formats (single packs vs. multipacks)
  • How the “storystarter” system works across the different scales
  • Whether the line ties into broader D&D content (books, digital, or entertainment releases)

The takeaway

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers is shaping up to be a smart, modern entry point into fantasy play—one that blends classic D&D storytelling with today’s collectible toy trends.

For longtime fans, it’s another sign that D&D’s influence keeps widening. For kids, it’s a new way to build heroes, mash up monsters, roll a D20, and start telling stories—no dungeon master required.

Source: Basic Fun! press release distributed via PRNews

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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Consumer Corner

What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home

Planning a home remodel involves defining goals, setting a budget, gathering inspiration, planning a timeline, selecting a contractor, finalizing design choices, and preparing the home. A clear plan helps manage costs and expectations, allowing for a smoother renovation process while minimizing stress for the household.

Published

4 days ago

on

March 9, 2026

By

Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Planning a home remodel is as much about your vision as it is your preparation. With a thoughtful plan, you can refresh your living space, stay on budget and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.

What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home

(Family Features) Planning a home remodel is as much about your vision as it is your preparation. With a thoughtful plan, you can refresh your living space, stay on budget and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.​

Consider these steps to get the process started:

  1. Define your goals

Decide what you’re looking to accomplish with your remodel, whether it’s improved functionality, updated style, higher resale value or a combination. Make a simple list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” so you can prioritize upgrades if costs start to climb too high.​

  1. Set a realistic budget

Determine how much you’re comfortable spending then add a cushion of 10-20% for additional material costs and any surprises behind walls or under floors. Get rough price ranges for materials and labor, which allows you to adjust the scope of your project before the work begins, if necessary, instead of mid-project.​

  1. Gather ideas and inspiration

Collect photos, paint colors and product ideas in a single place, such as a digital folder or photo album on your smartphone. Pay attention to recurring themes in your inspiration – such as cabinetry, flooring and fixture styles and colors – so it’s easier to choose finishes when the time comes.

  1. Lay out the project timeline

Think about the best time for your household to live through construction, especially if kitchens or bathrooms will be out of commission during the renovation. Talk with potential contractors about timing for each phase so you can plan for temporary living arrangements, if necessary.

  1. Choose the right construction crew

Interview a variety of potential contractors, being sure to ask for references and verify licenses and insurance. Once you’ve narrowed your list, request written estimates that include labor and material costs, timelines and payment schedules so expectations are clear before choosing a service provider and signing an agreement.​

  1. Finalize design details and materials

Make as many design decisions as possible before demolition, including choosing fixtures, appliances, flooring, tile, paint, hardware and other details. Ordering key items early can help avoid delays and keep the project on schedule once work begins.

  1. Prep your home and family

Before construction begins, clear areas where work will be completed of furniture and decor, covering anything that cannot be moved out of the room with plastic sheeting. So everyone knows what to expect while your home is in transition, talk with family members about the impending noise and dust, and make necessary schedule changes to avoid interrupting work.

Visit eLivingtoday.com for more resources and home renovation guidance.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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SOURCE:

eLivingtoday.com

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