The article discusses various everyday objects that have secret uses or hidden features. These include:
1. Weather app percentages: In the US, the percentage next to the rain cloud icon represents the forecaster's confidence in rain multiplied by the forecasted area, not the chance of rain.
2. McDonald's fries box: The bendable flap can be used as a makeshift plate for condiments or to keep the fries warm.
3. Self-service checkout voice: The loud voice can be turned off by pressing the volume button at the bottom of the screen.
4. Hand sanitizer: Can be used as a screen cleaner, stain remover, and even as a deodorant.
5. Microwave mesh: The mesh blocks harmful microwave radiation and reflects it back onto the food.
6. Towel trick: A special folding technique can keep the towel wrapped around your waist without falling off.
7. Banana storage: Wrapping the stems in cling film can slow down the ripening process.
8. Sweatshirt stitching: The V-shaped stitching was originally used to hold a piece of elasticized cotton behind the main material to absorb sweat and maintain the shape of the neck.
9. Pool noodle: Can be used to channel air from a car's air conditioning vent to direct cool air wherever needed.
10. iPhone back tap: A secret touch button on the back of iPhone 8 and later models can be activated through the accessibility settings.
11. Erasers: Can be used to clean suede shoes and remove gluey marks from surfaces.
12. Lip balm: Can be used to lubricate shoes and prevent blisters, as well as to fix stuck zippers and soothe bug bites.
13. Bank card: Can be used as a makeshift cheese grater in a pinch.
14. Water bottle notch: The deco lug is used to hold the bottle in place during manufacturing to ensure artwork is printed in the same position.
15. Command key symbol: The symbol on Mac keyboards was designed by Susan Kare in the 1980s to represent the abstract notion of command.
These are just a few examples of the many secret uses and hidden features of everyday objects discussed in the article.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The percentage next to the rain cloud icon on a weather app in the UK and some other parts of the world refers to the percentage chance of rain.
2. In the US, the percentage on a weather app is calculated by multiplying the forecaster's confidence of rain by the forecasted area.
3. The bendable flap on a McDonald's fries box can be used as a makeshift plate for condiments.
4. Some self-service checkout machines have a volume button at the bottom of the screen that can be used to mute the voice.
5. Hand sanitizer can be used as a screen cleaner, stain remover, and to clean suede.
6. The mesh on a microwave oven door blocks harmful microwave radiation from being blasted straight through the door.
7. A special folding technique can be used to keep a towel wrapped around the waist.
8. Wrapping the stems of bananas in cling film can help keep them fresh for longer.
9. The V-shaped stitching on some sweaters originally served to hold a piece of triangular cotton behind the main material and as a sweat absorber.
10. A pool noodle can be used to direct air from a car vent to a specific location.
11. The antenna lines on a non-plastic smartphone are used to emit and receive radio waves.
12. Rat guards can be used to prevent rats from climbing up mooring lines and onto boats.
13. The hidden hinge on a French's mustard lid is used to stop the lid from getting in the way when squeezing out the sauce.
14. Some house keys can fit into the coin slot on shopping carts and unlock them.
15. The traditional pub glass has a bulbous bulge at the top to prevent the glass from slipping out of people's hands and to make it easier to stack.
16. Lip balm can be used as a lubricant to prevent blisters, to loosen stuck zippers, and to soothe bug bites.
17. The embossed numerals and lettering on a debit or credit card can be used as a makeshift cheese grater.
18. The small notch in the bottom of a plastic water bottle is called a deco lug and is used to hold the bottle in place while artwork is applied.
19. The command key on Mac keyboards has a pretzel-like symbol that was designed by Susan Kare in the 1980s.
20. The symbol on the command key is based on the outline of a castle's roof and was chosen to represent the abstract notion of command.