If you use an iPhone then you may have noticed a little hole right next to the camera lens. If you’re like most of us, then you most likely didn’t pay it much attention as you probably use the selfie cam more anyways. Well, in any event, that tiny hole is not a second secret camera that helps Facebook and the NSA spy on you. It’s actually a microphone.
Since the iPhone 5 was released, all iPhones have included three microphones. One is right under the speaker grill, one is on the bottom edge of the phone, and the third one is right next to the camera lens. Because of the inclusion of three microphones, it’s easy to pick up sounds no matter how you choose to hold your phone.
Holes in Airplane Windows
Raise your hand if you freaked out a little the first time you sat in the window seat of an airplane and noticed a tiny hole in the window. We say this not to expose you, but rather to expose the purpose of that hole. This hole doesn't allude to the fact that the window of your seat is about to explode mid-flight. First of all, the hole is called the breather hole.
If you've ever wondered how you're able to breathe in an airplane when it's so high up in the air, well, the breather hole plays a part here. When an airplane climbs, air pressure drops outside. Thanks to plane manufacturers, the cabin remains at a safe and comfortable level. If it didn't, we wouldn't be able to fly. The breather makes it possible for the two outer panels of the aircraft to manage the pressure difference.
Holes in Padlock
Have you noticed that there's a tiny hole at the bottom of the padlock? These holes, as you should have already guessed, serve a purpose. First of all, the holes are there to drain water that has entered the lock. If this wasn't possible and the water couldn't drain out, then it could end up freezing and the lock would be prone to some serious damage.
A second purpose for these holes is to allow you to pour oil or WD-40 in the lock in case it gets jammed and won't open up, which would make the item useless. So, if that treasure chest you dug up as a child has been jammed for years, you now know how to open it and get your hands on the treasure! But, we do deserve a cut of some of that gold.
Keyboard Bumps
Take a glance at any computer keyboard. Go ahead, we'll wait. Do you notice two little bumps on the F and J keys? If you have ever taken a computer class, then you may have learned the reason why these bumps exist. But, if you're like the rest of us, you most likely don't have a clue. Well, the tiny bumps are there so that you can find your way on the keyboard while staring at the screen.
If you are typing with both hands, they will be aligned so that your left pointer finger is on F and your right pointer finger is on J. This allows you to keep your eyes on the screen while your fingers are typing away, knowing that your hands are in the correct positions.
Black Grating in Microwave
You've most likely noticed that a microwave comes with a type of black grating on its door. This grating is called a Faraday shield and it serves an important purpose. The shield prevents electromagnetic fields from exiting the microwave and causing harm to people hanging around the microwave waiting for their meal to heat up.
You should be thankful that the shield was there for you that time at 3 am when you were drunk, staring into the microwave, waiting for your pizza to warm up. Without the shield, you would be in harm's way and the microwave wouldn't be so effective at cooking your food. It does make you wonder, though, what exactly is happening to that food of ours inside of the microwave if it needs protection from electromagnetic fields?