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Alas, Apple’s Latest AirPods Once Again Eschew Ear Tips

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Photo via Amazon

I recently learned that Apple released the first generation of AirPods five years ago, all the way back in 2016, which seems like a lifetime ago. To put things into perspective, Barack Obama was then serving as President of the United States. That means we’ve had half a decade for AirPods to permeate our cultural discourse, running the gamut from the butt of Twitter jokes to status symbol to essential tool for working from home. Last week, Apple unveiled the third generation of their ubiquitous earphones, and surprisingly they decided to keep certain design elements that prevents the AirPods from having truly universal appeal.

Photo via Amazon

New Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

Going back to their days making wired earphones, Apple has for years tried to force its distinctively shaped earbuds into the ears of every human on the planet. With the release of the AirPods Pro in 2019, however, it seemed like they had finally learned the error of their ways. Yes, the noise cancellation technology of the AirPods Pro is itself superior enough to merit its $250 price tag. But the biggest selling point has always been its interchangeable ear tips, allowing users to attach the size most fitted to their particular head shape.

When coming out with a third generation of AirPods, there was widespread hope that these would also include ear tips—or even if they didn’t come with them, they would at least support third party attachments. Neither is the case. Apple is stubbornly clinging to the delusion that all of their customers have ear shapes similar enough to use only one single design.

Apple has not taken this charge lightly. They claim that the newest AirPods boast a whole new design that is meant to fit snugly in more ears than ever before. Consider me a skeptic. Anything that simply rests on top of a body part is not going to be as secure as something that actually attaches via silicone tips. That is even more true when considering the tendency to employ AirPods in activities that require lots of motion, such as running and other forms of exercise.

Henry Ford famously said that customers could have any color Model T they want, as long as it was black. Well, Apple seems to be employing a similarly haughty strategy: You can have wireless earphones that fit any shape ear you want, as long as it is the shape and size they have predetermined.

Maybe this is a long play. Since Apple AirPods denote status, Apple may be hoping that natural selection allows only those with its sanctioned ear shapes to find mates and procreate. Solely passing along this physiognomical trait may save the company considerable amounts of money in the generations to come. This is the one of the only reasons I can think of for Apple so inconsiderately turning off a large part of its potential consumer base. It is either that or they just want those who need the tips to wait a little longer and pay the extra cash whenever the AirPods Pro 2 are finally released.

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How To Treat Neck Pain

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Neck pain can be a very serious issue. If your neck starts to hurt, it is important that you don’t simply ignore it. Pay attention to the signs and symptoms that may make the matter more serious. For example, holding your neck in place for a long period of time can exacerbate neck pain. This can be particularly troublesome, because all sorts of activities central to modern life, such as driving and working at a computer, require such a position. Other indications of severe neck pain include muscle tightness and spasms, as well as headaches. If your neck pain is bad enough, it is possible you are not even able to move your head. 

Although the above symptoms may not apply to you, it is still prudent to examine your life for potential future causes of neck pain. Doing a self-audit can save you a lot of headaches (literally) down the line, not to mention medical expenses. Start by examining your posture: Poor posture is one of the primary causes of neck pain. Repetitive motions and bad sleep habits are similarly avoidable origins. Neck pain can also result from a different medical issue, such as muscle strains or pinched nerves, or injuries from exercising or other physical activity. Fibromyalgia is another common culprit. 

If you start experiencing neck pain, you do not have to immediately seek out a doctor. As long as your neck pain remains mild, there are quite a few self-care remedies you can employ. Alternating the application of ice and heat can help, using the ice to reduce swelling and pain as the heat relaxes muscles and improves blood flow. You can also try correcting the problem at its source: Fix your posture, or sleep in a better position, and your neck pain may very well go away on its own. If your job does require you to hold your neck in position, be sure to take frequent breaks for short walks and gentle stretches. In addition to these solutions, you can be sure to relieve pain and improve comfort by giving yourself a massage. 

Unless you happen to have a live-in massage therapist, you will need a massage device to properly work on your neck. Luckily, there are several effective and affordable such machines available from NAIPO. A prime example is the classic 150DC, the most popular massager in the company’s history. This Shoulder & Neck Massager with Shiatsu Kneading Massage and Heat uses a U-shape design to envelop your neck as its nodes simulate the feel of a professional’s fingertips. Another good choice is the innovative oPillow, which attaches to your office chair to help you work out any kinks while you’re on the job. Both of these NAIPO massagers—the 150DC and the oPillow—can relieve neck pain, allowing NAIPO users to find well-being. 

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NAIPO Joins Massage Gun Craze With New Model

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NAIPO, one of the world’s leading massager companies, continues its hot start to the year by releasing its third new product of 2023. On the heels of its foot spa and handheld percussion massager comes its most anticipated launch yet—the NP-MG01 massage gun

In recent years, massage guns have become the crown jewel of the at-home massager market. Vibration therapy not only relieves muscle soreness generally but offers specialized benefits during post-workout recovery. Massage guns are a favorite of professional athletes, as well as weekend warriors and fitness freaks. Anyone who takes their physical health seriously needs a massage gun in their gym bag. 

Now, they can make it the NP-MG01 massage gun. Smaller and more compact than similarly designed products, this exciting new massager weighs just 390g (under 1 pound), which means anyone can carry it around in their pocket no problem. It also boasts a sleek design, with attractive and durable UV black paint making it smooth to the touch and easy to clean. 

A common complaint with most massage guns previously available for purchase is their annoyingly loud noise output. To solve this issue for its users, NAIPO’s R&D team designed this massage gun with a proprietary brushless motor with Quiet Technology™. Combined with an internal lithium-ion battery with convenient USB-C charging, this provides up to 180 minutes of continuous whisper-quiet massage treatment. 

From its many years of experience in the field, NAIPO knows that massages are not “one-size-fits-all.” Every person is different, and every person deserves a specialized massage to meet their individualized needs. To that end, the NP-MG01 massage gun features 5 speed levels and 4 interchangeable massage head attachments. That degree of customization is sure to provide advanced levels of relief and relaxation to anyone who gets their hands on it. 

The NP-MG01 massage gun is available now via NAIPO’s own website. 

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With Daylight Savings Time Ending, It May Be Time For A SAD Lamp

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I am not a licensed psychiatrist, so I am not going to weigh in on whether Seasonal Affective Disorder is a legitimate mood disorder, as opposed to a normal human response to a change in seasons. But I will say that whoever named it obviously thought it was a joke – there is no way you can tall someone you are “SAD” and expect the sympathy that traditionally accompanies revelations of mental illness.

Whether you actually suffer from clinical depression or just would prefer more sunlit hours in a day, now is the time of year to start preparing for the winter blues. Daylight Savings Time is ending this weekend, which is the government’s way of telling you it does not want you to be happy when you get off work in the evenings.

In theory, SAD lamps can help. Contrary to their name, SAD lamps are not designed to bring you further down into the dumps but instead to make you happy. Maybe they should call them HAPPY lamps. I’ll let the professionals to come up with some appropriate backronym for that like they obviously did with Season Affective Disorder all those years ago.

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Verilux® HappyLight® Lucent – UV-Free LED Light Therapy Lamp, Bright White with 10,000 Lux, Detachable Stand, and Wall Mountable — $39.99

SAD lamps are useful for so-called “light therapy.” Again, I’m not a doctor, so I do not know exactly how they work, besides the crucial fact that they are meant to mimic daylight while filtering out UV rays. Putting one in your home can help you combat the effects of earlier and earlier sunsets, and maybe even trick your brain into thinking you live in Florida. SAD lamps aren’t very expensive, so if your mood ever starts to sag (especially going into the holidays without being surrounded by family), you might as well give it a go.

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