Incidents with devices
Incidents and accidents happen with devices all the time. Some days the phone slips from my hand or earphones fall out of pocket or I spill water on the laptops. Such incidents are mostly avoidable and are upsetting in nature. Sometimes they cost time and money, sometimes I get lucky.
Airpods in black coffee
Today afternoon, I grabbed a black coffee from the office vending machine and kept it lid open on my desk. I was looking at my screen and picked up the right airpod. I was going to listen to some music. Next thing I know, it slipped out of my hand and feel right into the cup of hot coffee straight out of the vending machine.
Coffee is best served at a temperature between 155ºF and 175ºF (70ºC to 80ºC). Coffee straight out of machine is usually around 95ºC. It took me a couple of seconds to realize what had happened. I flinched, and thought of my next move. In another couple of seconds, I rushed to the nearest sink to take the airpod out. While throwing away the coffee, I could see the steam from it. Along with the steam, my hope of the airpod surviving were evaporating.
I had the airpod in my hand and I curbed my reflex to wash it with water. Wrapping it in a paper tower, I checked for any residual coffee. Wiped fully, I went back to my desk. It was the moment of truth, and to my delight, they were still working.
Companies and trust
Incidents like these build trust in a brand and company. It influences future decisions and since it is personal, it will be registered in my memory. The next I am in the market for earphones, Apple already has an edge, thanks to this incident.