how winter chill wreaks havoc on your favorite gadgets

Among the devices most susceptible to the effects of cold are those frequently used, such as phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. Low temperatures can lead not only to reduced performance but also potentially cause serious damage.

One of the least troublesome winter ailments is the reduced efficiency of batteries. Power supply issues in mobile devices can occur even in warmer conditions and become particularly bothersome when combined with cold. However, more concerning are malfunctions caused by stresses in electronic circuit components due to temperature changes. Prolonged exposure to frost can render equipment entirely inoperative, and data on hard drives may be irretrievably lost.

Warming chilled equipment directly with a heat source like a radiator is the worst solution. Such a sudden temperature change almost always leads to scratches or cracks. When entering a warmer room, it is advisable to wait a few minutes before turning the cold device back on to allow it to acclimate to the surrounding temperature.

How can you tackle the issue of cold? First and foremost, use appropriate cases. Phones should be carried in the inner pockets of jackets. This is especially important for modern smartphones, which perform significantly worse in low temperatures compared to older models. For instance, an iPhone can stop working at just 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Before entering a house, it's a good idea to place a camera in a sealed plastic bag to gradually restore its warmth.

Using ATMs in extreme cold can also present problems, as touch screens sometimes stop working and operating systems freeze. To avoid issues, it's better to withdraw money from ATMs located in shopping centers.