Back in 2015, the two-person studio Metanet released N++, a brutally hard 2D platformer that was a decade in the making, building off of previous releases dating back to the freeware Flash title N. At the time, cofounder Raigan Burns issued some famous last words: “We hope it’s not another 10 years before we come up with a game.” But now here we are, more than a decade later, and N is getting another sequel. And this time the focus is on multiplayer.
Technology
The little-known secret way to clean your AirPods the right way
If you own a pair of AirPods, you know how convenient and enjoyable they are to use. But you also know how dirty they can get over time. AirPods often accumulate dirt, bacteria, wax, sweat, and other substances that can affect their performance and even cause infections in your ears. That’s why it’s important to clean them regularly and properly.
But how do you clean your AirPods without damaging them? What products should you use and avoid? And what are some tips to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place? We’ll answer all these questions and more, so read on to learn the best way to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
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AirPods Pro (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The do’s and don’ts of cleaning your AirPods
Before we get into the details of how to clean each part of your AirPods, let’s go over some general do’s and don’ts that apply to all models.
3 Do’s
1) Do use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of your AirPods. This will remove any dust, dirt, or fingerprints that may have accumulated on the surface.
Using a lint-free cloth to clean AirPods (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
2) Do wipe your AirPods with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth with water if they were exposed to anything that might cause damage, such as sweat, soap, shampoo, makeup, or sunscreen. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before using them again.
Wetting lint-free cloth to be damp (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
3) Do clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab and a cleaning pen. These tools can help you gently remove any debris or wax that may be clogging the sound quality of your AirPods.
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3 Don’ts
1) Don’t run your AirPods underwater. Get any liquid in the openings, and use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean them. These actions can damage the internal components, the battery, or the microphone and speaker meshes of your AirPods.
Don’t run AirPods underwater (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
2) Don’t use compressed air, toothpicks, or other pointed objects to clean the meshes. These can damage the delicate fabric or push the debris further into the openings.
How not to use sharp objects to clean your AirPods (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
3) Don’t use any cleaning products that contain alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals. These can corrode the metal contacts, the plastic casing, or the rubber ear tips of your AirPods.
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How to clean the ear tips of AirPods Pro
If you have AirPods Pro, you’ll need to pay extra attention to the ear tips, which are the silicone pieces that fit into your ear canal. These can collect a lot of wax, sweat, and bacteria, which can affect the noise cancellation and the fit of your AirPods Pro. Here are four steps on how to clean them.
Step 1 – Tap the AirPod on a soft, dry, lint-free cloth with the ear tip opening facing downward if any water has accumulated in the ear tip. This will help drain the water out of the AirPod.
Example of tapping AirPod on lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 2 – Pull off the ear tips from each AirPod and rinse them with only water. Don’t use any soap or other cleaning products.
AirPod ear tip (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 3 – Wipe the ear tips with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and make sure they are completely dry before re-attaching to each AirPod. You can also let them air dry for a few hours if you prefer.
Showing what the ear tip looks like un-attached to AirPod (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 4 – To reattach the ear tips, align them with the oval-shaped connector on the AirPod and push them firmly until they click into place.
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How to clean the AirPods charging case
The charging case of your AirPods is another part that can get dirty over time. It can collect dust, lint, or debris in the charging ports, which can affect the charging efficiency and the battery life of your AirPods. Here’s four steps on how to clean it.
Step 1 – Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of the charging case. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the charging case to dry completely before using it again.
Lint-free cloth, AirPods, isopropyl alcohol (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 2 – Make sure not to get any liquid in the charging ports, the hinge, or the lid of the charging case. These can cause corrosion or short circuits in the case.
Step 3 – You’ll also want to remove any debris from the Lightning connector with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Don’t use abrasive materials or metal objects to clean the connector, as they can damage the pins or the coating of the connector.
Cleaning AirPods charging case with a soft-bristled brush (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 4 – To avoid damaging the metal contacts, don’t put anything in the charging ports of the case or the AirPods. These are the small gold circles that allow the case to charge the AirPods. If they are dirty, you can gently wipe them with a dry cotton swab.
Pointing to metal contacts on AirPod (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to clean the AirPods Max
If you have AirPods Max, the over-ear headphones from Apple, you’ll need to take care of the different parts of the device, such as the ear cushions, the knit mesh, the headband, and the digital crown. Here are four steps on how to clean them.
AirPods Max (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 1 – To clean the ear cushions, remove them from the ear cups by pulling them off gently. You can wash them with mild soap and water, and then rinse them thoroughly. Let them dry completely before re-attaching them to the ear cups. To re-attach them, align the magnets on the ear cushions with the ones on the ear cups and press them firmly until they snap into place.
Ear cushions removed from AirPods Max (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 2 – To clean the knit mesh, use a dry lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface. Don’t use any liquid or cleaning products on the knit mesh, as they can damage the fabric or the acoustic performance of the headphones.
Cleaning knit mesh on AirPods Max with a lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 3 – To clean the headband, use a slightly damp, lint-free cloth with water to wipe the exterior. Don’t use any alcohol, bleach, or other chemicals on the headband, as they can discolor or damage the material.
Cleaning the headband of AirPods Max with a lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Step 4 – To clean the digital crown, which is the knob that controls the volume and other functions of the headphones, use a dry cotton swab to gently remove any dirt or debris from the edges. Don’t use any liquid or metal objects to clean the digital crown, as they can damage the mechanism or the coating of the crown.
Cleaning the digital crown of the AirPods Max with a lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to prevent your AirPods from getting dirty
While cleaning your AirPods regularly is a good habit, you can also take some simple steps to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. Here are two tips to keep your AirPods clean and fresh.
- Store your AirPods in their case when you’re not using them. This will protect them from dust, moisture, and accidental drops. Make sure the case is also clean and dry before putting your AirPods in it.
- Avoid sharing your AirPods with other people, especially if they have ear infections or other ear problems. This can transfer bacteria or germs from one person to another, and increase the risk of infections or irritations in your ears.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Cleaning your AirPods is not a difficult task, but it requires some care and attention. By following the steps and tips we’ve outlined, you can keep your AirPods in good shape and enjoy them for a long time. Remember to clean them regularly, use the right products and tools, and avoid damaging them with liquids or sharp objects.
How do you prevent your AirPods from getting dirty in the first place, and what habits do you follow? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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The new game is called, absurdly, N Plus Infinity Times Two. Whereas N++ was meant to be the ultimate single-player version of the N concept, this game is described as “the ultimate virtual couch party game with a low skill floor and no skill ceiling.” That means the same slick, acrobatic platforming action and gorgeous graphic design-inspired visuals, but now built around playing competitively or cooperatively with pals across a handful of different modes. It’s launching on the PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, and PC at some point in 2027.
The duo at Metanet was up to a few different things over the last 11 years. In addition to uprooting from Toronto to Montreal, they’ve been prototyping ideas for a few potentially bigger projects, and last year released a 10-year anniversary update for N++. But then, “We started getting the ‘let’s take another crack at it’ bug in 2022,” Burns tells The Verge.
The studio operates in an unusual way, at least compared to most of the game industry. Despite having two hits in N+ and N++, Metanet hasn’t grown or scaled up in any way. And the reason comes down to the way they make games: It simply takes a lot of time to find a game idea that’s worth pursuing as a commercial project. “We’ve resisted doing something that would compromise our ability to keep iterating and prototyping until something good shows up,” says Burns.
“It’s important to feel that magic,” cofounder Mare Sheppard adds. “That’s what’s compelling about making games. That’s when we know that we’re doing it in a way that’s right for us.” Burns has a clear analogy for how they work: “We like being in a band. That’s fun. Being in a lot of meetings and doing a lot of managing: not fun.” This philosophy seems especially prescient given the state of the games industry, where even the biggest hits operate in a way that’s clearly unsustainable.
“We like being in a band. That’s fun. Being in a lot of meetings and doing a lot of managing: not fun.”
In the case of N Plus Infinity Times Two — unfortunately I can’t think of a good way to shorten that title — the spark came in part from watching how younger players interact with games. Even when they’re playing solo, kids are typically still chatting with friends on their phones, essentially turning everything into a multiplayer experience. Burns and Sheppard wanted to find a way to marry that idea with the couch co-op experiences they grew up on, which led to revisiting the N concept but with a multiplayer spin.
The two describe making N++ as a grueling experience. If you think the game’s levels are hard, just imagine having to playtest them over and over. Part of the excitement about N Plus Infinity Times Two wasn’t just finding a spin on the formula that would be fun to play, but also to develop. “This one really feels like we’re having fun,” says Burns. “We’re really fluent in this one instrument. So now the fun challenge becomes playing new styles of music we’ve never played before, but with this thing we’re really comfortable with.”
Image: Metanet Software
As creative industries from games to Hollywood become increasingly homogenous, Burns also believes that there’s something important about doing work that’s distinct, even if it means revisiting a previous idea, like through the multiple versions of N. It’s similar to titles like Hades II and Silksong: indie-developed sequels that iterated a core concept, but with a fresh angle that made them more than a by-the-numbers follow-up. “Being yourself is more fun and exciting anyways,” Burns explains. “But I honestly think it’s more commercially viable to do something only you can do, because then you have no competition.”
As for what’s next after N Plus Infinity Times Two, the pair obviously aren’t revealing anything just yet. There are a few bigger 3D game ideas kicking around, but those would necessitate some of that scaling up that the studio has so far avoided. What they won’t close the door on, however, is coming back to the idea of N again at some point in the future.
“If we can do something that expresses something new, or lets us see things in a different way, or we get a different perspective on what this game is or how to play it, that’s exciting,” says Sheppard. “I think we no longer think this is definitively going to be the last one. We’ve abandoned that idea. It doesn’t have to be.”
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Space changes the rules for almost everything, including how a robot should move. On Earth, legs help us stand, balance and walk across a room. In microgravity, those same legs lose much of their purpose.
That is why Orbit Robotics, an academic spinout from ETH Zurich, took a different approach with Helios. The robot was built with four arms so it can grip, brace and work inside a spacecraft. Two arms can hold on while the other two handle tools, cargo and equipment.
It is a smart design for a place where floating is easy and staying steady is the real challenge. Here is how Helios works and why it could change the way astronauts get help in orbit.
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IS THIS SPACE CAPSULE HOW WE WILL LIVE AND WORK IN ORBIT IN THE FUTURE?
Helios uses two arms to anchor itself while the other two move cargo, tools and equipment inside a spacecraft. (Orbit Robotics)
Why the Helios space robot has four arms
Helios uses two pairs of arms with different jobs. One pair can anchor the robot to interior surfaces. The other pair can handle tools, unload cargo, move equipment or perform other work inside a spacecraft.
That setup is important because stability and work need to happen at the same time in orbit. A floating robot cannot casually plant its feet, bend over and pick something up. It needs to hold on while it works.
That is where Helios makes sense. Two arms can keep it steady while the other two get the job done. In microgravity, legs become extra hardware unless they can grip, brace or manipulate objects. Helios skips that problem by turning the whole body into a tool for movement and work.
How this four-armed space robot works
Orbit Robotics says Helios uses a tendon-driven system. Instead of placing motors at every joint, the robot keeps many of those motors closer to the shoulders. Cables and pulleys then transmit force through the arms.
That design can reduce weight at the ends of the limbs. In space, heavy limbs can create awkward movement. A robot also needs control, especially when it is holding cargo or tools near expensive equipment.
Helios also uses a rolling-contact elbow joint. That may sound like a tiny detail. In orbit, it can make a big difference. A sudden jerk could destabilize the robot. It could also send whatever the robot is carrying drifting across a spacecraft. Smooth movement becomes a safety feature.
How IKARUS helped shape Helios
Before Helios, the team built an earlier robot platform called IKARUS. That project helped test ideas such as teleoperation, imitation learning and dual-arm manipulation. In other words, IKARUS gave the team a way to learn how a robot could move, copy tasks and handle objects in a space-like setting.
Those lessons helped shape Helios. That is important because space hardware rarely gets a second chance. A robot designed for orbit has to be reliable, compact and useful in cramped conditions. It also has to behave predictably around humans. Helios builds on that earlier work with a body that better fits the environment.
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Why astronauts need robotic help in orbit
Orbit Robotics says its mission is to free astronauts, not replace them. That sounds reassuring. It also makes practical sense. Astronauts are highly trained people doing some of the most expensive labor imaginable. Yet a major chunk of crew time aboard the International Space Station goes toward maintenance.
Some estimates put maintenance at roughly 35% of crew time. At an estimated $140,000 per astronaut-hour, basic logistics can become shockingly expensive. That means sorting supplies, moving equipment or handling routine work can carry a huge price tag. Helios does not need to be a genius to help. It needs to move through narrow corridors, stay stable without gravity and manipulate objects with care. That is the point of the design.
Orbit Robotics built Helios with four arms so it can grip, brace and handle tools inside spacecraft in microgravity. (Orbit Robotics)
What Helios could do in space
The first job for Helios appears focused on interior spacecraft work. That could include unloading cargo, helping manage supplies, moving gear and assisting with routine maintenance. Those jobs may sound boring. In orbit, boring tasks still take time, training and attention.
Over time, Orbit Robotics sees a broader role for robots like Helios. That could include satellite servicing. It could also include in-space construction as commercial stations and orbital habitats become more common.
If launch costs keep falling, more equipment will head into orbit. More hardware means more maintenance. More stations mean more logistics. That creates a clear opening for robots like Helios, built for space from the start.
Why robots may take on more space work
Human spaceflight still captures the imagination. It always has. However, the human body has serious limits in space. Astronauts can face radiation exposure, bone loss, vision problems and cognitive effects linked to fluid shifts in the brain.
Those risks grow during longer missions. Robots do not need air, food, sleep or radiation protection in the same way humans do. They can also take risks that would be unacceptable for astronauts.
That does not make astronauts obsolete overnight. Still, it changes the conversation. If machines can handle more work in orbit, humans may spend less time on routine tasks and more time on science. That could mean more attention on research tied to aging, cancer treatments, organ bioprinting and other experiments that benefit from microgravity.
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Could space robots build the next space economy?
If commercial space stations grow, they will need constant care. Cargo will need to be sorted. Equipment will need to be moved. Structures may need inspection or repair. Satellites may need servicing. Future habitats may need robots that can assemble, maintain and adapt.
That is where a machine like Helios becomes more than a cool prototype. It could become part of the labor force that keeps space infrastructure running.
The big question is whether humans remain at the center of that work or move into a more selective role. We may still send astronauts into orbit, but their jobs could change dramatically.
Instead of doing every task by hand, they may supervise robots built for a place where the human body struggles.
The four-armed Helios robot was designed for zero gravity, where legs are less useful than gripping and bracing. (Orbit Robotics)
What Helios could mean for future space robots
Engineers are starting to design machines for specific environments instead of forcing them into human-shaped bodies. That shift could affect more than space exploration.
On Earth, robots already work in warehouses, factories, hospitals and disaster zones. In each case, the best design may not look human. It may look strange, specialized and a little unsettling.
Helios shows why that can be a good thing. A robot built for its environment can work more efficiently. It can also take on risky jobs and help humans focus on work that needs judgment, creativity or science training.
For space, that could mean safer missions. It could also mean fewer astronauts spending precious hours on routine maintenance.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Helios stands out because it was built for the place it is meant to work. In orbit, walking offers very little help. Gripping, bracing and handling equipment become much more important. That is what makes the four-armed design so practical. It gives the robot a way to hold on while it works, which is exactly what astronauts need in microgravity. Orbit Robotics says Helios is meant to help astronauts, not replace them. Still, this robot raises a bigger question. As machines grow more capable, they could take on more of the risky and repetitive work beyond Earth. That could give astronauts more time for science, discovery and decisions that need human judgment. It could also change how we think about sending people into space in the first place.
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Would you rather see astronauts doing the work in orbit, or robots taking over the risky stuff? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Whether you’re considering starting a Sonos speaker setup, or adding to an existing group, the Sonos Era 100 is worth picking up. The compact, capable smart speaker is currently marked down to $189 ($30 off) at a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Sonos. If you want an even lower price, Sonos is selling refurbished Era 100 speakers for just $134. They come with fresh accessories and packaging, and sport the same one-year warranty as its new speakers.
The wireless speaker has a rich, detailed sound profile, with room-filling audio despite its small size. You might be able to improve the sound further with the Sonos Trueplay feature, which uses either your phone or the speaker’s built-in microphone to automatically tune it to your space. The Era 100 can easily connect with other speakers in the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room play, even with different Sonos models.
The Era 100 has expanded functionality from previous entry-level Sonos speakers, adding in Bluetooth and USB-C wired audio, as well as improved onboard controls. While the speaker features built-in voice assistant support for both Sonos and Alexa, you can flip a switch on its back to cut power to the microphone.
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