The Nexus 5 has a magnetic sensor to detect when the case cover is closed shut. I suspect this is being triggered by a speaker or some other magnetic element of the MacBook.
Maybe it's just me, but isn't it a bit scary there are so many hidden magnets around? I'll have to add the edge of my MacBook to the list of things to keep credit cards away from...
For me, my cards go from my wallet to the cashier, then back to the wallet. Online orders are done through a disposable card number. But my fear with magnets has always been removable media. But since we are way beyond the days of floppies, and USB stick, CD/DVD etc aren't affected, I guess I should work on removing my personal fear of magnets now.
I have a cochlear implant; the external headpiece has neodymium magnets in it. Sometimes when it starts raining suddenly, I toss the external bit into my pocket or my messenger bag to keep it from getting soaked (and losing my hearing).
What I'm getting at is that the magnets have ruined my credit/debit cards several times, so I wouldn't consider this a "myth" at all.
Yeah, some sort of magnet sensor. They're also used for detecting when you insert your phone into a docking station. And for Google Cardboard's button.
I've seen the opposite happen - the MacBook screen turning off - when placing an open macbook on top of a closed one. I'm guessing that case is to do with magnets activating the closed-sensor.
I've replicated this with a Nexus 6 by placing it over the speakers of an MBP (it locks the screen, rather than turning it off) which also suggests magnetic? I'm thinking Motorola planned a Nexus 6 case similar to the Galaxy Note flip cover.
Had the same problem with an Acer Chromebook and a Nexus 4, the Chromebook goes in sleep mode when the phone is placed over the keyboard in a particular position.
