6 common tech myths and misbeliefs debunked
We once believed that Macs would never get a virus, closing apps would save battery life, and private mode was really private.
For the record, switching to incognito in your browser probably doesn’t do what you think. Tap or click for six practical reasons to use it, from keeping your search autofill clean to shopping without spoiling the surprise.
And I’m sorry to break it to you, but your Mac is undoubtedly at risk like a Windows PC. Tap or click for five free downloads to keep your Mac or PC secure. This recommendation is one you can’t afford to ignore.
Call me your digital life myth-buster with six misconceptions you can stop believing.
1. You can’t be tracked if your GPS is off
Even if you turn off location tracking on your phone, you can still be tracked. Smartphones continuously check in with cell phone towers. Using this data, the proximity of your phone can be easily calculated.
But in the words of those late-night television commercials, “Wait, there’s more!”
A few years ago, researchers at Princeton University released an app called PinMe. They proved that a phone’s location could be pinpointed by only using a phone’s sensors.
The app collected compass details from the phone’s gyroscope, air pressure readings from the phone’s barometer, and speed along with the direction of travel from the phone’s accelerometer. No additional tech was needed to see the phone’s precise location on a map.
To prevent tracking, turn the phone off. If that’s unrealistic, tap or click here for insider settings to limit tracking.
2. Let your phone’s battery drop to zero before recharging it
Years ago, nickel-cadmium batteries suffered from the dreaded memory effect. The batteries would remember previous cycles and would not recharge fully. So the modus operandi was to make sure you drained the battery down to zero before recharging it.
Video doorbell settings you must change
When it comes to smart devices, you have a ton of choices. Not only are smart speakers and assistants affordable and easy to obtain, but so are smart plugs, smart lights, smart thermostats and a ton of other smart devices, too.
Amazon Echo: 7 common things Alexa can replace in your house
It’s true, smart speakers bring with them a variety of privacy concerns. And since it’s been confirmed snippets are recorded and listened to by humans, you’ll want to be careful of what you say around Alexa.
Concerned about Alexa and privacy? We are too. Tap or click here for ways to stop Alexa from spying on you. However, smart speakers do make a lot of daily tasks much, much easier. Not only that but your Echo device can replace several other common items that you’ll no longer need.