(Photo : Pexels)

Many of us until today believed that having Macs help our devices to be fully protected against the virus, that closing an application would help us save battery life, and that the private mode was really private. However, these are all not true. 

There is still a chance that our device can get a virus even if you have two anti-virus software. Closing an app also does not mean that you save battery life and using a "new incognito" window does not mean that your privacy is protected.

Here's a look at five of the most common misconceptions on tech products that you should stop believing today, according to USA Today.

1. You Can't Be Tracked If You Turned Off Your GPS

This is entirely not true because even if you turn off the tracking location on your phone, you can still be tracked. Smartphones are continuously connected to the tower, which means that when using the data, they can estimate your location based on the phone's data and its nearest tower. 

This was proven by a group of researchers at Princeton University a few years ago. They used an app called PinMe, where it pinpoints the phone's location using the mobile's sensors. It was also found that the app collected compass details. So, the best way not to be tracked is to turn off your phone.

2. Recharge Your Phone Once the Battery Drops to Zero

A few years ago, nickel-cadmium batteries suffered from the dreaded "memory effect." This means that it will wear out a battery over the period of a few hundred charges as it remembers the previous cycle. Therefore, it is recommended that you fully deplete the battery before you recharge it in order to maximize its life and get the most out of each charge.

However, this is no longer applicable at this time. Things have changed and upgrades have been made. New phones today are now using lithium-ion batteries. You can now charge anytime even if your phone is not draining. 

3. Facebook Listens to Your Conversation

There are many reports of conversations being secretly recorded by a third party. Is it possible? The answer is "Yes." Facebook and other apps can have full access to your smartphone's microphone even if you did not turn on the app. However, big tech firms denied it.

If you are using an iPhone, go to Settings, then click Facebook and enter the Settings sub-menu. Slide the Microphone switch to the left, so it turns from green to white. That turns off your microphone.  

4. Alexa Records Everything You Say

The truth about this app is that it records everything that you say. Remember that non of your command is possible without you speaking first the magic word like "Hey Alexa," Hey Siri," and "Ok Google." However, major tech companies said they only use the recordings to make their devices more accurate. 

5. More Bars Mean Better service

Probably you are thinking that the more bars you have, the stronger your connection is. You might also be wondering that even if you are in full bars, there are instances when you are still experiencing weak connection or you can't even send a text message.

The truth is the bars in your phone indicate how strong is the connection between your phone and the tower. However, it does not mean that the more bars you have, the stronger your connection is, because there is no calculation for it. 

Another thing to consider is your place. There may be times that your phone may have many bars, but you are still experiencing weak connectivity. The issue on this might be network congestion, which usually happens in urban areas and everytime many people are using the same network.