Tag: battery health

  • Nintendo Today: Switch 2 Battery Life Could Improve with Stop Charging Feature

    Nintendo Today: Switch 2 Battery Life Could Improve with Stop Charging Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Switch 2 features a 5220 mAh lithium-ion battery, promising 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime, but high-demand games may drain it quickly.

    2. A new battery management feature allows users to stop charging around 90% to help maintain battery health and reduce degradation.

    3. The original Switch experienced battery performance decline over time, causing frustration and leading to repairs; a battery-saving setting could have mitigated this.

    4. The new feature will not inherently increase the Switch 2’s battery life, as demanding games may still consume power quickly due to improved performance specifications.

    5. Limited hands-on testing makes it difficult to accurately assess the Switch 2’s playtime, but the new feature aims to enhance battery longevity.

    Battery life is a key issue for any gaming handheld, especially when a device claims to deliver better performance. The specifications for the Switch 2 show that it will be powered by a 5220 mAh lithium-ion battery. It is promised to provide between 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime, but high-demand games could quickly drain its power. Fortunately, a video from Nintendo Today has unveiled a feature that might help in maintaining the health of the Switch 2 battery.

    Battery Management Feature

    In the clip shared by Nintendo Today, a user is seen activating a setting called “Stop charging around 90%.” When connected to a USB-C cable, viewers can observe the battery indicator slowly climbing up to 88% before it halts. Lithium-ion batteries tend to wear out quicker when they are fully charged because of excessive electrochemical reactions. To minimize this degradation, it’s advisable to keep rechargeable devices at 80% or below. This strategy is similar to the safety measures that smartphones use, which were highlighted in the video about the Switch 2.

    Past Issues with Battery Performance

    Many players using the original 2017 Switch have noticed a decline in battery performance over time. This decline has frustrated users to the point where they have opted to send their consoles in for repairs. Had the first Switch included a battery-saving setting, it could have reduced the number of replacement devices needed. Nevertheless, not many gamers are keen on keeping an eye on their handhelds to stop charging at a specific percentage.

    Sadly, this new feature will not inherently increase the battery life of the Switch 2. When compared to its predecessor, it is expected that games will demonstrate a wider range of performance. With a 1080p display and a refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz, some games are likely to consume the battery power of the Switch 2 more quickly than others. Steam Deck users face a similar challenge, as demanding titles can necessitate recharging in less than two hours.

    Testing Limitations

    The limited-time hands-on sessions make it hard for testers to accurately gauge the playtime of the Switch 2. Regardless, gamers will have access to a new feature to help maintain their battery’s longevity.

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  • Google’s Battery Health Feature Now for Pixel 8a and Newer Models

    Google’s Battery Health Feature Now for Pixel 8a and Newer Models

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Battery Health Feature: Android 16 introduces a Battery Health menu to monitor battery deterioration, currently in beta.

    2. Limited Availability: This feature is exclusive to newer Pixel models, specifically the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 series.

    3. Accessing the Feature: Users can find the Battery Health menu in the Settings under the Battery section, showing battery capacity compared to a new one.

    4. Older Models Excluded: The feature is not available on older Pixel devices, which may disappoint users who could benefit from it.

    5. Concerns Over Updates: The exclusion of older models raises questions about the seven years of promised updates and access to significant features.

    Android 16 is introducing a feature that allows users to monitor the health of their device’s battery. Currently in beta, Google has stated that this feature will be limited to certain Pixel phone models, namely the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 9 series.

    Battery Health Insights

    The new Android Battery Health menu can be accessed in Android 16 Beta 3, providing users with information on how much their battery has deteriorated. A similar functionality has been a part of iPhones for several years, including models like the iPhone 6. Recently, Android Authority reported that this feature will only be available for the newer Pixel devices.

    Accessing the Feature

    Users can find the Battery Health menu under the Battery section in the Settings application. According to the screenshots that have been shared, the feature gives an estimated percentage of charge that the battery can hold compared to a brand-new battery.

    The screenshots appear to have come from owners of the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9, which are currently listed on Amazon for $599. However, no images have been shared by users of older models like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, leading to some questions. A response found in the Google Issue Tracker, noticed by Reddit user azmeen0, confirmed that the absence of this feature in older models is intentional, citing “product limitations.”

    Impact on Older Devices

    This news is disappointing for those who own older Pixel devices, as they would likely benefit the most from such a feature. As these batteries age, understanding their condition becomes increasingly useful. Moreover, it raises concerns about the promised seven years of updates, especially if last-generation devices are left out from receiving significant features like this one.

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  • Google accidentally confirms Pixel 8a, hints at new battery feature

    Google accidentally confirms Pixel 8a, hints at new battery feature

    Google recently hinted at its plans for the upcoming Pixel 8a while discussing a change in a recent Pixel software update. The tech giant revealed that a new battery stats page will be exclusive to the Pixel 8a and future devices.

    Google's Battery Stats Update

    Android 14 QPR1 initially introduced a feature showcasing charging cycle counts and the battery's manufacturing date. However, users noticed that this feature disappeared in the March 2024 Pixel update.

    Clarification and Future Devices

    In response to inquiries, Google explained on a bug tracker page that the battery stats feature was meant for upcoming devices. The company stated that the page is specifically enabled for Pixel 8a and beyond, indicating that this was intentional.

    Insights and Speculations

    Google's statements not only confirm the imminent arrival of the budget-friendly Pixel 8a but also hint at a more robust battery health monitoring system for future Pixel devices. This enhancement, however, will not be extended to older Pixel models.

    The Pixel 8a is anticipated to be launched in the coming months, potentially coinciding with Google I/O in May, following the release schedule of its predecessors.

    Here: This timeframe could align with the release pattern of its predecessors.

    Rumored Specifications

    Rumors surrounding the Google Pixel 8a suggest it might feature the Tensor G3 chip, possibly a modified version of the chip used in the flagship Pixel 8 series. The device is rumored to offer 8 GB of RAM and support 27W fast charging. Last year, leaked CAD renders revealed the Pixel 8a's dimensions as 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm, with a 6.1-inch OLED display. Further details about the smartphone are yet to be unveiled.

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  • Android 15 may bring battery health percentage feature, similar to iPhones

    Android 15 may bring battery health percentage feature, similar to iPhones

    For years, iPhone users have had the advantage of a battery health screen, a feature that Android lacked. This screen provides information about the battery's maximum capacity in comparison to its original state, giving users a clear understanding of its degradation over time. However, it seems that the tables may be turning, as there is evidence suggesting that Android 15 could introduce this much-desired feature.

    Nail Sadykov, the editor of Android Authority and Google News Telegram, recently discovered a hidden "battery health" screen in the Android 14 QPR2 beta 2 update. Although it is currently inactive, a code analysis revealed that it will display the "estimated percentage of charge the battery can currently hold compared to when it was new." In simpler terms, it is essentially the same battery health percentage feature found in iPhones.

    The availability of this feature in future Android updates remains uncertain. Android Authority speculates that it could potentially be introduced in Android 15, possibly as an exclusive feature for Pixel devices initially. However, there is always a chance that Google may abandon the idea, although recent efforts from the company suggest otherwise.

    In the latest Pixel Feature Drop, Google introduced a "battery information" screen that provides details about the battery's cycle count and manufacture date. Additionally, Android 14 empowered third-party developers with battery APIs, allowing apps to estimate battery health. These developments indicate that Google is laying the groundwork for a native battery health screen.

    The advantages of having a battery health screen are undeniable, especially for users who hold onto their phones for extended periods. With Google's announcement of seven years of updates for the Pixel 8 lineup, the battery health monitoring feature will prove to be beneficial for new Pixel owners.

    As more information about this feature emerges, we can expect further details to be revealed soon. We will keep you informed of any new developments regarding the battery health screen in Android.

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