Tag: battery health

  • 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.

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Tags: ,