battery performance Archives

AppWizard

September 6, 2025

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: LTE, MicroLED & Satellite Messaging Hands-On: Everything You Need to Know!

Garmin has launched the Fenix 8 Pro and Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED models, featuring LTE and two-way satellite messaging capabilities, increased display brightness (around 2,000 nits for the Pro model and 4,500 nits for the MicroLED), enhanced speaker loudness, and live two-way voice calls. The Fenix 8 Pro comes in 47mm and 51mm sizes, with the entry-level model priced at 9, while the MicroLED variant is priced at ,999 and only available in the 51mm size. The 43mm model has been removed due to engineering challenges with LTE integration. The new models offer various safety and communication features, including weather updates, incident detection, and emergency SOS. The LTE setup requires a subscription to Garmin’s inReach platform. The MicroLED version has a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 44 hours in GPS-only mode.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Which Home Security System Has the Best Android App?

Smartphones have become essential tools for home security, with Android users seeking high-quality apps that offer speed, intuitive interfaces, control, stability, and customizability. Key features of top home security apps include quick loading times, user-friendly designs, easy system control, and the ability to operate without crashes. SimpliSafe is highlighted as the best overall home security app for Android due to its speed, user-friendly layout, and compatibility with Google Assistant. ADT+ is noted as a solid runner-up with strong video capabilities but a steeper learning curve. Vivint offers a premium experience with a polished design but comes with high costs. Other notable apps include Abode, which is flexible and affordable, Wyze, known for its simplicity and affordability, and Ring, which integrates well with Android and Alexa but raises privacy concerns.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

How to maximize your Windows 11 PC’s battery life in 9 easy steps

Windows PCs come with tools to manage power consumption, notably the Power Settings Command-Line Tool (Powercfg.exe), which can generate a battery report. This report, saved as an HTML document, details battery usage, capacity, and historical data. Users can create a battery report by opening Command Prompt and entering specific commands. The report shows the design capacity and current full-charge capacity of the battery, helping track degradation over time. The battery report also includes usage data over the past three days, allowing users to analyze which activities impact battery performance. The Battery Life Estimates section provides insights into potential battery longevity based on usage patterns. Windows 11 allows users to check app-specific power consumption through Settings > System > Power & Battery. The Energy Recommendations checklist in Windows 11 offers energy-saving options and direct links to relevant settings. Users can adjust sleep and display settings according to their preferences. The Shutdown command can be executed from Command Prompt or the Run dialog box for transitioning between power states. The Battery Saver feature, now called Energy Saver in version 24H2, conserves battery life by disabling non-essential activities and can be manually activated.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

New Windows 11 trick will improve your Galaxy Book’s battery life

Microsoft is testing a new feature called Adaptive Battery Saver Mode for Windows 11 devices, which adjusts battery usage based on workload rather than just battery level. Unlike traditional Energy Saver mode, it maintains screen brightness and allows background tasks to continue without interruption. This feature is currently being tested in the Canary Channel under build number 27898, and if successful, it will be rolled out to all Windows 11 devices. The development coincides with advancements in power-efficient processors from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm, aimed at improving battery performance in Windows laptops.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows 11 to periodically enable battery saver mode while you work — even when your battery isn’t low

Microsoft is piloting an "adaptive energy saver" feature for Windows 11 that activates battery saver mode based on user activities, regardless of battery level. This opt-in feature automatically enables and disables energy saver without changing screen brightness, depending on the device's power state and system load. It aims to extend battery life during less demanding tasks by monitoring CPU and GPU usage. The adaptive energy saver is currently being tested with Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel and is exclusive to battery-powered devices. Users must activate it in Settings, as it is not enabled by default. The feature is part of Windows 11 build 27898, which is rolling out in preview.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft tests new Windows tech to lengthen laptop battery life

Microsoft has introduced a "self-healing" PC technology as part of its Windows 11 Release Preview Channel, featuring an adaptive energy saver designed to enhance battery performance by managing power consumption. This technology activates various power-saving strategies during idle periods or low CPU demand, such as disabling transparency effects, pausing non-essential updates, and limiting background applications, without dimming the screen. The adaptive energy saver is currently in testing and operates on an opt-in basis, requiring users to manually enable it. One of its functions includes halting background syncing with OneDrive.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

I always disable these 5 Windows 11 features to improve performance and security

Windows 11 has settings that can impact user experience, performance, and security. The following settings are recommended to disable for improved performance and security: 1. Telemetry: Disable the "Send optional diagnostic data" setting in Settings -> Privacy and Security -> Diagnostics and feedback, and set Feedback frequency to Never to limit data sharing. 2. Windows Search: Disable the Windows Search service by searching for Services, locating Windows Search, and changing its Startup type to Disabled. 3. Location Services: Turn off Location Services and "Let apps access your location" in Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Location to enhance privacy and battery performance. 4. Network Discovery: Disable Network Discovery on both Public and Private networks in Settings -> Network & Internet -> Advanced Network Settings -> Advanced sharing settings to minimize security risks. 5. Connect automatically to a Wi-Fi network: Uncheck the "Connect Automatically when in range" option for public networks under Settings -> Network & Internet -> Wi-Fi -> Manage known networks to avoid connecting to potentially unsafe networks.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Pixel July 2025 Update Brings Android 16 Fixes: Pixel 6a Gets Battery Controls, Pixel 9 Series Sees Wi-Fi and App Improvements

Google has begun rolling out the July 2025 update for Android 16, specifically for Pixel devices, with the build number BP2A.250705.008. This over-the-air (OTA) update focuses on bug fixes and performance enhancements, particularly for network connectivity and app rendering. The Pixel 6a is now part of the Google Battery Performance Programme, which aims to improve battery longevity and safety by introducing background controls that limit charging speed and capacity after around 400 charge cycles. Users may qualify for free repairs, partial refunds, or trade-in bonuses for battery-related issues. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 series receive performance enhancements, especially in app visuals and Wi-Fi stability. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series see general stability improvements, while the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold experience app optimization for display orientation. Notably, the update does not include the July Android security patch or a list of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). The update is available for the Google Pixel 9, 8, 7, 6, 6a, Fold, and Tablet.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Google says updating Instagram app will fix Android battery drain issue

Many Android users have reported significant battery drain caused by the Instagram app, with Google confirming that Instagram is responsible for this issue. Users have shared experiences on platforms like Reddit, noting that Instagram can account for a large percentage of battery usage in a short time compared to other apps. Some users attempted to revert to older versions of Instagram, which led to overheating issues, while others switched to Instagram Lite for better battery performance. In response to these concerns, Google advised users to update to Instagram version 382.0.0.49.84, which has reportedly resolved the battery drain problem for many. This incident follows earlier battery-related issues faced by Pixel phone users, highlighting ongoing performance challenges linked to app updates. Users are encouraged to keep their Instagram app updated and monitor battery usage by applications.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Updating Instagram Might Stop Your Android Battery From Draining

Instagram has rolled out an update (version 382.0.0.49.84) to address a significant battery drain issue affecting Android users. Google confirmed this development in a post on its Help Community blog, indicating the problem was considerable. Users can check for updates on the Play Store to potentially resolve battery performance issues related to the app.