improved battery life

AppWizard
July 9, 2025
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.
Winsage
July 5, 2025
Microsoft claims that laptops and desktop PCs running Windows 11 are "up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs." Windows 10, the most widely used desktop operating system, powers over 1 billion devices but will stop receiving free updates after October 14, 2025. Users can pay £22 for an additional year of support. The performance comparison is based on Geekbench 6 benchmarks, contrasting new Windows 11 devices with older Windows 10 systems. Between May and June 2025, Windows 11 usage increased by over 4%. Microsoft plans to release Windows 11 Version 25H2 later this year, which will feature a redesigned Start menu and a new CPU throttling feature. Users eligible for a free upgrade can benefit from a smoother installation process. Microsoft offers free security updates to Windows 10 users who subscribe to OneDrive; otherwise, the £22 fee applies. Some users may be hesitant to upgrade due to Windows 10's superior gaming performance in certain scenarios.
Winsage
June 10, 2025
Arm-powered Windows devices using Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are noted for their sleek designs and long battery life. While core compatibility issues have been largely resolved, gaming remains a challenge due to anti-cheat program compatibility, which can prevent games from launching. Chris Bergey from Arm Holdings mentioned that most users spend about 90% of their time on applications with native Arm versions. Major developers like Epic Games are exploring ways to improve compatibility with Arm-based systems. Additionally, anti-cheat issues affect the Steam Deck, which operates on an AMD processor but lacks native versions of several popular anti-cheat systems. As Arm-based Windows devices gain market share, game developers are expected to prioritize support for these platforms. The integration of Windows and Steam into Arm-based handheld devices could transform the gaming landscape, especially with improved battery life and efficiency.
AppWizard
June 6, 2025
Apple is preparing to introduce watchOS 26, which may allow third-party widgets to be integrated into the Control Center of Apple Watches, enhancing user experience by providing access to actions or data from various applications. Currently, the Control Center only includes first-party functionalities. Meanwhile, Google is also updating Wear OS, which may not include this feature in version 6 but will offer enhancements such as a refreshed visual style, improved battery life of up to 10%, and a better always-on display.
Winsage
May 30, 2025
Microsoft has launched Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool designed to assist businesses in securely backing up and restoring Windows settings during the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool is particularly useful for organizations upgrading multiple laptops, as it helps minimize manual adjustments. As of April 2025, 52.9% of Windows users are still on Windows 10, while Windows 11 has a market share of 43.7%. Users are encouraged to back up data before upgrading, and alternatives like Linux are suggested for those hesitant to switch to Windows 11, especially for older hardware.
AppWizard
May 30, 2025
The Steam Deck is a popular handheld gaming device that, while affordable and visually impressive, faces limitations in running demanding games. Nvidia's GeForce Now has released a dedicated app for the Steam Deck, improving the gaming experience by allowing access to high-quality titles without the need for complex setup. The app enhances battery life, enabling four to five hours of gameplay compared to two hours with native 3D games. It supports resolutions up to 4K and 60 fps with an Ultimate subscription, although it is limited compared to the PC version. The Steam Deck can access games from various platforms, including Xbox, Epic Games Store, and GOG, with GeForce Now simplifying this process. The app requires a minimum internet speed of 45 Mbps for optimal performance and offers different subscription tiers, with the free version having session limits and resolution caps.
Winsage
May 6, 2025
Microsoft introduced two next-generation Copilot+ PCs, the Surface Pro convertible tablet and a traditional Surface Laptop, designed to operate AI models without internet connectivity. The Surface Laptop starts at 9, while the Surface Pro starts at 9, both reflecting a 0 reduction from last year's models. They are powered by an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip with eight cores and have slightly reduced screen sizes of 12 inches for the Pro and 13 inches for the Laptop. The Surface Laptop now supports up to 16 hours of web browsing, an increase from 13 hours. The new machines run on Windows 11 and feature AI-enhanced capabilities, including a Recall function and improved file search. Preorders began on Tuesday for a release on May 20, with color options of platinum, ocean, and violet. Microsoft reported a nearly 75% year-over-year increase in Windows 11 commercial deployments.
BetaBeacon
December 28, 2024
- Samsung is preparing to unveil the Galaxy S25 lineup at an event in early 2025, including a highly anticipated Special Edition model with a limited production run of three million units. - Despite hopes for foldable smartphones, adoption rates have not met initial expectations, with candybar phones still dominating the market. - Mediatek has launched the Dimensity 8400 processor with 8 regular cores, challenging Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets and offering consumers more choice in the smartphone market. - Minireview's list of the top mobile games of 2024 includes a diverse selection of titles for gaming enthusiasts. - Smartphone trends in 2025 are expected to focus on improved battery life, with companies investing in silicon batteries to offer larger capacities in more compact devices.
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