Power UP: Keeping Devices Energised

By: COMMANDER ENTERPRISE

Many smartphone, tablet, and digital camera users have been there: they (or rather we’ve) just simply forgotten or was caught in a tight spot: they (or we) lose track of power use and end up with a dying or (worse) dead battery in the middle of an important day or activity, and when we really need it most and there’s no other option. That’s bad timing in the worst possible way.

Sustained energy and backups have long been a source of constant concerns for many mobile device and gadget users out there. But there are a few tricks up the sleeve that can help get things going, in addition to being prepared and/or having available backups at disposal, for a long day at the office. Don’t get me started on those Nokia secret codes for emergency batteries (a wild hoax).

In the event of special cases or emergencies, there are also reliable options and other ways available. In the next few paragraphs we take a look at some good options for more energy continuity to keep all the good things on that device rolling and rolling…

Power (Saver) Options

Power Banking and having an extra power source – sure enough if space and carrying is not a problem. A power bank / charger or an extra (fully charged) battery can guarantee a continuous energy supply that can double or triple the activity time and avoid abrupt “the ends” to any project or endeavour.

However, the key element here is preparation (not to mention the aforementioned space and weight considerations) and being able to bring extra energy armaments as well. But then, having a charger handy all the time can be super helpful as long as it’s not too inconvenient. And if energy drains and blackouts happen a lot during very important times, this might be the best and least complicated option to ensure nothing is lost when the devices are as maximised as possible.

Other power banks and chargers even have something unique – such as heat generating models that use the other form of energy to charge the connected smartphone, tablet or camera, and they double as coffee heat coasters, wind and air blown fans (just like mini-windwills), solar panel chargers, phone cases that charge when not in use, and many new and unique charging innovations that have different ways to power up.

Spec Knowledge

If you’re buying a new or backup phone or device, and energy mileage is a number one priority, go big with the most efficient or power-packed battery. This may be the best and also lightest option for lasting power.

Whether for heavy browsing, gaming, long calls, photo / video shoots and mobile work on-the-go without the extra fuss and extra weight (in the form of charger banks and extra battery packs), maximised batteries for all major gadget activities are great and good to go.

Also, check for the other specs that could indicate large battery drains: powerful processors, maximised features, sound and visuals that demand a large power share, etc. All of these must be listed against what is actually needed, in order to choose a gadget or phone that eats less energy and still meets the personal requirements.

A fitting phone or gadget that isn’t too power hungry and can do everything needed and wanted of it should be easy to choose once a short analysis is done with its specs; for these, check with local sellers who know their stuff, and go to complete technical specifications at the company’s website to see the small details aforementioned.

Knowing ahead which batteries pack the most juice can help make the right choice by taking a look at specs. Look at the performance details such as total talk time, total music and video running times, standby times and battery capacities. It’s a delicate balance to weigh in all these specs, but this is a great indicator of what to expect, and a good balanced combination of these will determine its longevity and how much the phone can give its user.

Apps and Power Saver Modes to the Rescue

Power Saver Apps and built-in phone power saver modes are also very helpful things – get familiarised with them and what they do and to what extent. Nowadays, there are several apps and programs that help maximise the battery juice, prevent unnecessary power drain, minimise functions to basic needs for power saving and a few other tried and tested methods.

These apps are helpful for many different reasons that will extend the battery life just enough for those unexpected (almost) unfinished-business situations. There are now popular apps such as Juice Defender, Battery Defender, Snapdragon Battery Guru, and many others, each with their own peculiar style that should fit most users of all levels. Find the best that suits the smartphone, tablet or camera.

Other options are power saving modes such as those now available with Samsung smartphone models, and battery life trackers that notify the user in real-time of the current energy levels. This could be alleviated with backups or chargers, or to immediately activate power saving modes or power saver apps to extend what’s left of the battery.

Turn it off

Turning off options and minimising power usage (by leaving only the needed basics up and running) is probably one of the most minimal and simple ways to do this, without the need to bring extra items, install and set-up apps, or do preparations or initial research for phone / gadget specs. It is an effective step to avoid extra (and unseen or unwanted) battery use, if the user is reserving it for heavier (and more important) activity later.

A lot of these are simple but often overlooked, and those who want it now can do a short run of these to maximise it to the very last charge: Turning off notifications, function sounds, alarms, wireless connections (including Wi-Fi and all wireless capabilities when not needed), light-draining visuals, screen settings and display modes, using Airplane Mode to stop auto connections (and all other features that have this), as well as making sure no apps are in the background by closing all of them completely. Together they all add up and provide a good chunk of extra energy that can be saved for something more important at hand.