How to Check the Battery Cycle Count of Your iPhone

Do you know how many times you’ve charged your iPhone battery?Here’s how to find out.
Battery cycle count can be an excellent way to determine the condition of your battery. On an iPhone, it gives you a better idea of ​​how the battery has aged over the years.
You may be familiar with Apple’s method of displaying the battery health of your iPhone. While this certainly gives you some information, you can compare the battery cycle with Apple’s health percentage to gain even more insight into your battery.
Before you learn how to check the battery cycle count on your iPhone, let’s see what this term exactly means.


What Is the Battery Cycle Count?Battery cycle count is simply the number of times a battery is fully charged and depleted. When you exhaust the battery of a fully charged iPhone, you complete one battery cycle.
In reality, rarely does anyone charge and use their iPhones like that. So, let’s take a look at a practical scenario, shall we?


Assume you have a fully charged iPhone and you drain it to 40%, meaning you used 60% of the battery. Then, you charge it again all the way up to 100%. Since you only used 60% of the battery, you haven ‘t completed a full charge cycle yet. It only counts when you use another 40% of the battery, because it’ll add up to a total of 100%, no matter how many times you charge your iPhone in the middle.
Hence, the battery cycle count would ideally show the total number of times you’ve used 100% of the batteries capacity, even if you only ever used it a little bit at a time in between charging.


How to Check Your iPhone’s Battery Cycle CountFirst and foremost, we’d like to point out that you’ll only be able to view this data if you’re sharing iPhone analytics with Apple, which most people do. If you don’t, you need to turn this on and wait for two days before you go ahead with these steps.
RELATED:iPhone Settings And Tweaks To Boost Your Privacy
To enable this option and check your cycle count:


Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and select Privacy from the settings menu.In the Privacy section, scroll all the way to the bottom and tap on Analytics & Improvements.You’ll be able to see if you’re sharing analytics with Apple here. Next, tap on the option called Analytics Data.

Privacy settingsiPhone Analytics and ImprovementsiPhone Analytics DataIn this step, you need to scroll down until you find a file that starts with log-aggregated. If you see multiple files with the same name, select the one at the bottom, since that’s the latest one.Now, you’ll see nothing but lines of code. Tap anywhere on the code to access the selection tool and then drag it to select everything in this file.Next, tap on the selected portion and choose Copy to store it in the clipboard.


Log aggregated filecopying the log aggregated filecopying the entire log aggregated fileLaunch the Notes app on your iPhone and create a new note. Then, tap anywhere on the blank note and choose Paste.Next, tap on the three dots icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to access more options. Select Find in Note.Now, simply type batterycyclecount, and the Notes app will take you to the exact position in the file. Here, you’ll see a number right below the highlighted line. This is the battery cycle count of your iPhone.
pasting log aggregated file in Notes appfinding battery cycle count from log filefinding battery cycle count


You have what you needed. We had to use the Notes app since there’s no way to search for a specific line of code within the log-aggregated file. Of course, you can scroll and find it yourself, but this will take a lot of time and effort.
RELATED:Hidden Apple Notes Features You Should Know About
Monitoring Your iPhone’s Battery Is EssentialNow that you know both the battery cycle count and the battery health percentage, you can better understand your iPhone battery’s condition.


According to Apple, the iPhone battery is designed to retain 80% of its maximum capacity by the time it reaches 500 charge cycles. However, if you see a much higher battery cycle count with similar battery health, it means that you have good charging habits and you’ve preserved the battery quite well.

7 Myths and Misconceptions About Charging Your Phone Debunked

You’ve probably heard some old wives’ tales about smartphone charging , like only charging when the battery is completely empty or leaving your phone charging overnight.
While we can’t pinpoint how these myths and misconceptions about phone charging came to be, we’ve all heard of a few that we probably believed at some point in our lives.
We’re here to debunk a few phone charging myths, answer questions you may have, and help you to practice safe phone charging habits.


1. You Shouldn’t Charge Your Phone Overnight

There are no risks involved in charging your phone overnight. Your phone won’t overcharge, and the power won’t kill your battery, destroy your charger, or start a fire. (We’re assuming over here that you’re not using a defective charger and that your electrical wiring system is in a top-notch state.)
Modern smartphones have lithium-ion batteries with built-in devices to stop your phone from absorbing power once the battery is fully charged. This means that, even though your phone is full and plugged in, it’s technically not in use. However, you shouldn’t ‘t leave your phone plugged in throughout the night, every night.
If your model isn’t built to withstand consistent heat exchange, you can overheat your phone and cause real damage. To be safe, read the manual and reviews. For some, the jury is still out on whether to charge your phone overnight or not .

2. You Should Only Charge Your Phone When It’s Completely Dead

charging a phoneNot true. You can charge your phone as often as needed.
Here’s an essential piece of information: Lithium-ion batteries have limited charging cycles; for an iPhone, it’s typically around 500. A cycle is a full charge from 0 percent to 100 percent. So, if you only charge your phone when it’s completely dead , you’ll exhaust the charging cycle pretty quickly. But if you charge the phone from 90 percent to 100 percent, you would have only used 1/10 of the cycle.
This is why experts recommend keeping the charge between 40 percent to 80 percent so you can charge your phone multiple times a day, getting the most out of one cycle. This practice extends your battery life and increases performance.


3. You Shouldn’t Use Your Phone While It Charges

While there are legitimate fears behind this myth, it’s not true. You can use your phone while it charges, as long as you’re using a manufacturer-approved or off-brand charger and battery. Of course, you must also have confidence that there are no problems with your electrical wiring.

Real-life stories of a phone exploding while plugged in and subsequently electrocuting the user or starting a fire have contributed to this myth. And while these unfortunate situations have occurred, the authorities revealed that, in most cases, the victims used unapproved third-party or defective chargers. External factors also contributed to the explosion.


To reiterate, using your phone while plugged in is completely safe. Just make sure you’re nowhere near water and are not using a sketchy third-party charger.


4. An Off-Brand Charger Will Destroy Your Battery

micro usb chargerNot true. Off-brand chargers by legitimate retailers, such as Vinsic, RavPower, Powergen, Anker, KMS, and Belkin, are not only inexpensive but perfectly fine to use.
We can’t argue that off-brand chargers are as great as the manufacturer’s, but they are, at the very least, safer and better than cheap brand knockoffs. So, if that’s what you want, feel free to purchase an off-brand charger from a reputable retailer. It will not destroy your battery or melt into the power outlet.

However, it’s the brand knockoffs you should be careful about. Unfortunately, they are sometimes marketed and packaged as the real deal, even though they can barely get the job done. Thankfully, there are a few ways for you to check if your smartphone charger is safe to use.


5. It’s Okay to Leave Your Phone on 24/7, 365

No, it’s not okay.
Most of us are guilty of leaving our phones on all the time, only turning them off when there’s a problem. While it’s not the biggest problem in the world, it can affect the lifespan and performance of your battery over time. You don’t have to turn off your phone every night. Once a week is fine. Rebooting your phone every now and then can help improve the performance of your device.

6. It’s Not Safe to Leave Your Charger Plugged inapple phone charging

To leave your charger plugged in or not is a personal decision. While we believe there’s no right or wrong answer here, we should point out that safety rules recommend unplugging chargers right after use to prevent a fire outbreak. But if you live where such situations Rarely occur, you shouldn’t have a problem leaving your charger plugged in.

To help you determine the best course of action, consider the following rules of thumb. You should unplug your charger if:
Your charger heats up rather quickly and/or makes rattling noises whether or not it’s in use. In this case, we recommend that you buy  a new charger.You or your neighbors have water leaks.Animals roam freely in your houses. They could bite through the power cord or trip over it when it’s connected to a device.You have power fluctuations and surges, or you don’t have lightning protection.

7. As Long as It Can Charge Your Phone, You Can Use It

If the charger is from the phone’s manufacturer or a legitimate off-brand retailer, we don’t see why not.
As previously discussed, you should always use the original charger if you have the option to choose. There are many benefits of using the original phone charger, but the most important of them all is that they’re the safest.
An original phone charger rarely explodes, melts into the power outlet, causes rattling noises, or even destroys phones.


The Most Crucial Points to RememberModern technology is so advanced that you don’t have to worry about the various myths and misconceptions about charging phones . However, unplugging your charger overnight never does any harm, nor does it when you’re leaving the house for a period.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s the mistakes of users and poor environmental conditions that are more likely to damage your phone , not the charger itself.

Your Android Phone Won’t Charge? 7 Tips and Fixes to Try

If your Android phone isn’t charging when it’s plugged in, follow these tips to figure out why and get it working again.


You probably don’t think much about the process of charging your phone; just plug in the cable and walk away. That is, until the day your phone doesn’t charge when you plug it in, at which point you could find yourself tearing your hair out trying to make it work.
Fortunately, you don’t have to rush to a chance service center when your phone stops charging because there’s a good you can fix it yourself at home. A lot of the time, the solution is pretty simple. So if your Android phone won’ t charge, try out these tips and tricks to fix it.


1. Reboot Your PhoneTo start, try turning your phone off and on again. Often, the reason your phone won’t charge when it’s plugged in because there’s been a connection hiccup. To rule out a temporary glitch like this, you just need to reboot your device. After all, restarting a phone can fix all kinds of problems.
Restarting your phone will kill all background services and could solve your mobile charging problem. A restart also refreshes your phone’s core components in case one of them has crashed while performing a task.
To perform a reboot quickly, simply hold the power button and tap the Restart option. Depending on your phone, you may need to press the power and volume up buttons at the same time instead.
2. Try Putting Your Phone in Safe ModeIf your phone doesn’t charge after a reboot, the next step it to try booting your phone in safe mode. Essentially, safe mode is a sandbox environment that restricts your phone to just the software it originally shipped with. This means any third- party apps you’ve downloaded won’t run in safe mode.
To enter safe mode on most Android devices, tap and hold the Restart button when powering it off. You should see a prompt offering to reboot to safe mode. To exit safe mode, just restart your phone normally.


Reboot to safe mode pop up in AndroidIf you’re able to charge your phone in safe mode, you know for sure that the culprit is a third-party service. Once you’ve confirmed that this is the problem, look at any apps you’ve downloaded recently. One of those could be the cause of your charging issues. Try uninstalling recently installed or untrustworthy apps. Then reboot your phone normally and see if it charges.

3. Switch to a Different Cable, Adapter, or OutletIf you’re still stuck and wondering why your phone isn’t charging, then it’s time to take a look at your charging cable. Your cable might have a loose wire, the adapter could have malfunctioned, or the socket it’s plugged into could be malfunctioning. To rule out faulty hardware, attempt to charge your phone through a different cable, adapter, or power source.
The easy way to check whether the cable is to blame for your troubles is to connect your phone to a computer via USB. If your phone can charge via a PC, you can narrow the troubleshooting down to the adapter and socket.


In case an alternative cable did the trick, invest in a new one. The best charging cables are either first-party accessories or those from trusted third-party names like Anker—avoid junky knockoffs.
4. Make Sure It’s Not a Software BugIf your phone isn’t charging even though it says it is, or if your phone is charging but says it isn’t, then this could be a software bug. Installing the free Ampere app will tell you once and for all if any power is making it to your phone.

Ampere is a simple app that allows you to view how much current your phone is discharging or charging at any one time. It also tells you whether your phone’s battery is in good condition, gives you the available voltage, and shows the current temperature.


2 ImagesAmpere App ChargingAmpere app Not Charging screenshotWith the Ampere app installed, connect your phone to a power source, then fire up the app and see if it says your phone is charging. If your phone is charging but isn’t displaying a charging icon, then this is probably a software bug You can either update your Android OS or try a hard reset to fix it.
5.Clean the Charging PortIf the Ampere app shows no charge getting to your phone, then the culprit could be debris in your charging port. Dust particles can quickly accumulate in the charging inlet and hinder your phone’s connection to a power source.

Inspect your phone’s charging port and if you notice a buildup of dirt or other grime, clean it. You can do this easily by gently scrubbing the area with a dry cotton swab. Keep a light touch and don’t go ramming anything too far into your charging outlet.


To get a better look at what’s going on inside your port, use a flashlight to fully inspect the area. If you notice any foreign debris stuck inside, you can do heavy cleaning using a SIM ejector tool or a toothpick. Just be extra careful not to damage any of the charging pins, which could permanently brick your phone. After giving your port a good cleaning, try to charge your phone again.


6. Check Your Phone Isn’t Water DamagedWater pouring on a smartphone’s screenWater and electronics don’t mix, and even highly water-resistant phones need special care to keep them watertight. If your phone has gotten wet, and you’re now wondering why it won’t charge, then it’s likely that water is the culprit.

You’t charge your phone at all if there’s a possibility of water damage. First, you have to make sure your phone’s internals are completely dry. Ignore all the other advice online, the only safe way to do this is to leave your phone in a well ventilated area and wait a day or so. Don’t put it in a bowl of rice.


After 24 hours of drying off, try plugging your phone in and see what happens. Once the connections are dry you may find that it starts charging again.


7. Visit a Service CenterIf all else fails, and your phone still isn’t charging, it’s time to go to a service center and ask a professional for help. They may be able to find a fault that you’ve missed or diagnose a hardware failure. Hopefully, your phone is still in warranty, so you don’t have to pay anything for the repair. Otherwise, it may cost you to replace whatever component has broken.

When is my phone getting Android 14? Here’s everything we know

When is my phone getting Android 14? Here’s everything we knowWith Android 14, there are some priority changes in app behaviors and compatibility instead of just new features and other enhancements. There are also going to be improvements made to settings for privacy, security, and even system health. In short, Android 14 may not be packed with a ton of brand new features, but it will refine and streamline what is already there.


Your main concern may be whether or not your current Android smartphone will be getting Android 14 when it drops later this year. Here are all of the phones that should be compatible with Android 14. We’ll be updating this list frequently as we learn more about Android 14 compatibility.Android 14 release date
Android 14 is in the beta phase, with Google releasing Android 14 Beta 1 on April 12 and Android 14 Beta 2 on May 10. Prior to the open beta, Google released two developer previews for Android 14 — one in February and another in March.


Looking at the timeline above, three additional beta updates will follow from there: Beta 3 in June and Betas 4 and 5 in July.
Google has the final public release of Android 14 planned sometime shortly after that, likely in August or September.


Google PixelGoogle Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.Andrew Martonik/Digital TrendsGoogle’s Pixel devices are the first to get the Android 14 beta, so naturally, they’ll also be among the first for the general release. However, while Android 13 could be installed on devices going all the way back to the Pixel 4, Google has decided to cut off some of the older Pixel devices with Android 14.


On the Android 14 page, Google has listed the following Pixel devices as being eligible for the Android 14 beta program:Pixel 4a (5G)
SamsungThe back of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, showing its green color.Andy Boxall/DigitalTrendsSamsung just launched the Galaxy S23 series this year, which includes the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Like Google, Samsung provides several years of support for its flagship phones, and the S23 lineup should be supported for the next four major software upgrades.


But Samsung has more than just the Galaxy S-Series of phones in its repertoire. There’s the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip lineup, the more affordable A-Series phones, and others. While we don’t have a full confirmation just yet (Android 14 is still very much in the early stages), here’s a good idea of ​​which major Samsung phones to expect to have support for Android 14:


Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra
OnePlusThe back of the OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 10 Pro.OnePlus 10 Pro (left) and OnePlus 11 Andy Boxall/Digital TrendsSimilar to Google and Samsung, OnePlus phones have software upgrade support for four years. However, in OnePlus’ case, that rule only applies to the most recent release OnePlus 11. That phone shipped with Android 13, so we can expect it to receive the Android 14 release as well — in fact, you can install the second Android 14 public beta on it now if you’re willing to jump through a few hoops.
Older OnePlus smartphones — like the OnePlus 10T, OnePlus 10 Pro, OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8 Pro, etc. — are promised three years of software updates.
Those models aren’t being included in OnePlus’ Android 14 beta, but it’s safe to assume that OnePlus 10 and OnePlus 9 devices will get the final Android 14 release. However, it could go either way for the OnePlus 8 devices, so we’ ll have to wait and see what the company does.


NothingNothing Phone 1 with the Nothing Ear 1 headphones.Andy Boxall/Digital TrendsNothing has also announced that it’s joined the Android 14 beta program, effectively confirming that Android 14 will be coming to the Nothing Phone 1.
That’s not a big surprise since the handset only went on sale last July, and the company has promised three years of updates. Still, it’s nice that Nothing has opened the doors for those who want to jump into Android 14 early, although we’d recommend exercising caution as Android 14 is in beta for a reason.XiaomiThe Xiaomi 13 Ultra held in a man’s hand.Andy Boxall/Digital TrendsXiaomi fans will be happy to know that the company has also officially confirmed that Android 14 will come to the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 13, and Xiaomi 12T in much the same way as Nothing: these three models have joined Xiaomi’s Android 14 beta program.


While other models aren’t eligible for the Android 14 beta right now, the Xiaomi 13 Lite, the rest of the Xiaomi 12 family, and the Mix Fold 2, Civi 2, and Civi 1S are also expected to get Android 14 by the time the final release appears later this year.
OppoOpening the folded Oppo Find N2 Flip.Oppo Find N2 Flip Andy Boxall/Digital TrendsGoogle’s Pixel Fold is still over a few weeks away, but the good news is that if you want to see how Android looks on a foldable sooner, Oppo’s Find N2 Flip has joined the beta party, according to an official announcement from the company that it will indeed be getting Android 14 .


Unfortunately, the link to Oppo from Google’s Android 14 Beta devices page appears to be broken right now, but it’s worth keeping an eye on if you’re toting a Find N2 Flip, as the instructions to get the beta should appear there eventually.
Vivo/iQOOThe Vivo X90 Pro’s camera module.Vivo X90 Pro Andy Boxall/Digital TrendsVivo has announced that the Vivo X90 Pro and iQOO 11 are also now participating in the Android 14 beta program in Southeast Asia.


The initial beta build for Vivo’s devices is intended for developers only, so the usual cautionary notes apply here about installing it on your primary phone.
RealmeThe camera modules on several Realme smartphones, seen from the back.Top left onwards: Realme GT Neo 2, Realme GT 2 Pro, Realme 9 Pro+, Realme GT Neo 3T, and Realme GT Neo 3. Andy Boxall/Digital TrendsChinese smartphone maker Realme has promised to bring Android 14 to several of its phones, including the Realme 10 Pro+ and other 10-series and 9-series phones, plus the Realme C55, GT 5G, GT Neo 3, GT Neo 3T, GT2, GT 2 Pro, and GT 3.


Of these, folks with the India version of the GT 2 Pro can grab the Android 14 beta now. Realme hasn’t said whether it plans to expand that beta to other versions of that GT 2 Pro, or other Realme phones 

Cell phones: to carry or not to carry?

Everyone seems to have some sort of mobile device. Me, I use a flip phone that takes and receives calls and can do some texting. I can leave it in the car while I shop or have a meal. It is not the first thing I look at when I get up in the morning, nor the last at night. I used to travel without a phone and I seemed to get where I needed. So why have we become so dependent on such a device?


I really can’t answer that question. My observation is everyone seems to be in need of one, or think they are. What happened to allowing life to happen, and why do we need to know so much information? Of what use is it ? I know for some the phone has become a mini-computer and people rely on these phones for their business. Others use it for their social life and their identity. The phone can fill our recreational desires, and yes I know it takes great pictures .

I like my pictures in my hand so I can see them and touch them, hang them on a wall to see at all times. Phone can also rob us of the interpersonal part of our life, such as going to the bank and talking with a teller, instead of snapping a picture of a check for deposit.


Don’t get me wrong: technology is here to stay, and it has its pros and cons. But I think we need to step back some and hold onto some simpler things in life. Example: while at a restaurant or having dinner at home , put the phones down and talk with each other. Or maybe while you are working, get rid of the ear buds and music, and pay attention to your boss. Be more respectful of others while you are walking, crossing streets, and paying attention to the beauty around you.


When was the last time you admired someone’s yard, or a lovely tree, looked before you crossed a street, or smiled at a passerby? A challenge would be to leave your phone alone for a few hours a day. Choose not to look at it first thing in the morning. Instead, enjoy the beauty of a sunrise or the fact you are alive and breathing. If you can’t do that, it’s time to reevaluate the function of your phone.
It is not meant to be your life source of all things. Surprise surprise! What do you do when there is no cell service? You don’t melt away; you find other things to do. Like go fishing, camping, riding your ATV , or maybe read a book.


What if we had a complete loss of service? No phones period. What would kids do without games to play on the phone? Would they have to learn how to play outside? High school students would have to talk with one another, and school would be quite different. Teachers could not use computers or iPads to teach. Students and teachers might be talking with one another…novel idea. Kids might have to write their homework, and maybe even know cursive. Most children have never learned cursive— I call it writing.


When technology is stopped, what can you do? Are you ready to survive on the basics of life, no immediate phone service, or possibly no lights or water? When a disaster strikes, being able to survive brings that reality close to home. Are you prepared? With all that is going on in the world today, get your minds out of the phones and into the real world of life. Look around and pay attention to how our country is changing, not for the good. Get involved with your local community and be proud of your country. So with that, God Bless America and “it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.”

The most interesting Android phone brand is making me nervous

The Nothing Phone 2 is a brilliant smartphone, and its importance to the US market, in particular, can’t be overstated.
While Nothing does seem to be having fun, which is great, I’m concerned the unexpected diversification of the Nothing brand may lead to negative repercussions on the one thing I love about it most.At its core, the Nothing Phone 2 is simply a good piece of mobile tech, but it’s also wrapped up in a body that stands out in the crowd and refreshingly goes in its own direction when it comes to the user interface and its design too.


Design is a big part of Nothing. The Nothing Ear 1 in-ear Bluetooth headphones’ unusual transparent casing set the tone for the brand, and its understanding of ergonomics and appreciation of simple beauty shone through in the Ear Stick headphones cool, twistable, cylindrical case. Whether it’s the fun yet useful lights on the back of the Nothing Phone 1 and Nothing Phone 2 or its quirky, retro dot-matrix style font, Nothing’s branding and product line have quickly become clear and instantly recognizable.


Until now, because Nothing’s next product isn’t tech-related at all. It’s clothing. Nothing Apparel will launch in the near future, and it’s described as a range of “wardrobe staples” consisting of coats, tracksuits, caps, backpacks, and more. Apparently inspired by its hardware, it supposedly brings Nothing’s design ethos to textiles, but there’s no mention of batteries, flashing lights, or tech at all. It appears to be some clothes.
Just before Nothing Apparel was announced, Nothing launched Nothing Beer. It doesn’t come in a Bluetooth-connected can, and it doesn’t have a QR code for an exclusive Nothing app that only works with Nothing phones; it’s simply a beer available in a pack of six. Or at least, it was, because the limited edition product sold out very quickly. While I’m sure it was a fun time working with the brewery, it really was an odd and entirely non-techy move.


I’ll say at this point that I’m not a curmudgeon. I’m not suggesting fun should be banned, and I am not complaining about these launches or saying they shouldn’t have happened at all. I may not care about the beer, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be in the queue for a Nothing cap. Swag (ultimately because, that’s what all this is, whether it’s free or not) is also important to build brand awareness, something OnePlus also did well with its range of excellent backpacks and bags, plus some fun t-shirts I still have today.
But all these products really need to have something to do with the brand’s core business, which until now, I assumed was technology. Beer and shirts with zips on just don’t seem to have anything to do with tech or Nothing, outside of some loose connection with design or throwing some work in the direction of Teenage Engineering, the design house it has worked with on other projects already.


Launches like this mean there’s a real risk of brand dilution rather than brand building. It’s fine for YouTubers to have their “merch,” which I’m sure helps supplement income, but I can’t pick up a Samsung hoodie when I buy my Galaxy S23 Ultra or sip an exclusive Apple artisan coffee while choosing my Apple Watch Series 9. Looked at this way, clothes and beer align Nothing more closely with YouTubers than they do with its genuine industry competition

What is Nothing, then? Is it a tech brand? A lifestyle brand?

A brand throwing many things against the wall to see what sticks? The fact I’m asking this question at all means its recent choices are somewhat unusual and that perhaps the fun it is having isn’t doing its carefully curated and shockingly effective brand — which it has impressively built in double-quick time — much good.
Don’t lose sight of what makes you special


Nothing can launch what it likes, but there are two things I don’t want to happen. The first is I don’t want the tech brand to disappear in the process of diversifying. I’m concerned it’s happening already, as I am less aware of its CMF by Nothing sub-brand — which makes cheap earbuds and smartwatches — than I am of its beer and clothing, despite it having a whole lot more to do with tech and Nothing’s quickly established brand than either of them.


The second is far more of a worry. Nothing is still a young company, and making smartphones is a very expensive, time-intensive process. Spending time, effort, and resources on fun side projects really must not impact the development of future mobile hardware or its Nothing OS software.


It’s the earbuds, phones, and software that give Nothing its appeal, and they need to be the company’s primary focus. It hasn’t happened yet, and Nothing has recently released version 2.5 of its phone software and a preview of what it’s doing with Android 14, so it’s not like the end times are near. It’s just an unexpected directional swerve so early in the firm’s life.


Nothing launched with a compelling mission statement, saying it was a tech company committed to making intuitive, flawlessly connected products with no confusing tech-speak or silly product names — and how it didn’t want to make things complicated. Beer and clothes are making things complicated and confusing, especially because they seem to be more than just casual marketing stunts.

We could be witnessing the evolution of the Nothing brand, something it may need to do in order to survive in such a difficult industry, but I just hope it doesn’t forget to make and support fantastic smartphones, headphones, and other tech products in any attempt to secure its future.

What Is Protect Battery on Samsung Phones, and Should You Use It?

Samsung Galaxy phones have a feature that can extend the lifespan of your battery. But is it a good idea to turn it on?
All smartphones have a lithium-ion battery with a specified lifespan, measured in the number of full charge/discharge cycles it can go through before it starts to degrade. The average lifespan of a typical Li-ion battery is about 300 to 500 charge cycles , or about two to three years.


If you would like to keep your phone for a while, Samsung’s Protect Battery feature can help prolong the life of the battery. Below, we talk more about what Protect Battery is, how to use it, and whether you should leave it on.
What Is Protect Battery?

Protect Battery is a battery management system (BMS) included in Samsung smartphones running One UI 4.0 (Android 12) or higher. It works by limiting the maximum charge of the battery to 85% to extend the battery lifespan.
You may be wondering how limiting the battery’s capacity helps to increase its lifespan, but the science behind the Protect Battery feature is actually sound.


To start with, we need to explain what a complete charge cycle is. It is a full charge and discharge of the battery, that is, a complete charge up to 100% and then a full discharge to 0%. Once your battery goes through a charge cycle, it is used up, never to be getting back. This is not due to some sinister design flaw in battery technology. It is how all rechargeable batteries work. Charge cycles are explained more in our guide on checking the battery cycle count of your iPhone.

So, how does Protect Battery help? Although it is true that you can’t control charge cycles and a complete cycle will elapse as long as you’re using your phone and recharging it, there is a certain level to which it is more efficient and safer to charge your battery.
By restricting charging to 85%, Protect Battery reduces charging wear and maximizes performance. In other words, it stops the charging process as soon as it reaches the stage where your battery is most likely to degrade. It also helps to protect the battery from high temperatures and high voltage from a full charge, two major banes of Li-ion batteries.


How to Use Protect Battery

There are two main ways to use Protect Battery on your Samsung smartphone. The first is the most straightforward.
Find the Protect battery button by pulling down on the status bar.Swipe down again to reveal the Quick Settings Panel.Protect battery should be one of the icons displayed in one of the Panel’s sections.If it is not there, you can add it by tapping the three-dot icon, selecting Edit buttons, and choosing Protect battery from the list of options.

Quick Panel SamsungNavigate to Protect BatteryProtect Battery LockscreenAlternatively, you can turn it on from the Settings app:
Open the Settings app and select Battery and device care.Tap on Battery and navigate to More battery settings at the bottom.Turn on the switch next to Protect battery.
If you want to customize the feature a bit, you can set up a Bixby routine that turns on when certain conditions are met. For example, you could create a routine that turns on Protect Battery when you are asleep and automatically turns it off just before you wake up.

Should You Use Protect Battery?

Protect Battery has its benefits, but it has a major drawback in that it reduces your battery’s functional capacity. You are essentially trading off a battery with a larger capacity for one with a longer lifespan.

So, should you use it? If you are concerned with squeezing almost every jot of power out of your smartphone, Protect Battery is likely not for you. If you don’t mind shelling out the cash for a battery replacement (or a new phone ) after two to three years, you can definitely do without the feature.
However, if you would prefer to keep your phone/battery for as long as possible, Protect Battery is a step in the right direction.

Protect Battery vs. Optimized Battery Charging

Optimized Battery Charging is a similar battery management feature to Protect Battery in iOS 13 and newer. It works to improve battery lifespan by reducing the time the battery spends fully charged. Unlike Protect Battery, it also uses machine learning to recognize periods when your phone is likely to be left charging for a long time. The algorithm aims to ensure that your battery is still fully charged when unplugged.
There is no “better” approach though, and it all depends on what works for you. Basically, you could replace Apple’s algorithm with a Bixby routine and there wouldn’t be any difference.

Limit Maximum Charge to Extend Battery LifespanBattery replacements have never been more expensive than they are today due to the relatively recent trend of non-removable batteries in smartphones and laptops. It has therefore become more important to maximize the lifespan of these batteries using battery protection features. If you intend to keep your smartphone for more than a few years, leave Protect Battery on.

Tips for Optimizing Battery Life on Your Samsung Galaxy Smartphone

If you find that your Samsung Galaxy smartphone’s battery drains quickly, especially during usage, there are ways to reduce heavy battery consumption without relying on additional applications. One UI, the interface found on Samsung phones and tablets, offers various features and configuration options that can help you maximize your device’s battery performance.


To start, access the settings menu on your device and navigate to the “Display” section. Enable Dark Mode, which significantly reduces battery consumption on AMOLED panels compared to bright mode. Additionally, disable the “Extra brightness” feature unless you are under direct sunlight.


You can also activate Adaptive Brightness, which adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions. However, if you prefer to have control over brightness settings, you may choose not to enable this feature. Consider changing the screen resolution to FullHD+ instead of WQHD+ to save battery power in most situations. You can find this option in the “Screen” settings section.


In the same “Screen” settings section, adjust the refresh rate to “Standard” instead of “Adaptive” for energy efficiency. This change limits the refresh rate to 60 Hz.
In the “Lock Screen” section of the settings menu, you can enable or disable the “Always On Display” feature. If you want to conserve battery life, you can turn it off completely or choose the “Tap to Show” option, which briefly activates the display when you tap on the screen. This way, you can check the time and notifications without fully illuminating the screen.


To further optimize your Galaxy’s battery life, review and uninstall any unused apps or games. Deactivate apps that can’t be uninstalled to prevent them from running in the background.
In the “Battery and Device Care” section of your device’s settings, enable automatic optimization to keep your phone optimized and restart it when necessary. You can also set a background usage limit for apps and activate the “Adaptive Battery” option. Set the performance profile to “Lightweight” to reduce processing speed and extend battery life without significant impact on performance.


Disable the “Nearby Device Search” option in the “More Connection Settings” of the “Connections” section to save battery life if you don’t frequently use the feature.
For quick access to battery-saving settings, utilize the quick settings panels wiping down twice from the top of the screen. From there, you can quickly disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use, enable Battery Saver mode, and adjust the screen brightness .


Remember to regularly update your apps and device software for better performance and power efficiency.
By following these tips, you can optimize yourSamsung Galaxy smartphone’s battery life and overall performance. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

Recent Developments in Mobile Phone Battery Technology

The importance of mobile phones in the daily lives of human beings can’t be denied. Their prevalence is primarily due to their efficient utility and portability, which is enabled by a compact and strong battery. To satisfy the rising demands of smartphone consumers, its battery technology is continuously evolving. In recent years, there have been numerous advancements in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones leading to increased battery life and efficiency. 


A Brief History of Mobile Phone Battery TechnologyMobile phone battery technology has evolved tremendously throughout the years. A research article published in InfoMat (Willey) has presented a thorough overview of the technological evolutions of the battery. As per the research, 1983 was a significant year as it saw the release of Motorola’s DynaTac 8000X, which employed a Ni-Cd battery with a modest 500mAh capacity.


Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries substituted NiCd batteries in the 1990s. NiMH batteries had an improved power density and were more environmentally friendly than NiCd batteries. Nevertheless, NiMH batteries were susceptible to the memory effect, which diminished their efficiency over time.


The transition period between 1998 and 2000 led to the substitution of NiMH batteries with Lithium Ion batteries. The energy density of Li-ion batteries was significantly greater than that of NiMH batteries, and they were immune to the memory effect. Li-ion batteries are the most common form of battery used in mobile phones today.
Solid State Batteries – A Novel Battery InnovationSolid-state batteries have been viewed as prospective future technologies for energy storage mainly due to their improved energy density and enhanced safety when contrasted to commercial operations lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes.


Toyota, Samsung, and BMW are among the businesses that are developing solid-state batteries for cell phones. A United States startup Solid Power is among the top-notch manufacturers of solid-state batteries as well as Sulfide solid electrolytes for smartphones and electric vehicles Their batteries outperform traditional lithium-ion batteries due to the utilization of better-performing electrodes such as high-content silicon and lithium metal, so consumers may expect a 15-35% cost savings at the pack level.
Graphene-Based Batteries for Mobile PhonesGraphene is the 2-dimensional framework of graphite, in which one layer of planar carbon atoms is organized in the form of a honeycomb lattice. Even at absolute zero, graphene is regarded as a semi-metallic material. Graphene has four times the tensile strength of steel, is extremely adaptable, transparent, and an exceptional conductor of heat and electricity due to its bonds. These attributes of graphene make it a suitable material for both mobile phone batteries and supercapacitors.
Huawei, Samsung, and Graphene Flagship, a research project financed by the European Union, are among the corporations working on the development of graphene battery packs for cell phones.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells Based BatteriesThe utilization of hydrogen fuel cells presents a novel technological advancement with the potential to significantly transform the mobile phone battery landscape. These fuel cells function through the combination of hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in the production of water as a byproduct. Such a process renders hydrogen fuel cells an environmentally friendly and proficient energy source.


Various corporations are currently involved in the research and development of hydrogen fuel cells for mobile phones, including Intelligent Energy, a UK-based enterprise that has engineered a fuel cell that can power an iPhone for up to a week without necessitating a recharge. The organization is presently in the process of creating a commercial version of the fuel cell to cater to the mobile phone industry.
Sodium Ion Mobile BatteriesSodium-ion batteries represent an alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries for energy storage and release, utilizing sodium ions instead. The abundance and comparatively lower cost of sodium compared to lithium render sodium-ion batteries a more cost-effective choice. Additionally, sodium -ion ​​batteries demonstrate a higher energy density in comparison to NiMH batteries.


A research article published in the Journal of Physics: Energy has presented an overview of sodium ion mobile batteries. As per the research, Titanium-based oxides are regarded as highly potential and versatile anode materials for sodium batteries, given their affordability, facile processing, and lack of toxicity. These materials exhibit greater safety in comparison to carbon-based anodes due to their elevated operating voltage, which helps prevent the formation of metallic sodium plating.
Notably, a select number of corporations, including Faradion (UK), Tiamat (Europe), Altris AB (Europe), HiNa (China), and Natron Energy (USA), are currently dedicated to the development of sodium batteries.
Novel Thin Film Battery – A Game Changer for Mobile Phones

A company based in Rzeszów is aiming to revolutionize the global market with its latest thin-film battery, which is expected to have a lifespan of up to 68 years. Developed by The Batteries, this cutting-edge technology has already earned the label of ” a game changer” from the industry press, and the company plans to begin large-scale production once construction of their “pilot factory” is complete.


Polish scientists have created a battery that can charge from 0 percent to 100 percent in merely eight minutes, offering an alternative to the conventional lithium-ion batteries which have dominated the market for the past 25 years. The new technology developed in Poland obviates the requirement for supplementary chemical compounds, and as a result, the energy density of the battery has increased by almost twofold to 1,200 Wh/l.
Market Analysis and Future PerspectiveAllied Market Research has published a thorough report focusing on the market analysis and industry forecast of mobile phone batteries. According to the report, the global market for mobile batteries had a value of $21.2 billion in 2020, and it is anticipated to grow to $38.6 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% between 2021 and 2030.


The report highlights that the Asia-Pacific region is projected to hold the largest market share, with China, India, and Japan emerging as major players in the mobile battery market. Nevertheless, North America and Europe are also predicted to experience substantial growth, debt to a surge in demand for superior battery technology fueled by the growing popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices.
The future of mobile phone batteries appears bright, with various promising new technologies currently under development. Notably, the advancement of flexible and stretchable batteries is an area of ​​active exploration. Such batteries can be easily integrated into wearable devices and possess the ability to bend and stretch without compromising their functionality.

This will facilitate the creation of novel types of wearable devices that are presently unfeasible.
In short, the recent technological innovations in mobile phone batteries will play a crucial role in the further commercialization of smartphonesand modern industrial infrastructure.

iPhone 15 release date: How much energy will you save by not buying the new model?

Apple’s latest model includes a universal charging point, but the environmental cost of upgrading your mobile is not to be ignored.
Apple is set to launch its latest iPhone today (12 September) during an online showcase at 7pm CEST.


Millions of new iPhone 15s will then be wending their way to excited customers, with the expected release date on 22 September.
Its new and improved features include a USB-C port on the bottom, after the European Union made the universal charging port mandatory to reduce electronic waste.
But trading in your old smartphone for the newest model is the worst thing you could do. According to Apple’s own metrics,79 per cent of the phone’s lifecycle carbon emissions are released during production.


Resisting the urge to own the latest iPhone won’t reverse emissions for the products hitting the shelves next week, but it will help to limit how many phones are made in the future.
With around 211 million smartphones sold in the EU annually, each lasting on average three years before they are replaced, battling the forces of ‘planned obsolescence’ is crucial.
Apple was previously fined €10 million by Italy’s antitrust watchdog after it found the company’s software updates “caused serious dysfunctions” and sapped more energy without warning. This pushed people towards buying new phones, though Apple denied that was its intention.

Is Apple getting more sustainable?

A large chunk of the CO2 emissions released in creating a new smartphone comes from mining the rare materials inside them. According to one report, “buying a new phone takes as much energy as recharging and operating a smartphone for an entire decade.”

But Apple, the world’s largest tech company, has been trying to clean up its act on this and other environmental fronts.
It claims to use 100 per cent recycled rare earth elements in all iPhone 14 magnets, which represents almost all of the total rare earth elements in the device.
In 2019 Apple, along with Google, Dell, Microsoft, and Tesla, was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed on behalf of families from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), whose children were injured and killed while mining cobalt.


The companies deny the use of child labor, arguing they do not own cobalt mines, nor can identify the exact source of the materials they use. And a US district court judge dismissed the legal case against them in 2021.
But fresh questions were raised by NGO Global Witness last year, with an investigation suggesting that Apple, Nokia and Samsung are relying on a supply chain due diligence scheme that is used to launder conflict minerals from the DRC.
Apple maintains it is “committed to setting the highest standards of responsible sourcing of materials used in our products,” in its latest environmental progress report.
In 2020 it announced plans to become entirely carbon neutral by 2030, encompassing everything from its manufacturing supply chain to product life cycle.

Sustainable alternatives to an iPhone
Given the ubiquity of smartphones and their assorted Apps in our lives, it’s hard to know what the alternatives are to constant upgrading.
One phone comes head and shoulders above the others by almost all important measures, however.
Fairphone, launched by a Dutch social enterprise 10 years ago, is leading the way on supply chain transparency, with the company mapping out which manufacturers, smelters and refineries have shaped its aptly named devices.


The Fairphone tops the ethical rankings of the UK’s leading alternative consumer organization, the Ethical Consumer, which also praises the company for including a screwdriver tool, enabling consumers to replace any broken parts. A far cry from Apple’s sealed-off technology.


Buying second-hand is of course preferable too, and recycling your phone when you really are finished with it is an important step in the process.
Going back to basics with a ‘feature phone‘ could be an option as well, especially if you’re getting all your smart needs from a laptop or computer, and so can avoid doubling up on the energy usage.