Month: April 2025

Is aluminium the answer to all our battery prayers?

New research pushes aluminium batteries as the next generation technology to revolutionise mobile devices, but what else could finally make smartphones last more than a day

New research by Stanford University into aluminium batteries promises to produce cells that are big enough for a smartphone and charge in just 60 seconds.

The new high-performance aluminium-ion battery is the first using the metal – more commonly found in aircraft and car bodies – to demonstrate long life and fast charging. It does this using a graphite electrode. Previous aluminium batteries have suffered from poor life, failing after 100 recharge cycles.

Stanford’s new battery can be recharged around 7,500 times. Typical lithium-ion batteries used in everything from smartphones and laptops to electric cars last around 1,000 recharge cycles.

But the new aluminium-ion batteries are far from being available for commercial use in electronics, producing just half the voltage of lithium-ion batteries.

“I see this as a new battery in its early days. It’s quite exciting,” said Ming Gong, one of the authors of the study published in Nature. “Improving the cathode material could eventually increase the voltage and energy density. Otherwise, our battery has everything else you’d dream that a battery should have: inexpensive electrodes, good safety, high-speed charging, flexibility and long cycle life.”

The new aluminium battery technology is not the only one vying to solve our battery life crunch – the primary issue holding back current electronic devices.

Nanotube-based batteries

Current lithium-ion battery technology will reach its limit soon – there is only so much that can be achieved through tweaking the battery chemistry of a lithium-ion system – but a change in the way the electrode is made, using nanotechnology, could breath new life into lithium. By making the electrodes out of nanotubes researchers have dramatically increased the rate of recharging the batteries, reaching a 70% charge in just two minutes.

Some researchers have used both silicon in place of graphite for the new electrodes. Others, including a team from the Nanyang Technology University in Singapore have patented the use of titanium dioxide nanotubes, which has been licensed for commercial development and could be available within two years.

Pros: fast charging, longer recharge life (ie the number of times it can be recharged)

Cons: similar energy density to current batteries means similar battery lifeSulphur-based batteries

Research focused on squeezing longer battery life out of the same-sized batteries has experimented with different battery chemistries. One promising candidate is the sulphur-based battery.

Lithium-sulphur batteries promise up to five times the amount of energy per gram as current lithium-ion technology. Once commercially available lithium-sulphur batteries are more likely to have an energy density closer to twice that of current batteries, but that would enable twice the battery life for devices and cars.

The technology has been in development for over 20 years, and at least one company is aiming to have lithium-sulphur batteries powering electric cars by 2016, but batteries designed for portable devices such as smartphones are likely to be many years away.

Pros: at least twice the battery life

Cons: low recharge life, volatile chemistry, similar recharge timesMetal-air batteries

Metal air batteries replace the cathode, which is typically graphite in traditional lithium-ion cells, with oxygen in the air. This saves weight and provides a cathode that can simply be replaced with fresh air that is essentially free.

Saving weight means a higher energy density, which some researchers have claimed to be similar to petrol in these batteries, meaning longer life, making it ideal for electric cars. Tesla has a patented system for integrating metal air batteries into its electric cars, while an electric Citroen C1 was driven 1,800km on a single charge using the technology.

But degradation issues, problems recharging them and poor recharge life cycles have hampered commercialisation of the technology.

Pros: very high energy density means fantastic battery life

Cons: difficult to recharge, poor recharging lifeSolid-state batteries

Solid-state batteries remove the liquid electrolyte required by most other batteries to transfer ions between electrodes and generate electricity. In doing so they have a much higher energy density.

Battery firm Sakti3, which recently saw investment and a commercial partnership with British vacuum firm Dyson, claims its batteries could store up to twice the energy and therefore battery life as current lithium-ion batteries.

Pros: twice the battery life, safer, could be made into different shapes and sizes, more environmentally friendly

Cons: not manySupercapacitors

Capacitors are used in all kinds of technology, but commonly in devices that need a lot of electricity in a very short space of time, like a flash or a sub-woofer in a car. They charge in seconds but release all that charge in one go.

A supercapacitor works in a similar manner, charging in seconds but releasing its energy more slowly, like a battery. Current research using graphene promises supercapacitors that charge in about 16 seconds and can be recharged over 10,000 times. But even the best supercapacitors can only store energy in densities about the same as current lithium-ion batteries.

Pros: almost instant charging, very long recharge life, potential for use as a secondary electricity storage device in electric cars

Cons: low energy density, therefore lower battery life

New battery technology is coming and could be in electric vehicles before the end of the decade, but it could be several years before cells fit for use in portable electronics make our smartphones last more than a day.

Will Wireless Charging Actually Replace Wired Charging?

The question of whether wireless charging will replace wired charging is not as straightforward as it sounds. The question of when and if wireless charging will become common depends on your perspective as a consumer of the technology.

If you’re a critic of wireless technology, then it’s a matter of if. Critics believe that wireless charging will never replace wired charging if the technology is not refined. It’s almost impossible to control electromagnetic fields in free space.

Even the Tesla coil cannot control the path of air ionization when attempting to convey an electric spark to the device. Hence, there’s little chance, if any, that wireless technology will ever be refined beyond its current state.

However, if you’re a proponent, then it’s reasonable to argue that it’s when wireless charging will render wired charging obsolete, despite it being criticized as not fully “wireless”. As it stands now, wired charging is more popular than wireless charging.

Few people are aware of wireless charging. This technology is currently available only on high-end electronic devices, which are still out of reach for the many. It’s still at its infancy, and may not be as developed as wired charging. It’s infiltrated into tablets, smartphones, wearable devices and other small handheld gadgets.

However, mobile devices are increasingly adopting wireless technology, and sooner rather than later wireless charging will become just as common as wired charging. In addition, no standard as of late has been developed for wireless charging. There’s also a trend toward integrating wireless charges with household devices such as gadgets, furniture and so on.What’s Wireless Charging?

It’s a process that does not require a physical connection of electric cables to recharge batteries of electronic devices. A microwave or an electromagnetic induction facilitates the communication between the device and the power source. The pad houses a coil of copper which is also housed by the device.

The pad uses an alternating current (AC) power source to create a changing magnetic field in the area surrounding the pad. This fluctuating magnetic field induces an electric current in the device and hence charging the battery. Whereas a wireless charger requires a pad, onto which a mobile device is placed, a wired charger requires an electric cable, which connects a mobile or gadget to a charging port.How Convenient is Pad Charging?

Proponents argue that you’ll no longer need to carry many chargers for a variety of devices because more and more devices are becoming wireless chargeable. It’s inevitable that wireless charging will play a key role in meeting the demand for a standardized, safe, portable and efficient alternatives of power recharging. The user is safe from electric shocks. It’s also easy to handle, and you don’t need to maintain it.

Critics of wireless technology argue that it’s impractical, and rather than making charging easier, it complicates it and inconveniences users further. In addition, wireless charging is not “wireless” as advertisers have purported it to be because it still requires a cable connection to a wall.

One critic briefly puts it, “[p]ad charging, I guess for me, will be tad bit uncomfortable. You have to keep a phone on it for charging. It is gonna be inconvenient to use it while charging.”

The basis of this critic’s argument lies on the premise that the current wireless technology is fake. It’s not popular and widely adopted because of its inconvenience. Pad charging complicates the experience of the users of smart devices such as Android or iPhone devices.

According to Jonathan Johnson,

The charging pad is much more complex than a standard USB wall charger power supply and cord. That means they are more expensive. In addition to being more expensive, they are also less portable. They require a surface on which to rest, preferably flat and level. There’s not a spot in my car that is either flat or level, so I can’t reliably use a charging pad in my car. I probably could get a cradle that holds the phone firmly, but the cradle wouldn’t be useful outside of my car.

In summary, the question of whether to adopt a wireless technology lies in its practicality and refinement. While it’s been proved that it’s not practically possible to relay charges through an ionized air space, it is incumbent upon the proponents of wireless technology to prove the critics wrong by demonstrating that Nikola Tesla’s dream of transmitting wireless power is actually possible.

Magnets on Phone Cases: Convenience and Compatibility Considered

​In a world where our smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, finding ways to customize and optimize our devices has become a popular trend. One particular customization option that has gained significant attention is using magnetic phone cases. These cases not only provide protection for our precious devices but also offer convenience and compatibility in ways we may never have imagined.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of using magnetic phone cases, highlighting their ability to securely hold accessories and the various factors to consider before making a purchase. So, if you’re curious about the world of magnets and how they can enhance your smartphone experience, keep reading.

What are The Benefits of Magnetic Phone Cases?

Magnets on phone cases have become increasingly popular due to their practical benefits. These tiny but powerful magnets can securely hold your phone in place, offering convenience and ease of use. Magnets on phone cases keep your phone in place while you watch videos, take selfies, or use GPS. This helps you focus on what you’re doing without worrying about your device moving.Enhanced Grip and Handling

Magnetic phone cases can add grip to your phone like other phone cases do. Another consideration for enhancing grip and handling is using accessories like pop sockets, ring holders, or grips. These attachments can be easily adhered to the back of the phone or case, offering a stable grip and additional support when handling the phone. These accessories make using your phone easier and reduce strain on your fingers and wrists during long periods of use.Quick and Secure Mounting

One of the greatest advantages of magnets on phone cases is their compatibility with magnetic car mounts. Gone are the days of struggling to attach your phone to a mount or fumbling with cumbersome clips. With magnets, you can effortlessly place your phone on the mount and be on your way. This not only provides a safer and hands-free driving experience but also allows for easy navigation and access to important apps while on the road.Stylish and Customizable Designs

Phone cases have evolved from being mere protectors to becoming fashion statements. With a vast array of designs and materials available, you can easily find one that suits your taste and personality. But what sets apart phone cases with magnets is their customizable feature. These cases allow you to add various magnetic accessories, such as stylish charms or functional add-ons like cardholders or ring holders. The magnets provide a safe and secure way to attach and detach these accessories, allowing you to change your phone’s look as often as you like.Efficient Wireless Charging

Wireless charging has become an increasingly popular feature in smartphones and other electronic devices. Gone are the days of fumbling with cords and trying to find the right charging port.

Magnets on phone cases help align the device properly on the charging pad, ensuring optimal charging efficiency. By securely holding the phone in place, the magnets eliminate the need for constant readjustments, resulting in a faster and more convenient charging experience.Added Protection for Your Phone

Phone cases with magnets have gained popularity due to their ability to provide extra security and convenience. The magnets in these cases help keep the phone securely in place, reducing the risk of accidental drops or slips. This added protection can give users peace of mind, especially those who tend to have a more active lifestyle or work in jobs that require frequent phone usage.

Additionally, phone cases with magnets offer a convenient hands-free experience. Many of these cases come with magnetic mounts that can be easily attached to car dashboards or other surfaces. Users can safely use apps or navigate while driving without holding their phones.Are Magnets on Phone Cases Safe?

The simple answer is that the average household magnet will not cause any substantial interference. Studies show that magnets in everyday items like magnetic phone holders and chargers are unlikely to cause harm.

So it’s totally fine to use magnetic accessories. 

What is a Refurbished Phone?

Virtually everyone has a cell phone these days. But as new models become more and more sophisticated, the price of new cell phones continues to rise.

Instead of buying a new phone, many people will turn to recycled or refurbished devices to save money.

In this article, find out what a refurbished phone is and learn a whole bunch of tips to help you make an informed decision if you’re thinking of buying one.What is a refurbished phone?

Generally speaking, refurbished phones are devices that were once owned by someone for a short period of time and then returned to the seller or a wireless service provider when the device was replaced. They are therefore resold at a lower price than an equivalent new smartphone.

Before they are sold, these phones are inspected and may even be repaired to ensure they meet various requirements. Tests and repairs include making sure the battery charges and that the buttons and cameras work properly. Audio quality, screen responsiveness and how well the phone connects to Wi-Fi and other cellular networks are also checked.

However, the definition of a refurbished phone may differ for some companies. For example, refurbished smartphones sold by Apple and Samsung come with a new battery, a new outer shell, new cables and accessories, and even a new box.

Refurbished phones offered by other retailers do not always include new batteries and all the cell phone accessories originally supplied.The different grades of refurbished phones

When it comes to refurbished phones, but also used phones, many sellers will grade their devices. A grade is a rating that tells you about the condition of a refurbished device. The evaluation criteria for awarding a grade may include, but are not limited to:

The number of cosmetic imperfections the phone has (e.g., scratches, scuffs and other marks)

How the phone has been used by its previous owner The condition of the phone’s packaging

The most common systems used to grade refurbished phones are to give a grade out of ten or a letter grade on a scale (from A to D for example). It is important to know this information because it will have an impact on the price of the phone. For example, you might want to look for a phone with a rating of 7/10 rather than 10/10 if you want to save money on a refurbished phone and you don’t mind small signs of wear and tear.

Refurbished phone vs. used phone

Compared to a used version of the same model that you might find on Kijiji or eBay, refurbished phones are generally a little more expensive. However, when you buy a used phone from a private individual, it is your responsibility to make sure that everything works properly before buying it.

Unless the used phone store you’re dealing with offers protection, you could end up with a phone that no longer charges properly or has features that are no longer usable. Refurbished phones eliminate this concern.

Not to mention that most refurbished phone sellers also make sure that they aren’t selling lost or stolen phones.Are refurbished phones worth it?

There are many reasons to choose a refurbished phone over a new or used device sold by a private individual.

Here are the main reasons:

You save money!

Buying a reconditioned cell phone instead of a new one can save you several hundred dollars.

Not to mention that you’ll probably pay less for your monthly phone plan if you already have an unlocked phone.Eco-friendly

When you buy a refurbished phone, you prevent a phone from ending up in the landfill.

When a smartphone is discarded, there are considerable negative impacts on the environment. Most models have parts, such as lithium-ion batteries, that contain products that are harmful to ecosystems.Peace of mind

Since reconditioned phones are inspected and refurbished following strict procedures, you have peace of mind when you purchase them.

In addition, since refurbished devices usually come with a warranty, you can simply return the device to the seller if you notice any problems after a few days of use.What to check when buying a refurbished phone

To protect yourself from dishonest sellers, there are certain things to check when buying a refurbished device.Guarantees

If the refurbished cell phone you wish to purchase has actually been inspected and refurbished, the retailer will not hesitate to offer some sort of guarantee with the purchase.

On the other hand, if the seller insists on terms like “as seen” and offers no warranty, you should pass. Caution is advised when dealing with such offers, unless the price is extremely attractive.Return policy

Sometimes the return policy for refurbished phones is designed to discourage the buyer from returning the device.

Try to deal with a seller whose return policy includes shipping the defective device at their expense.Where to get a refurbished phone

When buying a refurbished device, we recommend that you use a retailer with a good reputation. You’ll have no trouble finding one online if you read buyer reviews.

That said, there are even manufacturers like Apple and Samsung that offer refurbished devices in their own facilities with original parts. However, their prices are less attractive.

what you can do to alleviate it Hand Pain by your Smartphone

In 2024, Americans spent an average of 5 hours and 16 minutes per day on their phones, according to the data management firm Harmony Healthcare IT. That was up 14 percent from the year before.

Too much time with your phone can exact a physical toll. Just 20 to 30 minutes without any change in your position can strain various parts of the body, says Rachel Prusynski, PhD, an assistant professor in the department of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington and a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. And if you have preexisting conditions—an injury or arthritis, for instance—smartphone overuse may aggravate your symptoms. So yes, discomfort from using a smartphone is definitely a thing. Here are some conditions to watch out for—and what to do about them. How Phone Use Can Affect Your Body

Duretti Fufa, MD, a hand and upper extremity surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, confirms that using a smartphone for too long can lead to pain, tendonitis, and pinched nerves in your fingers, hands, and elbows. If you already have joint problems such as arthritis or tendon and nerve conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, you’re more prone to experiencing negative effects.

Repetitive movements such as tapping on your screen to text or play games can also increase discomfort in your thumb and forearm, says Paul Ritchey, DrPH, an ergonomist at Consumer Reports.

Neck and shoulder pain are also common. Dana Keester, MS, another CR ergonomist, says neck discomfort can stem from the looking-down posture most people adopt when using their phones, which puts excessive stress on the muscles that support the neck. What can also cause discomfort in your shoulders and neck is holding your phone up to your ear for a sustained period of time while making a phone call. 

You might also feel pain in your lower back if you’re using your phone and sitting for a long time in an unsupported posture—if you’re slouched in your chair, for instance. And though we’re focused here on musculoskeletal pain, using your smartphone for too long (especially in a dark room) can cause eyestrain, Ritchey says.How to Prevent Pain

To mitigate pain, you need to pay attention to both how long you’re using your phone and how you’re using it—in other words, your posture. Experts suggest that these steps can help.

Take breaks. The most significant action you can take is to spend less time on your smartphone, Fufa says. You can achieve that by cutting down on excessive usage and taking breaks from your phone every 15 to 20 minutes. 

Try not to use your phone in one static, prolonged position. “Your next posture is your best posture,” Ritchey says. When you’re on your phone, shift the way you’re holding the device so that your hand isn’t locked in one position for a sustained period. You can also try switching between your right and left hand or using two hands instead of just one when holding your phone.

Stretching in between using your phone can help prevent skeletal muscular discomfort. One of the stretches Ritchey recommends is the wrist flexion and extension stretch: With your arm fully extended, rotate your palm so that it’s facing up and gently pull your hand toward you for about 15 seconds. Then turn your hand over so your palm is facing down and gently pull your hand toward you for about 15 seconds, and repeat this exercise two to three times. Ritchey says it’s also helpful to walk around and shake any body parts you were using while on your phone.

Adopt the right posture. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation found that there’s a connection between the angle of your wrist and elbow when you’re using your smartphone and pain and discomfort. 

To avoid nerve pain, to make sure you keep your wrist in a straight, neutral position when you’re holding your phone. Bending or flexing your wrist could contribute to pinched nerve pains. 

When possible, engage the larger groups of muscles in your arm because they’re less likely to tire. For instance, when you’re tapping your phone’s screen, try moving your whole hand instead of flexing and tapping with just your fingers.

Go smaller and lighter. The weight of your smartphone can also play a role in your pain. According to a 2024 study published in BMC Public Health, if your smartphone is heavier, you’re more likely to experience discomfort in your hand after prolonged use.

If you’re buying a new smartphone, opt for a device that’s smaller or lighter. That might be tricky, though, because phones have steadily been getting larger in recent years. If you want to avoid the biggest phones, steer clear of iPhone Max and Plus models, and Samsung’s Ultra models. The smallest smartphone recommended by CR is currently the 2022 iPhone SE. You can also find a small model by sorting phones by their screen size in our cell phone ratings.

But if you’re not likely to switch phones anytime soon, I suggests trying a phone grip like a PopSocket or a smartphone stand or mount. 

Go hands-free. When you’re on a call, consider using the speaker phone option, earbuds, or a headset to eliminate the need to hold your phone up to your ear for a long period of time.

Another handy feature is voice-to-text, which eliminates the need to physically type on a phone, lowering the chance you’ll develop discomfort.

Days after following some of these steps, you fingers will felt less stiff. Remember try to take breaks, and also make a concerted effort not to bend your wrist when you hold you phone, which has reduced the pain when you used to feel in you wrist. 

Battery Drain Too Fast? The Solutions Are In Your Phone

Vibration: Motor runs using more power than speaker, though not too much. 
Turn off by going:

Settings -> Sound -> Vibrate when ringing / Settings -> Language & Keyboard -> Haptic feedback or Vibrate on keypress

Brightness: Brightness level, colorful background, and live wallpaper eat more battery. So tone down the brightness, and switch to a static and black background.

Sleep / Screen Off: The longer the screen is on, the more unnecessary battery it uses. Go to Settings -> Display -> Auto-lock and adjust the time.

The 4 Pillars of Connectivity: Mobile Data, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. Turn these off when not in use.

Outdated Apps: At times, update is made to fix bugs or improve functionality that reduces battery usage. Remember to check reviews before update.

Apps Notifications: Apps keep a level of activity in the background to alert you to notifications. Go to Settings -> Notifications -> Pick apps for which you don’t need notifications.

Background Apps: Some of them are silently running in the background. To really dig them out:

Settings -> Application manager -> Installed -> Tap through to see which one has “Force stop” enabled. Remember to not stop those needed by the system.

Widgets: Turn off those that you don’t need.

For iPhones, go to Home screen -> Widgets -> Edit; 

for Android, tap and hold home screen -> Widgets -> Close existing ones on the screen or drag new ones to the screen.

Temperature: High heat may damage your battery, while extreme cold can accelerate  consumption or even stops it temporarily.

Flight Mode: To really go battery survival mode, turn flight mode on. Handy especially while    you’re sleeping. Although it means you’re not able to receive emergency calls.

The Things That Kill Your Battery1. Vibration

Yes, setting your phone on vibrate mode actually drains more than using ringtone. The reason? The motor uses more power compared to speaker. Not much, but a difference is a difference nonetheless. You can turn off vibration by going to:

Settings -> Sound -> Uncheck Vibrate when ringing, or

Settings -> Language & Keyboard -> Uncheck Haptic / Tactile feedback2. Brightness

Both brightness level and colourful background (don’t forget live wallpaper too) will definitely drain your phone.

So if you feel like your phone needs to go on survival mode, lower your brightness and switch to a darker, static background. Preferably black.3. Sleep / Screen Off

“Depriving” your phone of sleep also counts. Not that it dramatically drains your battery (depends on the above factor), but the longer you keep the screen lit, the more unnecessary battery it uses.

Sounds pretty intuitive to me. Anyway, you can adjust the time-till-screen-off by heading to:

Settings -> Display -> Auto-lock

You can tweak the time to best suit your habit.4. Mobile Data (4G), Wi-Fi, GPS, & Bluetooth

Generally, just turn them off when not in use. But for more in-depth info, look below.

i. Mobile Data (4G):

Under the following 2 conditions, it will drain more than usual: i) there isn’t any 4G coverage in your area, ii) constantly crossing between 3G and 4G coverage area. Additionally, you should also switch to 3G when you simply don’t need the speed. Oh, and it consumes more battery than Wi-Fi.

ii. Wi-Fi:

Although its consumption is less than 4G, maintaining a signal still does. It’s even worse in area without Wi-Fi connection: your device will constantly be on the lookout for a network and thus, uses more power.

iii. GPS:

When location service is on, your phone will frequently ping the satellite, and herein lies the power consumption.

iv. Bluetooth:

Newer Bluetooth tech drains lesser battery. But still, there’s consumption.5. The little things about apps: older versions, notifications, and background operationi. Outdated apps:

Starving your apps of updates means you’re not doing your battery a favor. Usually, the developers of OS and apps will fix bugs and improve functions that may reduce battery consumption.

Be that as it may, be sure to ALWAYS check the reviews first before updating—you may never know what lies ahead.ii. Restless Notifications:

The app stores abound with apps that never rest: they always peek their heads out to alert you of whatever’s happening even after you “closed” them. And we can’t think of a finer example than Facebook.

There’s a remedy to this: customizing the apps’ notifications. 

Settings -> Notifications -> Choose from the list of apps whose notifications aren’t worth your attention.iii. Those Stealthy Background Apps:

There’s a garden variety of apps that will run in the background. Oh, those pesky bunch; they are most worthy of the name “vampire” among all.

The thing is, they are tricky too: clearing the RAM can only weed out some, and a good number of them will just restart again. So in comes the other method: going to Application manager in Settings.

In the running (or active) tab, you might see apps that RAM clear failed to wipe off for good. In here, you can manually close the apps. But it doesn’t stop there. You might be surprised at how many are still up and running.

Head to the installed list and try tapping through them; you will find some can still be “Force stop”. Just make sure you don’t stop those essential ones needed by the system.

More on Background Apps:It goes without saying that having more apps running in the background means battery will drop even faster. Whenever you hit home or back out of apps, some will remain mildly active to stay connected to the Internet, alerting you of notifications, and the like. So you can swipe them out or clear RAM to deal with them (though some apps will still restart on its own).However, frequently closing and re-opening apps will result in more battery drain since they need to repeatedly load into the RAM. Hence, you should really consider keeping those apps that you will reuse soon.Another suggestion is to just uninstall those you don’t really need; it’ll save up some space too.

Note: iPhones will automatically close apps that are inactive after a period of time.iv. Vampires in Disguise as Little Fairies (Widgets):

Similarly, having more widgets up will add more load on your battery. If you really need the juice to last, get rid of those you don’t really need.

(iPhone) Go to Home screen -> Swipe till you see widgets -> Scroll down then choose edit -> Add or remove those little fairies to your heart’s content.

(Android) Tap and hold the Home screen -> Tap widgets from the menu that popped out below -> Close the existing one (tap the cross on the widgets already placed on your Home screen) or drag new ones onto the Home screen.

And before we end, some extras for your knowing pleasureTemperature

Exposing your device to extreme ambient (surrounding) temperature isn’t ideal for your battery health. High heat might damage your battery, and the cold might accelerate consumption or if it gets cold enough, stops it entirely.Flight Mode

Getting into flight mode when connectivity isn’t needed, e.g., when you are sleeping, will definitely help in holding the juice. However, that means you’ve shut yourself off from getting any emergency calls.

There you have it: the battery vampires we gathered to help you be a smarter and more conscious smartphone users. As time goes by, we will add more or update the existing ones to ensure you can get the best and updated info as can be.

How to Delay Battery Degradation When Charging Overnight

Limiting the time spent at full charge

Method 1: The Committed Routine Manager

Plan your nighttime charging so it’ll be full before you sleep. In other words, avoid charging phone overnight altogether. If you have a fixed bedtime, plug it to charge 2 hours (or less, depending on charging speed and battery level) before that. Perfectly battery-healthy but inconvenient.

You have to either not use at all or use while charging, which may heat up your phone if heavy-duty apps are involved. And it isn’t suitable for anyone who doesn’t have enough time to fully charge before sleep (e.g., working late, party, etc).Method 2: The Slow And Steady

Swap in a slow cable/charger without fast charging. It’ll help to lower the fast charging heat and time spent at full charge. Your phone might still spend a few hours at full charge, but it’ll be much lesser.Method 3: The Uncommitted But Carefree

Unplug when you wake up … if you do wake up dead in the night from nightmares or for bathroom. Or if you are an early riser. It isn’t much, but it at least helps with minimal effort.

You wouldn’t set an alarm 2 hours into sleeping just to unplug, right?

Method 4:smart charging solutions
Alternatively, opt for a smart charging cable that cuts off power automatically at full charge. That way, you’ll get to minimize the degradation while getting the smartphone runtime and sleep you need.BONUS TIP: Use a quality wall charger!

Cheap charger is cheap for a reason. Don’t skimp on that! You’ll risk damaging your phone because cheaper charger may not provide a stable voltage output throughout the charging.Reducing heat while charging

1.Charge Where Heat Dissipates

Don’t ever charge on a bed, or worst, under the pillow. Unless only for a short while. Even so, you’ll notice how fast it heats up. And resist your desire to stack objects on top like it’s Jenga time.

What makes a good charging spot? Flat and sturdy surfaces like table, bedside cabinet, and floor. Bad spots will be those that are cushiony and trap heat; couch, blankets, and mattress, you name it.

2.Charge Your Phone Naked

No. Not you, but your phone. Yes, phones are fragile. But those thick casings you wrap your phones in trap heat and slow down cooling. Imagine dressing in a winter jacket while exercising. Nonetheless, this doesn’t apply to all as some aren’t as dense, e.g., phone skins. Try to notice how hot your device gets while charging in certain casings.

3.Use Non-Fast Charger

Again, fast charging cooks up battery quickly. So switch to a normal, or better yet, slow charger for overnight charging. Unless you’re the type that only sleeps a short few hours.

4.Charging Is Also Resting

Let your phone be app-free while it’s juicing up. Though the heat isn’t much if you’re using light apps like Messenger or Instagram. GPU and graphics-heavy apps (e.g., games) will generate much more heat, and worse if the phone’s charging.Wrapping Up

Is charging phone overnight bad? Not a concern if you seasonally upgrade to a new phone. Otherwise, your daily convenience may return to bite you in a year or so, in the form of shortened battery lifespan; and it’s all downhill thereafter until you send it to a repair shop or a dealer for a battery replacement.Different ways to reduce overnight charging degradation:

1.Plan your charging before bedtime

2.Use a slow charger

3.Unplug as soon as you wake up

4.Use an auto cutoff charging cable/power outlet

5.Charger overnight on a cool and flat surface

6.Remove thick phone casing before plugging in

Charging Phone Overnight: The real reason it’s bad

Smartphones are now so integral to our daily life. So much so that their batteries couldn’t ever keep up with our daytime needs. (Why can’t we get better batteries already!?)

Which leads to charging phone overnight. Because what’s a better time to recharge than when we’re sleeping? But then the paranoia and fear come hailing down on us: overcharging phone and battery explosion. Leaving in us a dilemma we’re all too familiar with …But is it really bad to charge your phone overnight?

So you leave your phone charging overnight … what terrible fate awaits you? The Big Bang? The Reign of Fire? Neither. Your phone gets charged, just that. The myth that this overcharges your phone – oh wait we’ve said it – it’s A MYTH. At least since phones have evolved into smartphones. And as their newly-earned prefix implies, they’re smart, in that they have an inbuilt protection chip that prevents overcharging at full battery.

In place of the now-debunked overcharging threat is trickle charging. It lowers the current matching the discharge rate (or consumption) to maintain 100% charge level.

During overnight charging, your phone constantly uses battery to stay functional, much like all things living; and when consumption happens, recharging happens. And this opens up to a hell of short-lived battery for whoever couldn’t bear to replace their phones every year or two. (If you do, however … Well, you may skip this reading.)The Real Issues With Charging Phone Overnight

Most phones nowadays use Lithium-ion batteries (LiB). They’re rechargeable and do so faster than rechargeable batteries in the past. They race to 80% in a flash, what with all the fast charging technology boasted by many a clashing smartphone titans (e.g., Huawei and Samsung). Owing to that, phones now take 1 to 2 hours top to fully charge. That’s really saying your precious phone spends most time hooked to the charger at 100% battery while you’re fast asleep. But … what’s the deal?

Stress on Lithium-ion battery. There’s no arguing that Li-ion is superior among batteries. But a champion is not without its weakness. In fact, it’s bordering counterintuitive: Li-ion suffers from stress when dwelling at full state-of-charge (100%). And when it does so consistently month after month, its recoverable capacity will drop; though the decline may not amount to much in the short run, it does leave a dent in the battery capacity that will be a long-term thorn in your side.

Adding insult to injury, it’s not even advisable to fully charge a Li-ion battery for the same reason; what’s more, prolonging it overnight? The closer it gets to 100%, the more degradation it stomachs. Generally, battery level outside the 20% – 80% range will degrade the battery more. But what could be behind this counterintuitive existence?

How Prolonged Charging Degrades Battery

Surely, you’ve heard that Li-ion batteries are bound to decay since day one; everything they do – cycling, discharging, and charging – wastes away their lifespan. But that isn’t to say the process couldn’t be hastened or delayed by your actions.

When charging, Lithium ions swim across the cathode (the positive electrode of a battery) to anode (the negative electrode), which is exactly how it should be. But it is during which that an irreversible damage also takes place: electrically-insulating rock-salts form & buildup over the cathode. Overtime, the buildup grows and battery capacity shrinks.

The worst of all, the buildup blooms like wildflowers after rainy days at higher battery levels and temperatures. Certainly, maintaining a high battery level longer will degrade the battery faster. And this is even more harmful than cycling a battery.

Which is why many, including Apple, recommend storing your battery at half charge …

To clarify, the problem isn’t inherent in trickle charging but charging and high state-of-charge themselves. However, trickle charging lends itself to prolonging charging and high state-of-charge more than needed, more pronouncedly, in an overnight charging session.

We may have phased out of the old Nickel-era, which condemned users to charge their devices fully on every session, lest batteries’ cyclic memory forget their maximum capacity; now, Li-ion suffers from full charge instead.What about heat during overnight charging?

It’s widely known that heat damages the battery capacity too. It’s just less an issue concerning overnight charging because, well, it happens whenever you charge anyway. Most heat is stoked up before nearing 100% owing to fast charging; the low voltage of trickle charge means its generated heat is negligible.

How to Boost Your Router Security

In today’s hyper-connected world, your WiFi router is one of the most critical tools for protecting your personal data.

As the gateway for emails, video calls, and a myriad financial transactions, it can be a prime target for cybercriminals. And, if you work remotely from home, any sensitive corporate documents that flow into and out of your WiFi network can make for a tempting target, too.

The risks are real: Hackers thousands of miles away can exploit software vulnerabilities to compromise devices, steal information, or turn your connected gadgets into unwitting participants in a sweeping botnet attack.

The good news? Strengthening your home’s WiFi security doesn’t require an IT degree. By following a few straightforward steps, you can significantly reduce the risks and better protect your digital life.Turn On Automatic Updates

Router manufacturers typically release software updates throughout the year to address security threats, fix bugs, and improve performance.

The easiest way to make sure your router always has the latest, safest software is to activate the automatic firmware update feature available on many of today’s models.

Newer routers make this relatively easy through a companion mobile app.

For other routers, you’ll need to look in the device’s settings. You can do that by opening a web browser and typing in the device’s IP address. Very often, the address is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. But this varies by brand. So consult the owner’s manual or do an online search for the customer support pages for your router model.

If your router doesn’t provide automatic updates, you’ll have to periodically download and install the new firmware from the manufacturer’s website yourself.

Richard Fisco, who oversees electronics testing at Consumer Reports, says that to be safe you should check for new updates at least every three months. 

You can also see if there’s a way to get security notices via email from the router’s manufacturer when new software is available. Many brands offer that as an option during the online product registration process.

Manufacturers do eventually stop releasing new software for older models, though. The routers may lack the memory or processing power needed to run the software effectively. The manufacturer may lose access to support from a component supplier. And companies in the business of selling things do need to shift focus to newer models.

“If you find your router is no longer getting updates, it’s too risky to keep using it,” Fisco says. “Verify its status with the manufacturer, and if it has reached the ‘end of life’ stage, buy a new router.”

One relatively inexpensive router that supports automatic firmware updating is the Netgear Nighthawk AX3000, which costs around $175 and features three units—a hub and two satellites—that work together as a mesh router system to spread WiFi more evenly throughout your home.

Other recommended models include the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro and Google Nest WiFi.

Turn Off Features You Don’t Use

Modern routers come with many handy features that help you manage your WiFi network, but some create weak spots in your defenses.

So when you’re logged in to your router’s settings, take a minute to review applications that could present opportunities for hackers.

If you don’t use Remote Administration (also known as Remote Management or web access from WAN), make sure it’s turned off. This denies access to the router’s control panel from outside your home network. In most routers, the feature is off by default, but you should confirm this by going to the advanced or administration section of the settings menu.

Disable Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP), which many home routers have enabled by default. UPnP can help devices on your home network connect to each other, but the added convenience isn’t worth the security risk. This feature can make it easier for malware to spread through your network.

To disable UPnP, log in to your router like you would when changing your password (see below). Find the “tools,” “advanced,” or “advanced networks” menu. From there, make sure the “Enable UPnP” box is unchecked.

And last, if you have a guest network without a password, disable it. You don’t want unwanted guests using it without permission.Use Strong Passwords

There are two crucial passwords on your router: one for the device itself, which you use to log into the admin portal to do things like update settings, and one for the WiFi network created by the router.

You should change both passwords as soon as you set up the router.

Routers typically ship with default passwords used to set up the device. At times, they’re even printed on a label on the router itself. For convenience, the default passwords for lots of routers also appear online—and a password that’s easy for anyone to find is no help at all.

With a little online sleuthing, a hacker could use a default password to access your network and potentially control your router. If that were to happen, the hacker could change your passwords, spy on you, or access the files on a network-attached hard drive.

The settings and connection passwords can both be changed via the router’s mobile app or the settings page (aka 192.168.1.1).

Make sure the passwords you create are strong and unique—that is, different from one another and from any other password you use. They should have at least a dozen characters, with seemingly random upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. To keep track of them, you might also consider using a password manager.Change the Default SSID to Something Impersonal

Lastly, you’ll want to change the default name of your WiFi network, also known as the SSID. Leaving the default in place can reveal your router’s make and model, potentially helping hackers break into it—especially if you haven’t changed the default passwords as well.

And rather than change the name of the network to something that can be linked to you (“De Leon Family WiFi,” for example), you should instead give it more of a generic name, says Steve Blair, who oversees digital security testing for Consumer Reports. 

Choosing a personal SSID can make it easier for hackers and other ne’er-do-wells to carry out hyper-personalized phishing attacks designed to steal your personal information. “It’s easier than you think,” he adds, ”especially with sites like Wigle,” which lists crowdsourced WiFi network information.

You can even tell your router not to broadcast the SSID at all. Once you do that, any device that has never been connected to your WiFi won’t be able to “see” the network.

To connect to the WiFi via a new device, you have to manually input the network name, instead of selecting it from a list of nearby options. But what is at most a minor inconvenience for you—how often do you connect new devices to your WiFi?—essentially makes your network invisible to would-be hackers.

Use WPA3

Security protocols for routers improve over time, which means the old ones get outdated. 

Among other things, the latest standard, known as WPA3, encrypts your WiFi connection, making it harder for cybercriminals to guess your WiFi password using hacking tools that automatically cycle through tens of thousands of possibilities, says Kevin Robinson, vice president of marketing at the WiFi Alliance, which oversees the standard.

WPA3 has been a mandatory inclusion for WiFi-certified devices since 2020. So if your router is reasonably new, it should be supported.

If your router doesn’t support WPA3, use the previous standard, known as WPA2-AES. 

Routers that can’t use WPA2 should be replaced, according to Fisco, because they’re simply not equipped to handle today’s threats.