Using GPS Capability to Extend Battery Life

Short phone battery life is a constant problem in the industry, but the GPS capability of smartphones may soon be used to actually extend battery life. A leading technology company has applied for a patent for a development that could revolutionize the way phones use their limited battery power.

Short Battery Life

Every smartphone user is familiar with the frustration of the dwindling charge of their device. Heavy users or those who constantly draw on the GPS capability of their phones have the greatest problems. For these consumers, a simple overnight charge is not sufficient. Instead, depending on the model, they must charge their phones two or three times each day, or else seriously curtail their use. Of course, they can conserve battery power by decreasing screen brightness or turning off power-hungry apps, but making these adjustments is tedious and takes time away from productive phone use.

A New Invention

To answer this problem, Apple has applied for a patent on a new technology that utilizes a device’s GPS technology to conserve power. The premise is fairly simple. The phone learns where it will and will not be charged and adjusts its power use accordingly. For instance, if a user routinely charges his phone only at home or work, the device will conserve power when it is not at either of these locations. The device can adjust its power management in several ways, including closing unused applications and decreasing screen brightness. Of course, the user can override the device’s self-management by adjusting the settings manually. This technology would even enable a smartphone to recognize when it is charged in an atypical location like an airport. It would then assume that only a limited time is available for charging and would replenish its batteries more quickly than usual.

Still in the Future

Although this technology has reached the patent application stage, it is not yet in use on any of Apple’s devices.  With the increasing consumer focus on battery life, however, it is likely that the development will be seen on store shelves in the near future. Since GPS tracking capability exists on most smartphones available today, it is only logical to use it to help address one of the most common complaints about the devices.

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Using GPS Capability to Extend Battery Life