battery

Nokia Lumia 710 – Software and Battery Life Review

January 22, 2012 | By andrewbares

How does the Nokia Lumia 710 stack up against the HTC Radar in terms of software and battery life? Find out by watching the video above and reading our review!

Software

The Lumia 710 is your typical Windows Phone… it has a butter smooth, crash-free, and elegant operating system. What makes Nokia phones unique is their Nokia Collection of apps. When you buy any Nokia phone, you get Nokia Drive (Turn-by-turn GPS navigation), Nokia Maps, ESPN, and more, all for free.

Nokia Drive is extremely accurate, as seen in our driving demo of the app. It’s still not fully-functional compared to other GPS navigation software (lacks some features and doesn’t work completely offline), but for the price of free it’s a nice bonus.

Nokia Maps is also a nice addition, since it is typically more accurate and up-to-date than Bing Maps (in my city, that is).

HTC phones used to have an advantage in that HTC provided a free flashlight app, but now thanks to developer Gregerly, we have a free flashlight app that uses your LED flash and doesn’t flicker!

The Lumia 710 on T-Mobile is lacking internet sharing (maybe an update will unlock it?) and video chat (no front-facing camera), but the Lumia 710 does have a compass and gyroscope, which means you can use augmented reality apps.

The Lumia 710 runs on Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, which, in my opinion, directly compares to the iPhone’s ease of use (miles above Android). In summary, you should buy Windows Phone if you want a phone that works and doesn’t require constant rebooting. WP7′s app Marketplace is lacking some major apps right now, but Microsoft and Nokia are greatly committed to bringing all the apps possible to Windows Phone, so that shouldn’t be an issue for much longer.

Battery Life

The Lumia 710′s battery should last you through your day, only requiring a charge when you’re sleeping. In my real-world use, my Radar seemed to last a little longer than the Lumia, which makes sense because the Lumia only has a 1300 mAh battery while the Radar has a larger 1520 mAh battery.

I performed two battery tests on each phone. In the first test, I played music on both phones for 2 hours, with volume on 15 out of 30, phones in airplane mode, screens off, using the same pair of headphones. After two hours, the Radar drained from 100% to 99% battery, while the Lumia drained to 93%. If you factor in battery sizes, the Radar gets about 7.5 minutes per 1 mAh of battery, while the Lumia only got about 1.5 minutes per mAh of battery.

The Lumia and Radar both have a second-generation snapdragon processor, but the Lumia’s is clocked at 1.4 GHz while the Radar is at a slower 1.0 GHz, which could be giving the Radar the extra boost in battery life.

My second test involved playing the same movie on both phones for an hour, with brightness on medium, volume on 30/30 using headphones, and with the phones in airplane mode. This test confirmed the audio test results, since the Lumia drained down to 75% while the Radar only drained to 90%. If the Radar and Lumia both had 1520 mAh batteries, that would mean that the Radar could play movies for 10 hours while the Lumia would only be able to play for 4.7 hours.

These tests aren’t scientific by any means, but they do seem to confirm my guess that the Radar lasts longer than the Lumia. However, the Lumia’s battery life isn’t bad by any means and is acceptable by smartphone standards!

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7740 update for the Nokia Lumia 800 claimed to provide battery life improvements

December 2, 2011 | By Surur

According to the French Nokia Developers twitter account the recent update for the Nokia Lumia 800 which brought it to build 7740 did not only fix the Exchange 2003 and Visual Voice Mail bugs, but also “Provides an improvement in autonomy” or battery life.

The Nokia Lumia 800 was expected to have 2 updates to increase battery life, with the second actually increasing battery capacity by enabling fast charging and increasing the used capacity from 1300 to 1450 mA.

Having used a Lumia for a while I have not noticed any particular battery life issues, before or after the update. Have any of our Nokia Lumia 800-using readers experienced such improvements? Let us know below.

Via ProfesseurThibault.fr

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Microsoft announced new battery loading technology – what?!?

July 1, 2010 | By Surur

Press Release: Microsoft Corp. today announced a new technology aimed at improving the battery installation process called InstaLoad battery installation technology, which allows users to easily install a battery without regard to positive and negative polarity. Never again will people have to squint to see battery installation diagrams – the device simply works regardless if the battery is installed positive-side-up or positive-side-down. InstaLoad is a patented battery contact design now available for license by third-party device suppliers, with companies like Duracell already lining up to endorse the technology for use in their own products.

Product Applications and Differentiators
InstaLoad technology can be incorporated into devices that require frequent battery swap-outs, are used in less-than-ideal environments or use several batteries. Industries that could greatly benefit from this type of timesaving technology based on their environments include law enforcement, military, construction, outdoor sporting and camping. In addition, users of devices with multiple batteries and frequent battery swap-out – including battery chargers, digital cameras, camera flash units and toys – could also benefit.

Unlike existing electronic solutions designed to address battery-polarity installation, InstaLoad is a mechanical invention that does not drain battery power or require expensive electronic circuitry. InstaLoad battery contacts can be cost-effectively designed into most battery compartments, as it usually requires replacing existing battery contacts with the patented InstaLoad contact design. The technology is compatible with popular off-the-shelf batteries used in products such as flashlights, toys, battery chargers, lighting and most other battery-operated consumer electronic devices that use CR123, AA, AAA, C or D size batteries (disposable or rechargeable) or similar barrel-type battery form factors.

Royalty-Free License Program for Accessibility Products
The InstaLoad technology can provide an additional usability benefit for battery-operated accessibility devices that are designed for people with hearing, vision or learning disabilities.
"Microsoft is pleased to offer a royalty-free license program to suppliers and manufacturers for this class of accessibility devices," said Rusty Jeffress, corporate vice president, Specialized Devices & Applications, Microsoft. "We believe the InstaLoad feature can make a difference in the lives of those people who need and use these products on a daily basis."

Microsoft Licensing Program
InstaLoad is the latest addition to the Microsoft Hardware Intellectual Property Licensing program. The Microsoft Hardware IP Licensing program was established five years ago and has successfully licensed Microsoft technology to many global manufacturers and retail brands in the mouse, keyboard and webcam industries. InstaLoad is the first technology offering by Microsoft Hardware for licensing to a broader industry, across a variety of battery-operated devices.

Microsoft is offering commercial licensees both a license to the InstaLoad technology and a license to the InstaLoad logo for use on product packaging and marketing materials. This logo program will help users identify those battery-operated products that feature InstaLoad technology. Microsoft offers commercial licensees fair and equitable terms. In addition, Microsoft offers a no-charge InstaLoad evaluation kit, which includes a detailed design specification and demo unit to help device suppliers quickly start their product prototyping.

Dan McCarthy, Director, Global Marketing for Duracell said:

"Duracell Smart Power is all about making the lives of consumers easier and more efficient as they depend on battery power for the mobile devices that keep them organized and connected while away from the grid. After evaluating Microsoft’s InstaLoad technology, Duracell is excited about the possibilities of incorporating this simplified battery installation technology into future Duracell products, delivering a better experience for our consumers."

More information about the Microsoft InstaLoad technology and Hardware IP Licensing program is available at Microsoft here or by e-mail at [email protected] .

Comment

Isn’t April’s fools day over already? With all Microsoft’s mobility problems THIS is what they make a big deal about? A solution to problem so trivial no-one else tried to solve it before?

Via Engadget.com

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Unofficial HTC HD2 Extended battery reviewed

May 9, 2010 | By Surur

Coolsmartphone have published a brief review of an alternate extended battery for the HTC HD2. Like the official version the 2400 mAh battery also ads a more than perceptible bulge to your phone, but it comes in at nearly a 1/3 of the price, at only £14.98. For that price you lose the kick stand, but still get the alternate battery cover.

The battery can be ordered from EasyDevices.co.uk here.

See Coolsmartphone for the full review and more pictures.

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HTC HD2 Extended Battery real pictures, specs released

February 5, 2010 | By Surur

Click for larger version

htchd2extendedbattery Via CoolSmartphones, we finally have some real pictures of the HTC HD2 extended battery, and the news is not good.

While the device retains all the features of the render, in real life it appears much bulkier than the render suggests, and appears rather less stylish also, lacking the yellow flash which the render sported under the kickstand.

The good news is that the capacity, at 2300 mAh, is pretty good, and should see the device through at least a few day’s use.

See more detail at EasyDevices.co.uk, where the accessory is selling for £34.99 without VAT.

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HTC HD2 extended battery with kick stand coming next month

January 21, 2010 | By Surur

Picture via AreaMobile.de

Clove has announced some more information regarding accessories for the HTC HD2, which they call the most popular HTC device of 2009.

Of particular interest to me is the HTC HD2 Extended Battery (HTC-EBATHD2), which they expect to arrive in February 2010 and which promises to double battery life.

What really has me interested however is the kick stand which comes integrated, something which I often miss when I contemplate using the device for watching a YouTube video. The larger battery capacity should also help make this less of risk to the device lasting the day if used that way.

Whether this design touch is worth the pricy £52.88 the official extended battery will cost is however certainly debatable.

Read more about the other accessories available and coming to the HTC HD2 here.

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Join the Great HTC HD2 battery thread

November 20, 2009 | By Surur

htchd2batteryissue HTC HD2 battery life has been a hot area of contention, with some reporting excellent battery life (and have bench marks to prove it) and others (like me) not making it through even an 8 hour business day on one charge.

The forums at TracyandMatt.co.uk is one place where HTC HD2 owners congregated to discuss the issue, so if you want some reassurance than your experience is not unusual, or maybe pick up tips to manage the issue, head right over there.

Thanks James for the tip.

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Toshiba makes fuel cells for cellphones real

October 23, 2009 | By Surur

Toshiba’s TG01 doesn’t exactly last very long with its 1000 Mhz processor and 1000 mAh battery. Toshiba has however come up with a solution – the first commercial fuel cell, designed to charge small electronics.

Called the Dynario, Toshiba will be offering the fuel cell as an external accessory for around 220 Euro in Japan. The fuel cell will contain enough methanol for 2 full charges, and Toshiba will be selling additional methanol containers with 50 ml in each, enough for 3 refills.

The main advantage of the fuel cell recharger is being able to re-charge your recharger anywhere, and being able to do this with a quick 20 second injection of methanol, rather than 2 hours on the charger.

Only 3000 units will initially on offer, with expansion to other countries considered depending on market response.

Via Mobinaute.com

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New 1750 mAh battery from Seido for the HTC Touch Pro 2

September 24, 2009 | By Surur

BASI17HTP2-2 Pocketnow has reported on a new extended battery from 3rd party battery experts Seido which boosts your HTC Touch Pro 2 battery power by 15% while still maintaining the same original form factor.

The battery is set to be a pricy $49.95, so that 15% run time better be worth it for you. If however this is what you have been waiting for, the product will become available from the 28th September from Seido here (Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon Touch Pro2). To cushion the blow Seido has a discount code which ends 30th September. "FALL5" will save $5 on orders of $50; "FALL10" saves $10 on orders of $75.

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1800 mAh HTC Diamond extended battery scares children, bends light

July 21, 2008 | By Surur

One would have thought anyone buying a HTC Touch Diamond would have bought it for the style, but the allure of TouchFlo3D may have caused people who should have known better to buy the 900 mAh Windows Mobile smartphone against their better judgment.

For those people, who have no compunction in turning their style icon into a horrible monstrosity, Yooboa has the solution. The Chinese company is offering a 1800 mAh battery with a custom battery cover that will put the humpback of Notredame to shame. Despite appearance however, it only brings the depth of the device to 17mm, which is still much thinner than your Mongul.

The battery is a steal at around $25 and the company is accepting orders via Paypal. If you really prefer function over style (why did you buy a Diamond them?) read more about the battery here.

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