These are the 10 apps that destroy your phone's battery life the quickest
It's 4pm and you're already circling the smartphone battery drain. Sound
familiar? Well if this sounds like your daily struggle, you might want to
listen up - the apps that have the biggest negative effect on your handset's
battery and performance have been weeded out.
Chances are that many of the top ten culprits are already installed on your
device too, supping up power and performance, and leaving you endlessly
frustrated with that device you just dropped £600 on.
So, which app do you think has the most pronounced effect on your Android
phone's battery, storage and data?
No, it's not that power-hungry 3D game you're obsessed with like Real Racing
3, or the commute-killing likes of Score! Hero. Instead, the unwanted honour
goes to everyone's favourite 'ah go on, I'll just take a 28th look of the
day' app - Facebook.
The social network's app - which starts up automatically when your phone is
switched on and continues to run in the background - not only likes to give
your battery a beating, but will help eat through your paltry data allowance
and generally have a negative effect on your phone too. Cheers, guys.
Facebook is just the figurehead for a wider trend too. Social networks and
messaging apps make up nine of the top ten smartphone-suffocating spots.
That's according to AVG's Android App Performance & Trend Report for H1 2016
anyway.
As the report monitored app usage from January to April 2016, Pokémon Go
<http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/pokemon/feature/a800465/pokemon-go-tips-an
d-tricks-cheats-secrets/> failed to make the list. If things were retested
now, we'd expect to see your favourite catch 'em all app giving Facebook a
run for its money in pole position.
Amazingly, Facebook's app takes up two of the top three spots, with Facebook
Messenger the third most smartphone-unfriendly, falling in behind the data
and battery-hating Google Maps.
Further down the pecking order, Instagram was the fourth greediest mobile
app, ahead of BlackBerry's BBM, ChatOn and Kik Messenger in spots five
through seven respectively.
With WhatsApp
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/feature/a780553/15-whatsapp-tips-and-tricks-
to-turn-you-into-a-messaging-master/> and WeChat lining up in eighth and
ninth spots, the only not chatty app to make the top ten list was a
surprising addition - The Weather Channel.
At the other end of the spectrum, Netflix, once dubbed a 'resource hog' has
managed to get out of the top ten thanks to a number of
performance-improving updates.
Elsewhere, Snapchat was found to be a compelling hoarder, slowing down your
phone with endless caches of already seen content, with YouTube also making
the data-hogging naughty list.
Tired of battery drain and laggy handsets? As well as simply deleting
Facebook (c'mon that's never gonna happen), there are loads of tools out
there to help your handset run more smoothly for longer, so go hunt them
down.
You genuinely won't believe how much it costs to charge your iPhone for a
year
How much does it cost to charge an iPhone? It's a question many of you Apple
handset owners have probably asked yourself as you make your second trip of
the day to the mains, cursing under your breath as you go. Well, the answer
will definitely shock you.
But not in a bad way! There's no fear of adding a significant chunk to the
iPhone's already lofty asking price just to keep it running. You can
actually keep your iPhone charged for a year for less than £1. A lot less.
We shit you not.
How? Well there's no trickery or wizardry here, that's just what it costs.
Seriously. Let us explain the maths.
Currently, here in the UK, a kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity will cost
you around about 10 pence depending on your energy supplier. You can pay
more or less depending on how savvy a shopper you are, but that's about the
average.
Assuming you've got the iPhone 6S
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/apple/review/a669753/iphone-6s-review-apples
-3d-touch-screen-and-camera-improvements-make-the-best-better/> , your phone
will come bundled with a 5W charger and will be connected to the mains for a
little over 100 minutes in order to take its 1715mAh battery from completely
drained to fully charged.
As 5 watts is just 0.005 kilowatts, and conservatively it will take 1.7
hours per full charge, a complete reboot of your iPhone's energy supplies
will suck 8.5W of electricity from the grid.
Given that a kilowatt of leccy will set you back 10p, that's a cost of
0.085p per charge: less than a tenth of a penny.
Assuming you fully charge your phone once a day sure, sometimes it will be
more, others less, most of the time it won't be in the red before you plug
it in that's an annual iPhone charge cost of 31.025p. Hell, let's call it
32p.
That's not per charge: that's per year. £0.32 for a full year of iPhone life
that £539 asking price isn't looking too bad now is it? Even if you're a
hardcore phone addict who burns through two or more charges a day, you'll
still get change from your quid come the end of the year.
5 Secret codes that unlock hidden iPhone features, from call blocking to
signal boosting
Thought you knew everything about your iPhone? Think again: beyond the world
of camera shortcuts and battery-boosting features are a number of secret
codes that unlock hidden iPhone features.
Excited? You should be. Although these secret iPhone features aren't going
to revolutionise how you use your high-end handset, they will improve your
iPhone experience. So, what exactly do these secret codes hide? Well there's
this lot for a start.
1. FIND OUT EXACTLY HOW MUCH SIGNAL YOU'VE GOT
Those little balls of signal might be the standard indicator to a strong
connection, but they're not exactly a precise reading, are they? If you're
tired of hanging out of your first-floor bedroom window to send a text,
there is a simpler way. By converting your signal balls to a more accurate
numerical reading, you can simply follow the digits to improved call
quality.
To do this, you'll need to enter the first of our secret iPhone codes
*3001#12345#* into your handset's dialer and press call. This will launch
the phone's Field Mode, a secret set of menus usually reserved for
developers. While here, try holding your phone's power button until the
"slide to power off" option pops up. Now hold your handset's home button
until you see the home screen make a reappearance and goggle in wonder as
your signal is now displayed as a number. If you've got a score around -50
you'll be able to enjoy HD streams on the move. A score of around -120,
however, and you'll be back in the stone age.
2. HOW TO FIND OUT YOUR iPHONE'S IMEI NUMBER
Have you ever been asked for your iPhone's IMEI number? Like when changing
network, reporting it stolen or getting it fixed? Well next time there'll be
no need to spend 20 minutes scrolling through every corner of your phone's
settings app trying to remember where the sodding thing is located. There's
an easier way to find your phone's unique identifier all you need is the
secret code.
Again you're going to want to start in the phone's dialer. Here, entering in
*#06# will bring your one-of-a-kind IMEI code to the fore. You won't need to
hit dial or anything, it will just appear perfect for when you're trying
to remove your network lock to deal with an Apple Genius.
3. QUICKLY TURN ON CALL WAITING
You're popular, we get it, there's no need to rub it in our faces. What you
can do, though, is make sure that all of your family and friends are able to
get hold of you, even if you're already taking a call. To do this you'll
need to activate your iPhone's Call Waiting, and once again, there's a
secret shortcut code for this.
By entering *43# and hitting call, you'll activate Call Waiting, which will
notify you that a second call is coming in while you take the first, and
even let you answer the new call straight away. Tired of being pestered? You
can turn Call Waiting off again by dialling #43#.
4. HIDE YOUR NUMBER FROM SNOOPERS
Caller ID is great, even if it's ruined the art of the prank call. That and
having a bit of anonymity if phoning someone you'd rather not have your
number such as the person you're buying something off on Gumtree or your
latest Airbnb host.
It doesn't have to be this way, though. Entering *#31# lets you block your
number for all outgoing calls. Want to be more selective? Simply enter #31#
directly before your desired number and your iPhone will hide your digits
only for that call.
5. DODGE UNWANTED CALLS THE EASY WAY
There are times when you really don't want to answer the phone the footy's
on, it's the Game of Thrones finale, Jim's calling and you really can't deal
with his shit right now. Dodging the inevitable distractions doesn't have to
mean the awkward situation of declining a call and having the caller know
you've snubbed them, though. There's an easier solution: call forwarding.
Activating this will push all incoming calls direct to voicemail without
making you feel guilty about your 14th snub of the day. All you need to do
is dial *#21# to activate it. Perfect for when your rammed with work or
simply in need of a break. Just remember to turn it off again (done by
dialling the same number) when you want to receive calls again.
Its nine years since the first iPhone launched, and this is every Apple
handset that's launched since
It's hard to remember, we know, but believe it or not there was a time
before the iPhone. It's a long time though!
On June 29th marked nine whole years since the debut Apple handset dropped
and changed the smartphone space forever.
It's been a busy nine years, with 13 different iPhones dropping in that
time. And with the eagerly awaited iPhone 7
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/apple/feature/a670501/iphone-7-release-date-
rumours-news-specs-price-and-everything-you-need-to-know/> next on the
predicted launch roster, we thought it was time to get a little nostalgic.
This is every iPhone that's come so far, and if the future of the device is
as fascinating as its past (the smartphone that reinvented an industry and
sparked hundreds of copycat devices) then we're in for a treat.
The original iPhone: What the heck's 'an app'?
Squat, boxy and dated by modern standards, the original iPhone was a
revelation when introduced back in 2007 by a trademark turtleneck-wearing
Steve Jobs.
With a capacitive touch display that laid the groundwork for all future
handsets, the device paired its 3.5-inch panel with a metal chassis and
app-based interface (app? Wait, what the heck's an 'app'?). It's hard to
overstate just how much of an impact this phone has had on the past eight
years of the smartphone space - if only Nokia and BlackBerry had realised
the size of the threat they faced.
iPhone 3G: Almost twice as fat as the current iPhone 6
Today no-one would consider going near a phone that lacks 4G connectivity,
but back in 2008 Apple was only just starting to support 3G signals and a
world of moderately prompt internet access.
While the original's metal back was ditched in favour of a chunky, 12.3mm
plastic rear - almost twice as fat as the current, 6.9mm slim iPhone 6
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/review/a598452/apple-iphone-6-review-you-gue
ssed-it-the-best-phone-on-sale-today.html> - GPS joined the mix to let you
show your mates exactly where you were in real time, watching that little
Maps-based dot move with witchcraft levels of precision.
The App Store took on new levels of importance too thanks to the addition of
third-party developer support, a feature that forced the rest of the
industry to follow suit.
iPhone 3GS: 'Cut and paste' arrives. Thumbs audibly sigh with relief
It already sounds farcically antiquated, but it took until the iPhone 3GS
for Apple to introduce cut, copy and paste features to its iPhone line for
the first time - yes, really.
In a handset almost physically identical to its predecessor, the company's
first incrementally updated, S-suffixed smartphone moved to a lofty
3-megapixel camera and added the ability to shoot video.
iPhone 4: The Second Coming
It was time for a dramatic transformation, and wow, what a transformation it
was. The iPhone 4 was, and remains to this day, one of the most visually
stunning and iconic smartphones ever made.
The metal-framed, glass-backed handset saw Apple completely revolutionise
the smartphone space for the second time in four years, making the phone
line move from a luxury to a necessity in many peoples' eyes. The days of
the BlackBerry were numbered.
The rear-mounted camera jumped to 5 megapixels (with an accompanying LED
flash), while a forward-facing camera was introduced alongside FaceTime
video calling tech and a HD Retina display. This was the phone the world
coveted - just please, whatever you do, don't hold it that way
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/news/a347197/steve-jobs-thought-iphone-4-ant
ennagate-was-google-smear.html> .
iPhone 4S: World, meet Siri
A late 2011 showing saw Apple return to minor updates, although the
antennagate concerns of its predecessor were a long-forgotten thing of the
past thanks to a new, dual-antenna design.
Physically identical, it was under the hood that the iPhone 4S stood out
from its predecessor, with an improved processor and 8-megapixel camera
joining the mix. Oh, some gobby little PA called Siri
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/feature/a655811/siris-best-answers-apples-ta
lking-sidekick-does-zero-division-dirty-talk-and-sarcastic-poems.html> made
its debut here too, spending the next year frustrating owners with its "I'm
sorry, I didn't catch that" 'assistance' and letting you kill hours with
juvenile questions.
These minor updates let the competition close the gap, with the Samsung
Galaxy S2 and latest HTC Desire being tipped as the latest 'iPhone killers'.
iPhone 5: Bigger & better, but with wonky Apple Maps
For years Apple insisted the world was happy with 3.5-inch phones despite
the Android industry pushing into increasingly oversized offerings. The
iPhone 5 was the company's first compromise; moving to a 4-inch design and a
sleek, metal bodied finish.
Further improving the phone's form, Apple's now long forgotten bulky
proprietary charger was canned in favour of the compact Lightning port still
in use today.
Introducing Apple Maps, the iPhone 5 wasn't all sunshine and lollipops,
converting the world into a mass of melted buildings, misplaced landmarks
and lost towns turn left at the warped road and continue to the inverted
roundabout.
iPhone 5S: Biometric TouchID sensors become commonplace
Another modest improvement on the previous year's dramatic smartphone
revolution, the iPhone 5S touched down in 2013 with improved software, a
customary CPU bump, oh, and who could forget the birth of the gold
smartphone?
However, the phone's big selling point was the inclusion of the biometric
TouchID sensor. Letting you unlock your device with envy-inducing levels of
mystery, companies had been sticking fingerprint sensors into kit for years,
but it took Apple to make it appeal to the masses. Again, the Android
onslaught edged closer.
iPhone 5C: The one with colourful plastic cases
2013 wasn't just a year of minor updates, though. Not exactly the 'budget'
offering many expected, the iPhone 5C was still Apple's first smartphone to
pursue a radical, and colourful, new look and feel.
Gone were the days of stoic black and white handset options as blue, green,
yellow and pink became acceptable smartphone schemes overnight. The
plastic-clad device had a decent collection of specs too, echoing the
previous year's Phone 5.
As the iPhone became the office handset of choice, the iPhone 5C let you
show you're still cool and not just another 9-5 drone.
iPhone 6: Hitting back at Android
Continuing to add the inches and creep up the size charts, the iPhone 6 saw
Apple move to a 4.7-inch form factor and a stunningly curvaceous form. Specs
improved too, with screen, camera and processor enhancements making the cut.
Apple's most successful and popular phone to date, it wasn't a launch
without issue. Bendgate woes
<http://www.digitalspy.com/fun/news/a598788/bendy-iphones-the-internet-has-s
ome-fun-with-bendgate.html> plagued the phone's early weeks of
availability, with skinny jeans wearers discovering the all-too fragile
nature of their latest device when sitting down.
iPhone 6 Plus: The original Apple phablet
The first time Apple debuted two flagship phones simultaneously, the
5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus was Apple's answer to increasingly popular phablet
lines such as the Samsung Galaxy Note.
Screen size and resolution aside, the Plus is identical to the iPhone 6 -
you'll just need a bit of extra cash and more pocket space.
iPhone 6S: Pink! There's a pink iPhone!
WTF! Apple blew the minds of many last September when it launched its
iterative iPhone 6 update, the predictably named iPhone 6S
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/apple/review/a669753/iphone-6s-review-apples
-3d-touch-screen-and-camera-improvements-make-the-best-better/> .
It's not the phone's all powerful A9 processor or new, stunning 12-megapixel
camera that amazed many though, but the arrival of a new pink, sorry, rose
gold colour scheme alongside the traditional silver, space grey and gold
models.
iPhone 6S Plus: Bringing photos to life
An iterative update on Apple's first phablet, the 6S Plus
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/apple/review/a669680/iphone-6s-plus-review-a
pples-super-scaled-smartphone-brings-size-and-battery-life-to-the-mobile-par
ty/> added all the same improvements as its little brother, the iPhone 6S,
while keeping its optical image stabilised camera skills to itself.
It's Live Photos, also available on the 6S, that were the phone's big
selling point though. Capturing a brief video clip either side of a still
shot, tapping on the snap in gallery brought these images to animated life.
iPhone SE: When old meets new
Well this is familiar... almost four years since Apple first introduced the
iPhone 5 format factor, it's being rehashed yet again, acting as the body
for the new, more affordable iPhone SE.
Although it looks a little long in the tooth compared with the sleek, sexy
iPhone 6S, by adopting a tried and tested format factor, the SE has been
able to line up as the big-A's most affordable smartphone ever. It doesn't
skimp on features either, packing the same 12-megapixel camera and A9
processor as its big brother - nice.
What's next? Cue the upcoming iPhone 7
We might still be months out from another iPhone launch, but the iPhone 7
chatter is already coming thick and fast. Expected to drop this September,
the iPhone 7 has been tipped to adopt an all new design - about time, right.
This refinished form won't be all sleek line sunshine and lollipops though.
Multiple leaks have suggested Apple could cause outrage by dropping the
traditional 3.5mm audio jack in order to slim down the device - ouch.
Stay tuned for all the latest on the upcoming iPhone announcements.
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