Is there an app like this?

[AussieAndroid]

Like a lot of people, I struggle to get any decent battery life out of my Android phone (HTC Desire HD).

I've tried so many different ways to make it last longer, but I've come to the conclusion that it's my need to have mobile data or wifi running at all times that hurts the most.

I don't mind the idea of an app turning off data when I'm not using the phone BUT, I still would like to be notified of emails as they come in.

So I was wondering if there's an app that would tie in with the GPS (I have Google latitude running all the time btw) and pretty much just turn off data when I'm in transit. Those are the only times I can't generally check my phone anyway so it makes sense that those are the times I'd happily try save some precious battery juice.

It wouldn't even have to worry about wifi generally cos I'd be stationary when I'm using it, and there aren't any mobile wifi hotspots so just 3g data would suffice.

or, another way to approach it, would be to set my phone to not allow data whilst roaming, and then have an app that forces my phone to GSM whilst traveling thereby saving even more juice.

I dunno....just a thought as I do a fair bit of driving every day, and I figure the constant changing to different mobile towers whilst still picking up messages is wasting my battery.

 

[olskool]

You don't have to have all that running. Turn it off. Email notification is automatic. No app will help except app killer and you don't even need it. Wifi is only to connect other devices through your phone. Gps is only needed when in low reception zones or to get you where you're going when using for directions.

 

[AussieAndroid]

You don't have to have all that running. Turn it off. Email notification is automatic. No app will help except app killer and you don't even need it. Wifi is only to connect other devices through your phone. Gps is only needed when in low reception zones or to get you where you're going when using for directions.

Sorry, I'm not sure I'm following...what should I turn off? Latitude? I have that on for a reason.

 

[amlothi]

I've tried so many different ways to make it last longer, but I've come to the conclusion that it's my need to have mobile data or wifi running at all times that hurts the most.

I find I have very good battery life when Wifi is connected all the time. If you are not near Wifi though, and it is constantly looking for a Wifi connection, that will use power. Mobile data uses more power than Wifi.

So I was wondering if there's an app that would tie in with the GPS (I have Google latitude running all the time btw) and pretty much just turn off data when I'm in transit. Those are the only times I can't generally check my phone anyway so it makes sense that those are the times I'd happily try save some precious battery juice.

You might consider Juice Defender. If that isn't what you want, you can customize Tasker (a paid app) do turn things on and off based on location. My suggestion would be to NOT use GPS to track location. Using GPS will cost you more power than you are likely to save. Tasker can be set to use Wifi Near as location (what I use) or which Cell Tower you are near (lots of people use it because it uses almost no battery to do it this way).

Tasker is a phenomenal app, I can't recommend it enough.

It wouldn't even have to worry about wifi generally cos I'd be stationary when I'm using it, and there aren't any mobile wifi hotspots so just 3g data would suffice.

As above, better to use Wifi if it's available. Uses less power than 3G.

Please don't be confused by the poster above. It's obvious that he misunderstands something.

You don't have to have all that running. Turn it off. Email notification is automatic.

Wrong, if he turns off all data connections (3G and Wifi) he will not receive email notifications.

No app will help except app killer and you don't even need it.

Agree you don't need an app killer. Nobody mentioned an app killer. Let's not repeat that discussion again please, ok?

Wifi is only to connect other devices through your phone.

You don't know what you are talking about. Perhaps you mean Bluetooth? Wifi is used to connect to the internet.

Gps is only needed when in low reception zones or to get you where you're going when using for directions.

GPS has nothing to do with "low reception zones". It is used for finding an accurate location of your phone. There are other ways to find location (less accurate, use less power too).

 

[jimeller]

I use Green Power which I use to turn off Data when the phone is asleep, and turn on again when woken. Ive only recently started using it and it seems to work OK for me. That might help if you need/want 3g on all the time.

 

[Mayhem]

I use CPU Tuner with my TBolt. Looking @ the stats it keeps my phone @ 245Mhz, which if I understand correctly it helps with battery life. I keep GPS, Bluetooth and Wifi off unless I need them. I also use Screen off & Lock to immediately lock my phone and kill the screen, rather than wait x number of minutes.

I tried Juice Defender but didn't like it.

I have Tasker, but haven't a clue how to use it.

I've looked for a comprehensive guide on how to "program" it but haven't found anything I can wrap my brain around yet.

I also use Kill This to close any programs that don't quit once I get back to the home screen.

 

[amlothi]

I use CPU Tuner with my TBolt. Looking @ the stats it keeps my phone @ 245Mhz, which if I understand correctly it helps with battery life.

You are decreasing the CPU speed, causing your phone's processor to use less power, which should save some battery. There is still an added benefit to turning off data services you aren't using.

I have Tasker, but haven't a clue how to use it.

I've looked for a comprehensive guide on how to "program" it but haven't found anything I can wrap my brain around yet.

Did you check the Tasker website, the official Tasker user group, and read the Tasker manual?

There's also a thread here linked in my signature. Yes, it's a very powerful app that you need to learn how to use (if you want the full capabilities of it). However, there's also a wiki where you can download and import some profiles instead of needing to write them yourself.

Your post makes me wonder how much you really tried...

 

[olskool]

I didnt say turn off data, you don't need wifi to get it. Yes IF you are near a signal. Then use it. Before you turn wifi or 3 g on, it tells you you're gonna eat battery then you cave to say ok or it won't turn on. If you use gps it says the same thing. If you choose to use all that running then no hope for better battery time. Period. Leave it plugged in and shorten the life of it.
Unless in non coverage or weak signal, you don't need all that to receive data. If not near a signal you're wasting battery time. I use my unit constantly and the giggest burner is the screen. Go to battery manager and it will show you yours.

 

[tcat007]

To show you how much "searching for a signal" uses.... I have 0-1 bar at home. I turn on airplane mode at 6:00PM, and at 8:00AM I have only lost 1-2% battery. Now if I forget to turn on airplane mode, I will lose 60% in the same 14 hours.

Fortunately I have pretty good coverage on my 30 minute trip to work and at work. With 3G on in the next 8-10 hours, I lose about 20%. Don't turn on GPS unless I use an app that needs it. I turn WiFi on/off at home only when I use it. I always have "Use Wireless networks" checked for location. I charge twice a week (unless I'm really into a game or tweaking my phone, then I only get a day or two).

I quit using "Battery saving apps", I tried a few to automate things (AutomateIt, Y5, AutoAP...), I found they caused the battery to drain much faster.

 

[takeshi]

So I was wondering if there's an app that would tie in with the GPS (I have Google latitude running all the time btw) and pretty much just turn off data when I'm in transit.

If you think your battery life is bad now just wait and see how much worse it will be when your theoretical app is constantly using the GPS receiver to determine whether you're in transit or not. GPS is one of the biggest battery hogs.

This is precisely why the Tasker site has the page "Location without tears". People tend to automatically assume that GPS is the best way to determine location without any thought as to its impact on battery life.

Gps is only needed when in low reception zones

GPS does nothing to help reception. I don't think I've seen a worse misstatement regarding GPS and I've posted in many, many GPS threads and seen some crazy stuff posted.

Wifi is used to connect to the internet.

Or just to a local network. Or for tethering. It's actually used as a method of locating as well.

I keep GPS, Bluetooth and Wifi off unless I need them.

"Turn GPS off" is commonly parroted in threads like this but GPS only chews through battery when actively used. You'll have a GPS notification in the bar when this happens. I keep GPS on all the time with no impact from just having it on. Now, if I actually use the GPS receiver, on the other hand...

 

[bigbabys]

Not to be a smartass, but maybe you should invest in a car charger if you drive all day with your GPS on constantly?

But, if that is not an option for you, I would recommend juicedefender (the paid version). You seem to be wanting to have your cake and eat it too, you can't get instant emails and leave your GPS on AND active all day and then expect decent battery life. With Juicedefener you can set peak times when your data is always on if you need your instant email settings. You can also set specific situations based on apps (maybe set it so when google latitude is running as a process your data is off) or worst case scenario with the Juicedefender widget you can manually turn off your data with a click of a button, then turn it back on just as easily. I honestly recommend the app to every android user based solely on the wifi control which works flawlessly.

I may be misunderstanding what you are trying to do?

 

[itsallgood]

I have an Atrix and I remember when my battery life wasn’t that great. I found out that when I had track me, in the Weatherbug Elite app. selected, it used GPS and was draining my battery. So, I turned it off and just update the weather manually as needed, if I need it before the 4 hrs auto update I set it for. Kill all third party apps. that you are not using. They do run in the back ground and will drain your battery. Turn down screen brightness. I know, it look s really beautiful being bright and all, but this will drain your battery faster. If you can, have your e-mail to update like every hour or so. (Having them to update as you get them will drain your battery very fast.) Use wifi whenever possible as stated above. I use to leave my wifi on when not at home and noticed it kept trying to connect to other wifi spots as I drove. So, I only use it at home or turn it on as needed. These are some apps I use to maximize battery life:

1) “Timeriffic” which allows you to set profiles on a schedule on days and times. You can set it to turn on/off things like: wifi, Bluetooth, ringer, vibrate, data, airplane mode. Also, can set the volume for ringer, notifications, media, system and alarm. You have a setting for brightness level too.

2) “Power Manager” You can set profiles as well, but they only activate depending on certain triggers. For example: I have a low battery profile, that turns down screen brightness, turns off wifi, Bluetooth and data sync, when battery reaches 35%.

3) Stock Task Manager. Allows me to set 3rd party apps to end, when screen is off or I can end them manually. (This works differently then Task Killers.)

These work very well for me as I am a medium to heavy user. Once I understand how to use them and set them up to work with my schedule, It’s easy to keep track of things, or should I say my phone to keep track of things. The way I see it is, it’s a smart phone right, why not have it do most, if not, all the work.

 

[olskool]

Gps IS used to locate signals. To say I don't know about it is a very uneducated statement. Satellites are what give us the signas we use in the first place. Use of satellite location AND signal used by military can put a missile or other ordinance within one square meter of its target. It will also allow communications into an area that is otherwise a dead zone. I know this from doing it. You can also use it to listen to an ant taking a dump in the middle of the desert.

 

[amlothi]

Gps IS used to locate signals. To say I don't know about it is a very uneducated statement.

Ok, I'll admit it. I'm uneducated when it comes to knowing what you know and don't know. Is that what you wanted to hear?

Satellites are what give us the signas we use in the first place. Use of satellite location AND signal used by military can put a missile or other ordinance within one square meter of its target.

I don't see how this is relevant to the thread.

It will also allow communications into an area that is otherwise a dead zone. I know this from doing it. You can also use it to listen to an ant taking a dump in the middle of the desert.

The GPS, on your phone, has nothing to do with communication. It does not help you to listen to "an ant taking a dump" in some far away location. (You'd need a strong microphone for that.

GPS = Global Positioning System

That's what it is. A location system.


You said:

Gps is only needed when in low reception zones

I understand your meaning as "GPS is only useful when you are in an area where the signal from the cell tower is weak and you get poor reception when making voice calls."

Perhaps you can clarify what you meant. However, I agree with Takeshi - your statement is ignorant and false.

 

[amlothi]

I have an Atrix and I remember when my battery life wasn

 

[2manyPHONES]

Yes, GPS uses a lot of battery. That is why all of us are recommending not using it constantly, and/or not using Latitide all the time.

Disagree. http://androidforums.com/android-applications/335110-why-you-dont-need-task-killer.html

The screen is a major use of battery, correct. Not a lot you can do except change the brightness manually all the time.

Wifi and cellular signal work similarly in this regard. When you have a strong connection to either, the phone doesn't need to use a lot of power to maintain a connection. So, strong signal = not much power used.

When the signal from the Wifi access point, or cell tower, is weak, the phone must use more power to maintain connection

When the signal is absent, the phone will use a lot of power searching for any signal, even very weak ones, all the time.


Works great if you are on a consistent schedule that you never deviate from. Otherwise, it's not very helpful.

^ I agree with all the above

I honestly never understood the logic here. I want to save battery ALL THE TIME. I don't want to only be saving battery when the battery is already low. It's too late at that point.

My husband uses this at work only cause sometimes he has to walk a long way from his car and he has the settings to power saver mode in case he gets stuck at work and wants to make the battery last as long as possible till he can get back to a car and charge it. So it's helpful to have the phone automatically turn things off at a certain battery percent as a last ditch effort to give you time to reach a charger.

Not sure what you are talking about here. What app is this? The Android stock task manager does not allow me to end apps when the screen is off. I also fail to see how "ending" apps is different than a Task Killer.

I think maybe he meant the stock task manager allows him to set when the screen goes off??

 

[Vihzel]

This is a quick PSA to everyone to please refrain from making posts questioning the intelligence/knowledge of others. Stay on topic and please simply discuss the matter at hand. Thank you!

 

[Mayhem]

You are decreasing the CPU speed, causing your phone's processor to use less power, which should save some battery. There is still an added benefit to turning off data services you aren't using.


Did you check the Tasker website, the official Tasker user group, and read the Tasker manual?

There's also a thread here linked in my signature. Yes, it's a very powerful app that you need to learn how to use (if you want the full capabilities of it). However, there's also a wiki where you can download and import some profiles instead of needing to write them yourself.

Your post makes me wonder how much you really tried...

Admittedly, not a whole lot. I have an incredibly short attention span when it comes to some things. Specifically those that require a great deal of thinking. No, I'm not being sarcastic and I'm not r3tarded (not that you're implying that), its got more to do with my having ADHD and my rarely (if ever) being patient enough to read up on things. This has worsened as I get older.

If I can get something that's step-by-step it's best for me. Then I can take what I've seen/done in those initial steps and work my way outward towards new things. Not sure if that'll make sense to anyone who doesn't have ADHD.

Anyway, thanks for the link to the user guide. That has a link to the program's wiki. That'll definitely help me. Just skimming it, it looks like there's at least one app I can drop and replace with a Tasker task.

 

[amlothi]

Try the thread in my signature also. If you don't see what you want there, ask. People are generally happy to give you a step-by-step walkthrough if you ask politely, tell them you are new, and describe what you want.

 

[tcat007]

To reiterate on my comments... "searching for a signal" is one of the biggest drains (other than playing AB). I forgot to put my phone in airplane mode last night at 6PM, when I remembered at 8PM my battery had gone from 65% to 45%. Put it airplane mode and at 10PM was at 44% at 8:30AM this morning it's at 42%.

So if you have your cell radio on, and your home or work or trip to work signal is low to zero, your battery will drain fast. You either need to take care of it manually (airplane mode switch), or automatically (battery software, which I tend to stay away from). Not sure why Android itself (2.2, 2.3?) does take care of this problem better.

 

[amlothi]

Not sure why Android itself (2.2, 2.3?) does take care of this problem better.

Android does take care of the problem on it's own. It's just that you and Android disagree about what the problem is.

Your device is designed to be a PHONE with other smart features. Whether that's how you actually use it or not isn't the issue. To date, smart phones are generally all designed to be a PHONE first. They are designed to be always connected with the cell towers in order to make and receive calls at any time.

The problem, as your phone sees it, is that it can't find a connection to the cell tower. So it keeps trying, using max power, to try to maintain a signal for you.


As smart as our phones are, it isn't smart enough to know that "Nobody ever calls Tcat after 8:00 pm, so let's just save some battery and turn off our cellular connection."

I know Tasker could be set to automatically put your phone in airplane mode under certain conditions (like strength of cell signal) if you wanted to set that up yourself.

 

[itsallgood]

On my Atrix, I have a stock app called "Task Manager". (Not in the android market). It's purpose to show me 3rd party and stock apps, that are running in the background, using CPU, RAM or nothing. (Can't end stock apps.) For me it works really well. My available RAM can get low sometimes, causing some lag, with 3rd party apps I'm not using, running in the background. I can set certain apps. to end when my screen times out or manually end them. You just have to know what you are doing and how to use the app. Most people will experiance lag for two reasons, bad app or low RAM.

 

[amlothi]

On my Atrix, I have a stock app called "Task Manager". (Not in the android market). It's purpose to show me 3rd party and stock apps, that are running in the background, using CPU, RAM or nothing. (Can't end stock apps.) For me it works really well. My available RAM can get low sometimes, causing some lag, with 3rd party apps I'm not using, running in the background. I can set certain apps. to end when my screen times out or manually end them. You just have to know what you are doing and how to use the app. Most people will experiance lag for two reasons, bad app or low RAM.

It sounds like the manufacturer has modified (or installed a different) Task Manager than the plain Android has.

If you didn't read the thread I linked above, as there are some good insights into memory management. I've never needed to kill tasks simply because I didn't have enough free RAM.

 

[itsallgood]

It sounds like the manufacturer has modified (or installed a different) Task Manager than the plain Android has.

If you didn't read the thread I linked above, as there are some good insights into memory management. I've never needed to kill tasks simply because I didn't have enough free RAM.

Yes, I read the link and thanks. The Task Manager on my phone is unique. Even though I'm not a developer, I am pretty familiar with how Androis OS works. I agree with what the original OP stated in the link you provided. But, I would like to add, in my case, I have had apps running in the background for the duration my phone is on, sometimes 12 to 16 hours. Using RAM according to the running services menu. I don't use the back button, because it takes to long to exit out of an app. (I use the home button.) So, naturally, these apps continue running. I have over 100 apps that I have downloaded on my phone, so it is very active. I can have 30 apps running, at one time, just in the background. Since most apps don't have an exit button, the Task Manager is very helpful. I have done it both ways, using the Task manager and not using it, and have found that using it gets better battery life and perfomance is better.