Tag: smartphones

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.

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. 

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 maintain your smartphone – Regular cleaning and maintenance

It might not look like it, but smartphones accumulate dust. A close analysis of smartphone users shows that people go everywhere with their phones. This might be convenient, but it means that smartphones are exposed to a lot of dust particles.

Regular cleaning and effective smartphone maintenance prevent dust from accumulating in the holes, ports, or even speakers on your phone. Now there are various ways to maintain a clean phone and carry out proper smartphone maintenance. Below are some of these techniques:

Clean the screen and body: Of all the phone parts, the most exposed to dust are the screen and the body. Hence, it is essential to clean these parts as often as possible. To do this, simply swipe at the screen or body of the phone with a dry and soft cloth.

Remove dust and debris from ports: The ports are openings connecting the phone’s internal parts to the external environment. These openings often accumulate dust and debris that you must clean out regularly to maintain your phone. It is advisable not to use any moisture while cleaning out the ports. You should also ensure your phone isn’t turned on or plugged into electricity. When everything’s in place, use a thin and sturdy but not sharp object to pick out debris from the port.

smartphone maintenance – lens cleaning

Clean the camera lens: To clean your camera lens, you first apply a small amount of lens cleaning fluid to a cloth and wipe the camera lens. To remove any leftover dust particles, you can use a dry material to swipe at the lens one more time.

Use a case and screen protector: This is the final step to protecting your phone from both damage and dirt. A screen protector and phone case serve as shock absorbers. So when you apply them, any damage to the phone doesn’t directly impact the device. For example, if your phone falls to the ground, the screen protector might crack, but the screen won’t. You can also easily change the screen protector and the case if they get too damaged. This means your phone gets both protection and customization according to your taste.