Google has announced that it is making some changes to the way battery usage is estimated on their Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones. The handsets have a Smart Battery feature that estimates your usage based on what you have done previously.
Previous Battery Estimation Method
Google explains below how they previously calculated estimated battery life on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL and what changes they are making.
Previously, your phone would estimate your battery loss with simple assumptions. If you’ve used about 10% per hour over the past few hours, we would guess you will keep using 10% per hour. As you might expect, this wasn’t always very accurate.
This method relied heavily on a linear projection of past usage, which did not account for variations in user behavior. For example, if you were using your phone heavily in the morning but less so in the afternoon, the old system would inaccurately predict that you would continue to use your phone heavily throughout the day. This often led to users either overestimating or underestimating their remaining battery life, causing inconvenience and sometimes even anxiety about whether their phone would last through the day.
New Smart Battery Feature
To fix this, we built an on-device model that evaluates how you use your phone’s battery over time. Your phone looks at your battery usage on similar days and times, and uses that to predict your battery life in a personalized way.
This new model leverages machine learning algorithms to analyze your usage patterns more comprehensively. It takes into account various factors such as the types of apps you use, the time of day, and even your location. For instance, if you tend to use your phone more during your commute and less while at work, the new system will adjust its predictions accordingly. This results in a more accurate and personalized battery life estimate.
Moreover, the Smart Battery feature continuously learns and adapts to your habits. If you start using a new app frequently or change your daily routine, the model will update its predictions to reflect these changes. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the battery life estimates remain relevant and accurate over time.
So it looks like the battery life predictions on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL should be more accurate in the future. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users who rely heavily on their smartphones for various tasks throughout the day. Accurate battery life predictions can help users plan their usage better, ensuring that they are not caught off guard by a suddenly drained battery.
Additionally, this feature can also contribute to better battery health in the long run. By providing more accurate estimates, users are less likely to overcharge their phones or let the battery drain completely, both of which can negatively impact battery longevity.
You can find out more information over at Google at the link below.
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