The Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED have received a SteamOS update that introduces a low-power mode allowing users to continue downloads with the screen off, significantly improving battery life during updates, a feature long requested by users.
Valve is testing a new low-power mode for the Steam Deck that allows users to complete game downloads with the screen off, saving power and preventing overheating, especially useful when the device is in a bag or not actively in use.
Google Maps is testing a new built-in battery-saving mode that simplifies the display to essential navigation information in monochrome, aiming to extend battery life during long trips or low battery situations, independently of system-wide battery saver settings.
Adjusting 12 key settings on Android phones, such as turning off always-on display, enabling adaptive battery, activating battery saver, switching to dark mode, and reducing screen brightness and refresh rate, can significantly extend battery life without sacrificing user experience.
AMD has released the WHQL-certified Adrenalin Edition 23.12.1 driver, which includes support for upcoming games Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and The Finals. The driver update also features a redesigned UI for AMD Software, a new power-saving mode called HYPR-RX Eco, expanded OpenGL Interop support, and Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling for certain GPUs. Additionally, the driver addresses several fixed issues and known issues. Users can upgrade to the new driver through the Radeon Settings app on Windows.
To improve your iPhone's battery life, you can turn off the "Ask to Join Networks" feature in your Wi-Fi settings. This feature constantly searches for open Wi-Fi networks, draining your battery. By disabling it, you can save power and extend your iPhone's battery life. This setting is likely to appear on the upcoming iPhone 15 as well.
Google has acknowledged the issue of late alarms on the Pixel Watch and has attributed it to the power-saving "Doze" functionality. The fix for the issue will be included in the March 2023 update for the Pixel Watch, which will take a week or two to roll out. Additionally, an update for the clock app will be released via the Play Store "in the coming weeks." The update will also bring minor changes and the previously announced Fall Detection feature to the watch.