Latest news with #batteryhealth
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Yahoo
11 Nintendo Switch 2 Settings You Should Change Right Away
Just picked up a Switch 2 and itching to play some games? That's all well and good, but there are a few things you might want to tweak before you dive into Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. We've rounded up some of the settings that you might want to change on your new console. While not all of them are applicable to every Switch 2 owner, some are no-brainers. Most smartphones now come with an optimized charging mode. This prevents the battery from reaching 100% charge capacity since keeping lithium-ion batteries in a full state causes more rapid degradation of the cell. Nintendo included a similar setting for the Switch 2, limiting the charge capacity to 90% or less. Head to System Settings > System then scroll down until you see 'Stop Charging Around 90%' and toggle the setting on. By doing this you will sacrifice some battery capacity, so your Switch will never quite offer as much play time as a console that's been charged to 100%. What you'll gain is better battery health over time. It's a great idea if you only occasionally play your Switch in portable mode, or if you're never far away from an outlet to charge your Switch on the go. While you're there in the System Settings > System menu, enable 'Console Battery (%)' right above the charge limiting setting. This adds a numerical percentage to the battery indicator, so you know exactly how much charge you have left. This makes it easy to see the precise battery impact of a game on your Switch since you can take note of what the battery percentage is at when you start and stop playing. Remember that battery indicators can be a bit misleading, so take that percentage value with a pinch of salt. As part of a push to improve Nintendo's surrounding mobile ecosystem, the Switch 2 can now upload captured media automatically. Oddly enough, this setting isn't enabled by default. To fix that, launch the 'Album' app from the main menu. In the left-hand menu, scroll down and select 'Upload Settings' then choose a user. Scroll down to 'Automatic Uploads' and enable the toggle to turn the feature on. From now on you'll be able to access media captured using the Screenshot button (on the left Joy-Con. or the left-hand side of the Pro Controller) using the Nintendo Switch app for iPhone or Android. Media will be available for 30 days from the date of upload, but you can always choose to upload it again in the future. Got old media you want to upload? Head back to the album and choose Bulk Actions > Upload to Smart Device from the menu on the left. Select the items you want to upload and then hit the blue 'Upload' button. You can upload 20 items at a time. This is probably a good thing, but the Switch 2 limits the maximum volume for headphone users by default. If you're having issues with low volume while using the 3.5mm stereo output or Bluetooth headphones, turning this setting off will probably help. Head to System Settings > Audio and scroll down until you see 'Lower Maximum Headphone Volume' and turn this setting off. You can use the 'Test Output' button to preview the change. To really maximize battery life, you'll want to make sure your console enters sleep mode soon after playing. To do this, you can reduce the auto-sleep timer to as little as a minute when no input is detected. To do this, head to System Settings > Sleep Mode and change the 'Auto-Sleep (Playing on Console Screen)' setting to a value of your choosing. You can do the same for 'Auto-Sleep (Connected to TV)' but this won't affect the battery life, since the Switch is connected to power in docked mode. Want to stop others from messing with your Switch 2? Enable the console lock to stop others from playing games, making progress in your save files, or buying things in the eShop without your express permission. You'll find this setting under System Settings > System by scrolling down until you see 'Console Lock' and flipping the toggle. You'll be prompted to set a PIN, which you'll need to input every time the console wakes. Combine this with a super short auto-sleep timer (above) to safeguard your data. While this setting may seem like the nuclear option, consider that you can always share the PIN with a trusted party while locking everyone else out. The Switch 2 features a new C button on the right Joy-Con (or to the right-hand side of the Switch 2 Pro Controller). This enables GameChat, Nintendo's take on Discord which is free for all users until March 31, 2026. After this, you'll need to pay for a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use the service. Even if you're a keen online gamer, you might not find much use for GameChat. If this is the case, you can remap the button to something else or disable it entirely if you're sick of accidentally hitting it and triggering the feature. Head to System Settings > Accessibility > Change Button Mapping and then select the controller you want to configure. Now select the C button from the list of available options and choose what to do with it. You'll find the option to disable the button entirely at the bottom of the list. One good idea is to map it as a Capture button so that you have the ability to take a screenshot or video from either Joy-Con. You could also map it to an analog stick press if you find this a bit awkward. The launch-edition Switch 2 console has a dark appearance that is crying out for a dark theme. If you play your console at night, enabling the dark theme is an absolute no-brainer. If you have an OLED TV, enabling the dark theme will prevent the automatic brightness limiter (ABL) from kicking in every time you go back to the Switch 2 dashboard. Furthermore, dark mode just looks better. If you're not already using dark mode, head to System Settings > Themes and switch to Dark. Here's hoping Nintendo actually adds a few more themes to the Switch 2, something that was painfully absent last time around. If saving battery is your thing, you'll probably want to leave auto brightness enabled. As you'd expect, this setting automatically adjusts screen brightness depending on the ambient lighting conditions. But if you prefer to keep the screen brightness at one set level, and you're not too worried about battery consumption, you can turn it off. The easiest way to do this is to hold the HOME button and then use the 'Automatic Brightness' toggle, but there's also a 'Screen Brightness' tab within the console settings. With the setting off, you'll want to make use of this panel to adjust the brightness using the slider. If you're playing plugged in all of the time, you'll probably want to leave this jacked up anyway. Nintendo turned the Switch 2's burn-in reduction on by default, which is great for OLED owners who want to avoid the risk of permanent and temporary image retention. This setting will dim the display output after five minutes of inactivity. But if you have a regular old LED-lit LCD TV, you can safely turn this off without any downsides. This will keep your Switch 2 pumping out a bright image, even if you put the controller down for a second. It's great if you're a bit of an idle gamer who is easily distracted, or if you're doing something tedious that doesn't actually require your hands on the controller. Switch it off under System Settings > Display using the "Screen Burn-In Reduction" toggle.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Car expert dismantles popular EV myth after showcasing 'ex-Uber Tesla' with 180,000 miles: 'What is the real-world range?'
They're common questions when it comes to electric vehicles — questions that automotive journalist Vicky Parrott was curious about herself when she bought a heavily-used, high-mileage model. "What is the actual, usable battery capacity still remaining on this car?" Parrott asked. "And what is the real-world range?" In a YouTube video posted by CarGurus UK and covered by InsideEVs, Parrott shares some impressive answers about the so-called "ex-Uber Tesla." The car in question was a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long-Range All-Wheel Drive that had been driven extensively for ride-sharing platforms. When Parrott got the car, it already had more than 170,000 miles on it, and in just a few months, she pushed it over 180,000. Before reaching that milestone, however, she had the battery checked and found that it still had 90% of its capacity, even after nearly 1,000 charging cycles. "I think that's really pretty impressive," Parrott said. Finding out that EV batteries can last longer than previously thought and still perform at high levels could help more people make the switch away from gas-powered vehicles. It could also help current owners sell their cars when they're ready to upgrade. EV sales continue to increase around the world, with used EVs a particularly hot commodity. A report from Recurrent found that used EV sales increased by nearly 63% from the first quarter of 2023 to 2024. Current EV owners can monitor battery health by using Recurrent's free service, which collects data that can later be shared with potential buyers, giving them more transparency and confidence when purchasing a used EV. The company also connects would-be EV sellers with a network of buyers and has helped sellers make an extra $1,400 on average. For EV owners thinking about how to make battery usage as easy and inexpensive as possible, charging can be simpler and more cost-effective when done at home as opposed to at a public station. Home charging can be further improved by drawing on residential solar power, further reducing climate impacts and potentially bringing energy costs down to nearly nothing. If you've considered installing solar panels at home to support EV usage or daily life in general, EnergySage's free service will let you compare quotes from local vetted installers, with the potential to save homeowners up to $10,000 on installation. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Big EV 'myth' busted as Aussies rethink second-hand electric cars
As electric vehicle (EV) adoption grows in Australia, long-held myths around battery life, resale value, and long-term costs are being increasingly challenged by real-world data. But despite progress, some misconceptions — particularly around second-hand EVs — continue to influence buyer behaviour. One of the most persistent beliefs is that EVs don't hold their value as well as petrol-powered cars. While there's evidence that this is starting to shift, especially with improvements in battery technology, consumer hesitation remains. Scott Maynard, managing director of EV brand Polestar Australia, acknowledges that concerns around battery health have historically been a major sticking point. He says that's changing, particularly when buyers go through manufacturer-certified channels. "Purchasing a used EV through a certified manufacturer network now includes a detailed battery 'report card,' which helps build trust and gives buyers the confidence to go ahead with a second-hand electric vehicle," Maynard told Yahoo News Australia. Maynard has a vested interest in promoting the second-hand market. But many of his points are supported by independent data. Battery health software provider Geotab reports that the average annual degradation rate for EV batteries has dropped from 2.3 per cent in 2019 to 1.8 per cent in 2024 — a relatively modest figure compared to early concerns. Maynard also points to advances in battery management systems that help protect long-term performance by regulating temperature and usage patterns. He argues that this technology, along with the ability to repair individual battery modules rather than replacing entire packs, is helping shift buyer perceptions. However, public scepticism — often amplified by social media anecdotes — still plays a role in dampening confidence. And while some consumers are now embracing the used EV market as a more affordable entry point, challenges remain around financing, insurance, and rural infrastructure. Maynard believes these barriers can be addressed through stronger industry collaboration. "What the EV industry needs to do is engage the insurance sector on battery technology and repairability," he said, suggesting this could eventually result in more favourable premiums for consumers. When it comes to running costs, he also argues that EVs are proving cheaper to own and maintain than many Australians expect — especially for households with access to home charging and rooftop solar. Still, access to these cost-saving advantages isn't evenly distributed, particularly in regional areas. Range anxiety continues to be a major concern, and while Australia now has more than 1,800 high-power charging locations, infrastructure reliability and coverage remain key issues. Maynard says more test drives and exposure to EVs are crucial in breaking down remaining hesitations. Empty Bunnings shelves sparks major change theory Plea to electric car owners ahead of expected 'hottest summer on record' Driver spots Tesla in shocking highway act: 'Licence revoked' "Education is crucial. Once you've experienced the convenience of home charging and the smooth, quiet performance of an EV, it's hard to go back," he said. "That's before you consider the environmental and health benefits of making the switch. It's crucial that we continue fighting misinformation around EVs and educating Australians about these benefits." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Big EV 'myth' busted as Aussies rethink second-hand electric cars: 'Education is crucial'
As electric vehicle (EV) adoption grows in Australia, long-held myths around battery life, resale value, and long-term costs are being increasingly challenged by real-world data. But despite progress, some misconceptions — particularly around second-hand EVs — continue to influence buyer behaviour. One of the most persistent beliefs is that EVs don't hold their value as well as petrol-powered cars. While there's evidence that this is starting to shift, especially with improvements in battery technology, consumer hesitation remains. Scott Maynard, managing director of EV brand Polestar Australia, acknowledges that concerns around battery health have historically been a major sticking point. He says that's changing, particularly when buyers go through manufacturer-certified channels. "Purchasing a used EV through a certified manufacturer network now includes a detailed battery 'report card,' which helps build trust and gives buyers the confidence to go ahead with a second-hand electric vehicle," Maynard told Yahoo News Australia. Maynard has a vested interest in promoting the second-hand market. But many of his points are supported by independent data. Battery health software provider Geotab reports that the average annual degradation rate for EV batteries has dropped from 2.3 per cent in 2019 to 1.8 per cent in 2024 — a relatively modest figure compared to early concerns. Maynard also points to advances in battery management systems that help protect long-term performance by regulating temperature and usage patterns. He argues that this technology, along with the ability to repair individual battery modules rather than replacing entire packs, is helping shift buyer perceptions. However, public scepticism — often amplified by social media anecdotes — still plays a role in dampening confidence. And while some consumers are now embracing the used EV market as a more affordable entry point, challenges remain around financing, insurance, and rural infrastructure. Maynard believes these barriers can be addressed through stronger industry collaboration. "What the EV industry needs to do is engage the insurance sector on battery technology and repairability," he said, suggesting this could eventually result in more favourable premiums for consumers. When it comes to running costs, he also argues that EVs are proving cheaper to own and maintain than many Australians expect — especially for households with access to home charging and rooftop solar. Still, access to these cost-saving advantages isn't evenly distributed, particularly in regional areas. Range anxiety continues to be a major concern, and while Australia now has more than 1,800 high-power charging locations, infrastructure reliability and coverage remain key issues. Maynard says more test drives and exposure to EVs are crucial in breaking down remaining hesitations. Empty Bunnings shelves sparks major change theory Plea to electric car owners ahead of expected 'hottest summer on record' Driver spots Tesla in shocking highway act: 'Licence revoked' "Education is crucial. Once you've experienced the convenience of home charging and the smooth, quiet performance of an EV, it's hard to go back," he said. "That's before you consider the environmental and health benefits of making the switch. It's crucial that we continue fighting misinformation around EVs and educating Australians about these benefits." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Android Authority
09-06-2025
- Android Authority
Here's how Pixel battery health assistance will work to maximize your phone's lifespan
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google Pixel devices will soon receive a new battery health assistance feature to help manage the battery's long-term health and performance. The feature will adjust the battery's maximum voltage and charging speed as it ages to prolong device usability. We've enabled the feature before the official release to get an early look at its settings page. Google plans to introduce a new battery health feature on Pixel devices to help manage the battery's long term health and performance. Details about the upcoming battery health assistance feature were first spotted shortly after Google unveiled the Pixel 9a. At the time, we learned that it would automatically adjust the battery's maximum voltage and charging speed as it ages to prolong usability. We now have an early look at its settings page ahead of the official rollout. Google recently released an update for the Settings Services app with all the necessary elements to enable the battery health assistance feature on Pixel devices. Although the feature is still not live for users, Android Authority contributor AssembleDebug manually enabled it on a Pixel 9 to grab the following screenshots. As expected, Google will add the battery health assistance feature to the Battery health settings page on Pixel phones. The page highlights that the feature will help 'manage long term battery health and performance,' and users may notice 'slight changes in charging performance and battery capacity' as the battery ages. Tapping the battery health assistance option will open a new page with a toggle to turn the feature on or off. Google has previously confirmed that the battery health assistance feature will not be limited to the Pixel 9a. The company said the feature will roll out to older Pixel phones as an optional setting this March, suggesting it may be mandatory on the Pixel 9a. If so, the battery health assistance toggle may not be available on the budget-friendly phone. Battery health assistance is expected to roll out to Pixel devices with the stable Android 16 update. We'll update this post as soon as it's available widely. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
