July 13, 2010
By Donovan Jackson

Among the major limitations of mobile computing is the life of the batteries. As our smartphones become more and more ingrained into our way of life, and as the amount of functions we rely on them to perform increases, there is plenty more demand on the tiny power source contained within the device. That limitation has given rise to the myth that there is a secret method to magically enable ‘hidden’ battery power and keep chatting or surfing for longer.

Like many urban legends, this one is steeped in our willingness to believe something that is physically not possible. Wouldn’t it be nice if you battery could deliver another two hours? Wouldn’t it be nice if money grew on trees? It certainly would, but the appeal of the idea doesn’t make it anything more than wishful thinking!

For a closer look at this myth, go here, where it is also debunked with a link to what should be everyone’s first port of call when a fishy story arrives – Snopes.

Now, while a battery may seem fairly low-level technologically speaking, when considering the processors, circuits, screen, communications chips, memory and software packed into a smartphone, but the battery is in fact a very high-tech bit of kit. Indeed, good battery life is often a selling point for a device…it isn’t very likely that Nokia, operating in a competitive handset market, would build in the capability for extra battery life, and then not tell anyone.

Read more about battery technology here, including the possibility of a battery which can charge in just ten seconds. Sounds a bit like a tall story, doesn’t it…

Here are 8 real tips to improve you battery life that don’t include typing in magic numbers into your device.