During the recent Google I/O 2023 event, the tech giant unveiled Android 14, the latest iteration of its popular mobile operating system. The event showcased various exciting features of Android 14, and a beta version was made available for Pixel phone users. While Android 14 is set to bring significant improvements and enhancements, an interesting report has surfaced online, revealing one of the upcoming features that will be introduced in this new version – the battery health feature.
The Battery Health Feature in Android 14
According to tweets from Mishal Rahman, Android 14 will include a battery health feature. This feature is made possible through the introduction of the BatteryManager API, which caters to the growing need for battery health information among smartphone users. With this API, Android 14 will provide users with valuable insights into their device’s battery health, including data such as cycle count, charging status, manufacturing date, and battery health metrics.
I bought a used Pixel 7 Pro recently and thought it was a shame that Google's battery health feature hasn't been released.
It'd be nice to see how many charge cycles it's had or the estimated % of its original capacity. Fortunately, Google's made it possible in Android 14!
pic.twitter.com/KXGtLwhJtU
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) June 1, 2023
Currently, the battery health APIs are accessible only to users of Pixel smartphones running Android 14 Beta 2 or later versions. However, the introduction of these APIs opens up opportunities for developers to create applications that leverage this battery health data to provide users with detailed statistics and analysis.
Introducing Batt: An Open-Source Battery Health Application
Taking advantage of the new BatteryManager API, developer @narektor has developed Batt, an open-source battery health application. This app utilizes the advanced features of Android 14 to offer users comprehensive battery health statistics and insights. By providing detailed information about their device’s battery health, users can make informed decisions to optimize battery performance and prolong its lifespan.
Considerations with Third-Party Battery Health Apps
While apps like Batt offer valuable insights into battery health, it is important to note that the accuracy of the statistics provided may vary. The data presented by these apps rely on the information obtained through the BatteryManager API, which, in turn, depends on the charging IC’s tracking capabilities and the level of support for battery health features in the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL).
Future Expectations: Native Battery Health Feature
Although third-party apps like Batt offer temporary solutions for monitoring battery health, it is anticipated that Google will eventually introduce its own native battery health feature. This native integration within the Settings app would eliminate the need for additional third-party apps, providing users with a seamless and standardized experience for monitoring and managing their device’s battery health.
Conclusion
As the release of Android 14 approaches, the introduction of the battery health feature brings an added layer of transparency and control for users. With access to crucial battery health information, users can better understand the performance of their device’s battery and take the necessary steps to optimize it. While third-party apps like Batt currently serve as valuable tools, the future inclusion of a native battery health feature by Google will streamline the experience and empower users to maximize the longevity of their device’s battery. Stay tuned for further updates from Google as Android 14’s battery health feature continues to evolve.
