Built-in GPS drastically reduces smartwatch battery life
Updated
Updated · Boy Genius Report · May 2
Built-in GPS drastically reduces smartwatch battery life
7 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · May 2
Typical battery life can fall from about three days to 12 hours, while Garmin and Apple models drop to 21 and 14 hours respectively in GPS-heavy use.
The drain comes from continuous communication with satellites, which uses more power than periodic sensors such as heart-rate tracking.
Built-in GPS lets users leave phones behind and track routes, pace and distance, but limiting GPS, using power-saving modes or hybrid systems can extend battery life.
Beyond poor battery life, how vulnerable is your smartwatch's GPS to signal jamming and dangerous location spoofing?
Are new satellite systems creating a 'power race' that will make future smartwatch battery life even worse?