Apps that Hog Your Battery Get a Red Flag

Google has started putting clear warning notices on the Play Store for apps that drain too much battery. These warnings appear in a box that says something like “This app may use more battery than expected due to high background activity. ” It points out apps that cross a set limit on how much they keep the phone’s processor running when the screen is off. The problem comes from a feature called partial wake locks. Developers use them so an app can keep working in the background, but if they are overused the phone’s battery runs out faster. Google says most of these locks are useful, but some apps push the limit too far and need to be fixed.By adding this visual cue, Google wants two things to happen. First, it nudges developers to tidy up their code so the app uses less power. Second, it helps users spot and avoid apps that will drain their battery quickly. The company has already seen some developers change their behavior after the warning appeared. Google also said that apps flagged for excessive battery use could be removed from Play Store recommendations, giving developers another reason to comply with the guidelines. In short, users will now have a handy way to see which apps might drain their battery before they download them. Developers who ignore the warning risk losing visibility and popularity on the Play Store. Have you noticed a battery warning box when looking at an app? Share your experience in the comments.