Buddycloud changes the way you use your phone. No longer is it a passive device that just sits in your pocket all the time. It connects you to the world and your friends giving you a rich active addressbook. As such, usage leads to a more active phone, using more backlight and data connectivity.
Here are a few common pointers on how to improve or maximize the battery life on your phone whilst using Buddycloud.
Update to the latest software
Always make sure you are running the latest version of Buddycloud on your phone. We are always trying to improve the battery lifespan whilst running Buddycloud and regularly making optimizations in the code. You can check for the latest version of Buddycloud in the application by pressing menu 'Options -> Help -> Update software' or by pointing your computer or phone internet browser to http://mobile.buddycloud.com.
Optimize your phone settings
Settings of your phone can also play the most common role in battery usage. Make sure to check the following points:
- Backlight timeout - Minimizing your Backlight timeout to 5 seconds can help as with Buddycloud you can chat one-to-one and in groups with your friends causing the backlight to be on for extensive periods of time.
- Network mode - The network mode you select is also important for battery usage in general, not only for Buddycloud. As Buddycloud only uses on average 35Kb of data an hour using compressed data streams, a high speed connection is not required. So to minimize battery usage you can use GSM network mode, as using DUAL-mode has a significantly higher power consumption. If you are always within 3G coverage you are better off setting your phone permanently on 3G mode.
Optimize your Buddycloud settings
Buddycloud can use CELL, WIFI and GPS to build a pattern of where you are. You can optimize these to save battery. Using CELL and WIFI have the least hit on battery and it is recommended these are always on. Using GPS has a bigger performance hit on your phone in general. GPS is recommended to be used only when you are actively moving or in an unknown place so that Buddycloud can find where you are, otherwise it is best to turn it off when stationary. Your Buddycloud settings can be adjusted in the application by pressing menu 'Options -> Settings -> User settings' and going to the Positioning Tab.