Hoping to capitalize on Apple battery controversy, HTC and Motorola volunteer that they do...
Bad publicity for Apple is a potential opportunity for competitors to gain ground, as seen with the iPhone battery controversy compelling HTC and Motorola to issue statements, saying they do not throttle performance on phones with older batteries.
Both companies responded to requests from The Verge, who asked in light of Apple's admission that it temporarily throttles performance on older devices with aging batteries.
Slowing down the CPU on older phones is "not something we do," an HTC spokesperson reportedly said. And a Motorola representative indicated: "We do not throttle CPU performance based on older batteries.
The publication also sought comment from Google, Samsung, LG and Sony, but definitive answers were not provided.
Considering all smartphone makers deal with the same limitations of battery capacity and lifespan, along with processor demands, it would not be surprising if some other major smartphone makers employ the same tactics as Apple.
Conversely, it is unclear whether those who do not throttle devices with older batteries have devices more prone to the kinds of random device shutdowns that Apple says its approach helps prevent.
Apple has said its software fix addresses issues with aging batteries, which are prone to random shutdowns when subjected to spikes in power usage. In a statement, the company referred to the slowdown as a "feature" that will "smooth out instantaneous peaks only when needed."
While Apple argues that the throttling keeps devices operational for longer, the admission has helped fueled a popular conspiracy theory that Apple intentionally slows down older iPhones to encourage customers to buy a new device. Tests have shown that older devices outfitted with a new battery --which Apple provides for $89 -- see their performance return to normal levels.
Fueled by those conspiracy theories, as well as users who are upset that Apple did not previously admit that it was throttling older devices, the company has been hit by a number of lawsuits.
This week, the company was even named in a criminal lawsuit in France, where planned obsolescence is illegal. It's unclear whether that complaint will actually make it to trial, however, as Apple's throttling as described is actually intended to keep devices working for longer periods of time, not shorter.
Both companies responded to requests from The Verge, who asked in light of Apple's admission that it temporarily throttles performance on older devices with aging batteries.
Slowing down the CPU on older phones is "not something we do," an HTC spokesperson reportedly said. And a Motorola representative indicated: "We do not throttle CPU performance based on older batteries.
The publication also sought comment from Google, Samsung, LG and Sony, but definitive answers were not provided.
Considering all smartphone makers deal with the same limitations of battery capacity and lifespan, along with processor demands, it would not be surprising if some other major smartphone makers employ the same tactics as Apple.
Conversely, it is unclear whether those who do not throttle devices with older batteries have devices more prone to the kinds of random device shutdowns that Apple says its approach helps prevent.
Apple has said its software fix addresses issues with aging batteries, which are prone to random shutdowns when subjected to spikes in power usage. In a statement, the company referred to the slowdown as a "feature" that will "smooth out instantaneous peaks only when needed."
While Apple argues that the throttling keeps devices operational for longer, the admission has helped fueled a popular conspiracy theory that Apple intentionally slows down older iPhones to encourage customers to buy a new device. Tests have shown that older devices outfitted with a new battery --which Apple provides for $89 -- see their performance return to normal levels.
Fueled by those conspiracy theories, as well as users who are upset that Apple did not previously admit that it was throttling older devices, the company has been hit by a number of lawsuits.
This week, the company was even named in a criminal lawsuit in France, where planned obsolescence is illegal. It's unclear whether that complaint will actually make it to trial, however, as Apple's throttling as described is actually intended to keep devices working for longer periods of time, not shorter.
Comments
vt the time Apple phones slow down, their phones are likely dead or unusable
"Would you take preventive measures, up to and including temporarily reducing your device's CPU's clock frequency when battery demand exceeded battery supply, to prevent your customer's phones from crashing, knowing very well that crashing could result in the permanent loss of your customer's data? Yes ( ) No ( )"
Asking an open ended or theoretical question is a load of crap and total waste of time. Apple wasn't contemplating theoretical scenarios, they were dealing with a real, concrete problem that has very real and potentially damaging consequences.
Whenever I've run software teams I've drilled into them the mantra that a customer's data is their money and we are responsible for safeguarding it to the best of our ability. Nothing less is acceptable. Apple isn't playing games here for the sake of people to spread their opinions via online forums. They are taking responsibility for their customer's money and livelihoods to the best of their ability. Repeat - this is not a game. As Admiral Grace Hopper once said, there are times when it's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Safeguarding customer data is one of those cases.
Instead I assumed iOS 11 updates had slowed it down and shortly after that my battery started only holding a charge for a few hours so I replaced it with an 8 Plus. After reading about this software throttling being linked to dying batteries I ordered a replacement and my 6 Plus was reborn! I use to get a ton of lag typing messages or switching apps. As soon as the battery was changed it preformed nearly as smoothly as my 8 Plus. Infact I gifted it to my girlfriend’s mother as it was better than the cheap android she had.
So I have no issue with Apple trying to conserve a dying battery by slowing down my phone but tell me that’s why and let me get it fixed! Don’t stay silent and let people assume they need a new phone or that Apple is trying to force people to upgrade.
http://www.htc.com/us/support/updates.aspx