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Despite widespread reports that its latest Google Search update for iOS is causing their device’s battery to drain faster, Google claims that’s simply not the case.

CNET reported Thursday that Google is going on the offensive to squash rumors surrounding an update released last week for those using its Google Search for iOS app.

Almost as soon as the search giant ported its formerly Android-only Google Now feature over to iOS with the update, users began complaining their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices were now draining the battery faster than normal.

A number of temporary solutions appeared on blogs such as Lifehacker which suggested disabling the Location Reporting feature built into iOS to reportedly minimize Google Now’s impact on battery life.

Nothing to see here

Google says there’s no such problem to remedy, explaining in a statement that the confusion actually stems from how Google Now causes the Location Services icon to remain on at all times.

"Many apps that keep the icon on actually do drain the phone’s battery because they require very accurate location," Google explained to CNET.

"This update to the Google Search app is built very differently: It uses cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots for much lower battery impact."

Google claims to have "extensively tested" Now on iOS for several months with no "significant" impact on the battery, and encourages users who might be experiencing a problem to submit feedback through the Google Search app.

View more at TechRadar: All latest Mobile phones news feeds

A South Korean man who suffered burns from his Samsung smartphone battery is probably one of the few people who wouldn’t eagerly recommend the Galaxy Note.

The lithium-ion battery, belonging to a 2011 Galaxy Note according to local newspapers, exploded in the man’s pants pocket over the weekend.

This caused the unidentified man to suffer second-degree burns and a one-inch wound on his thigh, said to Bupyeong Fire Station officials in a report by the Associated Press.

Fire officials confirmed that the lithium-ion battery belonged to a Samsung smartphone, but said that the loose battery wasn’t in the phone at the time of the fire.

Eye on lithium-ion batteries

This is hardly the first case in which a lithium-ion battery has caught fire.

In fact, it’s the second time a that Samsung smartphone caught fire in South Korea alone.

The incidents aren’t limited to "The Land of The Morning Calm," as evidenced by an explosion of Samsung’s prized Galaxy S3 while in user’s car in Ireland last summer.

While it’s statistically rare to have a lithium-ion battery explode, such occurrences have lead to recalls, device shortages, and even deaths.

Scariest of all are incidents that aren’t limited to a person’s pocket, like the recently grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliners. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the new passenger jets have caught fire due to their lithium-ion batteries.

View more at TechRadar: All latest Mobile phones news feeds

Apple’s latest iOS 6 patch may have cured Wi-Fi issues plaguing iPhone 5 and iPad mini users, but the update now appears to be causing battery life headaches for others.

CNET reported Friday that this week’s iOS 6.0.2 update may be one step forward and two steps back for some owners of the latest iPhone 5.

Beginning Wednesday, a handful of users flocked to Apple’s support discussion forums with complaints of substantially shorter battery life following the iOS 6.0.2 update released the day before.

"Today I barely used my phone at all, and I noticed I was down to 40 percent after three hours of being off the charger," one iPhone 5 owner remarked, referring to it as "a significant change in battery drain."

Wi-Fi to blame?

Curiously, the battery drain appears to only affect the iPhone 5 and not the iPad mini, which was also updated to iOS 6.0.2 this week; other devices did not receive the minor update.

Initial speculation points to a change in Wi-Fi antenna behavior under iOS 6.0.2, although this theory doesn’t explain why most iPhone 5 devices – and all iPad mini tablets – remain unaffected.

The battery drain may be tough for Apple to nail down since it affects a small (but growing) set of users, compared to prior updates where such issues were more widespread.

Apple has yet to comment on the matter, which could remain unresolved through the holiday break and into the New Year should engineers be unable to pinpoint the problem quickly.

View more at TechRadar: All latest Mobile phones news feeds

Product Description
For iPod, Phones + PSP 5000mah Black Pebble… More >>

Veho VCC-A007-PBP Pebble 5000mAH Portable Battery Pack Charger for iPod, iPhone, Mobile Phones

• Enjoy 50 hours movie time for iPhone 4S 4 3G 3Gs and iPod touch (1G to 5G), 110% battery life for ipad 2, 70% battery life for iPad 3 the New iPad 3rd Gen iPad
• Compatible with Major Smart phones includes iPhone 4S 4 3Gs 3G, Android (Samsung Galaxy Note S S2, HTC EVO sensation Thunderbolt Nexus, Droid Motorola Razr, LG optimus V, Blackberry Bold curve Torch
• Ultra reliable Lithium-Ion battery with 12000mAh with 500 times recharge cycles battery life
• No iPhone/ipad adapter is included, but IMP120D is compatible with original iPhone/ipad data cable
• 6 months product warranty

Product Description
This is the 4th Generation USB power bank for the latest iPad 3 “the new ipad” and iPad 2. It will never let your smart phones and Tablet PCs run out of battery. This compact and ultra long-lasting backup battery will be your perfect power solution on the go. When you travel, there’s no need to charge your devices through an electrical outlet, the iCruiser IMP120D is the ultimate power source!

New Trent is a trademark of New Trent Inc, is exclusively marke… More >>

New Trent iCruiser IMP120D 12000mAh External Battery Pack and Charger for “The new iPad” the 3rd Gen ipad, iPad2, iPhone 4S 4 3Gs 3G, iPod Touch etc

• Huge Capacity, 10000mAh / 3.7V; Add 40 hours of talk time to your iPhone 3G / 4G / 4GS, 6 full charges for iPhone, a full charge for iPad / iPad 2 / Samsung Galaxy Tablets, or 600%+ to most mobile phones’ battery life
• Portable & stylish design; Easily fits into your bag to provide instant power; Charge your devices anytime and anywhere
• Reliable Lithium Polymer battery ensures high quality; 500+ recharge cycles over the life of the battery
• 2 USB ports with 2A output provide instant power for fast dual charge; 2 voltage options of 9V and 12V for your SLR camera and netbook charging needs; LED indicates charge level; Output: 2 * USB 5V 2A (dual charge @ 2A Max), DC 9V / 12V 2A; Input: 12V 1A; Adapter Input: 100V – 240V
• Package includes: Anker External Battery / 12 connectors for most phones / 6 laptop connectors / 1 UK AC adapter / 1 DC cable / 1 USB cable – 24 * 7 Email Support / 18 Months Warranty

Product Description
Anker – Extend limits
Anker focuses on portable energy field, provides rechargeable batteries, chargers and other accessories for consumer electrics. Now Anker brand is associated with high performance and reliability.

Compatible Models:
Apple: iPhone 4S / iPhone 4 / iPhone 3GS / iPod Touch / iPod Classic / iPod Nano / iPad / iPad 2 / iPad 3
HTC: One X / One S … More >>

Anker® Astro3 10000mAh Dual 2A USB Output External Battery Backup and Charger for iPhone 4 / 4S / 3GS, iPod, iPad, iPad 2, iPad 3; HTC: One X, One S, Sensation G14, EVO, Desire HD S Z, Incredible S, Rhyme, Titan, Radar; Samsung: Galaxy Ace, Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Note, Galaxy S / S2 II / S III; Motorola: Atrix, Droid Razr, Defy; Nokia N9 Lumia 800 900; Cameras: GoPro – Black

Samsung Battery Charger/Stand with Battery for Galaxy S3

• Capacity: 8400mAh with High quality Samsung battery cells, Supply about 480% of iPhone 4 battery life or 45 hours of talk time.
• Size: 9.6*6.2*2.2cm, Compact, portable and stylish Design. Convenient to carry in your pocket or purse. Leave it plugged in to your phone.
• Dual USB port: DC1 5V / 2A and DC2 5v / 0.6A, design for charging two device simultaneously.
• 4 Integrated LED Power status indicator lets you know exactly how much power is left, and with a Led.
• Convenient rechargeable battery allowing you to always have a battery charging backup when you are away from a AC outlet.

Product Description
This is the Newest Generation Portable Emergency Universal USB externer battery Charger Power bank, It compatible with almost All smart phones and other device charged buy USB port. This compact and ultra long-lasting backup battery will let you carry the power source where ever you go. When you travel or take a walk, there’s no need to charge your Phone or iPod through an electrical outlet, this is THE ultimate POWER SOURCE!

Specs:More >>