A significant safety recall has been issued for over 200,000 portable power banks sold primarily on Amazon, following reports that the devices can overheat and catch fire. The recall affects the INIU 10000mAh portable chargers, specifically model BI-B41, which were popular items for travelers and students.

Identifying the Affected Units

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has advised consumers to immediately stop using the recalled power banks. The affected units were sold between August 2021 and April 2022. You can identify if your device is part of the recall by checking the serial number printed on the back. The recall applies to units with serial numbers ending in “21,” specifically: 000G21, 000H21, 000I21, and 000L21.

Reports of Fire and Damage

According to the recall notice, there have been at least 15 reports of the batteries overheating. More alarmingly, 11 of these incidents resulted in fires, causing property damage estimated at over $380,000 and minor burn injuries to three individuals. The lithium-ion batteries inside the casing are cited as the failure point.

If you possess one of these chargers, do not throw it in the trash, as lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk in standard waste processing. Instead, contact INIU for a refund and follow local guidelines for hazardous waste disposal.

In a major shift in U.S. trade policy, the Trump administration has signaled approval for tech giant Nvidia to resume sales of its advanced artificial intelligence chips to China. The decision marks a significant de-escalation in the tech trade war that had previously restricted the flow of high-performance computing hardware across the Pacific.

Balancing Economy and Security

The move comes after intense lobbying from the semiconductor industry, which argued that strict export controls were hurting American companies more than they were hindering Chinese development. Under the new guidelines, Nvidia will be permitted to sell specific versions of its AI processors that meet revised security standards set by the Commerce Department. The administration stated that this approach strikes a balance between maintaining national security and ensuring American dominance in the global chip market.

Market Reaction

Wall Street responded immediately to the news, with Nvidia shares surging in pre-market trading. Analysts suggest that reopening the Chinese market could add billions to the company’s annual revenue. However, critics in Washington warn that loosening restrictions could accelerate China’s military and technological capabilities, fueling an ongoing debate about the long-term strategic costs of such trade allowances.

Introduction: We have all experienced the dreaded anxiety of seeing our phone battery turn red while we are miles away from a charger. In today’s hyper-connected world, our smartphones are our lifelines, and a dead battery can mean missed calls, lost directions, or simply boredom. If you are wondering how to extend phone battery life and keep your device running smoother for longer, you are in the right place. This guide covers everything from daily setting tweaks to long-term battery health habits for both iPhone and Android users.

[Image of smartphone battery charging icon]

1. Master Your Screen Settings

The display is typically the biggest power consumer on any smartphone. Modern screens are brilliant and bright, but they require a massive amount of energy. Adjusting how your screen behaves is the fastest way to see immediate results.

Lower Screen Brightness

Running your screen at 100% brightness is rarely necessary indoors. Manually lowering the brightness or enabling Auto-Brightness allows the phone to adjust based on ambient light, saving significant power over the day.

Reduce Screen Timeout

How long does your screen stay on after you put it down? If it is set to 2 or 5 minutes, you are wasting battery. Set your Auto-Lock (iOS) or Screen Timeout (Android) to 30 seconds. This ensures the display powers down immediately after you are done using it.

Embrace Dark Mode

If your phone has an OLED or AMOLED display (which most modern flagship phones do), using Dark Mode can actually save battery. On these screens, black pixels are simply turned off, consuming zero energy.

2. Manage Connectivity Intelligently

Your phone is constantly shouting out to cell towers, satellites, and routers. Managing these connections can drastically extend phone battery life.

• Use Wi-Fi over Cellular Data: Wi-Fi modems generally use less power than cellular radios, especially 5G. Whenever you have a trusted Wi-Fi connection, use it.
• Airplane Mode in Weak Signal Areas: If you are in a building with poor reception, your phone amps up its power to find a signal. If you don’t need to be reachable immediately, switch to Airplane Mode to stop this battery drain.
• Turn off Bluetooth and GPS when idle: While modern Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) is efficient, having multiple unused radios active still contributes to drain.

3. Control Background App Activity

Many apps continue to run in the background even when you aren’t using them. They check for emails, refresh social media feeds, and update location data.

Background App Refresh

Both iOS and Android allow you to restrict which apps can refresh in the background. Go to your settings and turn off Background App Refresh for non-essential apps. Does your calculator app really need to update in the background? Probably not.

Location Services

GPS is a heavy battery drainer. Audit your app permissions. Set location access to “While Using the App” rather than “Always” for apps like maps or ride-sharing services, and deny it completely for apps that don’t need it.

4. Long-Term Battery Health Habits

Beyond daily savings, you want to preserve the physical lifespan of the Lithium-Ion battery inside your device.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Batteries hate extremes. High heat can permanently degrade battery capacity, while extreme cold can cause temporary failure. Never leave your phone on a hot car dashboard or in direct sunlight while charging.

The 20-80% Rule

Trying to keep your phone charged at 100% all the time actually stresses the battery. Similarly, letting it drop to 0% frequently is damaging. Ideally, try to keep your battery percentage between 20% and 80%. Many modern phones now have “Optimized Battery Charging” features that automate this process to reduce aging.

5. Utilize Power Saving Modes

Don’t be afraid to use the tools the manufacturer gave you. Low Power Mode (iOS) or Battery Saver (Android) automatically reduces background activity, lowers screen refresh rates, and dims brightness.

You don’t have to wait until you hit 20% to use these modes. If you know you have a long day ahead without a charger, turn on Power Saving Mode right after you unplug in the morning.

Conclusion

Learning how to extend phone battery life is a mix of adjusting daily settings and adopting healthy charging habits. By managing your screen brightness, controlling background apps, and keeping your device out of extreme heat, you can ensure your phone lasts through the day and performs well for years to come. Start implementing these changes today, and say goodbye to low-battery anxiety.