Distinguishing between a failing device and an application that excessively consumes power can be challenging. Google aims to assist users in identifying such issues, as detailed in a recent post on the Android Developers Blog.
The firm has introduced a fresh evaluation tool for application creators to monitor power consumption. Developers who repeatedly violate the established power consumption standards will see a cautionary notice appear in the Google Play Store to inform consumers.
The evaluation focuses closely on wake locks, a mechanism where resource-intensive applications block devices from powering down and instead execute tasks in the background with the display off. Google identifies wake locks as a major factor in power depletion and has set limits for permissible background operation.
The limit defines a user interaction as excessive when it accumulates over two hours of non-exempt wake locks within any 24-hour window. Exceptions apply to background operations that deliver evident advantages to users, such as music streaming or transfers started by the user.
Developers failing to resolve wake lock problems will receive a prominent alert. The notice in the Google Play Store indicates that the application might consume more power than anticipated owing to elevated background operations, potentially discouraging installations.
In certain instances, Google will additionally restrict these problematic applications from appearing in specific promotional areas of the Google Play Store. The policy takes effect starting March 1, marking the end of unchecked rapid battery depletion on Android devices.