Google Denies Its ‘Google Now’ App For iOS Rapidly Depletes Battery

Earlier this week, we reviewed the newly released Google Now app update built into the Google Search iOS app. We experienced significant battery drain while using the app. While a number of users have also criticised the app for being a bit too heavy on the iPhone’s battery, Google has today denied that its Google Now app rapidly depletes the phone’s battery, TNW is reporting. A Google employee has stated on a Macworld forum that the “app uses cell towers and WiFi hotspots to minimize battery impact”.

Using the Google Now app for iOS which recently replaced the old Google search app, majority of users have reported that they noticed the Location Services icon being displayed “permanently” and claim that the only way to stop it from appearing was to delete the Google Search app.

“It’s understandable why some people would think this though. After all, Google Now pulls up local traffic information, weather data, and other data specific to the device’s location. With those services, constantly scanning to find out where the phone can potentially keep the app running and result in a battery drain.

But as mentioned earlier, this is not the case. The Google employee, listing their name as “Krisztina”, says that the company has tested Google Now for iOS for months and has not seen any reports of significant battery drain. We have confirmed with Google that Kristztina is an employee in the company.”

Are you experiencing rapid battery drain with the Google Now app on your iPhone?