Android wifi and the Allways allow scanning?

jezzer · 30-07-2014, 15:10

Hi

Ive got wifi matic on my phone so whenever i leave my home the wifi turns off then on again when i come home same for my work wifi.

While i was looking at my phone i have seen there is a option to switch between wifi and mobile network and also you have a wifi timer,So is that the same as what wifi matic would be doing?

While i was looking at the advanced tab i have also seen (Allways allow scanning) does this need to be turned on?

jezzer · 30-07-2014, 20:09

So im told by a mate that having allways allow scanning on this will save on the battery does any agree? Still dont really know what this is for though?

The Sack · 31-07-2014, 10:20

i turned it off just because i cant see the point in it, however when my WiFi is on and connected the impact on battery life is nil but remember it isnt scanning for an AP then, its connected and happy.

Look at it this way, it wont hurt to turn it off.

pi r squared · 31-07-2014, 11:03

The "scanning always available" setting is predominantly used for ascertaining your rough location. The phone uses the Wi-Fi networks it can "see" to determine roughly where you are, rather than using GPS (which is a massive battery drain when active). If you use apps that require location - Google Now, weather apps, cinema apps, etc. - then you may find they have reduced functionality and/or increased battery drain if scanning is not always available.

This is obviously inconsequential of Wi-Fi is just left on.

jezzer · 31-07-2014, 11:35

Thanks

I didn't really know what used it the only thing i have is a weather widget and i never have GPS turned on.

jezzer · 31-07-2014, 19:17

Ok so now i understand what thats for which i dont need.

How about the Location services:

Acess to my location

Use GPS satellites

Use wireless networks

Do i need any of them ticked?

EDIT: I have a weather widget so am i right in thinking using the wireless networks would be better for the battery?

Thanks

pi r squared · 31-07-2014, 19:32

Use Wireless Networks would be better for battery, yes, though if you've turned off "Scanning Always Available" then with Wi-Fi off it won't be able to access your location at all (obviously).

jezzer · 31-07-2014, 19:50

Yes i understand that

So im thinking about all of this wrong i thought that the weather widget also worked through the phone towers/mast?

pi r squared · 31-07-2014, 20:40

You're correct, yes - it is possible to get a very coarse location from the ID of the masts, so maybe it does rely on this too.

30-07-2014, 15:10	#1
jezzer Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 633	Android wifi and the Allways allow scanning? Hi Ive got wifi matic on my phone so whenever i leave my home the wifi turns off then on again when i come home same for my work wifi. While i was looking at my phone i have seen there is a option to switch between wifi and mobile network and also you have a wifi timer,So is that the same as what wifi matic would be doing? While i was looking at the advanced tab i have also seen (Allways allow scanning) does this need to be turned on?

30-07-2014, 20:09	#2
jezzer Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 633	So im told by a mate that having allways allow scanning on this will save on the battery does any agree? Still dont really know what this is for though?

31-07-2014, 10:20	#3
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	i turned it off just because i cant see the point in it, however when my WiFi is on and connected the impact on battery life is nil but remember it isnt scanning for an AP then, its connected and happy. Look at it this way, it wont hurt to turn it off.

31-07-2014, 11:03	#4
pi r squared Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,185	The "scanning always available" setting is predominantly used for ascertaining your rough location. The phone uses the Wi-Fi networks it can "see" to determine roughly where you are, rather than using GPS (which is a massive battery drain when active). If you use apps that require location - Google Now, weather apps, cinema apps, etc. - then you may find they have reduced functionality and/or increased battery drain if scanning is not always available. This is obviously inconsequential of Wi-Fi is just left on.

31-07-2014, 11:35	#5
jezzer Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 633	Thanks I didn't really know what used it the only thing i have is a weather widget and i never have GPS turned on.

31-07-2014, 19:17	#6
jezzer Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 633	Ok so now i understand what thats for which i dont need. How about the Location services: Acess to my location Use GPS satellites Use wireless networks Do i need any of them ticked? EDIT: I have a weather widget so am i right in thinking using the wireless networks would be better for the battery? Thanks

31-07-2014, 19:32	#7
pi r squared Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,185	Use Wireless Networks would be better for battery, yes, though if you've turned off "Scanning Always Available" then with Wi-Fi off it won't be able to access your location at all (obviously).

31-07-2014, 19:50	#8
jezzer Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 633	Yes i understand that So im thinking about all of this wrong i thought that the weather widget also worked through the phone towers/mast?

31-07-2014, 20:40	#9
pi r squared Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,185	You're correct, yes - it is possible to get a very coarse location from the ID of the masts, so maybe it does rely on this too.

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Android wifi and the Allways allow scanning?