Could the next move for technology giants be into the home energy market? One energy consultant seems to think so.

Battery life is one of the most important considerations when designing wireless products. If it is too short, users will have to charge or change batteries often, leading to frustration and possibly less use of the product. But as well as making sure your battery has enough capacity, you need to make sure your product is using it effectively.

One of the biggest issues with wearable technology is how to provide the power it needs to function without making it so heavy or bulky that people won’t use it. Battery technology is slowly getting smaller and more efficient, but recent advances in wearable technology mean that some devices could operate without any batteries at all.

Smartphone battery life remains a frustration for many users. The same problem also applies to a wide range of IoT devices. Although it’s easy to bury yourself in detail seeking a perfect solution, it’s important not to lose sight of the broader picture.

To ensure reliable long-term operation of your smart device, consider battery type, peak power consumption, wireless connectivity protocol, latency, throughput, sleep-states and data transfer requirements.

Rule number one: Always have your end user in mind. Even the most desirable product will be ditched if the battery lets it down.