Battery, Native App Tests Coming to PCMark 8

Futuremark said on Monday that it's working on a new version of PCMark that, for the first time in the series, will include a battery life test, combining performance testing with battery life measurement. Battery use can be estimated from each benchmark test, or the Battery Life mode can be used to loop a test until the battery is almost depleted for more accurate results.

A number of Benchmark Development Program members have helped bring this new PCMark installment to testers worldwide including Acer, AMD, Condusiv Technologies, Dell, HGST, HP, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Samsung, SanDisk, Seagate and Western Digital. This close cooperation with industry experts is the only way to create accurate and impartial benchmarks that measure performance faily, the company said.

"Whether you are looking for long battery life, maximum power, for the home or at the office, PCMark 8 will help you find the devices that offer the perfect combination of efficiency and performance for your needs," the company said.

Futuremark said PCMark 8 is in the final stages of development, and a public release is expected towards the end of 2Q13. It will be made in several editions including a free version, a Basic Edition and a Professional Edition designed for device manufacturers, businesses and the press (cough).

For more information about PCMark 8, head here.

Kevin Parrish
Contributor

Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.

  • slomo4sho
    I wonder if these benchmarks will be available in the free edition.
    Reply
  • cats_Paw
    Is this a benchmark program for tablets and smartphones? cus if they try to aim both PC and mobile market they will either have to make the program very simple (ugly and fast on PC) or very heavy (0.03 fps on tablets and smartphones)...
    Reply