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imagirlfriday

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 19, 2016
31
27
I was wondering when the Pencil is not connected with the iPad is it still emitting radiation or is it automatically switched off. Does anyone happen to know about the technical background of Bluetooth devices. (I know it's not that dangerous, I'd just like to know if this thing is on or off.)
Thanks a bunch!
 

Precursor

Cancelled
Sep 29, 2015
1,091
1,066
Istanbul
It switches off when it's unmoved for a couple mins. It activates when it's moved, looks for a bluetooth signal (no matter if the iPad has bluutooth turned on/off). So the key is putting it aside when not in use. This also conserves battery and prevents battery wear on the pencil.
 
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imagirlfriday

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 19, 2016
31
27
It switches off when it's unmoved for a couple mins. It activates when it's moved, looks for a bluetooth signal (no matter if the iPad has bluutooth turned on/off). So the key is putting it aside when not in use. This also conserves battery and prevents battery wear on the pencil.
(I'm sorry I kept forgetting to log back in here) thanks that makes a lot of sense!
 

snowman1

macrumors regular
Mar 17, 2010
150
13
One additional, subtle point is that the pencil will still be in extremely low power mode (using almost zero power) even if the pencil is being moved, as long as the iPad's screen is locked (off). For example, I keep my pencil and my iPad in my backpack all the time, and even when I am walking around with my backpack, the pencil is still connected via bluetooth because of the motion. Despite this, it uses almost no power at all because my iPad is not being actively used.

Most of your pencil's battery usage will come from when (1) the pencil is connected via bluetooth and (2) the iPad is being actively used.
 
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