The researchers have found that this kind of energy-taxing "idle listening" is occurring during a large portion of the time phones spend in power-saving mode---as much as 80 percent on busy networks.

ENGADGET: New 'subconscious mode' could improve smartphone battery life, supress your WiFi id

For users that are accustomed to the hustle and bustle of daily life, but looking to treasure those busy moments, the PowerShot A2600 digital camera also comes equipped with a new ECO mode that assists with battery conservation by turning off the 3.0 inch LCD screen when idle.

ENGADGET: Canon PowerShot ELPH 130IS brings WiFi to the company's high-end point-and-shoot line