(StatePoint) These days, we rely on our mobile devices for just about everything. And while we can usually depend on our mobile devices to be there for us through thick and thin, in the warmer months our gadgets are more susceptible to damage, wear and tear.

So how can you ensure your fun won’t be disrupted by a mobile device snafu? Qualcomm, a mobile and wireless technology leader, is offering tips to better protect your right hand man:

Overheating

Turning up the heat is good for your soul, but not for your devices. Thermal efficiency is a major concern with modern smartphones and tablets. And while innovative processors, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor, are designed to keep your device cool while running all your apps at top speed, too much sun and heat can harm your device.

Mobile cool-down tip: throw your phone in the freezer for a quick cool-down or be proactive and keep it out of direct sunlight. 

Water

Water and technology are a lethal combination. If you happen to drop your phone into the pool or lake this summer, turn it off, dry it with a towel and remove the battery immediately. Let the SIM card dry and set it aside in a safe place. Put your phone in a bowl of uncooked oatmeal or rice, which will absorb moisture. Leave it to dry out thoroughly overnight.

Battery Life

When the days are long and full of fun, you may not have time to plug in and recharge. Don’t let a dead battery sidetrack your whole day.

Check out apps that can help you improve your battery life, such as Snapdragon BatteryGuru, a free Android app for Snapdragon powered devices that is designed to use both software and hardware to learn your behavior and intelligently adjust settings to minimize background activities without disabling smartphone features. Also, consider choosing a Snapdragon-enabled device, found in more than 850 mobile devices, for better battery life and better overall user experience.

Lost and Found

Losing a smartphone is the pits.  Luckily most smartphone operating systems offer free built-in services to help track a missing phone, like the Lookout Security & Antivirus app available in the Google Play store. Take a few minutes to make sure your phone is set up to be found in an emergency. You may also consider locking your screen to make it harder for a thief to use it, as well as to secure your private data.

Avoid Scratches

Your smartphone slipping out of your hand likely is already a common occurrence. Add sunscreen, water and perhaps even cocktails to the mix and you increase your risk for slips and scratches. Luckily, there are many simple, inexpensive protectors you can add onto your display to protect it, such as those from such brands as ZAGG invisibleSHIELD and Armortech.

More information about making the most of your mobile technology can be found at www.snapdragon.com.

Don’t let the fun and sun mean the death of a tool you rely on so heavily. With a few precautionary measures and some know-how for worst case scenarios, you can protect your devices from warm weather hazards.

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