Apple iPhone owners have been urged to switch off the device’s extra features when they go on holiday.

Battery life on the iPhone 3G S can be preserved by switching off some of its extra applications when on holiday, according to founder of GadgetReview.com Christen da Costa.

He defended the iPhone after it received criticism for having a poor battery life.

Mr da Costa said: "Shut down any of the battery’s draining features you’ve enabled for your work week, such as push email and Wi-Fi and switch to 2G."

He also suggested downloading the free Battery Status application, which shows users how many minutes they have left to surf the net, take a call or listen to music.

"Other apps that could prove useful are any of the translation apps that can do the speaking for you or provide the written translation," Mr da Costa added.

Apple iPhone owners could also purchase mophie’s Juice Pack Air, an additional battery pack in a protective case, which will sustain power on the device when abroad.

Mobile devices with voice-activated functions are preferred by three quarters of users for simple functions, new research shows.

Three quarters of mobile users would like a device featuring voice-activated text messages, web search and contact dialling, according to a survey for Tellme Networks by Sanderson Studios.

Significant numbers of smartphone owners, such as those with an iPhone 3G S, also use their device when carrying out everyday tasks.

Nine in ten (88 per cent) use it while shopping, 78 per cent while walking between destinations and 68 per cent while visiting friends.

Anne Truscott, brand strategist at Sanderson Studios, admitted that voice-activated controls reduce smartphone distractions in these situations.

She said: "Using your voice while walking or checking out is like walking and chewing gum at the same time; it just comes naturally.

"And we were surprised how many people said they’d feel comfortable using their voices to interact with their smartphones while in public places as well."

Consumer demand for high-end smartphone handsets is expected to buoy the mobile phone sector this year, with market research firm IDC saying it expects sales of other devices to decline.