It's been discussed over and over again: standardizing on a cell phone and media player charger, to reduce environmental impact, as well as expense. It seems that the E.U., at least, may be nearing implementation of such a standard.The move to create a common charger began in June of 2009 when the European Commission won pledges from phone firms to back any standards the E.C. drew up. Now, technical specifications for chargers are being backed by 14 phone manufacturers. High profile names among those companies are Apple, Samsung, Nokia, and RIM.
The first chargers produced according to the specs are expected in early 2011. Reportedly, the common chargers will be based around micro-USB technology and could see the end of proprietary power ports on handsets, at least in the E.U.
The inclusion of Apple in the list might surprise many, as Apple continues to eschew the micro-USB standard in its latest devices. However, Apple was among the companies to first sign on in June of 2009.
Many might believe that most smartphones already come with micro-USB ports, Apple's aside. However, those who have tried multiple phones will know that just because a device has a micro-USB port doesn't mean it will charge with a given charger.
Motorola in the U.S. has been criticized for this in the past, as its phones would accept the charger of a different manufacturer in terms of fit into the charging port, yet fail to charge the device.
It's obvious, to most, that the proprietary chargers manufacturers use are to the detriment of their customers, and are done specifically to ensure that customers will have to buy chargers specific to a manufacturer. This is both bad for the environment and bad for the pocketbook.
The new standard can change that. However, it is E.U. specific, and thus, the Commission is speaking to other regulators in hopes of getting the European specifications adopted worldwide.
