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EU Lawmakers Vote Overwhelmingly in Favor of Common Charging Standard, Despite Apple's Protestations [Updated]
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Europe is behind in exactly what? Quite the opposite, it's far ahead the rest of the world in almost everything
There are plenty of things that a company isn't allowed to do with their own products. The CE logo on the back of my iPhone is testament to that. It conforms to a whole host of standards, and a very good thing that is.
Doesn’t the impact of this regulation depend a lot on how it is worded. For example, if it said something like; “all new devices sold after Jan 1, 2024 must have usb-c, unless wirelessly charged”, would it really be that big of a deal? I suspect Apple is moving in this direction anyway.
edit: just noticed that the new rules would be adopted by July....so, does that mean they would become immediately effective upon adoption or would there be a phase in period?
edit: just noticed that the new rules would be adopted by July....so, does that mean they would become immediately effective upon adoption or would there be a phase in period?
Most Americans sadly think that Europe is like that. It is not their fault they are raised from young by continuously being told that their country is the best in the world and they are pretty much convinced. Little do they care when actual statistics regarding the quality of life and a ton of other factors show the opposite...usually US cities arent even at the top 10...hell going by Mercer, the first US city ranks at No 34...lol
ROFL! Whats wrong with USB-C?
When technology improves there will be new solution but for now this is the right call. Apple should have done this ages ago. In FACT, their bloody products are one big mess. iPad Pro - USB-C, iPhone - Lightning, Macbook Pro has only USB - C but the charger in the iPhone box is still USB - A so you are "ducked" with all these things and have to buy adaptors etc. Its all mess.
Apple should shut up and realise this is good for everyone. One charger (which they use THEMSELVES) is perfect for everything. (For now)
IN 10 years or so, lets revisit this.
When technology improves there will be new solution but for now this is the right call. Apple should have done this ages ago. In FACT, their bloody products are one big mess. iPad Pro - USB-C, iPhone - Lightning, Macbook Pro has only USB - C but the charger in the iPhone box is still USB - A so you are "ducked" with all these things and have to buy adaptors etc. Its all mess.
Apple should shut up and realise this is good for everyone. One charger (which they use THEMSELVES) is perfect for everything. (For now)
IN 10 years or so, lets revisit this.
No. It's convenient. But not great. Charging via cables is *FASTER* than wireless charging.
The problem will be that when USB-D comes along, the rest of the world will benefit from the new, tiny, super-high-speed connector, and the Europeans will be stuck forever on USB-C.
Apple recently reported 1.5 billion active devices out in the world. Likely more than a billion of those have Lightning cables. Many of the owners of those have multiple cables. With this legislation, those users will end up with a handful of working-but-now-useless cables the next time they upgrade their device. That’s billions of still good cables being needlessly thrown out, in the name of preventing waste.
And if you legally enforce a particular standard rather than letting the market sort it out, then progress stops at that point (companies won’t pour money into designing a better connector that they are legally prevented from using).
The ruling doesnt say that we are stuck with USB-C for the rest of our lives....i mean Jesus....
Yes, a large body of people with no investment or urgency to dictate how a commercial private company innovates.
I get it’s “well intentioned“, but it’s so stereotypically obvious where this is heading that I almost find it comical that people support this.
Looks good!Hey EU politician type people, take a look at this.
NetDot 12th Generation Magnetic Cable,Fast Charging and Data Transfer for Micro USB/USB-C Phones (3 pack black,1m/1.5m/2m)
Discover the N. NETDOT 12th Generation magnetic charging cable that provides you with convenient and safe charging of your micro USB and USB Type-C devices. With a length of 1 to 2 metres and a data transfer rate of up to 4.8E+2 megabits per second, this cable is perfect for use in the office or ...www.amazon.co.uk
There you go, problem solved. I use these cables to charge and power my iPad Pro, iPhone, PageFlip DragonFly, Corsair gaming headset, Beats studio3 headphones, as well as charge various power banks and other devices. One cable, and a tiny magnetic adapter solves the problem that you just spent god knows how much debating.
This really is such a non issue.
1. Can you leave the little dongle bit permanently attached inside the port?
2. Is it effectively as good as the old Magsafe? (Which I really miss!)
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Yeah, let's allow clueless lawmakers to stifle innovation through forced standardization.
No - that's down to website operators not being willing/able to stop using trackable cookies and slurping user data. Last I looked, if you're only using 'session' cookies for essential purposes, a static warning and 'privacy policy' link are probably all you need.
Maybe not - but having USB on the charger doesn't rule out using (say) a nonstandard fast-charging protocol that doesn't work with third party chargers, or needing proprietary dongles for other functions, like video/audio out, camera card readers etc. USB-C may be flawed, but at least it has written-down specs for a whole range of functions.
The full legislation hasn't been written yet. Not recognising the role of wireless charging would be uncharacteristically stupid even for the EU.
I've always felt that non-UK sockets/plugs feel incredibly unsafe...
I like that UK plugs are three-pin with safety cover on half of each pin, and sockets that have a power switch!
You can clean dirt and lint out of a lightning port easily. It is simply a hole. Some holes are easier to clean than others.
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high cost???Remember Apple helped develop usb c standard. There really isn’t any extra testing or licensing issues to deal with.
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that’s what she said.
You just describe the problem. The future port cant evolve beyond the current USB-C shape. And in the case when this first law was purpose 10 years ago, you would all be ending up with Micro-USB port.
Example, Apple might have wanted a full wireless / no "port" future. Where the whole iPhone is "sealed". But to provide basic charging and diagnostic, they could have an Smart Connector. Which is not a port by most, but still provides "charging capabilities".
But with this regulation, you will now have to standardise on the USB-C port, Oh you want a super thin 4mm tablet? Now it is supper hard because the port is getting into your way of design.
Compared to 20 years ago, cabling now is much better than it was. Not only has the industry converge on the USB-C where it make sense. We are now using far less cable when we are used to with Wireless.
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How can Apple lean on the arguement that this will create **** loads of additional waste because of their Lightning Port user base....it's exactly the same when they got rid of their pin connector...tonnes of waste!
And then they removed the earphone jack and created a load of converter cables. Double Standards
And then they removed the earphone jack and created a load of converter cables. Double Standards
So the rest of us have to suffer with an inferior forced charging cable because you, who are already carrying around a laptop sized bag can’t be bothered to carry an extra charger? Gotta love the people who think the universe should resolve around their convenience at the expense of others.
Either USBC or Lightning. Whatever, but should be universal. Apple should've made the Lightning tech open so others could've adopted and could've become universal usb 3.1. But I totally want to have one cable to rule them all. I don't mind which one, but just one.