European Commission Moves Forward on Micro-USB Smartphone Charging Standard

[WestonHarvey1]

As a customer of Apple products, this is your biggest fear? Jobs decides everything for us in regards to use of Apple's products, even down to minute details like how to hold your friggin iPhone. What's one less decision/choice in a practically already dictatorical platform?

And besides, how are you losing choices by Apple going with micro USB? How many choices do you have with the 30-pin connector? Right now, for Apple products, it's either you have a 30-pin connector or...a 30-pin connector. Wow, the choices!



Correct, because we all base our electronic purchases solely on the docking connector. That's it, no other criteria is used.

Jobs created the iPhone. It's his product. So he gets to make decisions about it. I get to decide if I like his product or not. I'm against a powerful third party stepping in and interfering with the decisions Jobs makes or I make.

It doesn't matter if it's some little thing that doesn't matter. Would you like the government regulating what color shirts you can wear? It really doesn't matter. It won't hurt you in any way. But if some study came out that said people are less likely to be violent when they see the color blue, would you be ok with the government requiring you to wear blue? Society will be better off, so what's the harm?

 

[aristotle]

My understanding is that it's number 1, except the micro USB port doesn't have to be on the device itself, but the device must be able to accept a micro USB charger, whether natively or via an adaptor. Really, they should mandate that the device must accept a micro USB charger natively, which would force Apple to put a micro USB port on the phone itself instead of lumbering us with an adaptor.

That would result in having to carry an adapter for charging on an airplane from microUSB to USB.

I would rather see just the Europeans inconvenienced with 30 pin port to micro USB dongle than everyone inconvenienced with port that does no good for people who travel a lot.

Most planes have USB ports for charging on the head rest and most computers have USB, not micro USB ports so you would still have a non-standard cable anyway with USB on one end and micro USB on the other or a micro USB to USB dongle to use a standard USB cable and/or port.

Right now, I can just take my sync cable which has the dock connector on one end and standard USB on the other end and plug it into the headrest or bulk head of most passenger air planes to charge my iPhone or iPad.

Why don't they simply mandate the end of the cable that connects to the charger to be USB? That way, you can have interchangeable chargers that connect from any type of sync cable that has USB on the other end. Some phones can use a connector like the iPhone and others can choose to use microUSB or some other connector entirely on the phone itself. The problem they were trying to solve was interchangeable chargers, not sync cables.

 

[slattery69]

That would result in having to carry an adapter for charging on an airplane from microUSB to USB.

I would rather see just the Europeans inconvenienced with 30 pin port to micro USB dongle than everyone inconvenienced with port that does no good for people who travel a lot.

Most planes have USB ports for charging on the head rest and most computers have USB, not micro USB ports so you would still have a non-standard cable anyway with USB on one end and micro USB on the other or a micro USB to USB dongle to use a standard USB cable and/or port.

unfortunately most phone makers want micro usb in the phone as it allows them to make smaller phones its what they want and they have got the eu to ratify it as a standard. now its been put in place maybe we will see airplanes and computer manufacturers following suit and adding them

 

[Dooger]

You're embarrassed to live in a country that doesn't control every aspect of everyone's lives and businesses down to the most minute detail? Wow.

Don't worry, we'll be there soon.

I wish the government would regulate pants sizes. The definition of a "38 inch waist" varies wildly from one manufacturer to another. I should be able to buy pants without having to try them on first.

That would benefit a lot more people than standardized chargers.

And you really believe this is the kind of pettiness government should be involved with, using its threat of force? Are there really no other solutions - like maybe be a more organized person, don't lose your charger? Maybe be an informed consumer that sees which phone has the best and cheapest accessories before buying?

I swear, if I asked most of you what the biggest threat to freedom is, you'd probably say "the religious right", because of their supposed desire to legally regulate human sexuality. But you're all for bureaucrats and their demonstrated desire to regulate every other aspect of your life, even down to what you will use to charge your cell phone.

The downside is it is one more thing you don't get to decide as a business or as a consumer. It has nothing to do with chargers.

Next it will be the fonts used on packaging and web sites.

Hey there Senator McCarthy, do you still check under your bed for communists?
This is a smart move for consumers. Sometimes regulation is good. For example, "bureaucrats" rule that it's against the law for children to drink alcohol. And perhaps if the US banks were regulated a little better then the world wouldn't be in its current state. It's majorly childish to scream and squeal that these bureaucrats "desire to regulate every other aspect of your life" as all they've done is implement a economically sensible and environmentally conscious solution to a problem that could have festered for many more years.
In short, grow up.

 

[lostngone]

Not much understanding about electronics in this post.

This isn't going to be a problem. Don't worry yourself.

Who said I was worried?!?!

Really, care to elaborate on your statement about not understanding electronics?

Can you send me a copy your EE degree?

 

[mytdave]

My understanding is that it's number 1, except the micro USB port doesn't have to be on the device itself, but the device must be able to accept a micro USB charger, whether natively or via an adaptor. Really, they should mandate that the device must accept a micro USB charger natively, which would force Apple to put a micro USB port on the phone itself instead of lumbering us with an adaptor.

No, that is precisely the problem with the mandate... It solves nothing as far as e-waste is concerned, and if #1 is correct and forces a micro-USB socket on the device, you're restricting free enterprise. What if I'm a manufacturer, and I don't want to use USB at all? Oops, sorry, you're F'd.

On the other hand, if the mandate had been to have a STANDARD USB plug on the other end of the 'charging' cable, then the device could have any type of connector provided it has +- 5v wires in it. The manufacturer could use whatever new technology they desired and provide a simple, environmentally low-impact USB cable for charging with the billions of standard USB ports, power bricks, etc. that are out there already.

 

[jwdsail]

sigh

This is a perfect example of a solution looking for a problem.

Yes, yes, yes, this will standardize chargers and then people will save money! Come again? Where will they save money? Oh, they will be able to use their old charger with their new phone? Wait, they gave the old charger to their sister/brother/father/mother/friend when they gave them the old phone. Or they rubber-banded the charger with the old phone when they tossed it in the "Cell Phones for Solders" bin..That's ok, they can use the new charger that came with the new.. wait, to "save", the company that sold the new phone didn't include a charger...well off to the store, cause we all know that driving to the store doesn't cost anything in gas, or tolls, and the store doesn't have any mark-up, or collect sales/use tax or any... oh.. yeah..

So, where is all this "savings"?

As far as cutting down on "waste", I'm sorry, but people that toss this sort of thing in the trash at all, will continue to do so. Wastefulness is tied to being stupid.. You can't fix stupid, stupid is forever. (many of the posts here prove that btw) No amount of legislation can ever fix stupid.. it's been tried, it always fails.. miserably..

And, as others have pointed out, since micro-USB isn't found on the *supply* side of *anything*, standard USB would have been a far, far better choice... (found on computers, cars, many existing chargers, some new household outlet receptacles, etc)

My prediction re: Apple - that tiny power cube with one USB port will get slightly larger and have both a USB and a micro-USB port on it in the EU.

The iPhone won't use the micro-USB port... but it'll be there.. And a 3rd party will make micro-USB->30-pin charge cables that you can buy for *only* $29.99 + S&H, + sales/use tax.... ;-) Yes, yes, I know your butt hurts just thinking about it... Relax, bend over, and just think of the "savings".

 

[big_malk]

I doubt they would, but it'd great if Apple kept the 30pin dock connector for all the accessories etc, and also slipped in a micro USB port so you could easily charge your iPhone with someone else's charger

 

[mrochester]

That would result in having to carry an adapter for charging on an airplane from microUSB to USB.

I would rather see just the Europeans inconvenienced with 30 pin port to micro USB dongle than everyone inconvenienced with port that does no good for people who travel a lot.

Most planes have USB ports for charging on the head rest and most computers have USB, not micro USB ports so you would still have a non-standard cable anyway with USB on one end and micro USB on the other or a micro USB to USB dongle to use a standard USB cable and/or port.

Right now, I can just take my sync cable which has the dock connector on one end and standard USB on the other end and plug it into the headrest or bulk head of most passenger air planes to charge my iPhone or iPad.

Why don't they simply mandate the end of the cable that connects to the charger to be USB? That way, you can have interchangeable chargers that connect from any type of sync cable that has USB on the other end. Some phones can use a connector like the iPhone and others can choose to use microUSB or some other connector entirely on the phone itself. The problem they were trying to solve was interchangeable chargers, not sync cables.

You'd just need a USB to microUSB cable, which is the same cable that you'd use to connect the device to a computer to sync. You could use that same cable to sync and charge your Nokia, RIM, Sony Ericsson and Motorola phones too as they'd accept exactly the same cable.

If you only mandate that the charger brick accepts a standard USB cable, you then still have to have different cables to connect said charger to the device. With this law, the charger brick and the cable will be the same regardless of what device you have.

 

[mytdave]

Hey there Senator McCarthy, do you still check under your bed for communists?
This is a smart move for consumers. Sometimes regulation is good. For example, "bureaucrats" rule that it's against the law for children to drink alcohol. And perhaps if the US banks were regulated a little better then the world wouldn't be in its current state. It's majorly childish to scream and squeal that these bureaucrats "desire to regulate every other aspect of your life" as all they've done is implement a economically sensible and environmentally conscious solution to a problem that could have festered for many more years.
In short, grow up.

Incorrect. It is a stupid idea, and it is not economically sensible (unless you're the manufacturer of power supplies - cha ching!) or environmentally conscious - exactly the opposite. The tons of e-waste and the waste of money from everyone switching from what they're using now, and from the currently pervasive regular USB standard, to the new micro-USB standard will be staggering...

...And by the time everyone/everything switches to micro-USB, USB will be obsolete. This mandate is stupid beyond belief.

 

[Mike Oxard]

I just don't understand what is so wrong about having a different type of connection for different devices? They all achieve the same purpose. If you don't want to use a 30 pin connector then don't buy Apple products.

Excellent point, Apple should just tell all the people who want USB to **** off and buy a Nokia, instead of putting a $0.02 adapter in the box with the phones, that'll boost sales through the roof

 

[jwdsail]

That's just the point, you won't need any adaptors as the devices will support a micro USB charger natively. At the moment it seems that it's only Apple who are heading towards the adaptor route, which does somewhat negate the spirit of the standard. Who knows, Apple may surprise us by including a micro USB socket on the device itself? However, that would mean giving up £££ in dock licensing fees.

No, I think you missed the posters point..

Next to NOTHING on the market has *micro-USB* on the *power supply* side...

Countless devices have what most consider *standard* USB that supply power. From computers, cars, commercial airline seats, and even some new AC outlet receptacles.. To use any of them with a device that would theoretically now only include a charge cable with micro-usb, users will still need, wait for it, an adaptor.

The legislation is pointless. It's a solution looking for a problem that simply is not there anymore...

 

[mrochester]

No, that is precisely the problem with the mandate... It solves nothing as far as e-waste is concerned, and if #1 is correct and forces a micro-USB socket on the device, you're restricting free enterprise. What if I'm a manufacturer, and I don't want to use USB at all? Oops, sorry, you're F'd.

On the other hand, if the mandate had been to have a STANDARD USB plug on the other end of the 'charging' cable, then the device could have any type of connector provided it has +- 5v wires in it. The manufacturer could use whatever new technology they desired and provide a simple, environmentally low-impact USB cable for charging with the billions of standard USB ports, power bricks, etc. that are out there already.

The only thing that would be standard in this scenario is the charger brick. The cables wouldn't be standard. The idea behind this is to make the brick and cables standard.

 

[Ciclismo]

This could have turned out worse. What happens when micro USB is obsolete?

Who cares? It's all about reducing e-waste - every time you buy a new phone, with very very few exceptions, it currently comes with a new charger. For a family of four cell-phone owners who have a tendency to upgrade every 12 months or less (e.g. due to loss or damage), over a few years the chargers really start to add up.

 

[Mike Oxard]

Incorrect. It is a stupid idea, and it is not economically sensible (unless you're the manufacturer of power supplies - cha ching!) or environmentally conscious - exactly the opposite. The tons of e-waste and the waste of money from everyone switching from what they're using now, and from the currently pervasive regular USB standard, to the new micro-USB standard will be staggering...

...And by the time everyone/everything switches to micro-USB, USB will be obsolete. This mandate is stupid beyond belief.

Why is it not economically sensible? Once the standard is adopted the phone manufacturers will all stop supplying chargers with their phones and save themselves millions.

 

[mrochester]

No, I think you missed the posters point..

Next to NOTHING on the market has *micro-USB* on the *power supply* side...

Countless devices have what most consider *standard* USB that supply power. From computers, cars, commercial airline seats, and even some new AC outlet receptacles.. To use any of them with a device that would theoretically now only include a charge cable with micro-usb, users will still need, wait for it, an adaptor.

The legislation is pointless. It's a solution looking for a problem that simply is not there anymore...

The micro USB connector is not on the power supply end, it's on the device. The thing supplying the power, whether that be a charger plugged into an electrical socket or a sync cable to the computer, would be universal and could be used on any device.

 

[hok]

The agreement linked in the news is old and confusing, it has been updated...

Apple has always been compliant with the agreement; because it is not about port, but charger, there are 2 possibilities :

1. give a usb charger + an usb to the port you want cable
2. give a micro usb charger

Apple solution is number 1, and have been compliant for years.

Please read the agreement, it has been updated, and it is more technical and precise :

DC Plug Connector Specification The cable assembly shall terminate in a Micro-B plug. The plug shall meet the USBIF Connector Test Requirements (http://www.usb.org/developers/compliance/connectors/), shall be compliant to the Micro-USB Cables and Connectors Specification, Rev 1.01 (Micro-USB 1.01), and shall be rated to meet all electrical specifications.
An EPS provided with a detachable cable shall be equipped with a USB Standard-A receptacle. Standard detachable cable assembly, supplied for use with the EPS, shall have Standard-A and Micro-B plugs and meet the USB-IF Cable Assembly Test Requirements for Compliant Usage of Connectors and Cables in Micro-USB 1.01. (http://www.usb.org/developers/compliance/cable/).” Above requirement also applies to detachable cables used as adaptor i.e. where the Micro-B is replaced by a proprietary plug.
Apple use a "detachable cables used as adaptor", and is based on USB Standard-A, and the charger is USB Standard-A based. So is compliant.

 

[slattery69]

The only thing that would be standard in this scenario is the charger brick. The cables wouldn't be standard. The idea behind this is to make the brick and cables standard.

exactly people seem to missing the point as you say the charger brick would be micro usb. so one charger brick can work with all phones just have the right cable from phone to brick.
many phone makers are putting micro usb in there phones so even cables can be shared.
dont get why its a big deal only relates to charging nothing else

 

[WestonHarvey1]

Hey there Senator McCarthy, do you still check under your bed for communists?
This is a smart move for consumers. Sometimes regulation is good. For example, "bureaucrats" rule that it's against the law for children to drink alcohol. And perhaps if the US banks were regulated a little better then the world wouldn't be in its current state. It's majorly childish to scream and squeal that these bureaucrats "desire to regulate every other aspect of your life" as all they've done is implement a economically sensible and environmentally conscious solution to a problem that could have festered for many more years.
In short, grow up.

May your chains rest lightly.

 

[Dooger]

Incorrect. It is a stupid idea, and it is not economically sensible (unless you're the manufacturer of power supplies - cha ching!) or environmentally conscious - exactly the opposite. The tons of e-waste and the waste of money from everyone switching from what they're using now, and from the currently pervasive regular USB standard, to the new micro-USB standard will be staggering...

...And by the time everyone/everything switches to micro-USB, USB will be obsolete. This mandate is stupid beyond belief.

Utter crap. You sir, lack foresight. Implementation of a unified, single charger now is a step that will reap economic and environmental rewards in the generations to come. Not just next year. And as needs change, so will the connection standard, with the compliance of all the tech companies. As Eames so beautifully put it in Inception "You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling"

May your chains rest lightly.

Good one.

 

[Ciclismo]

No, I think you missed the posters point..

Next to NOTHING on the market has *micro-USB* on the *power supply* side...

Countless devices have what most consider *standard* USB that supply power. From computers, cars, commercial airline seats, and even some new AC outlet receptacles.. To use any of them with a device that would theoretically now only include a charge cable with micro-usb, users will still need, wait for it, an adaptor.

The legislation is pointless. It's a solution looking for a problem that simply is not there anymore...

1. I have a couple of devices here that use microUSB for power. I didn't purchase them specifically because they required a microUSB, but htey happened to have them. So either a) I somehow have amassed the next to none products that use microUSB, which wold be a considerable statistical anomaly, or b) you are massively underestimating and/or spreading FUD.

2. The point is not to just reduce cables, but primarily the number of power adapters that are currently being produced and consequently disposed of. I've never thrown away an Apple dock to USB cable, but I have thrown away or lost around 15 Nokia chargers.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

No, I think you missed the posters point..

Next to NOTHING on the market has *micro-USB* on the *power supply* side...

Countless devices have what most consider *standard* USB that supply power. From computers, cars, commercial airline seats, and even some new AC outlet receptacles.. To use any of them with a device that would theoretically now only include a charge cable with micro-usb, users will still need, wait for it, an adaptor.

The legislation is pointless. It's a solution looking for a problem that simply is not there anymore...

The agreement linked in the news is old and confusing, it has been updated...

Apple has always been compliant with the agreement; because it is not about port, but charger, there are 2 possibilities :

1. give a usb charger + an usb to the port you want cable
2. give a micro usb charger

Apple solution is number 1, and have been compliant for years.

Please read the agreement, it has been updated, and it is more technical and precise :

But apple still fails to comply with the spirit of the requirement.

I would not be surprised if the ONLY reason that devices are not required to have a micro USB port on them was just to get apple to sign up. Proof of this is in the fact that ONLY Apple phones do not use Micro USB.
Honestly I wish the other manufactures said screw you Apple and force it threw with out Apple's agreement. Then in the end Apple would of been force to comply with the spirit of the law.

 

[JAT]

You're ignoring the part about having to buy a £25 charger that costs Apple pennies to make and is about 5 times as expensive as chargers sold by other phone manufacturers.

Apple's will still be that much, it will just be a different item.

The major phone manufactures wanted it not the government. They wanted it because they knew their users wanted to have a standard.

People keep saying this. Is there some proof?

Now instead of power bricks, we'll be living through adapter-hell.

Yes, yes, yes, exactly!! The micro-USB plug idea is beyond stupid!! Who gives a flying F what type of connector is on the device?

Exactly. And, they've basically mandated nothing. If you are going to mandate something, mandate it. Don't give what is essentially infinite options, that's what we have now. All they've really done is say your power cord must be in the shape of a microUSB. Well, it had to be in the shape of your country's power outlets before, so it was mandated before. Everything else has been, and apparently will be, adapters in between.

I don't see the iPhone as a problem, either contributing to this legislation, or to cope with it afterwards. The dock connector is already compatible with USB, so this is a non-issue, other than making the appropriate adapter. Now, my wife's Nokia stick phone....it has microUSB for connectivity, but can't charge from it. Instead it charges from a regular pin-shaped charger. That's the kind of phone that needs a fix, because the mfgrs were stupid.

 

[farmboy]

Yeah, you really should be proud to live in a country where businesses control every aspect of your lives...

It's so funny that the so-called leading democracy seems to consist of a population that does not even remotely grasp the concept of freedom or that certain rules are brought in place to protect the interests of people that ultimately have to pay for everything. As in this insignificant case where your favorite toy producer - Apple - is forced to implement a standard that is only there to protect its customers from being forced into buying expensive, proprietary equipment. But I know - most Americans really do believe that what's good for ONE company must be good for everybody...

Wirchlich, Winni? Schäm dich. I think you go out of your way to demonstrate your misperceptions, not the least of which includes the US, Apple, and what the general population here thinks. I won't respond in kind, but suffice to say there are plenty of less-attractive aspects to Deutsche society as well.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

People keep saying this. Is there some proof?

I shall start with a list.
From this site posted in Jul 09
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/735369/

Article it is talking about http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE55S1XZ20090629

from the article.....

Top mobile telephone suppliers have agreed to back an EU-wide harmonization of phone chargers, the European Commission said on Monday, hailing the pact as good news for consumers and the environment.

The agreement by Nokia, Sony Ericsson and other industry majors will mean phones compatible with standard charging devices are available in Europe from next year, said the EU executive, which has pushed for such a deal.

Now that was the easy one to find. But back in 2009 when this was going on I did some other digging and it turns out it was the manufactures who went to the government. But for finding that you are on your own. Finding something from 1.5 years ago is very difficult on this subject.