Standardised chargers for mobile phones - Germany

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0629/mobilecharger.html

Under EU Harmonisation the major mobile phone types are all going to have one standard charger.

Looks like they will be using the mini-B type USB socket.

About time - now all they need to do is sort out the electrical sockets.

...and get voltage down to 120V.

Universal phone charger approved

And the phone sockets!

the only problem with this is that there is no obligation for phone manufacturers to adopt this standard.

why? there is no benefit from that. It would be better if the Americas changed their voltage to 220-240v like most of the rest of the world.

@OG: It's taken 40yrs to get our cousins from 'over there' to adopt a decent TV standard (HD) so what makes you think that they'll get the voltage issue - or indeed 60Hz???

I reckon all well-designed, low-current, modern power supplies should be able to function when connected to any AC supply above say 100V.

Am I the only one who recognizes what a stupid idea it would be to mandate chargers across cell phones?

Aside from quashing innovation, it's a heavy handed solution to what in reality is a little annoyance of life.

Yes you are...

And how is it "quashing innovation".. The port specs allow for Power,data,audio,video and all other input/output
connectivity that would be done over cables. So nothing is being lost. The gain is that you nolonger need all these
special cables, thus replacement prices on accessories (Cables/chargers) is cheaper..

So what about wireless charging then?

Wireless charging uses a different system. Most Wireless recharging systems/phones still have plugs for wired charging as a backup.
Charging is done thru a.. Wait for it.. Mini/Micro USB cable..So again, nothing lost..

Which is why I said mandating a charging system would be stupid and stop innovation... thanks for agreeing with me.

But if a company wanted to make a phone without a wired charging option, a charger mandate would prevent that.... which was my point. Additionally, Nokia now makes everything from laptops, to internet tablets, to traditional phones. All accept SIM cards and all can make calls. Where does something start being officially a phone and come under such charger requirements?

My point being, of all places, government being involved something as simple an inconsequential as a cell phone charger is really just dumb. Luckily this doesn't appear to be a full on mandate.

I suspect your argumentativeness isn't based on any sincere love of Government interference in technology standards, but you obsession with me and desire to respond to (and rate) my posts negatively.

or just being annoyed by so many phone chargers. really how does the inhibit inovation, and how annoying is the lack of continuity b/w cell phone chargers.

The EU may have suggested it, But I don't believe the ISO,ITU, GSMA, and the various others are "Government Bodies".

If a company wants to have a wireless charging system, so bit it. As already mentioned the companies that do have
devices that recharge wirelessly still use a mini/micro USB cabled charger as a backup. The rule simply says that IF
you are going to have a cabled charger device, then lets standardize on Mini/Micro USB. If you read more into the
entire story you will see that its only a strong suggestion. Companies can still use whatever connector they want.

However, spin it anyway you want to fit your narrow minded ness..

Do you have proof of that? Didn't think so.. As it is I have no Neg points to give. I ran out
before you even started your little rant, so look elsewhere.

- Link
Now where in there did it state a "Government", was responsible? The EU only got behind the GSMA and gave it their support after
they were made aware of the initiative..