Pulling the plug on the idea of a standard charger

 

The now ubiquitous yet unassuming charger for your mobile device is rocking the corporate world.

The European Union (EU) has proposed new legislation that will see all smartphones, tablets and laptops use a standard charging cable, and Apple is all charged up to nip it in the bud.

The juggernaut behind the iPhone, iPad and MacBook is determined to keep its wide array of chargers, complete with its variety of ports and plugs.

EU member states that back the move argue that a one-size-fits-all charger would reduce electronic waste but Apple claims that it will be a setback for innovation and create more pollution.

However, the king of the smart devices hill has yet to explain how it comes to this conclusion.

Back at the EU headquarters in Brussels, it has been decided that by the end of 2024, at the latest, the USB Type-C port will become the standard for most electronic devices across the European Union.

Producers of laptops will get more time to adhere to the new standard.

Apart from smartphones and tablets, the new rule will eventually also apply to devices such as cameras, headphones, headsets, portable speakers and e-readers.

It is unimaginable how any user will have a problem with the new standard. This is not like purchasing a new smartphone when multiple choices is a better option.

The frustration of sorting out charging cables and plugs can take the joy out of any trip.

Let us not even start with the variety of charging cables among the different makes of these smart and mobile devices.

Even among Apple products, there is a different charging cable and plug, not just for every device but for every upgrade of the same as well.

In a 2021 proposal paper to the European Parliament, it was pointed out that the new rule would give consumers the option of purchasing a smart device without having to also buy the charger.

For the consumer, it means savings they could eventually use for other purchases.

Smart devices have been with us for close to three decades, yet standardising the most basic need of charging the battery has yet to be achieved.

In 1994, IBM introduced the Simon Personal Communicator. The device, which had a monochrome LCD touchscreen and came with a stylus, was capable of receiving email, faxes and pages.

The Blackberry that enabled users to browse the internet came in 2004 and three years later, Apple introduced the first iPhone.

Every new device and every upgrade was the result of a great idea. Yet, the simplest of it all — a standard charger – has eluded us.-FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.