EU wants universal charger for all devices

A solution for charger frustration? Melissa Duggan on the new proposal that would require a universal charger for all devices.

[MrRMT]

This is such a good idea. And good on the EU to stand up to big companies like Apple. Reducing e-waste is a big plus too
Hopefully these ideas will make it across the pond.

[Nephalem]

Its really funny hearing Apple talk about stifling innovation yet they keep making the same barely improved Iphone every year and cost tons more each year.

[OneEternalAsh_Official]

Apple had 10 years to put a usb-c on their phone and still hasn’t done it.

[xondeez]

it doesnt prevent innovation it prevents you from having a monopoly on charger earnings.

[isDatBoi]

Apple talk about stifling innovation and talk about why lightning cable is the future on iPhone... yet they introduce USB-C to high end Macbook, Mac and Ipad Pro Studio...~~~

[enriquemoran]

Companies had 10 years to "innovate". Now is time for an ultimatum, its the only way they understand urgency.

[nasseemm]

The idea of one charger for all devices were suggested few years back but never adopted

[human]

The place is a bit weird but this is a very good idea

[jaymzscratchin]

This should be done with all packaged foods as well.Everything would be the same.
Think about how many blister packs and plastic bottles you wouldn’t need if it was all glass

[victorrivera]

Great idea, I thought about it long time. But the guy who brought it to attention should have a Nobel prize. Apple of course they want to sell separately, or add it to the cost and profit $25 dollars for something that cost price is 25 cents

[waryaawariiri]

This is solely the greedy Apple's faults. The direction was going into a universal direction as other industries were. Now Samsung has its own as well.

[rustytrucks]

Why dont we just build one car to get to a to b

[gerardozambon]

Stifles innovation, rather than encouraging it..?? It seems to me, that they haven't thought hard enough, for giving that kind of excuse. It's absolutely possible to use the same type of connector in all devices. The only difference between electronic appliances, is the voltage and current that each one of them needs.And this last is not given by the type of connector or cable used, but rather for the inside circuits of the charger (Transformer, diodes, capacitors..etc.etc.), in this way, you can utilize the same male and female connector, without problems (for all kind of electronic equipments)..So just make a well reinforced connector and cable..and..The chicken is ready!¡

[haidenjennings]

I think its a good idea however dont understand why android switched from regular usb cables to the slightly bigger ports as all my other charges are now obsolete since I bought this newer model phone last year

[Zermpinos]

I don’t think it’s a good idea. Yes Apple still has lighting because they’re taking a fee from the accessories but if Apple change the port to USB-C they’re billions of iPhones users and billion lighting accessories. If Apple change the iPhone to USB-C then all these accessories the will be unusable. That means to a tone of a E-waste & also why the EU does involve In companies decisions?

[CaptArgo]

everything but iPhone uses usb c / micro

thanks apple's proprietary cables

[randomguy-statusunbanned]

This does stifle innovation.

I use a USB micro b for ALL of my devices because it has an average charging rate that doesn't affect the life of my lithium batteries, opposite to what the USB C does with it's faster charging rate that causes more heat and kills the cells quicker than if you used a regular charging rate charger.

How about the EU stays out of areas that are not within their expertise, and leave technology to those that understand, compared to a guy who can't deal with the idea of buying devices with all the same cords himself, for the ones he prefers, and leave us with the style of cords we prefer.

They talk about reaching energy efficiency all the time, yet actively push against it directly with their own actions. All because some guy bought two different phones with two different chargers.

Give me a break.