Below the Fold - a single charger to rule them all?

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Hey Below the Fold fam,

Today we’re untangling an E.U. Commission proposal on charging cables. Between the different USB types, a myriad of power supplies, and proprietary ports like Apple’s, it can be a real nuisance just to charge a device. So even if the E.U. doesn’t have the perfect solution, the effort and possibility of it has us a little excited.

TODAY'S STORY

The E.U. may soon require a common charger for (most) consumer electronics
Thu Sep 23

If you’re tired of managing different charging cables, relief may be on the way — at least in Europe. After giving the consumer electronics industry 10 years to propose their own solution, the European Union is pushing forward plans to standardize all charging ports to USB-C. Enacting a common charger across mobile phones, cameras, headphones, speakers, and more would serve two goals.

First, waste reduction. Electronic waste (aka, e-waste) is the fastest growing waste stream in the E.U. with less than 40% recycled. And disposal of the unused chargers results in roughly 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.
Second, increase consumer convenience. European consumers spend €250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases. The proposal not only limits the number of chargers needed, but also ensures consumers can easily determine the correct charger through simple labeling of power requirements.

Why USB-C? In 2009, the major consumer electronics companies agreed to move towards a common charging standard. Since then, the number of charger options available have reduced from 30 to three: USB-C (used by 29% of European consumers), Apple’s Lightning (used by 21%), and micro USB standard (used by roughly half). Of these options, USB-C was ultimately chosen for its wide adoption (nearly all Android devices) and support of the latest technology standards.

Apple, whose devices are fitted with the proprietary Lightning port, has spoken up in opposition, claiming it stifles innovation. However, the European Commission argues that the current proposal is built with the flexibility needed for innovation to remain uninterrupted. For example, the proposal does not enforce any rules on wireless charging options — a major focus for future Apple products. The plan also leaves room for the industry to work together towards a replacement to USB-C as the standard when and if the time comes.

If approved by Parliament, companies would have 24 months to fully adopt the new norm. And by the end of year, lawmakers hope to also address the power supply end of the cable, providing a full cable solution.

🎬 Take Action

Take the time to fully understand what the European Commission is proposing by reading their incredibly helpful Q&A section on the full plan.

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RESOURCE CENTER

TechCrunch:
(Where we found this story)
6 days old | 8 minutes long

How to Geek:

USB-C explained
3 years old | 6 minutes long

The Verge:
Additional details & Apple’s response
6 days old | 7 minutes long

European Commission:

Data on e-waste in Europe (and infographic!)
6 months old | 5 minutes long

ICYMI (AGAIN)

Yesterday: Indian workers protest their way out of tracking
Monday: Facebook plans Instagram for Kids
Friday: Alabama removing their constitution’s racist language

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fastest growing waste stream major consumer electronics companies EU Commission proposal most consumer electronics consumer electronics industry different USB types micro USB standard latest technology standards unnecessary charger purchases common charging standard proprietary Lightning port different charging cables

Below the Fold - a single charger to rule them all?

🎬 Take Action

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