Europe backs universal phone charger

[Simon]

The maddening scramble to find the right charger for your smartphone could be coming to an end.

European politicians have backed a regulation that will force smartphone makers to use just one type of charger.

On Thursday MEPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the regulation, which will see a common charger used for smartphones by 2017.

The regulation was drawn up to help consumers and to cut down on the amount of electronic waste.

"This serves the interests both of consumers and the environment," said MEP Barbara Weiler in a statement. "It will put an end to charger clutter and 51,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually."

The regulation is still only a draft law and must be approved by Europe's council of ministers. However, that body has already given its informal backing to the law, suggesting it will win final approval.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24726077

[Glenn]

Most mobile companies, Apple a notable exception, now use a micro USB charger.

[Simon]

I wonder if Apple will toe the line?

[zappaDPJ]

I hope not. Whatever it is the European Union dictates, everyone should do their damnedest to do the exact opposite

[Glenn]

They may have to if they want to continue selling phones in Europe.

[Steve]

Surely an adaptor will suffice.

[Glenn]

It would depend if Apple see it that way, an adapter with power via a micro USB would surely suffice.

[Simon]

Yeah, and than they'll charge £25 for it, like they did for the lightning adapter. 

[nowster]

By the time this comes into force USB3 might be more common on phones.

[mervl]

Reducing electrical waste, which contains contaminants, doesn't seem such a bad idea? Trouble is that my chargers seem to have less life expectancy than the phones.

[Technical Ben]

About 20 years too late then?