Skip to main content

TECHNOLOGY; European Parliament Passes Law to Force Smartphone Manufacturers (Android, Apple) and Other Electronic Makers to Equip Their Devices With Standard USB-C Chargers.



 The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, on Thursday put forward a new law that would force smartphone manufacturers and other electronics makers to equip their devices with a standard USB-C charging port.


The proposed legislation is designed to cut waste and make life easier for consumers who would theoretically be able to use one charger for multiple devices.


It could have a huge impact on Apple, as the company still uses its own Lightning connector to charge iPhones. The company has recently equipped some iPads and MacBooks with USB-C ports.


A spokesperson for Apple said in response that the firm stands for “innovation and deeply cares about the customer experience.” 


“We share the European Commission’s commitment to protecting the environment and are already carbon neutral for all of our corporate emissions worldwide,” they said.  


“We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world. We look forward to continued engagement with stakeholders to help find a solution that protects consumer interest, as well as the industry’s ability to innovate and bring exciting new technology to users.”


Rivals like Samsung and Huawei have equipped some of their latest phones with USB-C ports, while many of their older handsets have micro-USB ports.


Under the legislation, USB-C would also become the standard port for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld video game consoles.


The commission said it also wants tech firms to stop bundling chargers with their devices.


European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said in a statement: “European consumers were frustrated long enough about incompatible chargers piling up in their drawers.”


She added: “We gave industry plenty of time to come up with their own solutions, now time is ripe for legislative action for a common charger. This is an important win for our consumers and environment and in line with our green and digital ambitions.”


EU Commissioner Thierry Breton noted that, “with more and more devices, more and more chargers are sold that are not interchangeable or not necessary. We are putting an end to that.”


The proposal is part of a revised Radio Equipment Directive that will need to pass a vote in the European Parliament before it becomes law.


If the proposal does become law, device makers will have two years to comply with the new legislation.


In 2020, the European Parliament voted in favor of new rules on a common charger, suggesting the latest proposal may have broad support.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Escaped Murder Suspect Finally Arrested in Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital, Yumbe District.

Story by Osuta Yusuf. 19-November-2024. 📸: Eyotre Kennedy handcuffed on bed while receiving medication this morning at Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital in Yumbe District. Eyotre Kennedy originating from Etoko village, Nyoroo Parish, Nyadri Sub-county in Maracha District who has for many years been terrorizing residents in his village, has finally been arrested this Monday morning 19-November-2024 while receiving treatment at Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital in Yumbe District following injuries he sustained from Theft mission on Saturday night 16-November-2024 in Owapi village, Azapi parish in Odupi Sub-county, Terego East Constituency in Terego District. Click here on the link  https://informationispowah.blogspot.com/2024/11/fugitive-who-chopped-3-people-killed.html   to read the story on his Theft of Goats in Terego. Upon getting cut on the finger and leg by the Mob as he attempted to fight and overpower owner of the goats he attempted to steal on Saturday night ...

41-Years-Old Man Digs His Own Grave in Maracha District.

Story by Osuta Yusuf.  Maracha District.  📸: The grave been dug by Mr Opiga Michael, a victim of frustration. Photo taken by Osuta Yusuf , on Wednesday 11-September-2024. The residents of Ebapi village, Baria Parish in Nyadri Sub-county, Maracha east constituency, Maracha District are in shock after a 41 year old man started digging his own grave. The man, identified as Mr Opiga Michael, who seems to be frustrated over some challenges in life, started digging his own grave on Tuesday 10-September-2024 until he was stopped by the elders in Nyaria clan. 📸: Opiga Michael, the Victim of Frustration. Photo by Osuta Yusuf , Information is Power. While speaking to our reporter on Wednesday evening 11-September-2024, Mr Opiga Michael, said, his main plan  was to commit suicide after finishing digging the grave for burying himself, explained that, he feels frustrated, abandoned and hated by his own clan people, whom he accused of piling lies against him a...

Wedded Ayivu West MP Lematia John Fights Over Another Woman.

  📸: Hon Lematia John. By URN. Police in Arua district are investigating a case of assault and threatening violence involving the Member of Parliament for Ayivu West Constituency John Lematia and James Ariko, a DSTV technician in Arua city. Drama ensued on Easter Sunday 31-3-2024 at Dream Land Hotel located at Kuluva trading center along Arua-Nebbi highway in Arua district when the legislator and the technician engaged in a fight reportedly over a woman identified as Faith Eyotaru 25, a relationship officer at Victoria University Kampala. The scuffle started after Ayivu West Mp John Lematia went to swim at Dreamland Hotel with Faith Eyotaru only to find Ariko, who had gone to the same hotel earlier. However, upon seeing the duo coming out of the vehicle, Ariko confronted Lematia with both men claiming to be having a relationship with the lady. It took the intervention of the staff at the hotel who intervened and separated the fight between the men. Josephine Angucia, the West Nil...