Simon Rosser

The A to Z of Global Warming

Schmall World Publishing

 

 

Universal Charger for Cellphones Announced

From the beginning of 2012, all new mobile phones must be fitted with the same universal charger socket, with the notable exception of the iPhone. An industry-wide agreement, endorsed by major manufacturers such as Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and Sony Ericsson, has been reached to make the industry standard micro-USB socket the universal charger socket for all mobile phones.

Above all other considerations, the move will significantly reduce the impact of the mobile phone industry on the environment. The new chargers will be around three times more energy efficient than most existing models, and require less than half of the standby power. It is predicted that the move will slash the number of new chargers that need to be produced, leading to an estimated global cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 35 million tonnes per year to around 22 million.

The move will also bring numerous practical benefits. Consumers will be able to re-use the charger from their old phone when they upgrade, and it will be possible to recharge multiple mobile phones from the same charger. The chargers will be able to be made in far greater numbers, leading to increased economies of scale, which should drive down prices.

The Micro USB port itself also has a number of advantages over current proprietary charging devices. The standard specifies that the plug should be rated for 10,000 insertion cycles, and includes a locking mechanism to prevent it from being accidentally unplugged. Not only will it be sturdier than most current devices, but it will also mean that all phones will be able to be connected to, and charged from, any computer with a USB port, using a standardised cable, which should lead to increased integration between computers and mobile phones.

This move comes as part of an industry-wide drive to reduce the environmental impact of mobile phones. Networks such as Vodafone* in the UK have set up phone recycling programmes, while the major manufacturers are keen to be seen to be doing their bit with the introduction of special ‘tough’ phones, that are less likely to break when you drop them, and phones made entirely from recycled and recyclable materials.

*Visit the Vodaphone online shop to find your ideal mobile phone.