Mobile Chargers to be Standardised (Finger to Apple)

flagpole · 30-09-2013, 15:07

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/09...hone_chargers/

Although Apple, Nokia and RIM signed up to a voluntary agreement based on Micro-USB back in 2010, Cupertino never mentioned it to the design teams, preferring its own connectors...

... perhaps Cupertino's designers will take the hint and begin the thousands of hours' work trying to make sure that a generic interface can accurately reflect its brand values.

ETA more links
http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/a...s-are-approved
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencete...LL-phones.html

kidspud · 30-09-2013, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by flagpole

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/09...hone_chargers/

Although Apple, Nokia and RIM signed up to a voluntary agreement based on Micro-USB back in 2010, Cupertino never mentioned it to the design teams, preferring its own connectors...

... perhaps Cupertino's designers will take the hint and begin the thousands of hours' work trying to make sure that a generic interface can accurately reflect its brand values.

Not sure why it would take 1000s of hours? I can already use my apple charge to charge my samsung phone, although I cannot use my samsung charger on my iPad.

I wonder who got the design right

flagpole · 30-09-2013, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidspud

Not sure why it would take 1000s of hours? I can already use my apple charge to charge my samsung phone, although I cannot use my samsung charger on my iPad.

I wonder who got the design right

i think El Reg are taking the piss. probably a misquotation of something apple have said in the passed.

corf · 30-09-2013, 16:06

I was under the impression that aslong as the charger block has a USB port (like most now) it was deemed ok by the EU and you could use whichever cable connector you like.

i.e. you can plug in a usb -> micro usb cable into the apple charger and it is a microusb charger.

If not apple could just include a extra cable in the box to comply with the EU and still use their own cable.

enapace · 30-09-2013, 16:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by corf

I was under the impression that aslong as the charger block has a USB port (like most now) it was deemed ok by the EU and you could use whichever cable connector you like.

i.e. you can plug in a usb -> micro usb cable into the apple charger and it is a microusb charger.

If not apple could just include a extra cable in the box to comply with the EU and still use their own cable.

It will probably end up having to include there micro USB to lighting connector as standard instead of the 15 pounds it costs you now.

corf · 30-09-2013, 16:11

microusb is so dodgy though, I have seen so many broken connectors in devices. Mini was much better.

kidspud · 30-09-2013, 16:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by enapace

It will probably end up having to include there micro USB to lighting connector as standard instead of the 15 pounds it costs you now.

Either that, or just a USB micro usb cable, which the consumer will pay for. Another big idea by the EU

flagpole · 30-09-2013, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by corf

I was under the impression that aslong as the charger block has a USB port (like most now) it was deemed ok by the EU and you could use whichever cable connector you like.

i.e. you can plug in a usb -> micro usb cable into the apple charger and it is a microusb charger.

If not apple could just include a extra cable in the box to comply with the EU and still use their own cable.

My reading is that the socket on the phone will have to be micro usb.

flagpole · 30-09-2013, 16:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by corf

microusb is so dodgy though, I have seen so many broken connectors in devices. Mini was much better.

i agree mini felt a lot more solid.

betamax v VHS

chenks · 30-09-2013, 16:23

interesting that the Note 3 has a USB3 port on it, can you connect a standard mini USB to that?

enapace · 30-09-2013, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidspud

Either that, or just a USB micro usb cable, which the consumer will pay for. Another big idea by the EU

Out of curiosity I know O2 no longer sell chargers/cables with there devices does that include iPhones? If so that would suck for someone moving from android to iPhone.

chenks · 30-09-2013, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by enapace

Out of curiosity I know O2 no longer sell chargers/cables with there devices does that include iPhones? If so that would suck for someone moving from android to iPhone.

iphones include a cable and charger in the box.
O2 have nothing to do with that.

flagpole · 30-09-2013, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by chenks

interesting that the Note 3 has a USB3 port on it, can you connect a standard mini USB to that?

yeah. look at it. one half is just micro usb.

Everything Goes · 30-09-2013, 21:53

Apple will sue the EU

alan1302 · 30-09-2013, 22:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

Apple will sue the EU

Yeah, ok, whatever

Simi89 · 30-09-2013, 23:19

I like the lightning connector, I had so many problems with micro USB chargers I replaced my charger 3 times on my last phone, a blackberry.

Roush · 30-09-2013, 23:36

What I find most interesting about this proposed legislation is that it would ban custom firmware on Android devices (or any other OS).

Quote:

Radio equipment shall be so constructed that it complies with the following essential requirements:

(a) radio equipment interworks with accessories, and/or it interworks via networks with other radio equipment, and/or it can be connected to interfaces of the appropriate type throughout the Union;
(b) radio equipment does not harm the network or its functioning nor misuse network resources, thereby causing an unacceptable degradation of service;
(c) radio equipment incorporates safeguards to ensure that the personal data and privacy of the user and of the subscriber are protected;
(d) radio equipment supports certain features ensuring avoidance of fraud;
(e) radio equipment supports certain features ensuring access to emergency services;
(f) radio equipment supports certain features in order to facilitate its use by users with a disability;
EN19 EN
(g) radio equipment supports certain features in order to ensure that software can only be loaded into the radio equipment where the compliance of the combination of software and the radio equipment has been demonstrated.

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/regist...12)0584_EN.pdf

So, manufacturers will have to lock their devices down to only allow certified official firmware.

Stiggles · 30-09-2013, 23:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidspud

Not sure why it would take 1000s of hours? I can already use my apple charge to charge my samsung phone, although I cannot use my samsung charger on my iPad.

I wonder who got the design right

It's got nothing to do with who got it right. All samsung chargers will charge an ipad or any other device now.

It only doesn't work because you have an older charger design which has the cable attached to the charger. I've not seen one like that in a long time.

Stiggles · 30-09-2013, 23:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roush

What I find most interesting about this proposed legislation is that it would ban custom firmware on Android devices (or any other OS).

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/regist...12)0584_EN.pdf

So, manufacturers will have to lock their devices down to only allow certified official firmware.

Ouch!!

Can't see that lasting long!! Will be got around in no time i would imagine!

swordman · 01-10-2013, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roush

What I find most interesting about this proposed legislation is that it would ban custom firmware on Android devices (or any other OS).

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/regist...12)0584_EN.pdf

So, manufacturers will have to lock their devices down to only allow certified official firmware.

Doesn't say anything of the sort just your interpretation of it

Roush · 01-10-2013, 00:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordman

Doesn't say anything of the sort just your interpretation of it

So what is your interpretation then? Those words seem quite clear to me.

If I've misunderstood them then I would welcome your insights.

calico_pie · 01-10-2013, 00:17

Never mind.

swordman · 01-10-2013, 00:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roush

So what is your interpretation then? Those words seem quite clear to me.

If I've misunderstood them then I would welcome your insights.

I would have to read the whole document or at least the relevant parts but that sub section make no reference to requiring the locking down of any phone. It merely states that the phone should only accept software that has demonstrated its compliance. I pretty much think that is all phones right now.

Mark Smith · 01-10-2013, 06:15

I find micro USB annoying. I will often plug it in to charge my phone, not realising that it hasn't connected properly and finding a dead phone the next morning. I suppose that's what I get for trying to charge a GS3 with a Kindle charger but hey, micro USB is universal right?

I never have problems with the non-standard Apple chargers, both the old dock connectors and lightning.

The lightning connector just seems a lot more robust, dare I say better, than the micro USB everyone else seems to love.

kidspud · 01-10-2013, 06:20

Deleted.

30-09-2013, 15:07	#1
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	Mobile Chargers to be Standardised (Finger to Apple) http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/09...hone_chargers/ Although Apple, Nokia and RIM signed up to a voluntary agreement based on Micro-USB back in 2010, Cupertino never mentioned it to the design teams, preferring its own connectors... ... perhaps Cupertino's designers will take the hint and begin the thousands of hours' work trying to make sure that a generic interface can accurately reflect its brand values. ETA more links http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/a...s-are-approved http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencete...LL-phones.html

30-09-2013, 15:12	#2
kidspud Forum Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 11,501	Quote: Originally Posted by flagpole http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/09...hone_chargers/ Although Apple, Nokia and RIM signed up to a voluntary agreement based on Micro-USB back in 2010, Cupertino never mentioned it to the design teams, preferring its own connectors... ... perhaps Cupertino's designers will take the hint and begin the thousands of hours' work trying to make sure that a generic interface can accurately reflect its brand values. Not sure why it would take 1000s of hours? I can already use my apple charge to charge my samsung phone, although I cannot use my samsung charger on my iPad. I wonder who got the design right

30-09-2013, 15:14	#3
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	Quote: Originally Posted by kidspud Not sure why it would take 1000s of hours? I can already use my apple charge to charge my samsung phone, although I cannot use my samsung charger on my iPad. I wonder who got the design right i think El Reg are taking the piss. probably a misquotation of something apple have said in the passed.

30-09-2013, 16:06	#4
corf Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,458	I was under the impression that aslong as the charger block has a USB port (like most now) it was deemed ok by the EU and you could use whichever cable connector you like. i.e. you can plug in a usb -> micro usb cable into the apple charger and it is a microusb charger. If not apple could just include a extra cable in the box to comply with the EU and still use their own cable.

30-09-2013, 16:10	#5
enapace Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 4,249	Quote: Originally Posted by corf I was under the impression that aslong as the charger block has a USB port (like most now) it was deemed ok by the EU and you could use whichever cable connector you like. i.e. you can plug in a usb -> micro usb cable into the apple charger and it is a microusb charger. If not apple could just include a extra cable in the box to comply with the EU and still use their own cable. It will probably end up having to include there micro USB to lighting connector as standard instead of the 15 pounds it costs you now.

30-09-2013, 16:11	#6
corf Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,458	microusb is so dodgy though, I have seen so many broken connectors in devices. Mini was much better.

30-09-2013, 16:12	#7
kidspud Forum Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 11,501	Quote: Originally Posted by enapace It will probably end up having to include there micro USB to lighting connector as standard instead of the 15 pounds it costs you now. Either that, or just a USB micro usb cable, which the consumer will pay for. Another big idea by the EU

30-09-2013, 16:18	#8
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	Quote: Originally Posted by corf I was under the impression that aslong as the charger block has a USB port (like most now) it was deemed ok by the EU and you could use whichever cable connector you like. i.e. you can plug in a usb -> micro usb cable into the apple charger and it is a microusb charger. If not apple could just include a extra cable in the box to comply with the EU and still use their own cable. My reading is that the socket on the phone will have to be micro usb.

30-09-2013, 16:19	#9
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	Quote: Originally Posted by corf microusb is so dodgy though, I have seen so many broken connectors in devices. Mini was much better. i agree mini felt a lot more solid. betamax v VHS

30-09-2013, 16:23	#10
chenks Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Ayrshire Posts: 11,399	interesting that the Note 3 has a USB3 port on it, can you connect a standard mini USB to that?

30-09-2013, 16:24	#11
enapace Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 4,249	Quote: Originally Posted by kidspud Either that, or just a USB micro usb cable, which the consumer will pay for. Another big idea by the EU Out of curiosity I know O2 no longer sell chargers/cables with there devices does that include iPhones? If so that would suck for someone moving from android to iPhone.

30-09-2013, 16:25	#12
chenks Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Ayrshire Posts: 11,399	Quote: Originally Posted by enapace Out of curiosity I know O2 no longer sell chargers/cables with there devices does that include iPhones? If so that would suck for someone moving from android to iPhone. iphones include a cable and charger in the box. O2 have nothing to do with that.

30-09-2013, 16:50	#13
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	Quote: Originally Posted by chenks interesting that the Note 3 has a USB3 port on it, can you connect a standard mini USB to that? yeah. look at it. one half is just micro usb.

30-09-2013, 21:53	#14
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Apple will sue the EU

30-09-2013, 22:14	#15
alan1302 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West Yorks Posts: 6,180	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes Apple will sue the EU Yeah, ok, whatever

30-09-2013, 23:19	#16
Simi89 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 6,055	I like the lightning connector, I had so many problems with micro USB chargers I replaced my charger 3 times on my last phone, a blackberry.

30-09-2013, 23:36	#17
Roush Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2,938	What I find most interesting about this proposed legislation is that it would ban custom firmware on Android devices (or any other OS). Quote: Radio equipment shall be so constructed that it complies with the following essential requirements: (a) radio equipment interworks with accessories, and/or it interworks via networks with other radio equipment, and/or it can be connected to interfaces of the appropriate type throughout the Union; (b) radio equipment does not harm the network or its functioning nor misuse network resources, thereby causing an unacceptable degradation of service; (c) radio equipment incorporates safeguards to ensure that the personal data and privacy of the user and of the subscriber are protected; (d) radio equipment supports certain features ensuring avoidance of fraud; (e) radio equipment supports certain features ensuring access to emergency services; (f) radio equipment supports certain features in order to facilitate its use by users with a disability; EN19 EN (g) radio equipment supports certain features in order to ensure that software can only be loaded into the radio equipment where the compliance of the combination of software and the radio equipment has been demonstrated. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/regist...12)0584_EN.pdf So, manufacturers will have to lock their devices down to only allow certified official firmware.

30-09-2013, 23:49	#18
Stiggles Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dundee, Scotland Posts: 9,293	Quote: Originally Posted by kidspud Not sure why it would take 1000s of hours? I can already use my apple charge to charge my samsung phone, although I cannot use my samsung charger on my iPad. I wonder who got the design right It's got nothing to do with who got it right. All samsung chargers will charge an ipad or any other device now. It only doesn't work because you have an older charger design which has the cable attached to the charger. I've not seen one like that in a long time.

30-09-2013, 23:50	#19
Stiggles Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dundee, Scotland Posts: 9,293	Quote: Originally Posted by Roush What I find most interesting about this proposed legislation is that it would ban custom firmware on Android devices (or any other OS). http://www.europarl.europa.eu/regist...12)0584_EN.pdf So, manufacturers will have to lock their devices down to only allow certified official firmware. Ouch!! Can't see that lasting long!! Will be got around in no time i would imagine!

01-10-2013, 00:03	#20
swordman Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6,342	Quote: Originally Posted by Roush What I find most interesting about this proposed legislation is that it would ban custom firmware on Android devices (or any other OS). http://www.europarl.europa.eu/regist...12)0584_EN.pdf So, manufacturers will have to lock their devices down to only allow certified official firmware. Doesn't say anything of the sort just your interpretation of it

01-10-2013, 00:12	#21
Roush Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2,938	Quote: Originally Posted by swordman Doesn't say anything of the sort just your interpretation of it So what is your interpretation then? Those words seem quite clear to me. If I've misunderstood them then I would welcome your insights.

01-10-2013, 00:17	#22
calico_pie Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 9,428	Never mind.

DS Forums

Mobile Chargers to be Standardised (Finger to Apple)

01-10-2013, 00:35	#23
swordman Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6,342	Quote: Originally Posted by Roush So what is your interpretation then? Those words seem quite clear to me. If I've misunderstood them then I would welcome your insights. I would have to read the whole document or at least the relevant parts but that sub section make no reference to requiring the locking down of any phone. It merely states that the phone should only accept software that has demonstrated its compliance. I pretty much think that is all phones right now.

01-10-2013, 06:15	#24
Mark Smith Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Norfolk/Suffolk Posts: 2,192	I find micro USB annoying. I will often plug it in to charge my phone, not realising that it hasn't connected properly and finding a dead phone the next morning. I suppose that's what I get for trying to charge a GS3 with a Kindle charger but hey, micro USB is universal right? I never have problems with the non-standard Apple chargers, both the old dock connectors and lightning. The lightning connector just seems a lot more robust, dare I say better, than the micro USB everyone else seems to love.

01-10-2013, 06:20	#25
kidspud Forum Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 11,501	Deleted.