Europeans Realize Dream of a Single Charger for All Cellphones

Cellphone battery dead? No problem: Just borrow a charger from a friend. Oh, wait — you can’t, because your friend doesn’t have the same phone as you, and his charger won’t work with your phone.

That annoyance will end next year, for Europeans at least. Thanks to the efforts of the European Commission, most cellphones sold in Europe will have a one-size-fits-all charger starting in 2011. So far, 10 major cellphone makers, including Apple, Motorola, Samsung and Research In Motion, have signed on to the agreement.

Americans will have to wait. Without a government agency setting a deadline, it’s up to handset makers to make the switch to a single standard. All consumers can do is let their old chargers gather dust in a drawer, while hoping manufacturers will eventually converge on a standardized charger.

“For the FCC, this is probably number 5,000 on their list and it is legislative priority number 10,000 at this point,” says Joe Banos, chief operating officer for Wilson Electronics, which makes cellphone boosters and antennas. “We believe the U.S. will ultimately follow Europe here, but the question is when.”

Today each cellphone ships with its own charger. Different companies use different connectors — and often different models from the same company do too, making it difficult for users to borrow a charger. And when it’s time to toss the phone, the charger also goes into the bin.

A universal charger means consumers don’t have to get a new charger with every mobile phone. As a bonus, it’ll be easier to borrow a charger when in need.

And if all that isn’t enough, there’s the green aspect. One-size-fits-all means fewer chargers will wind up in the landfill, less electronic waste, and fewer resources consumed in manufacturing chargers.

In 2009, the European Commission said it reached a voluntary agreement with handset manufacturers to use the micro-USB connector for the charger. Starting in 2011, all phone models sold in Europe would then have compatible chargers. Now, that agreement is taking effect.

Changing the rules in the U.S.

Smartphone makers in the United States are moving toward something similar, but more slowly. Motorola and Samsung have said they will offer a standard charger here but haven’t committed to a deadline. It’s a complex game where each handset maker is optimizing for itself, but collectively those decisions might help realize the goal of having a universal charger, probably centered on micro-USB.

“For the most part it is already happening here with smartphones,” says Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at the Altimeter Group. “An HTC Evo charger will charge a Nexus One or Incredible, as long as it has a micro-USB connector.”

The major holdouts in the U.S. are Apple and Research In Motion. Apple uses a proprietary 30-pin connector for its iPhone, while many BlackBerry chargers and devices are engineered so they will work only when paired together, says Wilson’s Banos.

But even among companies that use micro-USB, it’s still not a standard.

“There’s the flat, wide mini-USB connector; the short, squat micro-USB; and different versions in between,” says Allen Nogee, an analyst at In-Stat research. “They are all still using different versions of the USB connector.”

But if you can get a connector to fit into the phone, it doesn’t matter which model it is for or which company made it, because all USB-based chargers deliver the same voltage, say experts.

The push to change the situation in the U.S. could come from accessories makers for smartphones, says Nogee. Today, when you buy a new battery pack or car charging kit, it comes with a little bag stuffed with connectors so users can pick the right ones for their phones.

“It is much more expensive for these companies to support different phones and connectors,” says Nogee. “But the problem is that so far, accessories makers haven’t had enough say in the phone manufacturing process.”

Ultimately, economics will force handset makers in the U.S. to change, say industry experts. As companies move to a universal charger in Europe, they will bring the same connectors to U.S. models.

It’s not clear how Apple will make the change, but it is certain that if the company moves to a micro USB-based connector for its new iPhone model in Europe, U.S. customers can expect the same.

“It makes so much sense that I believe the U.S. will follow,” says Banos. “It would be insane not to.”

See Also:

Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com


Evatran’s Plugless Power gives your wheels a wireless proximity-based charge

Trading gas nozzles for electric sockets may be the green thing to do — in more ways than one — but wouldn’t plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles be that much sweeter if you could just forget about the plug? That’s what Evatran is trying to do with its Plugless Power technology, shown off at Plug-In 2010 in San Jose, which charges your car automatically when you pull up to the company’s specially-designed curb. The “station block” above is a wireless induction charger (yes, a car-sized Powermat) that beams electricity to a shoebox-sized device you mount to the undercarriage of your vehicle, magnetically detecting and gravitating towards said shoebox even if you park somewhat crooked. The system presently works with 80 percent efficiency when firing electrons across a two-inch gap (engineers are shooting for 90 percent by the time it hits production) but of course the base station itself doesn’t get power from the ether — it requires one of the company’s own Level 2 wired chargers (and compatible wiring) to run. Should your residence or place of business be equipped, the 240 volt towers will set you back $3,245 this December, and the proximity charger will be available to early adopters in Q2 2011 (we’re hearing April) for the bargain price of $800.

Evatran’s Plugless Power gives your wheels a wireless proximity-based charge originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

The Idapt i4 Cordless Charger Cuts the Cable Clutter

4.jpgFrom the netbook I write these posts on to my iPhone, Zune, Nook, and Nintendo DS, I–like many of you–own entirely too many gadgets. And I’ve fallen victim to the problem that comes with our shiny toys tools: how to charge all of them without creating the world’s largest knot.

The Idapt i4 from Inoitulos has come to save the day, offering a charging solution much more practical than those goofy charge pads that look like they’re right out of Deep Space Nine. The IdaptT i4 is a thick, square hub of three interchangeable power adapters and room for one charge cord.

The idea is to put your smaller devices, such as an iPhone or point-and-shoot digital camera, on top of the device using one of its three interchangeable ports and charge your bigger devices–an iPad or netbook, for example–using its power cord receptacle. Oh, did we mention that it supports over 4,000 mobile devices, according to Inoitulos? Thank you, Eli Whitney, for interchangeable parts.

HyperMac Stand doubles as an external battery for your iPad

Why settle for a separate iPad stand and external battery when you can have both in one device? Why indeed. That’s the thinking from the folks at Sanho at least, who have just rolled-out the first-of-its-kind HyperMac Stand. It packs two slots that can hold your iPad at either an 18 or 45-degree angle (with or without a case), and a built-in 40-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery that promises to extend your battery life by a full 16 hours. Of course, that combination does make this one of the more expensive iPad stands around at $129.95, but that’s not exactly too out of line when compared to a standalone HyperMac battery. Head on past the break for the complete press release.

Continue reading HyperMac Stand doubles as an external battery for your iPad

HyperMac Stand doubles as an external battery for your iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceHyperMac  | Email this | Comments

Leviton partners with Coulomb Technologies, makes EV charging stations plug-and-play

Leviton partners with Coulomb Technologies, makes EV charging stations plug-and-play

Home wiring may not be the hottest of topics, but get it wrong and, well, things can certainly get exciting. As electric vehicles become more commonplace, more and more people are going to start looking into what it will take to get more current running to their cars — nobody’s going to want to wait around for a 110V trickle charge. Leviton is a big name in home wiring and automation circles and has launched the Evr-Green sub-brand. One of its first products will be a pre-wiring kit for Level 2 charging stations, like GE’s WattStation. Level 2 chargers offer 240V and, with the Evr-Green pre-wiring kit, will be basically plug and play. The kits are said to cost around $200 — though naturally that won’t include the cost of installation for the kit itself.

Leviton partners with Coulomb Technologies, makes EV charging stations plug-and-play originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAutoblog Green  | Email this | Comments

Horizon’s Minipak, Hydrofill and Hydrostik fuel cell devices go up for pre-order

We first learned of Horizon’s most recent fuel cell-powered aspirations back at CES, but the company has been radio silent ever since. Well, until today. As of this very moment in time, a trio of alternative energy charging solutions are up for pre-order on the company’s site, and while they promised that the family would be available by the end of 2010, it seems as if the first shipments will head out as early as next month. The Minipak — described as a charging device that integrates a passive air-breathing fuel cell and a ‘solid-state’ hydrogen storage unit — is up for pre-order at $99.99, while the monstrous Hydrofill water-to-hydrogen-to-power converter can also be claimed for $499.99. Last (but certainly not least), the Hydrostik can be reserved for a penny under a Hamilton. Go on, give that source link a look — your angered AAs will peter out before they’re able to take up arms, anyway.

[Thanks, Mitchell]

Horizon’s Minipak, Hydrofill and Hydrostik fuel cell devices go up for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceHorizon  | Email this | Comments

Griffin Adds Loop Stand, PowerBlock Plus, Elan Passport Nylon to iPad Lineup of Accessories

Griffin iPad Loop.jpg
Griffin Technology has added several new iPad accessories to the lineup available for Apple’s popular tablet computer.
The Loop ($29.99) is an elegant desktop stand that can hold the iPad in portrait or landscape mode. It works both at a high angle for use  as a digital photo frame or at a low angle for more comfortable onscreen typing. The Loop also has a cushioned cradle and rubber feet to protect both your iPad and your desk from scratches. It is available now at Apple retail stores.
The PowerBlock Plus ($34.99) is an AC wall charger that includes an extra outlet so that you can charge your iPad and another device (even another iPad) at the same time. That also means you won’t have to choose between your lamp or any other electrical device just because you’re running short of power outlets. It will be available from Best Buy in August. A $29.99 universal model of the PowerBlock Plus designed to work with any device that charges via USB is also available at the Griffin online store.
The Elan Passport Nylon ($49.99) is a portfolio-style case for the Apple iPad that features a microsuede lining and an inside pocket for business cards and papers. A tab on the front securely closes the case when you’re on the go. It is available now at the Griffin online store, or you can purchase it from Wal-Mart next month.
Also new to the line is the 3-meter USB to Dock Cable ($29.99) which is now available at Apple retail stores. At almost ten feet long, it will easily bridge the gap between the power outlet and the table you want to put your iPad on when you’re charging it up.

Yves Behar-designed GE WattStation electric vehicle charger spruces streets, juices cars

We’ve dug deep within the mind of Yves Béhar, and when that man designs something, we take notice. Particularly when the object of reference is an all-new electric vehicle charger that looks good enough for the sparkling streets of Minneapolis. Introduced today, the GE WattStation is a beautifully engineered EV charger designed to “accelerate the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles,” and furthermore, allow “utility companies to manage the impact of electric vehicles on the local and regional grids.” We’re also told that it’s capable of handling Level 2 (240V) charging, and if all goes to plan, it’ll be available globally next year. Oh, and if you’re considering a move to the inner city just to be near one, hold your horses — a specialized home version will be available later in 2010. Hop on past the break for a little showboating from Yves himself.

Continue reading Yves Behar-designed GE WattStation electric vehicle charger spruces streets, juices cars

Yves Behar-designed GE WattStation electric vehicle charger spruces streets, juices cars originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink fuseproject, Inhabitat  |   | Email this | Comments

JFE Engineering’s quick auto charger does 50% charge in three minutes, hits parking lots in March

JFE Engineering's quick auto charger does 50% charge in three minutes, hits parking lots in March

While range is an unfortunate limiting factor for electric vehicles, slow recharging time is perhaps even more troubling. Going 100 miles on a charge would be okay if you could stop at the corner electron stand and top up your cells while hitting the potty, and JFE Engineering’s quick charger gets makes that a reality, able to charge an EV’s batteries to 50 percent in just three minutes. Five minutes gets you a 70 percent charge, but from there things go downhill, with 30 minutes required for an 80 percent charge. The company is now pledging that these units will be ready for installation at convenience shops and the like by March — in Japan, of course. The “low cost” version is said to go for $60,000, while the standard model costs twice that. Fast-flowing electrons: expensive business.

JFE Engineering’s quick auto charger does 50% charge in three minutes, hits parking lots in March originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink CrunchGear  |  source47news  | Email this | Comments

Brandos Power Pack for iPhone Keeps You Charged and Ready

Brando Power Pack for iPhone.jpg
There are plenty of portable power pack accessories out there that are designed to keep your iPhone charged up, but this one is unique. The Power Pack for iPhone uses EL film to show the battery status at all times, so you’ll never have to wonder whether or not your battery pack is charged up and ready to go.
The entire front of the battery pack is encased in the special film, which constantly shows the charge status of the battery pack. When connected to your phone, the battery pack pulses just like an on-screen charging indicator, so you’ll know you have a good connection and your phone is being recharged.
The accessory has a 100 mAh capacity, which will charge your iPhone 3G for up to 3 hours of talk time, or up to 7 hours on an iPhone 2. It can add an additional 18 hours of audio playback, or 5.5 hours of Web surfing on Wi-Fi. Its slim design and flat profile make it easy to carry or slip into a gear bag, so you’ll never have to worry about your iPhone running out of power when you’re on the go.
Brando’s Power Pack for iPhone is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3G/3GS, and the iPhone 2. It is available now for $52 from the Brando online store.