GSM Arena Confirms Mobile Universal Charger Format

Author Gordon Kelly
Published 18th Feb 2009
GSM Arena Confirms Mobile Universal Charger Format
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There has been a lot of hubbub about this next item which I find surprising since it was actually first announced way back in September 2007. Clearly however it's time to repeat the message...


This week the GSM Arena and a whole gaggle of major mobile operators have announced (again) that the micro USB format (right, verses the commonly confused mini USB, left) will be the new universal charger standard for mobile phones. The aim of the initiative is firstly to cut down waste and inconvenience for consumers. Secondly is an environmental project with the belief a move to more energy efficient chargers could cut power consumption by 50 per cent and eliminate up to 51,000 tonnes of duplicate chargers.

The goal is to make this universal charging solution (yes, it has an acronym: UCS) the majority interface by 1 January 2012 with their energy efficiency in line with targets set out by the Open Mobile Terminal Platform (ditto: OMTP).

So who is aboard? The initial group of companies behind the UCS initiative include 3 Group, AT&T, KTF, LG, mobilkom austria, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, Telenor, Telstra, T-Mobile and Vodafone.

Given its general enthusiasm for all things proprietary, Sony Ericsson is a surprising and welcome member but I can't see Apple giving up its dock connector and consequently compatibility with all its iPhone accessories just yet...

Link:
Press Release

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Latest 4 of 13 Comments

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comment Gordon said on 18th February 2009

@Gnormie - agreed, though mini USB can also support charging and sound + data ;)

comment Kanu said on 18th February 2009

This is a good move, will cut waste. Should have been done a long time ago. No doubt apple wil continue to hold out in order to exploit consumers on accessories, while still claimi... more

comment mark said on 19th February 2009

A rechargeable toothbrush just sits in a holder to be charged. I thought that the way to go was to enable charging of anything one can think of, by just laying it onto a pad. That ... more

comment Gnormie said on 19th February 2009

@ mark
It is possible for example with the Palm Pre's touchstone, the only thing is it can only do power whereas the USB cable does data aswell.

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