Don’t you hate it when that happens?

For some time now (since 2008/03/30, 05:44 PM, according to OneNote), I’ve been jotting down notes about stuff that’s very proprietary, but that should be more universal (or at least standards driven).  One of the things I focussed on was the idea of a universal battery charger for mobile (cellular) telephones.

Lo and behold, what should I see on euronews a day or so ago?  That’s right, an insert regarding a universal charger for mobile phones!  According the insert, “The world’s leading mobile phone manufacturers have agreed a deal to create a universal charger.”

The universal charger will utilise a micro USB port to connect to the phone.

Just so I have it on record, here’s some of the other stuff on my list of things ripe for rationalisation:

• Universal (or at least standardised) batteries for mobile phones. Currently, every single make and model of cellular phone has its own battery, usually not interchangeable with any other make/model.  Universal might be asking a bit much, but can we at least rationalise?
• Universal DC power supplies. Currently, every device out there that uses (say) 9V or 12V DC current has its own proprietary power supply, usually supplied as an expensive optional extra.  Each device/power supply also carries dire warnings about the consequences of using another manufacturer’s power supply.  The warnings range from equipment failure, to warranty invalidation, to injury or death.  If not a single switchable unit, could we at least have one unit per output rating?
• Universal electrical plugs. Perhaps a global standard is not realistic, but how about one standard per voltage, e.g. 110 or 220V.  It should be a “one size fits all” configuration (unlike SA, which has different 3-pin 5 and 15 Amp plugs and more recent support for 2-pin plugs).  Both 2-pin and 3-pin (earthed) plugs should fit the same outlet socket, i.e. the Line/Neutral terminals should not be blocked if no Earth pin is present (The Israeli system seems to work on that basis).  Pins should be small enough to prevent children from putting their fingers in outlets!

While I’m not in a position to take these ideas much further, I would like to be able to say “Hey, I thought of that first”, and back it up with a published post!

Universal phone charger deal done - Telecommunication : europa, europe | euronews