America takes comfort in the fact we lead technology, but with mobile devices we are the exception.  Europe is way ahead of us and so is China.  In fact, back in Dec 2006, China made the decision to standardize cell phone charges to have a micro USB port.  The reason, to reduce waste.  Back then, you purchased a phone and you’d get a new wall charger.  The charger was loaded with lead, plastic etc.  Today, you simply get a USB cable.

Last week 17 mobile phone companies officially made the plung to accept micro USB as the connection for recharging cell phones.  This decision was based on the same reasons as mentioned above. (more…)

USB will be the one standard for cell phone connections says the OMTP (Open Mobile Terminal Platform). microUSB that is.

We reported about China making the same decision back in Dec of 06, and as we predicted the same standard would hit the US. Well, it did…so one more feather in our [GetUSBinfo] cap.

China’s press release about the USB standard for cell phone connection was more direct. The recycling costs of different types of cables is too high, to standardize on a single USB charger connection means reduced costs for the manufacturer. In my opinion, a good decision like making USB the single standard benefits the consumer by having a universal plug (rare!) and it betters the environment with less cable crap.

Reference: China sets standard for USB as cell phone charger connection.