Phone chargers may become standardized by 2012

Do you currently own more than one mobile phone and detest the fact that every single one has its own different power adapter? Well, we’ve got some good news for you. It looks like 17 wireless operators and handset makers have agreed to standardize chargers by 2012. The mobile phone industry group, GSM Association, has stated that cast-off chargers currently generate more than 51,000 tons of waste a year. The standardization would also reduce the amount energy being depleted from unused power adapters attached to wall outlets not being used. On top of that, some consumers can become frustrated with having lots of wires hanging from wall outlets all over the place. Chargers would become interchangeable, making it easier to use alternate adapters for multiple phones. Some big names include AT&T, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and Qualcomm.

source: Wall Street Journal