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Wouldn't this EU bill (should it pass) affect chargers included w/ handheld consoles?

S

Sendou

Member
AFP

Strasbourg — The European Union took another step on Thursday towards the mandatory introduction of a common mobile phone charger, which could power-up all makes of handsets.
The European Parliament in Strasbourg voted in favour of draft legislation which would include compatibility with "universal" chargers as one of the "essential requirements" of all electrical goods approved for sale in the EU.

While the bill has the informal backing of the EU's 28 member states, it is now up to the European Commission, the EU's executive, to detail what a common phone charger should look like and the conditions under which it would be imposed on the industry.

If adopted in its current form, the legislation would include all "radio" products, meaning any piece of equipment which receives or emits radio waves with the purpose of communication, including mobile phones, GPS systems, tablets and wireless car door openers.
Click to expand...

I wonder. Obviously this is made for mobile phones but wouldn't the definition also include handheld consoles like Vita and 3DS? It sounds like the bill is close to passing. Am I wrong to draw a conclusion that in theory should 4DS or Vita 2 or whatever release after the bill has passed they would be forced to adopt Micro USB as a means to charge the device instead of using whatever embarrasing system they have in place at that time (both Vita and 3DS use non-standard chargers). How about controllers? I know this is a stretch but is it really too far fetched?

Oh and sorry if old.
 
Nope. I've read a little bit about this, and it's strictly for mobile phones (smartphones included, obviously). But maybe they've changed the bill since then... and the highlighted part seem to suggest that. Still, purpose of handhelds is not communication, so they wouldn't be included.

Though a standard charger for handhelds would be awesome.
 
Maybe if it's the Vita 3G, but other than that I'd guess no.
 
L~A said:
Nope. I've read a little bit about this, and it's strictly for mobile phones (smartphones included, obviously).

Though a standard charger for handhelds would be awesome.
Click to expand...

But... but...

"wireless car door openers".

Also I'd like to hear why it wouldn't include stuff like handheld consoles if that was going to be the wording they went with.
 
L~A said:
Nope. I've read a little bit about this, and it's strictly for mobile phones (smartphones included, obviously).

Though a standard charger for handhelds would be awesome.
Click to expand...
So this is not correct?
If adopted in its current form, the legislation would include all "radio" products, meaning any piece of equipment which receives or emits radio waves with the purpose of communication, including mobile phones, GPS systems, tablets and wireless car door openers.
Click to expand...
 
Dead Man said:
So this is not correct?
Click to expand...

I have found this:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/pdfs/news/expert/infopress/20140307IPR38122/20140307IPR38122_en.pdf

Which states:

MEPs called for a renewed effort to develop a common charger for certain categories of
radio equipment, in particular mobile phones, because it would simplify their use and
would reduce unnecessary waste and costs.

They amended the draft law to stipulate that the ability to work with common chargers will
be an essential requirement for radio equipment. However, it will be up to the European
Commission to decide which specific types of radio equipment will have to meet this
requirement, the text adds.


So there still needs to come a decision on that.

I wish it would also be for handhelds and such, but Nintendo is not even delivering a charger with the 3DS XL currently.
 
L~A said:
You're missing the most important part which is "with the purpose of communication". I'm not sure handhelds apply.
Click to expand...

I'm not fluent with English but I would imagine communication can mean many things. It can mean communication between devices or people. Although judging how they specified this bill would include "wireless car door openers" I would think it is indeed communication with devices and therefore it would also include controllers used for gaming.

Prophet Steve said:
I wish it would also be for handhelds and such, but Nintendo is not even delivering a charger with the 3DS XL currently.
Click to expand...

I don't think nobody really gave a shit if you could charge it with standard micro USB. That would be amazing.
 
MikeJAMoran said:
Seen this for a while. God, I hate the EU. This may be a consumer-friendly move, but they should not have the power to do it.
Click to expand...

So you are against consumer friendly legislation?
I'm sure it would work much better if every government mandated it themselves leading to 27 different standards for companies to comply with.
It's not just about consumers its for the industry aswell.

And it is 100% within the scope of what the EU was created for: single market!
 
Depends on how tight their classification of radio signals is - a handheld's use of wireless would almost certainly fall into the category of communication.
 
MikeJAMoran said:
This may be a consumer-friendly move
Click to expand...

As well as an environmentally sound move, how many chargers get binned with the phones after user's move onto new handsets?

I can see manufacturers taking a Nintendo view point in the future and stop shipping power supplies with phones on the assumption that the consumer may already have one. The people that don't have one can have one shipped seperately.

I'm sure the amount of adapters produced per year must be quite shocking.
 
L~A said:
You're missing the most important part which is "with the purpose of communication". I'm not sure handhelds apply (edit: but then again, I'm no legal specialist...)
Click to expand...

You specifically said phones only, which is contradicted by that passage.

Prophet Steve said:
I have found this:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/pdfs/news/expert/infopress/20140307IPR38122/20140307IPR38122_en.pdf

Which states:

MEPs called for a renewed effort to develop a common charger for certain categories of
radio equipment, in particular mobile phones, because it would simplify their use and
would reduce unnecessary waste and costs.

They amended the draft law to stipulate that the ability to work with common chargers will
be an essential requirement for radio equipment. However, it will be up to the European
Commission to decide which specific types of radio equipment will have to meet this
requirement, the text adds.


So there still needs to come a decision on that.

I wish it would also be for handhelds and such, but Nintendo is not even delivering a charger with the 3DS XL currently.
Click to expand...
Thanks, hope it is for more than just phones.
 
Good.
I don't want to carry around a different charger for each portable device I own.
Plus, I hope phone/handheld manufactures offer a "cable-free" retail version of their products. I have accumulated enough micro usb chargers over the years to last me 5 lifetimes.
 
my understanding is its mostly aimed at mobile phones and tablets. would expect handhelds like the replacement to 3ds and vita to also use it (but voluntary not mandatory).

I think they are going to have a new connector like a micro usb 3.0 with possible a higher charging rate.

I don't think this will effect macbooks/laptops due to the higher power required.

If my memory serves me right this is the reason most phones already use mirco usb as it was recommended (but not mandatory) but apple refused to use it so they are now making it law and adding extra product ranges to the list.
 
Nope. This isn't going to change much.

http://www.independent.ie/business/...-law-wont-hit-smartphone-makers-30091690.html

But a loophole will allow phone makers to continue supplying different connector cables with their phones.

The loophole means that iPhone and Android users will continue to have separate cables when charging their smartphones.

"I think some people make the wrong assumption that this means we have to have the same connectors," said Paul Meller, communications director for Digital Europe, which represents Apple, Samsung and other smartphone manufacturers.

"But this is not what the lawmakers are talking about at all. When we talk about harmonisation of the charger, we are only talking about the bit that goes into the wall. The other part, which is the cable that connects the charger to the phone, can remain individualised. I'm not sure that people are quite understanding that fully."

Mr Meller said that he was not concerned that the directive might include a provision on common connectors before being passed into law in two years' time.

"We see no evidence of that, no," he said.
Click to expand...
 
genbatzu said:
so apple has to adopt to usb and abandon the new fancy lightning charge thingy?
Click to expand...

I hope so.
This has been in the cards for so long, no company can claim to be surprised by this. That Apple said fu and recently decided to go their own way (as usual) should not be tolerated imho.
 
TheDrowningMan said:
Nope. This isn't going to change much.

http://www.independent.ie/business/...-law-wont-hit-smartphone-makers-30091690.html
Click to expand...

I won't even bother pretending I understand what he is saying there.

genbatzu said:
doesn't the new vita is comptabile with micro usb charging?

quick google search
Click to expand...

Cool. Didn't know that.

KillerMan91 said:
Should also make law that it's mandatory to include charger with every battery powered device. Fucking Nintendo.
Click to expand...

How about no?
 
FliXFantatier said:
I hope so.
Click to expand...

It won't, and I hope that never comes to pass, because I hate fiddling with micro-USB when I can avoid it. Such a poor design.

With that said, I would support companies having to include a micro-USB - proprietary adaptor in the box. That allows room for both design and convenience; I don't like micro-USB, but I've got plenty laying around, and I'd use it ahead of buying a new Lightning cable if, for instance, one broke.
 
genbatzu said:
so apple has to adopt to usb and abandon the new fancy lightning charge thingy?

//edit:

doesn't the new vita is comptabile with micro usb charging?

quick google search
Click to expand...

They're already released a lightning to micro-usb adapter for this very reason.

The Real Napsta said:
If this made apple stop using their garbage proprietary charge port in favor of micro USB, I would be a very happy camper.
Click to expand...

Their garbage proprietary charge port is so much better than micro USB. Micro USB is a giant step backwards. Happily, they won't have to start using it, because the EU allows them to use an adapter instead.
 
TheDrowningMan said:
It won't, and I hope that never comes to pass, because I hate fiddling with micro-USB when I can avoid it. Such a poor design.
Click to expand...
What might be the standard is up to debate, I hold no love for microUSB either and live the apple engineer cable. Nevertheless an industry standard is always a good idea for many reasons.

TheDrowningMan said:
With that said, I would support companies having to include a micro-USB - proprietary adaptor in the box. That allows room for both design and convenience; I don't like micro-USB, but I've got plenty laying around, and I'd use it ahead of buying a new Lightning cable if, for instance, one broke.
Click to expand...

That seems utterly pointless we might be reducing the overall amount of waste but it would still cause us to have to carry arround many different adaptors which this shouold be trying to avaid from the get go.
 
the eu really has stupid regulations and 99% of them are total lobbyist crap (e.g. the EU Seed Legislation Reform, thank god it didn't came through)

but unified usb charger would be great...

we currently have 2x iPhone, 1-2x 3DS, 1x Vita (OLED), 1x Macbook Pro Retina Chargers in the bedhead case >.<
 
L~A said:
You're missing the most important part which is "with the purpose of communication". I'm not sure handhelds apply (edit: but then again, I'm no legal specialist...)
Click to expand...

"receives or emits radio waves with the purpose of communication"
It's not saying the device's purpose is communication, it's that the device is using radio waves for communication. A handheld receives and emits WiFi (and some 3G) radio waves with the purpose of communication.
 
genbatzu said:
the eu really has stupid regulations and 99% of them are total lobbyist crap
Click to expand...

hyperbole much?

OChS6SK.png
 
FliXFantatier said:
hyperbole much?
Click to expand...

It's a viewpoint that makes a lot of sense for people to have, given that the media loves to portray a vast portion of EU legislation as being ridiculous or pointless. Often either misrepresenting the content of regulations or just not reporting the reasoning behind it. The EU obviously isn't perfect, and things do get regulated where perhaps they shouldn't, but also in many cases regulation that sounds ridiculous really is not when it comes down to it, but serves a legitimate purpose.

The whole idea that the EU can only handle things of great importance is also rather strange to me. Why should the EU only concern itself with things like that, when legislation in various areas would be most efficient if it was valid throughout the European Union? This universal charger thing alone is a perfect example, it's not something most individual member states could achieve, but if manufacturers have to adhere to it to sell in the common market, then they're effectively forced to. It's not like regulation like this distracts from dealing with the economic crisis. We're not talking about an organization where every member state just sends one dude over to handle everything.
 
MikeJAMoran said:
Seen this for a while. God, I hate the EU. This may be a consumer-friendly move, but they should not have the power to do it.

Anyone remember their insane plan to ban refillable olive oil bottles in restaurants? Why is this an issue? Fix the god damn economy first, you fools.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22644280
Click to expand...

Oh ffs, first, there's no such thing as 'the EU'. Second, this 'plan' you're talking about came from the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and was shut down before it even reached the parliament and was, as such, never much of a plan.
 
The Real Napsta said:
If this made apple stop using their garbage proprietary charge port in favor of micro USB, I would be a very happy camper.
Click to expand...

You're out of your damn mind. Apple's lightning connector shits on MicroUSB from a great height.

- it's impossible to plug in wrong.
- it's a very solid connection. It clicks into place so you know you've got it connected.
- no play at all in the connector, which makes it far less prone to breakage.

I've not had anything with a miniUSB that wasn't a complete pain in the ass to plug in. The cables tend to be made very cheaply and malfunction quite easily.
 
Kabouter said:
It's a viewpoint that makes a lot of sense for people to have, given that the media loves to portray a vast portion of EU legislation as being ridiculous or pointless. Often either misrepresenting the content of regulations or just not reporting the reasoning behind it. The EU obviously isn't perfect, and things do get regulated where perhaps they shouldn't, but also in many cases regulation that sounds ridiculous really is not when it comes down to it, but serves a legitimate purpose.

The whole idea that the EU can only handle things of great importance is also rather strange to me. Why should the EU only concern itself with things like that, when legislation in various areas would be most efficient if it was valid throughout the European Union? This universal charger thing alone is a perfect example, it's not something most individual member states could achieve, but if manufacturers have to adhere to it to sell in the common market, then they're effectively forced to. It's not like regulation like this distracts from dealing with the economic crisis. We're not talking about an organization where every member state just sends one dude over to handle everything.
Click to expand...
Even if neither of those happens, the self-selection of what is reported in the media already presents a distorted view. You'll generally never hear about legislation which isn't controversial.
 
gblues said:
I've not had anything with a miniUSB that wasn't a complete pain in the ass to plug in. The cables tend to be made very cheaply and malfunction quite easily.
Click to expand...

And once they do, you can just replace them by a new, ten dollar charger instead of having the pay the usual Apple mark-up.
 
gblues said:
You're out of your damn mind. Apple's lightning connector shits on MicroUSB from a great height.

- it's impossible to plug in wrong.
- it's a very solid connection. It clicks into place so you know you've got it connected.
- no play at all in the connector, which makes it far less prone to breakage.

I've not had anything with a miniUSB that wasn't a complete pain in the ass to plug in. The cables tend to be made very cheaply and malfunction quite easily.
Click to expand...
If you can get the Xbox One play & charge cable, you'll change your mind.
 
gblues said:
You're out of your damn mind. Apple's lightning connector shits on MicroUSB from a great height.

- it's impossible to plug in wrong.
- it's a very solid connection. It clicks into place so you know you've got it connected.
- no play at all in the connector, which makes it far less prone to breakage.

I've not had anything with a miniUSB that wasn't a complete pain in the ass to plug in. The cables tend to be made very cheaply and malfunction quite easily.
Click to expand...

Yep.

It's all very well wanting a 'common' standard, but it certainly shouldn't be anything like Micro-USB, because it's just not good enough. It's like saying that VHS should have never been replaced because, you know, millions of units in houses.
 
Uh, isn't this already in?
I mean, it's been five years or so since every camera and smartphone i see in the EU has a micro or mini USB charge port.
 
Coen said:
And once they do, you can just replace them by a new, ten dollar charger instead of having the pay the usual Apple mark-up.
Click to expand...

Except Apple's Lightning cables aren't breaking, that's the point.

And you can get cheap sub-ten dollar Lightning cables too. Amazon has their own Apple-certified ones for $13. So your point is moot. Sad to see a person with an Ace Attorney avatar not doing any investigating.
 
Sendou said:
How about no?
Click to expand...

Why 'no'? I think it's pretty reasonable to want to something to charge your battery-powered device. If I sell my original 3DS to upgrade to a 3DSXL, I'm going to have to supply the buyer with the charging cable. Why should I have to go out of my way to get another cable aftermarket and wait for it to come in while my 3DSXL sits there, battery drained?
 
Coen said:
Oh ffs, first, there's no such thing as 'the EU'. Second, this 'plan' you're talking about came from the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and was shut down before it even reached the parliament and was, as such, never much of a plan.
Click to expand...

It didn't get very far, but it was still a 'plan', and what do you mean there's no such thing as 'the EU'? Your post is confusing! I'm guessing you're just pro-EU and I'm anti-EU. That's just an admittedly frivolous example, I'm more against the EU contradicting my country's sovereignty and constitution by existing as a higher law-making body than my elected government, that's all.

MysteryM said:
As well as an environmentally sound move, how many chargers get binned with the phones after user's move onto new handsets?

I can see manufacturers taking a Nintendo view point in the future and stop shipping power supplies with phones on the assumption that the consumer may already have one. The people that don't have one can have one shipped seperately.

I'm sure the amount of adapters produced per year must be quite shocking.
Click to expand...

Definitely true. My only issue with the reality of this being implemented would be hampering innovation. New charger ideas would have to be approved, implemented into new technologies, companies would have to all work together, etc. Seems like a bit of a logistical nightmare.
 
MikeJAMoran said:
It didn't get very far, but it was still a 'plan', and what do you mean there's no such thing as 'the EU'? Your post is confusing! I'm guessing you're just pro-EU and I'm anti-EU. That's just an admittedly frivolous example, I'm more against the EU contradicting my country's sovereignty and constitution by existing as a higher law-making body than my elected government, that's all.
Click to expand...
He means that the EU isn't some sort of monolithic independent entity that just forces its will upon the people of Europe. Usually, most anti-EU sentiments seem to stem from not understanding what the EU actually is, probably because demagogues find it incredibly productive to paint the EU as something 'other'.
 
Kabouter said:
He means that the EU isn't some sort of monolithic independent entity that just forces its will upon the people of Europe. Usually, most anti-EU sentiments seem to stem from not understanding what the EU actually is, probably because demagogues find it incredibly productive to paint the EU as something 'other'.
Click to expand...

My dislike doesn't stem from political rhetoric or the Daily Mail, it's from the single indisputable fact that the EU contravenes my country's sovereignty and I don't like that. I personally don't think we benefit from it much (smaller countries like Ireland benefit hugely), although that's certainly debatable.
 
The new Vita model uses Micro USB now I think and Nintendo doesn't even include a charger in their 3DS XL package...
 
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