There are two major complaints I have had for many years in the world of gadgets.

    1. Why do so many portable devices have to use unique batteries?
    2. Why can’t mobile phones all use the same connector and charger?

Someone out there heard me, at least for question #2. The GSMA trade association announced at its 2009 Mobile World Congress this month that the leading handset manufacturers have agreed on a cell phone charging standard. The target date for implementation is set to appear by Jan 1st, 2012, when most cell phones will use the same charger and micro USB connector. All major manufacturers have jumped on board…AT&T, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, T-Mobile, and Vodafone, but not Apple (no big surprise there). The charger is also being designed to be energy efficient using 50% less power when left in a power outlet. Because Apple uses their dock to charge the iPhone, it’s understandable they don’t want to change that, so that leaves either an adapter or separate USB connection (which won’t happen). Now will someone in the industry get back to me on the battery thing?