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EU advocates unified use of Type-C IT industry: convenient for users to reduce e-waste or limit product design

2021-09-25T21:33:19.667Z


The latest bill of the European Commission requires that all mobile devices sold in the EU, including mobile phones, tablets, headsets, digital cameras, and portable electronic game consoles, must use USB Type-C as the standard charger.


The latest European Commission bill requires that all mobile devices sold in the European Union, including mobile phones, tablets, headsets, digital cameras and portable electronic game consoles, must all use USB Type-C as the standard charging interface. If the bill is passed by the European Parliament, It will take effect in two years.


Fang Baoqiao, honorary chairman of the Hong Kong Information Technology Chamber of Commerce, and Liu Zhifeng, director-general of the environmental group "Green Earth", believe that if the relevant requirements are implemented, it will be convenient for users, help reduce e-waste, and be environmentally friendly.

He Liji, executive director of the Hong Kong Shippers' Council, believes that two years will be enough to "clean out used goods."


Apple responded to concerns about hindering innovation. Fan Jianwen, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Information Technology Chamber of Commerce, explained that no major deficiencies or security issues have been found in the Type-C line, but in the future technology companies may be restricted to Type-C when designing new products. To increase R&D costs or time, it is not surprising that Apple raised the relevant concerns; Zhao Zhixiong, chairman of the China-Hong Kong Small and Medium-sized Enterprises International Exchange and Investment Association, also agreed that the new requirements may limit the design of new products, which may affect the service life of some parts. Long-term electronic product users will find it difficult to buy alternatives after the "old lines" are eliminated in the future, and they will have to purchase additional "plug in" or be forced to switch to new products.


Liu Zhifeng, director-general of the environmental group "Green Earth", pointed out that the Hong Kong government’s past statistics have revealed that more than 70,000 metric tons of e-waste was shipped to landfills within a year. Avoid creating more electronic waste, which is good for environmental protection.

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"Going in the world" to facilitate users to reduce e-waste

The European Commission’s bill recommending the unified use of USB Type-C as a standard charging interface has attracted the attention of users. "Hong Kong 01" interviewed the information technology community, investment community and environmental protection groups to understand the views of all parties on the proposal.

Fang Baoqiao, Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Information Technology Chamber of Commerce, believes that the Type-C charging cable is cheaper than Apple’s Lightning cable, and the file transfer speed is faster. In addition, the “miscellaneous” Lightning cable cannot be used anytime after the update. Type-C will make it more convenient for users.

Liu Zhifeng, the director-general of the environmental group "Green Earth", said that the Hong Kong government's past statistics have revealed that more than 70,000 metric tons of e-waste was transported to landfills within a year. , To avoid the production of more electronic waste, which is environmentally friendly.

Fang Baoqiao, Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Information Technology Chamber of Commerce, believes that if USB Type-C is adopted as a standard charging interface in the future, it will be convenient for users and can "go all over the world."

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The two-year adaptation period is expected to be enough for accessories merchants to "clear the goods"

As for the stores selling electronic accessories, Fang Baoqiao believes that the impact is not significant. Two years are sufficient for transition and "clearance", and it is easier for manufacturers of accessories to control costs in the long run.

He explained that most of the new Android phones released in the past one or two years have already used Type-C. In addition, in recent years, there have been frequent suggestions for a unified charging plug. "Some new Apple products (such as the third-generation iPad Pro 12.9) (Or the 4th generation iPad Air) has switched to Type-C. It is only the iPhone that uses the Lightning line. Unless the manufacturer recently buys a new device that produces the Lightning line, it may be affected." He added, the electronic products and accessories The cycle and life span are not long. Most of the styles have been eliminated after two years.

Apple responded that the latest European Commission bill requires mobile devices to uniformly use USB Type-C as a standard charging interface, which will hinder innovation.

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He Liji, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Shippers' Committee, also stated that electronic accessories have to be replaced every few years at the longest. In addition, there is a two-year adaptation period. I believe it will not have a big impact. I haven't heard anyone immediately stop Lightning line orders: "Two years are enough. , The industry is most afraid of suddenness and no time to prepare!"

Restrict the use of Type-C only, or restrict the design of new products, increase R&D costs at any time

Regarding Apple's response to concerns about hindering innovation, Fan Jianwen, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Information Technology Chamber of Commerce, explained that the Type-C cable has not been found to have major deficiencies or security issues. From the user's point of view, it is more convenient to have a unified charging cable.

However, if the EU bill is passed, future technology companies will have the opportunity to be limited to Type-C when designing new products. At that time, R&D costs or time may be increased, and it will be passed on to consumers. Therefore, it is not surprising that Apple raised the relevant concerns.

Zhao Zhixiong, chairman of the China-Hong Kong Small and Medium-sized Enterprises International Exchange and Investment Association, also said that if the Hong Kong government follows the EU’s decision, it may affect investors. For example, compatibility and increased costs must be considered in the design, and some old products have a longer service life. At that time, users may need to purchase special "re-insertion" or even be forced to purchase new products. It is suggested that the Hong Kong government should study whether there is an actual impact before considering whether to follow suit.

01News

The European Union pushes for a global unified USB-C iPhone or needs to redesign the United States and the European Union plan to jointly crack down on the large technology giants Google, Apple and Facebook become the target EU recommends the unified use of USB-C in electronic products to reduce e-waste iPhone 13 Huaqiangbei quoted an expensive price of nearly 3,000 yuan for the iPhone 13 "dismantling". The battery size has increased to extend the battery life and the face ID module has been exposed.

Source: hk1

All news articles on 2021-09-25

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