3 ms·

Just imagine if this had been done in the 90s, we’d be stuck on VGA cables for all video and wouldn’t have hi-def TV. Strict regulation causes ossification.

bloppe 4y ago
The regulation does not require devices to only support USB-C, just that they at least support USB-C for charging. They can always have multiple ports. If the 40Gbps offered by USB-C is really not enough for you, then your device is probably big enough that multiple ports does not mess up your device's form factor. Also, the regulation does not require devices to support USB-C forever, just that all devices support the same open charging standard. That standard can and will evolve over time; maybe not as fast as it would if not regulated, but it's pretty contrived to think it would actually stifle innovation.
makeitdouble 4y ago
The EU did it before, forcing phone manufacturers to move to micro-usb https://www.wired.com/2009/06/europe-gets-universal-cellphone-charger-in-2010/ https://www.wired.com/2009/06/europe-gets-universal-cellphon... From memory, Apple argued for an exception and got it approved for its products. So, having this kind of directive doesn't block special products, nor has any specific impact on the field evolving healthily. If anything, without this kind of regulation we'd probably still have 95 different charging cable standards.
- zaarn 4y ago
  Apple didn't quite got an approved exception, the previous agreement on micro-USB was essentially a non-binding agreement between the industry and the EU. With the heavy implication that if it's not adhered to, then the EU will make it a regulation or directive. Apple adhered by letter by making chargers USB and the phone not have USB, contrary to what the agreement wanted to achieve in spirit. The EU approving this directive is simply the logical end conclusion of apple (and some small fish) not playing ball when asked to.

bloppe 4y ago

The regulation does not require devices to only support USB-C, just that they at least support USB-C for charging. They can always have multiple ports. If the 40Gbps offered by USB-C is really not enough for you, then your device is probably big enough that multiple ports does not mess up your device's form factor. Also, the regulation does not require devices to support USB-C forever, just that all devices support the same open charging standard. That standard can and will evolve over time; maybe not as fast as it would if not regulated, but it's pretty contrived to think it would actually stifle innovation.

makeitdouble 4y ago

The EU did it before, forcing phone manufacturers to move to micro-usb https://www.wired.com/2009/06/europe-gets-universal-cellphone-charger-in-2010/ https://www.wired.com/2009/06/europe-gets-universal-cellphon... From memory, Apple argued for an exception and got it approved for its products. So, having this kind of directive doesn't block special products, nor has any specific impact on the field evolving healthily. If anything, without this kind of regulation we'd probably still have 95 different charging cable standards.

zaarn 4y ago
Apple didn't quite got an approved exception, the previous agreement on micro-USB was essentially a non-binding agreement between the industry and the EU. With the heavy implication that if it's not adhered to, then the EU will make it a regulation or directive. Apple adhered by letter by making chargers USB and the phone not have USB, contrary to what the agreement wanted to achieve in spirit. The EU approving this directive is simply the logical end conclusion of apple (and some small fish) not playing ball when asked to.