Industry Associations Endorse Micro-USB Standard for Mobile Handsets
USB-IF Encouraged by Industry Support for Micro-USB
BEAVERTON, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) is pleased with the selection of Micro-USB, the small form factor USB connector by the Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) and three global industry bodies as the industry charging standard for mobile handsets. The GSM Association (GSMA), CTIA-The Wireless Association (CTIA) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) have all announced support for the broad adoption of Micro-USB in mobile handsets.
On February 11, 2009, the OMTP endorsed the Micro-USB connector as the Universal Charging Solution (UCS) for mobile devices to reduce the number of chargers manufactured, transported and subsequently disposed of. On February 17, at the GSMA’s Mobile World Congress, the GSMA and 17 mobile operators and manufacturers announced their commitment to implementing a UCS based on the OMTP recommendation. The GSMA aims to ensure the mobile industry adopts a standard format for energy-efficient mobile phone charging connections by January 1, 2012, to both reduce standby energy consumption by up to 50 percent and eliminate up to 51,000 metric tons of duplicate chargers.
In April 2009, at its Wireless 2009 trade show, CTIA announced its members’ support for broad adoption of the Micro-USB form factor as the UCS for mobile devices. On October 7, 2009, CTIA reiterated Micro-USB support for both charging and data transfer between mobile devices and chargers, personal computers and laptops. And on October 26, 2009, following the lead of the OMTP, GSMA, and CTIA, the ITU, the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues, announced its support of the energy-efficient Micro-USB standard.
“We are pleased that these associations have chosen Micro-USB as the preferred mobile device standard for charging and data transfer functions on mobile devices,” said Jeff Ravencraft, president and chairman of the USB-IF. “Micro-USB offers all the functionality of USB with a form appropriate for small, mobile devices. It’s an easy-to-use, efficient and low-cost solution for consumer devices. Micro-USB was designed to be a robust connector and is perfectly suited for the applications outlined by GSMA, CTIA and ITU.”
The USB-IF recognizes the industry standardization of Micro-USB for mobile handset chargers as the result of efforts from a group of diverse manufacturers working together to advance USB technology for consumers. For more information about Micro-USB and the USB Implementers Forum, visit www.usb.org.
Industry support for Micro-USB
“Micro-USB is Nokia’s choice for wired data transfer in mobile devices. Being able to charge via the same connector is extremely convenient for consumers. USB On-The-Go adds the capability to share energy between mobile devices, meaning that the Micro-USB solution provides unique value to the overall mobile ecosystem,” said Markku Verkama, Director, Devices R&D Nokia.
“Motorola is committed to providing compelling devices and solutions that are enriching for people and better for our planet,” said Bill Olson, Director, Office of Sustainability and Stewardship for Motorola Mobile Devices. “Micro-USB offers us an industry standard, small form-factor connector capable of charging and data transfer, which is well-suited for today’s slim devices.”
“User experience is a fundamental consideration of what we do at Sony Ericsson,” said Jacob Sten, Head of Sony Ericsson Accessories Department. “Micro-USB offers us a single port and method of connectivity for devices, eliminating the redundancy and waste associated with proprietary charging cables and connectors.”
About the USB-IF
The non-profit USB Implementers Forum, Inc. was formed to provide a support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of USB technology. The USB-IF facilitates the development of high-quality compatible USB devices, through its logo and compliance program and promotes the benefits of USB and the quality of products that have passed compliance testing. Further information, including postings of the most recent product and technology announcements, is available by visiting the USB-IF Web site at www.usb.org.
