OMTP agrees on micro-USB standard for mobiles

Just over eight months after the USB Implementers Forum completed the micro-USB specification, the Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) has recommended that the protocol be accepted as a universal standard for charging and syncing mobile devices. Reportedly, the "OMTP's paper recommends that the micro-USB standard" be adopted across the mobile industry in order to "streamline the whole value chain and provide end users with a larger choice of the most popular peripherals." Still, we're not told when handset manufacturers will start offering up the new port en masse, but at least we're makin' progress, eh?

[Schwinn @ Sep 21st 2007 2:04PM]

It's about time... it's so stupid to have a different, unique connector for every different brand AND MODEL of phone.

Still, I won't hold my breath... the last thing most of these companies want (the manufacuturers, as well as the sneaky cell companies) is the ability to use your hardware the way YOU want to.

[EdZ @ Sep 21st 2007 2:15PM]

What about the USB mini-D connector? I thought that was standard enough (and works exactly the same as regular USB, no extra software or changes in chip firmware required)?

[Brad @ Sep 21st 2007 2:16PM]

Motorola's new RAZR2 has the micro-USB interface. Are there any other mobiles on the market now which has micro-USB?

[Geoff @ Sep 21st 2007 2:20PM]

I don't think it's the manufacturers that will dislike this, as this will make phones cheaper as they can discontinue supplying a new adapter with each new phone since they will all be the same. It's the provider that's the problem. Verizon already change software and disable functions so they can charge for services that should be included already

[Rudiger Stevens @ Sep 23rd 2007 10:06PM]

Woohoo! I'll be able to get rid of my collection of chargers, finally!

Play ConquerClub a free online Risk style game

[Chip @ Sep 21st 2007 2:21PM]

EdZ, I wholeheartedly agree. I think on of the biggest selling points of Motorola is they use mini-D on most of their phones and headsets. HTC is "almost" on board but they still require that goofy pigtail. What specs will micro-USB provide that mini-USB doesn't? Is it just a size issue? Is the new micro more durable?

[Mark @ Sep 21st 2007 2:21PM]

It would be great if every portable device adopted this as a way to recharge. It's a pain in the butt packing for a trip and needing a charger for GPS, camera, cell phone, PDA, MP3 player, etc.

[Fuzzball @ Sep 21st 2007 2:28PM]

Damn it all. I have standardized on mini-USB across the board. All of my peripherals use this connector and I have more than enough chargers and mini-USB to USB cables to keep stuff charged. The one big advantage is being able to charge from my laptop when needed. Now I'm going to end up having micro-USB and mini-USB? This is BS.

My wife recently gave me a Motorola headset with micro-USB. I don't see the advantage of this port over mini-USB. It's about 1mm thiner. Thankfully they provide a converter, but I don't understand why OMTP doesn't stick with mini-USB. I have other devices which use mini-USB that aren't phone related and has been very convenient. PITA.

[Mr. B @ Sep 21st 2007 2:32PM]

With micro-USB, there's one last hurrah with buying yet another set of accessories. If you adopt mini-usb, the job is already half-done.

[Khris @ Sep 21st 2007 2:35PM]

This will be the new "Standard" until something bigger, better, and faster comes along. Then we'll all be excited about that new standard and buy all new accessories again.

Sorry....seems the record player is skipping again.

[Ed @ Sep 21st 2007 3:00PM]

My guess...


nanoUSB

You heard it here!

[Khris @ Sep 21st 2007 3:04PM]

picoUSB after that?

[Ian H. @ Sep 21st 2007 4:37PM]

I'm holding out for femto-USB...

[Dankoozy @ Sep 21st 2007 3:39PM]

if they would only make standard batteries for phones now. i'm sick of all these different li-ion batteries in different shapes and sizes that become extremely hard to find a few years after the phone is released.

[Khris @ Sep 21st 2007 3:45PM]

If they made a standardized battery, there would be more devices blowing up than just laptops! ;)

[daniel @ Sep 21st 2007 4:11PM]

USB power isn't standardized. They have a variety of different voltages and current specifications for different power supplies. I have many different mini usb charging devices currently and they DO NOT ALL interoperate.

That the USB body allows vendors to put the USB logo on plugs that offer non-standard power degrades their standard.

[E71 @ Sep 21st 2007 11:55PM]

It's cellphone not mobiles you limey (yeah I know you're not one but you sure talk like it).

[Kaleb @ Sep 22nd 2007 1:20AM]

My only worry is that we'd still get multiples of the same charger. With buying multiple Motorola products, I have 3-4 mini-USB chargers just sitting around. This lends the question, will the manufacturers stop shipping with the chargers and assume you already have one or will buy one? This I guess is good, but also a pain in the ass if you have to buy one for the first time.
But yeah, PITA that I have to either buy a new set of micro-USB devices or now have to buy a converter =(. It was hard enough getting adapters for my current equipment.

[Carbonize @ Sep 22nd 2007 4:29AM]

Ah Endgadget displays it's high level of journalistic excellence once again. A story about mobile phone manufacturers agreeing on a set standard for connection cable and not a single mention about them also talking about using the same type of memory cards and file format/directory tree.

Oh wait that's why they refer to themselves as bloggers and not journalists.

[sarcasm] Nice to know they read their own site. [/sarcasm]

[Discosis @ Sep 23rd 2007 8:50AM]

A while ago I saw a story about them standardising on MiniUSB.

Looks like *that* worked, then...