Universal charger with all these new phones?

Join DateOct 2003Posts117CarrierVerizon WirelessFeedback Score0


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I noticed that with the Thunderbolt and Incredible 2, the charger is essentially just a powered USB port. Does this mean that we've reached the utopia of universal charger, i.e. I can use the Incredible 2's charger with the Thunderbolt, and vice versa?
Or more broadly, use either of these chargers with ANY usb chargeable devices such as other smartphones, iPods, portable GPS units, etc?

Join DateAug 2002Posts965CarrierVerizon WirelessFeedback Score0

I noticed that with the Thunderbolt and Incredible 2, the charger is essentially just a powered USB port. Does this mean that we've reached the utopia of universal charger, i.e. I can use the Incredible 2's charger with the Thunderbolt, and vice versa?
Or more broadly, use either of these chargers with ANY usb chargeable devices such as other smartphones, iPods, portable GPS units, etc?
For the most part. Just make sure your device sees it as an AC charger and not a USB port from a computer, or the charge rate will be slower (ie. Droid Charge using iPhone plug).

Join DateJun 2003Posts584PhoneHTC ThunderboltCarrierVerizon WirelessFeedback Score0

Does this mean that we've reached the utopia of universal charger,Back in early 2009, PCWorld had an article about manufacturers and operators working on universal charging. It looks we've been seeing the results of that work. Excerpt: Moving to a universal charger will be a boon for both users and the environment by reducing the amount of waste, since fewer chargers have to be thrown away. It will make life a lot easier for users, who will be able to charge their mobile phones using any available charger, and when they buy a new phone they won't have to get a new charger.

Join DateOct 2003Posts117CarrierVerizon WirelessFeedback Score0

Nice! Good point drFunk about the charge rate. And yep CellH I remember reading about the move to universal charger. I thought it was toward microUSB, which I guess is true on the phone end. But adding another detachment point to put in regular USB is a brilliant idea.
And for future references, I checked the input/output ratings of both the thunderbolt and Incredible 2's chargers. Both have the same and are good for international travel as well. The Thunderbolt might need additional plugs depending on the destination.

Join DateJul 2005LocationUnited StatesPosts11,375CarrierVerizonFeedback Score0

Don't forget that not all charging cables are equal. Some cheaper charger cables will only charge the phone when connected to a computer USB port and will not allow data transfer. Just something to keep in mind.
I do agree that a universal power adapter should be a reality across the board with all cellular manufacturers and all models of cell phones. I am tired of having to buy all new charging accessories every time I buy a new phone.

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Join DateJun 2003Posts584PhoneHTC ThunderboltCarrierVerizon WirelessFeedback Score0

Don't forget that not all charging cables are equal.My old landlord learned that the hard way... The cable he purchased could do data transfers but couldn't charge the phone.

Join DateOct 2003LocationSan Francisco Bay AreaPosts2,244PhonesBlackberry Storm, Motorola Droid, W385Retired: Motorola V710,V9M, StarTac7868,T730, SC725, DPC550(analog), V325CarrierVerizon Wireless (since 1994 as GTE MobileNet)Feedback Score0

This issue comes up with the LTE MiFi. When plugged into a computer, the device thinks that it is going to be getting a firmware update, which is all you can do over USB data with this device (no USB tethering, like with the 3G MiFi), and turns off the WiFi. But if connected to the supplied charger, then it is fully functional. There seems to be some question whether the difference is the cable (only connecting the power wires), or that the particular charger has higher current capacity than most chargers.
In any case, as I understand it, the EU decreed that all mobile phones (even a certain one from Apple) use micro-USB for charging, but I don't know the effective date. The standardization seems to be also happening in the U.S., even without a government order.

Join DateNov 2006LocationNorth CarolinaPosts178PhonesSamsung A950verizon VoyagerG Zone BoulderCarrierVerizonFeedback Score0

I only buy phones with micro USB charger. Been like this since I bought the storm way back when. Also over in europe apple is suppose to be going micro soon
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Skype Brings Video Calling to Android Phones

Skype today announced an updated version of its Skype for Android app – Skype for Android 2.0, bringing Skype Video Calling to the currently fastest growing mobile OS(1).

With the new version, users will be able to make and receive free(2) 1-to-1 video calls over Skype between their Android phone and other Skype contacts on the iPhone, Mac, Windows PCs and even TVs(3). Skype for Android with video works over Wi-Fi or 3G data connections and can be downloaded for free from the Android Market or Skype.com/m using any phone browser.

“We are committed to bring Skype Video Calling to as many platforms as possible and are delighted to deliver on this with our new updated Skype for Android app,” said Neil Stevens, Skype’s vice president and general manager for product and marketing. “With approximately 30 million concurrent users logging into Skype at any given time(4) and making up to half a million simultaneous video calls(5), Skype for Android with video makes it even easier for users to share moments with their contacts wherever they are.”

In addition to video calls, users can also make calls to landlines and mobiles around the world, as well as send SMS’s to friends and family anywhere in the world at great Skype rates. All this comes with a complete redesign of the Skype for Android user interface. There's a new main menu on the Skype app for Android where users can navigate easily through their contacts, access their Skype profile to change personal details or see the balance of their Skype Credit. Finally a new mood message box at the top of the Skype app menu makes it easier than ever for users to share how they are feeling, what they've seen, or what they're up to.

For this first phase of launch, handsets that support video calling include the HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia neo, Sony Ericsson Xperia pro and the Google Nexus S.

1 Source: Gartner report "Market Share Analysis: Mobile Devices, Worldwide, 1Q11"

2 Additional data charges may apply

3 iPhone, iPod Touch (4th gen) with iOS4 or higher, Skype for Windows version 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac OS X version 5.0 and above

4 As of March 2011

5 At peak times as of June 2011

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