HTC and O2 are buddying up to release a phone that will be sold sans charger, Pocket-lint reports. The phone will be launched as part of a pilot scheme designed to tackle the number of unused chargers -- currently estimated at around 100 million -- thought to be in circulation in the UK.
O2 cites statistics that suggest up to 70 per cent of people who buy one of the 30 million new phones sold in the UK every year already possess the appropriate charger.
"I have a simple vision for O2: we want to take chargers out of boxes full stop," said Ronan Dunne, the network's CEO. It's an honourable aim to have, but it does beg the question as to what the other 30 per cent are supposed to do. I imagine there will be an option at the checkout to include a charger for some extra dollar.
A bit like ripping open a new toy on Christmas day to discover batteries aren't included, the move could prove a real inconvenience (not to mention disappointment) to some consumers. When Nintendo released the 3DS XL earlier this year, it also refrained from sticking a plug in the box, which apparently was to reduce the up-front cost of the handheld games gizmo. It just proved awkward and annoying.
Similarly, many people appreciate having more than one charger that can be used with a device and there's nothing to prove that all the surplus chargers out there are definitely bundled up in the cable drawer (you know the one I mean).
Much like the Kindle, a USB to micro-USB cable will be included in the box, which means that even if you don't already possess the right three-pin socket filler, you should still be able to charge the phone via a computer.
There are also environmental benefits to leaving phone chargers out of the box, as the transport and packaging needed to deliver each phone will be reduced.
Do you think HTC and O2 have got this one right, or would you prefer to always have a charger thrown in with a new phone? Let me know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page. And if you fancy a laugh, be sure to check out our round-up of phone charger concepts, which range from the brilliant to the bizarre.
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Comments 8
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jameso96 26 September, 2012 13:00
Remove the charger to save up-front costs? You would have to buy one anyway if you have not had that type of charger before! You should be given the option of weather you want a charger or not... Would be more simple
anonymous 26 September, 2012 13:59
if the packaging now weighs less, and smaller, and it costs less to ship each one ultimately those cost savings should be passed on to the consumer, or im guessing everything will stay the same price now you will just have the option of buying a charger at some rediculous price no doubt!
grandcruclasse 26 September, 2012 14:13
Hmmm, let me see now. The chargers I have from my last three phones, (LG, Samsung and now HTC) will work with whatever comes next, so personally I don't see what the issue is here. The point of the EU leglisation was to cut down on waste which this measure clearly does, so I applaud it.
Happily I don't own an iphone as Apple still has it's head stuck up it's @rse when it come to compliance and won't play nicely. What am I saying, they won't play at all. They're the corporate equivalent of the fat kid with rich parents sitting in the corner of the playground clutching the latest shiny toy screeching at anyone else who wants to play.
damien2501 26 September, 2012 14:52
they should bundle all phones without chargers and sell them single for a very cheap price maybe the proceeds could go to a green charity, then people could choose and would be less inclined to get one "as a spare" everyone's a winner.
anonymous 26 September, 2012 15:34
It would be funny if the new iphone didnt come with a charger
CaptainPicard 26 September, 2012 16:59
There should be a universal charger for all phones, manufacturers (especially makers of Android) should come to an agreement on an universal charger. And maybe the new HTC will come with some sort of wireless charging?
Dean Shepherd 26 September, 2012 18:49
@ CaptainPicard 26 September, 2012 16:59
There is a Universal Charger, at least for most phones...just straight Micro USB connector...the last few years I've had phones which have all had standard connections and currently even my girlfriends dumb phone has the same connector.
But you are right, ALL phones should have it, though right now other than the iPhone I'm not actually sure what phones DONT have this standard connection anymore.
The only problem I see with this is not the cost arguement like some have mentioned above..is just simply, what if you don't HAVE a computer (or any other device with a USB port) kinda negates the whole point of just a cable then.
Jason Alexander 28 September, 2012 17:34
Personally I've got loads of chargers and need them all! This is about forced obsolescence and profit margins.
It can only make sense not to supply a new charger if the assumption is that your old phone is never going to be used again or recycled. How likely is that?
What's more wasteful, an extra charger or a phone that sits in a drawer because you didn't give it to someone because you need the charger?
Plus it might make sense now but what in five years, millions frayed and faulty chargers charging ever more powerful devices or being charged with dodgy knock off chargers from eBay and corner shops instead of CCE approved from the manufacturer?
No Thanks.