World News for Students of English

07-10-2022 15:00

The European Parliament approved new rules for the EU to introduce a single charging port for mobile phones, tablets, and cameras by 2024. The rules also apply to laptops in 2026.

According to lawmakers, this simple solution will save thousands of tons of electronic waste every year. The change will facilitate the reuse of old electronics, better consumer convenience, reduce unnecessary cost, and save millions of dollars. Old chargers won’t be outlawed, and customers will be able to continue to use existing models.

Connectors for Android-based devices will become the standard across the EU; however, Apple will now have to change its charging port for iPhones and other devices. The law also covers e-readers, earbuds, and other technologies, which means that it may impact device makers such as Samsung, Huawei, and others.

Difficult words: facilitate (to make easier), convenience (to be easy to do or useful for someone), outlaw (to make something illegal).