The European Union's legislative arm has proposed new rules to make mobile phones and tablets easier to repair in workshops or by users, and have better batteries. The bill says that manufacturers must make available to users at least 15 components within five years of the launch of a new phone in the European Union.
During that time, consumers will be able to replace parts such as batteries, screens, chargers, back covers, and SIM and memory card trays. This would be similar to a law offered by Spain, which would at least give a minimum of security to the inhabitants of the territory.
In Europe it could be easier to repair your mobile and we will have better batteries
The European Commission also wants to improve the durability of batteries. They must be able to withstand at least 500 full charges before dropping below 83% capacity. Phones would have to carry a label detailing information such as battery life, as well as drop and water resistance ratings.
The idea is to reduce electronic waste and the environmental impact of phones and tablets. Increasing the life cycles of smartphones by five years would have an emissions reduction equal to taking 5 million cars off the road. The proposal suggests that making phones and tablets are more recyclable and repairable to reduce by a third the costs of energy consumption associated with its manufacture and use. Some manufacturers like Acer with Vero line They already design products following this philosophy.
Manufacturers have responded to this proposal by claiming that "greater availability of parts will increase the consumption of plastic. Possible overproduction, subsequent stockpiling and destruction of spare parts will result in wasted resources, reduced material efficiency and negative economic value increasing costs for the consumer«. Meanwhile, Apple, Google and Samsung are starting to sell parts for phones and other products so that its repair can be done outside official workshops. The proposed rules would also affect software updates. Manufacturers would have to continue to provide security updates for five years after they stop selling a device and also provide functionality updates for at least three years.
Source: Engadget
