The European Union–in a move supported by Apple, Research in Motion, and Nokia–has now decided that electronics should standardize on micro-USB. The move towards standardization in chargers will provide multi-fold benefits, including saving consumers money when upgrading devices as they won’t need to buy a new charger. This in turn helps reduce waste in landfills.

While this is exciting news for now, don’t expect any changes anytime soon. The program is a voluntary program, meaning manufacturers can still opt to keep their existing micro-USB or proprietary protocols. Apple, one name of supporters, will most likely keep its iPod and iPhone charging cable over volunteering to join the fray. Moreover, the move applies only to smartphones for the time being.

(via: Apple Insider)