Live data from Hacker News

The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

theverge.com

11–20 of 334 posts

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#11
post #3

I hope there is a provision in there for laptops as well. All this glued in shit is just another plank in the planned obsolescence strategy.

That's actually in the article :) one of the two laws covers all devices with ~~batteries~~ portable batteries.

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#12
It is interesting that the EU only wants to regulate markets that they are not participating in. They don't make smartphone anymore so any regulations isn't hurting them. It would be admirable if they held the same standard for vehicles, including brands from the EU.

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#13
post #5

I have never used a phone (nor a laptop) where the battery wasn't easily replaceable and to be honest I can't really imagine using one. Batteries can (and do) go bad and start expanding. Using a device where the battery isn't easily accessible feels absolutely distressing.

Which goes to show that the option is there and people don't take it because they simnply don't want it so this regulation is the EU being the EU.

Oligopoly and cartels are adept at serving their interests and not the interests of society and customers.

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#14

It is interesting that the EU only wants to regulate markets that they are not participating in. They don't make smartphone anymore so any regulations isn't hurting them. It would be admirable if they held the same standard for vehicles, including brands from the EU.

You don't hear about them, but they do exist...

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#15

It is interesting that the EU only wants to regulate markets that they are not participating in. They don't make smartphone anymore so any regulations isn't hurting them. It would be admirable if they held the same standard for vehicles, including brands from the EU.

> It is interesting that the EU only wants to regulate markets that they are not participating in.

The EU only regulates markets they are participating in. The only country that regulates markets that they do not participate in is the United States, and for the most part they seem to be doing so for fairly good reasons (such as with the anti money laundering and anti terrorism financing laws). Though of course you are free to disagree with whether or not you think those are good reasons.

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#16
post #5

I have never used a phone (nor a laptop) where the battery wasn't easily replaceable and to be honest I can't really imagine using one. Batteries can (and do) go bad and start expanding. Using a device where the battery isn't easily accessible feels absolutely distressing.

Which goes to show that the option is there and people don't take it because they simnply don't want it so this regulation is the EU being the EU.

Regulation is not made for the benefit of individuals, but for the benefit of society as a whole. In this case, for the environment or the planet. I doubt that people don't want a planet to live.

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#17
post #11
post #3

I hope there is a provision in there for laptops as well. All this glued in shit is just another plank in the planned obsolescence strategy.

That's actually in the article :) one of the two laws covers all devices with ~~batteries~~ portable batteries.

Thank you!

Edit: Hm, I re-read the article and I still can't find that passage, the word 'laptop' doesn't appear. Can you point it out for me?

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#18

It is interesting that the EU only wants to regulate markets that they are not participating in. They don't make smartphone anymore so any regulations isn't hurting them. It would be admirable if they held the same standard for vehicles, including brands from the EU.

> It is interesting that the EU only wants to regulate markets that they are not participating in. The EU only regulates markets they are participating in. The only country that regulates markets that they do not participate in is the United States, and for the most part they seem to be doing so for fairly good reasons (such as with the anti money laundering and anti terrorism financing laws). Though of course you ar…

[deleted]

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#19

I have never used a phone (nor a laptop) where the battery wasn't easily replaceable and to be honest I can't really imagine using one. Batteries can (and do) go bad and start expanding. Using a device where the battery isn't easily accessible feels absolutely distressing.

> used a phone

there are almost no smartphones where you can easily replace the battery these days.

Re: The EU’s fight for user-replaceable smartphone batteries

#20
post #9

Iphone battery is already pretty close to replaceable by this law. You need a common tool to get in (trident screwdriver is available in most DIY shops), then glue tabs can be pried by hand. Doable for layman? Well, some people are afraid of opening up a device in any way. How do we (or, rather, lawyers) draw a line?

iFixit disagrees: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+14+Battery+Replacement/1...

Hairdryer, suction anti-clamp, pick that must NOT be inserted more than 3mm or you break the device, both pentalobe and triwing security screws (screw types that only exist to stop users from opening things), numerous fragile cables that must be disconnected, and of course a glued in exposed cell battery.

I don't think we have to worry about this being classified as easily user replaceable with basic tools.

Post reply on HN