Windows Mobile phones have long been plagued by proprietary headphone jacks, unlike for example Blackberries who long ago standardized on 3.5mm headphone jacks.
It seems the CTIA is set to make a stand and rid us forever of this annoying issue.
The CTIA Wireless Association, an international trade group representing wireless device makers, has announced it was backing a drive to standardize audio and USB plugs for laptops and other mobile gadgets.
"By simplifying input and output features on mobile devices, economies of scale will reduce consumers’ costs," said CTIA president Steve Largent.
Members of the wireless industry came together in April to support having universal power chargers for devices and now also 3.5 mm headphone jacks for all mobile devices introduced to the market after January 2012.
The move also won the support of US Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski, saying it bodes well for consumers, and reduce electronic waste by allowing the re-use of chargers.
"I strongly support these steps and I look forward to their timely implementation," said Genachowski said.
While 2012 is still some while off, we should see the effect of the initiative much sooner, much like the move to microUSB already on smartphones today.
Source: tech.yahoo.com via tamsppc