EU Just Changed Smartphones Forever
The European Parliament has passed a new law requiring all consumer devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, to have easily replaceable batteries by 2027. This means manufacturers can no longer use strong glues that make it hard to change batteries, and people should be able to replace them without special tools. This law will likely affect how these devices are designed worldwide, as companies probably won't make different versions for different regions. This change is mainly to reduce electronic waste and encourage a circular economy for batteries, aiming for higher collection and recycling rates. The law is also supported by the "right to repair" movement, which believes consumers should be able to fix their own devices easily, moving away from a trend where broken electronics are simply replaced.
Key Vocabulary
A site where waste materials are disposed of by burying them, typically in layers.
Examples:
- The old tires were sent to the landfill, contributing to the growing problem of waste.
- Many communities are exploring alternatives to landfills, such as composting and recycling.
- The environmental group advocated for reducing household waste to minimize the amount sent to the landfill.
Capable of being taken off or out; not permanently fixed.
Examples:
- The car seat features a removable cover for easy cleaning.
- The artist designed a sculpture with several removable components, allowing for different configurations.
- For convenience, the backpack has a removable internal frame.
Relating to; concerning.
Examples:
- The lawyer provided advice pertaining to property rights.
- The new regulations are strict, particularly those pertaining to food safety.
- She focused on the aspects of the report pertaining to financial projections.
In a way that demonstrates accountability or good judgment; with a sense of duty.
Examples:
- It is important to manage one's finances responsibly to avoid debt.
- The company committed to sourcing materials responsibly, ensuring ethical production.
- Parents teach their children to behave responsibly when unsupervised.
To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength.
Examples:
- As the day progressed, the supply of fresh bread dwindled.
- The team's hope of winning dwindled with each missed shot.
- Their savings account dwindled after several unexpected expenses.
Determined or ordered authoritatively; controlled or influenced by something.
Examples:
- The project's timeline was dictated by the availability of specialized equipment.
- His career path was dictated by a strong desire to help others.
- The design of the new building was dictated by the city's strict architectural guidelines.
Unreasonably high or expensive.
Examples:
- The hotel charged an exorbitant fee for a simple room service order.
- Many tourists complain about the exorbitant prices of souvenirs in that area.
- They refused to pay the exorbitant rent for the small apartment.
A flexible cable or circuit, often used for connecting electronic components in a compact space.
Examples:
- The technician carefully reconnected the display flex, restoring the screen's functionality.
- A damaged flex cable can cause intermittent issues with the device's camera.
- The new design incorporates a more durable flex to prevent common wear and tear.
Damaged or weakened by chemical action, especially rust.
Examples:
- The old metal pipes were heavily corroded, leading to leaks.
- Salt water can quickly corrode unprotected steel surfaces.
- The mechanic noticed that the battery terminals were corroded and needed cleaning.
The cause of a problem or difficulty.
Examples:
- The sudden drop in network speed was traced back to a faulty router, the main culprit.
- Investigators identified the lack of proper maintenance as the culprit behind the equipment failure.
- The persistent noise in the engine turned out to be a loose belt, the true culprit.
Able to be processed and used again.
Examples:
- The new packaging is made entirely from recyclable materials.
- Many cities now have curbside pickup for recyclable waste like paper and plastic.
- Consumers are encouraged to choose products that come in recyclable containers.
Capable of being charged again, especially an electrical battery.
Examples:
- The flashlight uses a powerful rechargeable battery, saving money on disposables.
- Many modern devices are designed with built-in rechargeable power sources.
- She preferred rechargeable batteries for her camera to reduce waste.
The part of a telephone that contains both the earpiece and mouthpiece, or more generally, a mobile phone.
Examples:
- The latest models of these handsets boast improved camera capabilities.
- Many users prefer smaller, more compact handsets for ease of carrying.
- The company offers a range of handsets to suit different budgets and needs.
Of large size for its weight; awkward to carry or store.
Examples:
- The old monitor was too bulky to fit on the new desk.
- She packed a bulky sweater for the cold weather, taking up most of her suitcase.
- The new furniture arrived in several bulky boxes, requiring extra help to move.
Removing something from a surface by drawing a sharp or hard object across it.
Examples:
- He spent an hour scraping old paint off the wooden doorframe.
- The chef was scraping the burnt food from the bottom of the pan.
- She heard the sound of someone scraping ice off their car windshield.
Able to be replaced.
Examples:
- The filter in this air purifier is easily replaceable by the user.
- Many parts of the machine are designed to be replaceable, extending its lifespan.
- The company emphasized that the product's modular design makes components readily replaceable.
An adhesive substance used for joining things together.
Examples:
- The picture frame was held together with strong wood glue.
- She used a special fabric glue to attach the patches to her jacket.
- The instructions recommended letting the glue dry for at least 24 hours before handling.
A person skilled in the practical application of a particular technology, especially in repairing or maintaining equipment.
Examples:
- The IT technician quickly resolved the computer's software issue.
- A qualified automotive technician performed the routine maintenance on the vehicle.
- The lab technician prepared the samples for analysis with precision.
A person whose job is to organize different groups or activities so that they work together effectively.
Examples:
- The event coordinator managed all aspects of the conference, from venue booking to catering.
- She works as a project coordinator, ensuring all team members meet their deadlines.
- The logistics coordinator was responsible for overseeing the delivery of all materials.
A silvery-white, hard, malleable, ductile metallic element, often used in alloys and for plating.
Examples:
- Many coins are made from an alloy containing nickel.
- Stainless steel often contains nickel to improve its corrosion resistance.
- The battery's cathode material included a significant percentage of nickel.