Technology

I've seen a few comments about Bluetooth headphones and TWS earbuds but I don't think it's really too much of an issue. For over ear style headphones Steel Series have already proved the concept as they have a headset that has hot swappable rechargeable batteries. No reason other manufacturers can't design a fitted one that could be replaced.

As for TWS buds, so many of these must already be in landfill when the tiny batteries give out. We've already got rechargeable batteries for hearing aids that can be replaced by the user. I'm sure something similar could be achieved for TWS buds.

This is great news.

Sooo I totally get the appeal, but I actually don’t want removable batteries. Like the everyday benefit of a thinner, more water/dust proof phone is much useful to me than the annoyance of having to take my phone in to get serviced once every three to four years.

I’m all for it, but how is this going to work with tiny things like AirPods? Currently the whole thing is packed with tiny batteries glued onto the electronics so that it can fit in your ears. How do you ever make that replaceable without making them huge?

The EU being the voice of reason once again. As someone who has kept his phone alive by swapping the battery (which, with its still probably too hard and involved for the average person even with an ifixit kit), I think we could cut back hugely on e-waste and save people a lot of money by enforcing swappable batteries.

This is great it's finally been adopted. Having read this though, I really wonder about some very small things like AirPods and other Ear Pods which are so small it would be difficult to engineer them to pop open without impacting the longevity ot the item. Maybe I'm wrong, it is just an interesting thought. Otherwise I am all for the right to repair your own stuff and cradle to cradle these things.

appliances should be removable

I see a "should" there instead of a "must". I assume this legislation will have teeth yeah?

Nice! Hope it goes all over the world soon.