All smartphones, including iPhones, must have replaceable batteries by 2027 in the EU::undefined

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-22 points

Headphone jacks are a 19th century invention, if having them restricts innovation then I am all for removing them.

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15 points

We can’t only consider innovation today, we also have to consider its ecological impact. Jack plugs and headphones are way more durable than Bluetooth equivalent. I have 16 yo jack headset that still works perfectly, I only had to change the cushions twice.

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1 point

It’s specifically the wire that always breaks first. How can they be more durable?

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12 points
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You can repair a broken cable fairly easily.

When you buy wireless headphones you know upfront that they will die within a few years and you will not be able to replace the tiny glued in, oddly shaped batteries they come with.

I like the convenience of BT at times, but I really miss having headphone jacks and hate having to bring adaptors with me.

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3 points
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If you can financially, buy (second-hand) higher-end material, it will come with stronger wires and stronger connections.
For example, see the difference in the constraints damper on these connectors:

vs Apple’s:

Jack being simple technology, it’s also very easy to get it repaired by the nearby tech enthusiast armed with a soldering iron.

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-6 points

So stop making any technological advancement because of the potential impact of e-waste? Not saying it’s a bad thing but it will have have its own environmental implications. No new energy development, we have to rely on existing oil and nuclear technology rather than investing in making renewable energy sources cheaper and more efficient.

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5 points
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It’s not an either-or situation, we can do both at the same time, we just have to consider environmental impact as an essential component of innovation.

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2 points

At the point we are at, yes we have to make a major change, e-waste is an immense problem for many years and we are only starting to fight it.

Inventions not thinking about e-waste at all shouldn’t be allowed anymore.

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5 points

So are speakers and batteries.

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-2 points

True, but we don’t have any practical alternatives for them.

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7 points

What’s the practical alternative to headphone jacks? Bluetooth is crap and carrying around extra dongles is annoying.

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4 points

Technically 20th century, if I’m not mistaken? I just don’t see how they would restrict innovation, I guess

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5 points

Apparently it’s based on a plug invented in 1878, according to the BBC.

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4 points

Interesting! It’s cool to know how stuff we use/used was developed

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1 point

By that logic let’s just replace the most superior household plug. The 3 pin UK plug.

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1 point

A “19th century” technology that objectively produces better sound quality and uses less energy. And I already have wired earbuds and headsets.

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1 point

Unless there’s an alternative, no it’s not restricting innovation.

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