Google mandating USB charging specs for Android

[Kage_]

Read an interesting article today that Google is going to be mandating how manufacturers must implement USB fast charging. Basically they want manufacturers to follow the USB specs which do not currently allow for voltages outside of the 5V range for USB.

Google isn't happy about how some Android phones do fast charging
Google sets new Android compatibility rules for fast charging

 

[hallux]

There's an article on AC from Tuesday talking about this:
Google might torpedo Qualcomm Quick Charge in future Android versions | Android Central

 

[Rukbat]

It's about time. We finally settled on an almost universal connector and charging method (5 Volts through a microUSB connector) - then everyone started coming out with their own "fast" charging method, which meant that you once more needed a workbench full of chargers if you worked on phones.

Maybe with these rules, we'll be back to 1, or 2 at most, chargers. (The fast charge may not be compatible with a normal charger - and that's okay.) Standards are nice things to have - as long as manufacturers follow them. Once each manufacturer goes of in its own direction, we're back to total fragmentation - which Android was supposed to prevent.

 

[Kage_]

This may give the OnePlus Dash charging a boost since it uses the standard 5-volt at a higher amperage

 

[hallux]

USB-C on its own has rapid charging as part of the standard. Look at what Apple is doing, they're using USB-C to charge the new MBP! The power brick for that is 87W (for the 15"), over USB-C! Yes, I realize it won't push the full 87W every time, but it's possible.

 

[tadpoles]

It's a good thing that Google is normalizing these specs. More and better fast charging for everyone (at least us Android users).

 

[Ry]

It's about time. We finally settled on an almost universal connector and charging method (5 Volts through a microUSB connector) - then everyone started coming out with their own "fast" charging method, which meant that you once more needed a workbench full of chargers if you worked on phones.

Maybe with these rules, we'll be back to 1, or 2 at most, chargers. (The fast charge may not be compatible with a normal charger - and that's okay.) Standards are nice things to have - as long as manufacturers follow them. Once each manufacturer goes of in its own direction, we're back to total fragmentation - which Android was supposed to prevent.

We settled on micro USB. Any micro USB charger pretty much works with micro USB phones. But batteries got big and charging speed couldn't keep up.

Now that we're transitioning to USB Type C and getting updated USB Power Delivery specs, many fast charging methods would technically fall out of spec.

But you could still charge a phone with a "normal" charger.

Curious, how is Android supposed to prevent fragmentation when it's open for people and companies to use as they see fit?

 

[Ry]

It's a good thing that Google is normalizing these specs. More and better fast charging for everyone (at least us Android users).

Quick Charge 2 and 3 were awesome for micro USB charging.

 

[devandroid1010]

a useful information, whether the problem can lead to rapid charging the phone battery faster than not corrupt?