Standardization of any gadget is great for the consumer, although high-margin charging accessories are huge revenue generators for companies. CNET reports that if there is a shift to Micro USB, Apple said, “sorry guys; this is bad for business. You can be idiots, but we’ll pass.” Apple did agree to move to Micro-USB for charging however requiring users to use the 30-pin proprietary connector for syncing and accessory compatibility.

The trade association has the idea that by 2012, virtually all cell phones and hopefully all Bluetooth headsets, will have the same connector. Posts of compatibility of connectors are everywhere, Geardiary builds a conspiracy that is hard to argue with. It would seem clear that a shift to Micro-USB is about saving space in building the device and stop the need to buying an assortment of adaptors. Kindle 2 has shifted to Micro-USB for charging and data transfers, so can we see next-gen MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders and portable game consoles doing the same? I already have a bucket full of USB connectors. Each work only with the one gadget they were originally purchased. Standard connector – yes please!

[via CNET]

But that doesn’t mean this blog was quiet this week. In fact, we found out that the iPhone firmware 2.2 has a few extra features no one noticed right away, including Emoji and StreetView support in Google Maps.

We also learned that a big group of current iPhone users actually switched from a different carrier in order to use the device. Plus, the iPhone Developer Tech Talks launched this week, bringing iPhone app creation abilities to a wider audience.

The mini-USB plugs were recalled recently, and now customers are getting their replacements. Funnily enough, they have arrived for many in huge boxes with just an instruction sheet warning customers to return the defective plugs or else.

A heart rate monitor app went live on the App Store this week as well, which makes it easier to keep track of your heart rate anywhere at anytime.

Lastly, we took a look at PhoneTag Voicemail. The service that allows users to view transcriptions of their voicemails by means of a text message or an email, was very useful and for the most part intuitive. Many will find it to be a suitable alternative to the iPhone’s Visual Voicemail capability.

I think there’s a key word in the name of the product. You know, “mini.” That box could’ve fit at least twenty of those things, most likely more. I guess there’s comfort in knowing your shipment was well packaged and won’t be broken during travel, but come on! This is ridiculous!

All that was in the box was the plug and an instruction sheet. Apparently, if you don’t return the recalled plug, Apple may charge your credit card for it. That’s awfully threatening sounding, don’t you think? Especially when dealing with a defective product of their own!

[via GottaBeMobile]