Last week it was reported that the GSMA trade association had brokered a deal with the leading cell phone manufacturers to standardize on Micro-USB. Is this a ploy to get you to buy more overpriced adapters?

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]