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Work item:
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L.UPCSW
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Subject/title:
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Universal power adapter for smart watches and smart bands
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Status:
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Under study
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Approval process:
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AAP
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Type of work item:
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Recommendation
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Version:
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New
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Equivalent number:
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-
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Timing:
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2025 (Medium priority)
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Liaison:
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-
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Supporting members:
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Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Egypt, Rwanda
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Summary:
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Smartwatches and smart bands have become increasingly popular in recent years representing one of the most popular consumer devices on the market, as people seek out new ways to monitor their health and fitness. Smartwatch shipments worldwide are forecast to grow in the following years, increasing from 37 million units in 2016 to over 402 million units by 2027. These wearable devices provide real-time tracking of a user's physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns, as well as offering other features such as messaging and phone call alerts. However, with so many different brands and models on the market, each using a different charger and charging port, there is a growing problem of electronic waste generation. As consumers upgrade to new models or switch brands, they are often left with chargers that are no longer compatible with their new devices. This leads to a wasteful and unsustainable cycle of electronic waste generation, which can have negative impacts on the environment and public health.
Currently, there is no universal standard for smartwatch and smart band power adapters.
L.1000 addresses smart watches and wearables in its scope and some manufacturers have adopted the recommended standard USB-A, USB-C, proprietary power adaptors and connectors for charging their smartwatches.
However, the standard USB (Micro-B type or Type C) connector is too large to fit within some smart bands (wearables) and smart watch brands on the market or on devices meant to conform to the body. The smaller the device the more difficult it becomes to apply this recommendation in the L.1000. Thus, different smartwatch manufacturers use different charging connectors and adapters for their devices.
To address this problem, there is a need for a standardized charger and charging adaptors and ports for all smartwatches and smart bands. This would not only reduce e-waste generation but also provide greater convenience for users who would no longer need to purchase a new charger every time they upgrade to a new device or switch brands.
The recommendation will seek to offer guidance on standard/ recommended solution.
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Comment:
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-
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Reference(s):
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Historic references:
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Contact(s):
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First registration in the WP:
2023-07-13 12:06:41
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Last update:
2024-07-04 16:49:25
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