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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fo-k-Qosy8A" title="EU Just Changed Smartphones Forever" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
What's the STW view on this?
Personally I think it makes perfect sense, however there is an argument that phones will be bulk and less "slick".
Apple also need to be called to task to some of their practices.
good news as far as I am concerned. I hope that the manufactures dont go down the 2 version route and have an EU only compliant versions. Where this is really good is that its all products with batteries so tablets, laptops, cars etc
Removable batteries means more batteries being prematurely binned. Now replaceable batteries, that absolutely needs to be mandated. Right to repair is important, where as easily swappable batteries can be counterproductive environmentally.
I reckon requiring replaceable batteries will reduce reliability as complexity is been added and folk are more likely to buy/use 3rd party ones. It will also add bulk and impact moisture protection.
I reckon requiring replaceable batteries will reduce reliability as complexity is been added and folk are more likely to buy/use 3rd party ones. It will also add bulk and impact moisture protection.
This. This will stump even Apple!
I reckon requiring replaceable batteries will reduce reliability as complexity is been added and folk are more likely to buy/use 3rd party ones. It will also add bulk and impact moisture protection.
I disagree.
My first smart phone was a Galaxy S3, pretty sure that had a replaceable battery? No reliability issues?
Regards bulk and moisture protection, I've never had a smart phone without a 3rd party protective case anyway.
. It will also add bulk and impact moisture protection.
IP68 rated (waterproof and dust proof) have been around since the 1990’s. Its not a technology issue
daft idea, shall we add this as a positive to brexit thread :0)
This should have been introduced on EV cars very early doors and could save alot of the headaches that are being faced now.
Whats the benefit for a mobile phone though, apart from not having to pay someone to change your battery? it wont mean phones last any longer as the manufacturers will still make them obsolete from updates perspective, and if anything it will waste more batteries I it becomes less faffy to change a battery.
I am sure Apple will find a way to make the phones only work with their batteries
I have a Samsung xcover5 with a replaceable battery. The rear cover is removable yet waterproof. It coped with Canyoning this summer, but the power button did misbehave for a few concerning hours...
The battery cover and battery were totally dry and the wee moisture sensitive patch was fine too.
For many people, me included, the only reason I change my phone is because the battery has died.
Every high street has a shop that'll do it. under £50 for an IPhone at our local one.
daft idea, shall we add this as a positive to brexit thread :0)
= 87)
Brexit makes no difference here. Manufacturers will comply with EU regs when it comes to it, and we'll be using whatever that means, being outside the EU doesn't mean escape from the effects of EU regs when it comes to consumer hardware... just a complete lack of control over them.
Universal charging points are coming (eg Apple will have to dump their proprietary Lightning port from everything soon, they transitioning with each new device they launch) to comply with EU regs... and that will apply to Apple devices sold here, not just in the EU.
I find that my phone starts playing up with software and compatibility issues way before the battery dies so I've never changed a battery.
Ideally I'd like phones to be supported for much longer on the software and hardware sides, the number of mobiles the average person must have sitting unused in a drawer somewhere must be crazy.
A good long read here...
Every high street has a shop that’ll do it. under £50 for an IPhone at our local one.
And Apple will do any iPhone with a genuine battery for £89.
the number of mobiles the average person must have sitting unused in a drawer somewhere must be crazy
In this house, we get more than 10 years out of a phone. I'd welcome a doubling of that, but I don't see that coming any time soon. Phones we have in drawers would work perfectly fine for 80% of their intended use, but keeping software support for them (apps and secure websites, not just the OS) would be a huge ask.
Every high street has a shop that’ll do it. under £50 for an IPhone at our local one.
And Apple will do any iPhone with a genuine battery for £89.
The battery itself can be bought for about £20.
This should have been introduced on EV cars very early doors and could save alot of the headaches that are being faced now.
Not wishing to derail the thread but not really - given the lifetime of car batteries (well over a decade) and the way that they have to be packaged - you cannot just put them in the boot - we do ok as it is. The labour cost of getting the battery out in a garage is far less than the cost of materials to refurbish it; you're not likely to replace the whole thing you need to find and replace bad cells, which is a skilled job; and finally even if you could pop it out and replace it at home they weigh 3-500kg so not even a home job then.
I do think it will present a design challenge - phones won't be quite as thin any more, but how important is that?
Ideally I’d like phones to be supported for much longer on the software and hardware sides, the number of mobiles the average person must have sitting unused in a drawer somewhere must be crazy.
Seems to be slowing down now as phones are mature and as long as yours doesn't break it will continue for a while. My phones used to break every 2 years, but this current one is still going strong.
I am sure Apple will find a way to make the phones only work with their batteries
Nikon already do this. Cameras, not phones, obvs 🙂
And Apple will do any iPhone with a genuine battery for £89.
Took my phone to Apple (on Regent St ) to get a new battery and they refused to do it unless I also replaced the screen, which had a minute chip in it (that I hadn't even noticed). Quick google, got it done nearby for half the price.
I reckon requiring replaceable batteries will reduce reliability as complexity is been added and folk are more likely to buy/use 3rd party ones. It will also add bulk and impact moisture protection.
It's just a design and packaging problem, and it's not like it's never been done before, removable/replaceable batteries were the norm for the first Decade or so of the Mobile industry's existence, if the poor little dears can't think their way round this one, maybe they don't deserve to make Cajillions flogging us plebs future E-waste?
The only reasons phones are glued together now is aesthetics and to frustrate user repair efforts. My last mobile with a removable/replaceable battery wasn't particularly bulky (admittedly that was well over a decade ago now), I'm not convinced manufacturers or punters are actually all that concerned by size either, modern phone are mostly pretty substantial anyway.
Honestly if they can start making the bastard things bend in the middle, they can reintroduce replaceable batteries. It's hardly rocket surgery.
Removable batteries means more batteries being prematurely binned. Now replaceable batteries, that absolutely needs to be mandated. Right to repair is important, where as easily swappable batteries can be counterproductive environmentally.
I'm fine with batteries being replaced to extend a phone/tablet/laptop's useful life and reduce E-waste. Better to be binning/recycling a battery than the whole device surely?
It's interesting that they reckon the same regulations will cover EV batteries, making those more easily replaceable could have a significant impact on the sector.
For all the "Innovation" in the world of leccy powered, portable toys the choice to make batteries hard to replace tells a story about how lots of companies see their role in sustainability.
I’m fine with batteries being replaced to extend a phone/tablet/laptop’s useful life and reduce E-waste. Better to be binning/recycling a battery than the whole device surely?
That's the hope. The reality is people replace the battery when it's stopped giving them the long use they got when brand new, or worse buy a few spares (that's what I used to do)... and still replace the device in the same timeframe anyway. Making them a screwdriver and pick job means people are likely to stick with their "less than 80% capacity" battery for years more, rather than swapping in a £20 battery every year.
I love folk boasting about their skinny phones that they immediately stick in a bulky case.
given the lifetime of car batteries (well over a decade) and the way that they have to be packaged
Thats wishful thinking, try 3 -5 years is more likely. There is huge amounts of research being done to identify uses for car batteries that arent good enough to power cars anymore.
Th eUK government is spending £27.6m on research in to the problem https://www.ukri.org/news/delivering-the-future-of-battery-technology/
The US government $80m https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/11/20221117-doerecycling.html
The EU is spending 67m euro on 1 project looking at the problem https://climate.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-12/if_pf_2022_relieve_en.pdf
Ideally I’d like phones to be supported for much longer on the software and hardware sides...
This is a good point, mandating a minimum support period from date of first sale would make sense, how long do they typically provide OTA updates official spares these days?
The Boss found her old iPhone 6c (I think) in a drawer the other day, she charged it up and is appears to still be functional without any screen damage, held it's charge for a couple of days (doing nothing on the side). If she can remember her pin for it and we can get the sim lock taken off it might be a useful spare or worth wiping and flogging. but they're completely unsupported by apple now aren't they?
it wont mean phones last any longer as the manufacturers will still make them obsolete from updates perspective, and if anything it will waste more batteries I it becomes less faffy to change a battery.
I am sure Apple will find a way to make the phones only work with their batteries
Oh dear, not the tired old myth of manufacturers making devices obsolete due to updates! Anyone with a reasonable grasp of how any device that has a computer built in, like a smartphone, will suffer performance degradation over time due to the continuous improvement of software development eventually exceeding the ability of the hardware to cope with the demands placed on it. This is a fundamental problem right across the industry. Unlike many manufacturers who build cheap Android phones, and who never provide updates, Apple continually send out updates until a performance limit is reached, but even after that they send out security patches to maintain privacy and security, so it’s perfectly possible to keep an iPhone running for years, it’s limits will be maximum storage and battery life, and possibly screen degradation.
It’s worth noting that Apple don’t make either screens or batteries, so the life of either is no different to devices from anyone else.
Not wishing to derail the thread but not really – given the lifetime of car batteries (well over a decade) and the way that they have to be packaged – you cannot just put them in the boot
That’s not true, not if you expect your car to start on cold mornings. A car battery should be replaced every four or five years, their capacity degrades over time exactly like any other battery, it’s down to charge cycles. You can buy a little device that plugs into the aux socket to check charge %. I’ve got a couple that I used at work to check cars in storage. I had to call out the AA once on holiday after my car wouldn’t start, it was the original one and was, at that time around 12-13 years old. It’s capacity was just over 50%.
I replaced my iPhone 6+ when it was over five years old, I’d maxed out its storage, the battery was down to about 60%, and the screen was showing signs of failing, so it wasn’t worth spending money on it.
Now I’m on a contract that allows me to upgrade any time I want, which will be every year, the phone I swap will be in perfect condition, have 98% battery, will be refurbished and resold, so everyone wins.
so everyone wins.
Of course they do...
That’s not true, not if you expect your car to start on cold mornings.
It's EV batteries, ICE batteries have been replaceable for quite some time, even the little gelpacks type batteries in Stop Start cars. 48V in mild hybrids are doable (i could do mine with the tools i have at home), but not that easily. Mainly as it's heavy, awkward to get at and well strapped in.
I'm pretty sure that someone will quite literally blow themselves up trying to swap their EV battery. Especially once it becomes mainstream. Doesn't matter how many safety interlocks you have, someone will stick their finger in a hole they shouldn't.
That's wishful thinking, try 3 -5 years is more likely.
Nah, afraid not. If you treat them sensibly and don't do anything stupid, EV batteries will do 2 or 3 times that. At least. We've got durability cars that have 200000km on the original hardware with no more than an occasional coolant swap.
It's almost like saying a car engine will only do 100000 miles, then adding the criteria that you're always over 4000 rpm and loaded at MGVW and won't get it serviced until a fault light comes on.
CountZero
Oh dear, not the tired old myth of manufacturers making devices obsolete due to updates! Anyone with a reasonable grasp of how any device that has a computer built in, like a smartphone, will suffer performance degradation over time due to the continuous improvement of software development eventually exceeding the ability of the hardware to cope with the demands placed on it. This is a fundamental problem right across the industry. Unlike many manufacturers who build cheap Android phones, and who never provide updates, Apple continually send out updates until a performance limit is reached, but even after that they send out security patches to maintain privacy and security, so it’s perfectly possible to keep an iPhone running for years, it’s limits will be maximum storage and battery life, and possibly screen degradation.
A Galaxy S10 for example received its last update in March this year, but is still more than capable of running the latest apps and OS. It's far far more powerful still than my wife's latest budget phone which itself runs the latest version of Android. The S10 has only stopped receiving updates because it's expensive for Samsung to do and they don't make any money from doing so. That's the only reason.
My S10 no longer runs banking apps or anything with a security portal properly (so i can't get to the kids school reports or my works time booking stuff or the hospital portal).
It lasted 4 years though.
This should have been introduced on EV cars very early doors and could save alot of the headaches that are being faced now.
This law does apply to EV batteries.
But don’t misunderstand it. As the video points out, the law is going to require that batteries are removable, not that they are easily removable or tool free.
So don’t expect phones with backs you can pop off again any time soon. The battery will be removable, in that it won’t be glued in, but it’ll still require tools to get at it.
Thats wishful thinking, try 3 -5 years is more likely.
<looks out the window at the four year old EV sat on the drive still with 100% of original range>
Er, bollocks.
I am sure Apple will find a way to make the phones only work with their batteries
They all ready have. The software to measure battery usage/performance/degradation will not work with third party batteries. (Having recently replace a 6S battery through the people in our local ASDA).
It’s interesting that they reckon the same regulations will cover EV batteries, making those more easily replaceable could have a significant impact on the sector.
Would it? They hardly ever fail, and removing the failed ones is not the main problem, and removal doesn't damage the rest of the car.
Unless you meant it might encourage hot-swappable interoperable batteries...?
Fairphone don’t seem to have issues with IP ratings for their phones and headphones.
This is a good point, mandating a minimum support period from date of first sale would make sense, how long do they typically provide OTA updates official spares these days?
I believe there is EU legislation imminent with a five year minimum support period for this.
I believe there is EU legislation imminent with a five year minimum support period for this.
Apple already support back about eight years (plus a few extra years on top of that for security patches).
Fairphone don’t seem to have issues with IP ratings for their phones and headphones.
WAY behind others. Latest phone is their first to pass IP54. Others have been at IP68 for years.
But they are new, small and by far the most ethical and sustainable phone out there. The big players can and should be learning from their approach.
If they can make a phone like they do then the big players have the budget and ability to do the same. It’s the will to do so that’s missing, hence why legislation is needed. Easily repairable by the end user wi readily available parts needs to be the ultimate goal.
Edit - The EU support regs are looking at update period from point that the device stops being sold as new. So minimum of five years from that point.
I’ve got a couple of ‘obsolete’ iPhones. I use one, plugged into a minirig setup, as an alarm clock and music player. That’s an iPhone 5 I believe, possibly 5s. I also have a 6s in the garage that I use for music when I’m in there.
My current phone is an XR given to me a couple of years ago. I thought I might have to update this time but it seems it will be supported for at least one more year, which means it will have lasted 6 years as a main phone when it is replaced - not too bad in my opinion. It will then go into service as one of my music players, and I’ll find something else to do with 5.
The battery? It is still good except in the cold. When I use it to record my rides in the winter the capacity drops alarmingly - it has even shut itself down. The rest of the time it’s ok, and I know a guy with a market stall who’ll replace it for £30.
Repairability is good, but I cannot see this making much difference. I’m more pleased that Apple will have to use USB on their tech rather than lightning - that will save me carrying a few cables around (though I’ve heard Apple don’t care much as they’re moving to wireless charging soon anyway).
We’ll be using smar****ches increasingly in the future (central locking, store payments, loyalty cards, gp appointments, etc)
Personally, I’d love to see the regular watch manufacturers (Casio), offer an easy (idiot-proof) way to replace the battery on a G-Shock.
We’ll be using smar****ches increasingly in the future (central locking, store payments, loyalty cards, gp appointments, etc)
I won't be!
Me either. Screen is way too small to be functional for a lot of stuff. I’ve been playing Cyberpunk recently so I’m opting for direct retinal interface as the way forward!
Will this apply to Garmin's?
if the poor little dears can’t think their way round this one
Pretty arrogant of you to be criticising the people who invent these things in the first place.
Back in the day, when batteries were removable, you needed extra space for the clips, the extra plastic bits and packaging and tolerances to make it work. Phones were smaller back then and had less stuff in. And, tbh, they were weaker - mine always broke, largely because they were being knocked about and squeezed and flexed in pockets and so on. Gluing it all together takes up less space and makes it stronger I think.
And let's face it, batteries are replaceable, you just need to take it to a shop, they do it in an hour or two. Unless it's Google - you have to send it back to them, FFS.
Whats the benefit for a mobile phone though, apart from not having to pay someone to change your battery?
Because more and more phones are out together with more glue and fragile tabs that replacing the battery it becoming harder and harder doesn't matter if you pay someone of not it should be easy to allow people to keep a perfectly phone going.
Can't believe there is even any arguments about this to be honest. All of the counter arguments seem to be people just believing manufacturers bullshit or exaggeration at best
Back in the day, when batteries were removable, you needed extra space for the clips, the extra plastic bits and packaging and tolerances to make it work. Phones were smaller back then and had less stuff in. And, tbh, they were weaker – mine always broke, largely because they were being knocked about and squeezed and flexed in pockets and so on. Gluing it all together takes up less space and makes it stronger I think.
I’ve still got a Nokia 3210 in pretty good condition somewhere. All the smartphones I’ve had I’ve broken. I’m typing this on an iPhone with a cracked screen. My next phone will be a Fairphone so when I inevitably **** it up I can simply order what I need and replace it myself in minutes. Why would anyone not want that from all manufacturers? I’ll also be purchasing a pair of their headphones when money allows for the same reason. Their transparency with supply chain is also to be commended. The big three of Apple, Google and Samsung should be taking notes.
Strikes me as odd on here of all places that right to repair and ethical component sourcing isn’t being embraced.
I’m sure the batteries of the future will just slide in, and lock, magnetically.
As for the future of smar****ches, the next untapped market is to replace kids smartphones with watches.
All they need from a device is the ability to stay in touch with their parents and peers, the ability to order a McDonald’s, and some kind of camera.
Save them dribbling over social media when they could be reaching their activity goals.
Yes, for some adults, the screen of an Iwatch is a bit small, but for the rest of us, the convenience of using it to open your hotel room, collect prescriptions, present concert/ movie tickets, boarding passes, ski-lift passes, etc, is too tempting.
Youre always going to have your phone handy, too. At least out of habit.
Had an LG g4 with leather rear cover and removable batteries. Original one wasn't much use after 12 months so bought a 3rd party replacement battey which was rubbish... Bought an LG original battery which was also rubbish. I still have an LG g4 in the drawer and 3 batteries. Ended up buying a new phone instead which doesn't have a replacement battery but going the 40-80% battery care has so far negated any need for a new battery after 4 years use.
EV batteries are generally already replaceable. It an easy job due to the size & weight of them and that they’re generally engineered in to the floor pan / underside, but they can generally be unbolted and dropped out of the bottom, and then disassembled such that individual modules are replaced. Plenty of YouTube videos out there showing specialists doing this for various cars.
It’s not dissimilar to removing and engine from a car - needs the right tools, skills and workshop etc. plus the facilities and knowledge to be able to do useful work on the battery / engine once it’s out of course.
This should have been introduced on EV cars very early doors and could save a lot of the headaches that are being faced now.
I always thought that "hot swapping" an EV battery was the best idea rather than charging it. Pull into a "garage" battery out, new battery in. Off you go.
Along similar line to the gas bottles for the caravan.
This is a very simplistic idea though.
I always thought that “hot swapping” an EV battery was the best idea rather than charging it.
Not feasible - the battery is huge, weighs 3-500kg and forms a big structural element in the car. It'd require specialist gear at every site. You could have small ones that someone could pop in and out of the car, but they'd be that small you could recharge them in 15 mins anyway, or put that much charge into a larger battery in the same time (batteries don't need to be brimmed every time you stop). The benefit of recharging built-in batteries is that most places already have electricity, and whilst the chargers aren't cheap they cost less than a ramp and handling equipment and a paid employee to swap them for you.
"Hi, new battery please"
"Sorry we're all out. There might be some on the van tomorrow or you can wait for someone to bring one in and once we've recharged it you can have it."
This happens with London hire bikes - you walk to your location and they're all gone so you have to keep walking. And also the reverse, you get to a location to drop your bike off and the place is full. They have teams of people in vans that shuffle them around.
molgrips
Not feasible – the battery is huge, weighs 3-500kg and forms a big structural element in the car. It’d require specialist gear at every site. You could have small ones that someone could pop in and out of the car, but they’d be that small you could recharge them in 15 mins anyway, or put that much charge into a larger battery in the same time (batteries don’t need to be brimmed every time you stop). The benefit of recharging built-in batteries is that most places already have electricity, and whilst the chargers aren’t cheap they cost less than a ramp and handling equipment and a paid employee to swap them for you.
Nio already have this running in China, they're targetting 2300 stations by year end. Interesting to see if it works out.
Strikes me as odd on here of all places that right to repair and ethical component sourcing isn’t being embraced.
I embrace it. I've replaced half a dozen phone batteries, I just paid someone to do it. Wasn't overly expensive. £60 every three years doesn't seem like a lot when you're paying at least £5-700 over that period just to use the thing.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea (it's a great idea) I'm just explaining why I think manufacturers started doing non-user replaceable batteries in the first place. Because we as customers wanted lovely sleek devices.
Nio already have this running in China, they’re targetting 2300 stations by year end.
Yeah I've heard of it, but it seems rather niche. That number of stations must only be in urban areas. And it's specific to that one car so I can't see it taking off.
Video here:
Seems like a heck of a lot of work just to save a bit of time on a long trip. And I'm not sure it helps that much. The point about charging stations is that they are easy to install and are (or will be) ubiquitous. If you get to one and it's not working or busy you can go to the next one (because you didn't run down to 1% did you?). These swap stations will be few and far between, because they are expensive. so you could be more likely to get completely stranded. If these do get rolled out, whilst that is happening every other manufacturer and government will be splattering chargers on every street corner (nearly).
The only benefit I can see for people without on-street parking. If (as in China) you have large areas of high density apartments, this could be a good car for you because one station could serve loads of people without a long wait.
What's all this stuff about not being able to run banking apps on older phones?
I have an "old" Galaxy which I use for music and podcasts.
No sim, just wifi.
Tried my Barclays app and it works absolutely fine.
molgrips
Yeah I’ve heard of it, but it seems rather niche. That number of stations must only be in urban areas. And it’s specific to that one car so I can’t see it taking off.
Apparently not just urban, and it works on all of Nios cars AFAIK
Nio will build 400 battery-swapping stations along highways and 600 in urban areas with a focus on the country’s third- and fourth-tier cities and counties, Li said in a post on Nio’s social media platform on Tuesday.
Seems like a heck of a lot of work just to save a bit of time on a long trip. And I’m not sure it helps that much. The point about charging stations is that they are easy to install and are (or will be) ubiquitous.
I'm not sure what China's power grid is like but I suppose a lot of areas would lack the infrastructure needed for multiple fast chargers? You can be charging these things up to 80% 24x7 at a slow rate so they're always ready to go.
Nio will build 400 battery-swapping stations along highways and 600 in urban areas
Meanwhile we build 8,660 charging stations last year in the UK alone, and they work with any car (nearly).
I’m not sure what China’s power grid is like but I suppose a lot of areas would lack the infrastructure needed for multiple fast chargers? You can be charging these things up to 80% 24×7 at a slow rate so they’re always ready to go.
Fair point - IF there are enough batteries to go round if a load of people turn up at once. It might be a better solution to just have large batteries on-site at the station and charge them slowly (with on-site solar even) to provide the rapid charging. I know this has also been mooted possibly by Tesla I can't remember.
The other issue is that each car purchase needs to fund several batteries to supply the network of spares, and as we know the battery is the most expensive part of the car.
molgrips
Meanwhile we build 8,660 charging stations last year in the UK alone, and they work with any car (nearly).
Sure, but how many are are 300+KW? Because that's what you need to be equivalent.
Anyway we're getting off topic, the point is, swapping batteries is potentially feasible. Nio could open their spec up to make it universal if they wished.
Sure, but how many are are 300+KW? Because that’s what you need to be equivalent.
But you don't really need to be equivalent. Does it really matter if your trip to Scotland takes 45 mins longer? Not really. It will seem annoying at first but you'd soon get used to it.
the point is, swapping batteries is potentially feasible
Technical feasible yes, economically viable not so sure. But yeah we appear to be on the wrong thread 🙂
molgrips
But you don’t really need to be equivalent. Does it really matter if your trip to Scotland takes 45 mins longer? Not really. It will seem annoying at first but you’d soon get used to it.
Well yeah to me it does 🤷♂️ Besides it's not necessarily 45 minutes, many of the chargers in your 8660 figure are only 7KW so it could be several hours.
Anyway I agree, wrong thread, let's move on! 🙂 Tesla decided it wasn't worth doing battery swaps so that's probably a good indicator of where the market is headed.
Well yeah to me it does
Meh. Small price to pay IMO.
What’s all this stuff about not being able to run banking apps on older phones?
We actually have proper banking security outside of the UK...
Some related good news, Apple look to be turning fast as regards right to repair…
https://www.ifixit.com/News/79902/apples-u-turn-tech-giant-finally-backs-repair-in-california
Next… Shimano… 😹
Pretty arrogant of you to be criticising the people who invent these things in the first place.
Nobody is above criticism, certainly companies coining it from products designed to be binned 24-36 months after they're sold. They don't need you to defend them from arrogant tossers like me, the industry is apparently worth ~$450 Billion a year.
A decade ago I could pay £20 and swap the bastard thing myself, now apparently get the privilege of paying some sweaty oddball in a crappy shop twice as much to pry it open, swap the same part and glue it back together. And you think I should be grateful?
Personally, I’d love to see the regular watch manufacturers (Casio), offer an easy (idiot-proof) way to replace the battery on a G-Shock.
I've changed several G-shock batteries, including tough solar jobbies, and I'm an idiot.
^^^^^
Just like your first clipless pedals, you’ll want to experience the satisfying, tactile clunk as the new battery slides into place😉😉😉
EV batteries are generally already replaceable.
Not if it is a Tossla model 'Y' apparently. An article in a recent trade rag claimed that these are write offs as soon as any accident damage gets near the battery pack. Which is true of all EVs of course, but because the model 'Y' is built around the battery pack, rather than the battery pack being bolted to the main structure of the car this makes them instantly beyond economic repair.
Back on topic. I think the EU directive is more to do with end of life? Tis not really about consumers swapping batteries, that's just a bonus.
My S10 no longer runs banking apps or anything with a security portal properly (so i can’t get to the kids school reports or my works time booking stuff or the hospital portal).
That's weird. I'm still happily using my S8, which I've had for quite a few years. It's quite content to run my Lloyds and Halifax banking apps, and whatever else I throw at it.
That’s weird. I’m still happily using my S8, which I’ve had for quite a few years. It’s quite content to run my Lloyds and Halifax banking apps, and whatever else I throw at it.
+1, S10 and an S8 in this house both running various banking apps.
I use to have an S4 active that managed to be waterproof and have a removable battery, so it's not an insurmountable problem in a modern smartphone, although it wasn't 30+meter waterproof indefinitely like some new models, just 'survive being dropped in the bath, rain, swimming pool, or a sweaty pocket" waterproof.
What can i tell you, S10 no longer runs the requisite security software to enable me to log into my bank.
I can run the actual banking software on the phone (i just tried) but i need to use a more up to date device to actually do the whole MFA thing.