Europe to have one cell phone charger to rule them all

If there's one accessory every cell phone owner needs, it's a power charger. But what happens if you forget it or lose it? The European Commission thinks things should be simpler, and now the continent will be getting a single charger compatible with nearly every handheld.

10 major cell phone developers have already signed on to the project, including four of the biggest players: Apple, Motorola, Samsung and Research In Motion. Expected to drop in 2011, a universal charger would mean that not every new phone would need to ship with a power accessory. Not only does that save on materials and make the industry a little greener, but it has the potential of lowering prices.

Unfortunately, there isn't anything concrete on the horizon for U.S. consumers. Although, if these companies have to design their mobile phones to fall in line with this new E.U. regulation, it is likely to have some impact stateside as well thanks to models that will be sold in both markets.