Ten mobile phone manufacturers - Apple, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Qualcomm, Research in Motion, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Texas Instruments – have told the European Commission they’re committed to producing a ‘universal’ mobile phone charger using the Micro-USB standard. They’ve submitted a Memorandum of Understanding to the EC, which will help to reduce electronic waste and will also make life easier for consumers. It covers all mobile phones that can exchange data via USB, although unusual mobile formats – such as wristwatch phones – are excluded. The EC had previously said it would introduce legislation if the mobile industry was unable to reach such an agreement; it now says it’ll introduce new standards supporting the MoU. [Press release]