I read a very interesting article (http://www.popsci.com/gear-amp-gadgets/article/2009-03/universal-phone-charger-so-what-0#comment-33540) on the significance of the GSMA decision to adopt USB power for cell phone devices. The major benefit comes not from the standardization on the cell phone-side power connector, but on the choice to require a USB power adapter with a USB-A connector.
Because the USB power adapter has a universal connector, you can use just one power adapter to power a variety of products, simply by changing the cable. For example, I use my iPhone power adapter (designed by our CTO) to power my iPhone, Bluetooth headset and digital camera. When I get a new phone, Bluetooth headset or digital camera, I won't need or want a new power adapter. USB power adapters will be commonplace and we won't throw them away when we buy new 5V products.
The hard problem is to provide the same level of interoperability to non-5V products. What's needed is a means of dynamically configuring the power adapter output to match the power needed by any device connected to it. When we do this, we will significantly reduce eWaste from unnecessary power adapters that get thrown away simply because they are designed to work with just one product. Consumers will enjoy the interoperability. The environment will be spared a signficant waste. Vendors will not be required to give away power adapters that work with just one product. Everyone wins.
