在數不清的數據線中翻找與設備相匹配的充電器的日子可能即將結束。歐盟暫時達成協議：到 2024 年秋季，新的便攜式電子設備必須配備 USB-C 端口充電器。

The idea of a common phone charger has been talked about for years. Now it finally looks set to come into force. This provisional agreement means that by the autumn of 2024, new mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU, will have to use a USB Type-C charging port. There's a longer phase-in period for laptops.

多年以來，人們一直在討論要統一手機充電器。現在看來這一想法終將實行。這項臨時協議規定，到2024年秋季，在歐盟銷售的新手機、平板電腦和相機將必須使用 USB-C 充電端口。筆記本電腦的過渡期更長。

The European commissioner for the internal market, Thierry Breton, said the plans will save consumers money and be better for the environment.

歐盟內部市場專員蒂埃里·布雷頓說，協議中的規定將為消費者省錢，對環境也更有利。

The new rules would also apply to Apple, which uses its own Lightning connector technology. It's previously argued the move will stifle innovation. Experts point too to the growth of wireless charging, which won't be covered by the regulations.

新規定也將適用于使用自己 “閃電（Lightning）” 連接器技術的蘋果公司。此前有人認為，該舉措會扼殺創新。專家們還指出，無線充電技術的發展將不受這些法規的限制。

The size of the EU market also presents manufacturers with a dilemma – is it worth making phones with different ports for different countries or regions? Or will the EU's decision impact the products on sale for the wider global market?

歐盟市場的規模也讓制造商陷入了兩難境地：為不同的國家或地區生產配有不同端口的手機，是否值得？歐盟的決定是否會影響面向更大的全球市場銷售的產品？

詞匯表

common 通用的，統一的
provisional 臨時的
charging port 充電端口
phase-in 逐步引入
stifle 扼殺，抑制
wireless charging 無線充電
dilemma 兩難境地
impact 影響

閱讀理解：請在讀完上文后，回答下列問題。

1. What type of charging port will mobile phones used in the EU have to have by 2024?

2. According to Thierry Breton, how will standardising charging ports help us?

3. Why has Apple previously not been very keen on this idea?

4. True or false? Standardising charging ports in the EU could help sales of mobile phones, tablets and cameras around the world.

答案  

1. What type of charging port will mobile phones used in the EU have to have by 2024?
This provisional agreement means that by the autumn of 2024, new mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU, will have to use a USB Type-C charging port.

2. According to Thierry Breton, how will standardising charging ports help us?
The European commissioner for the internal market, Thierry Breton, said the plans will save consumers money and be better for the environment.

3. Why has Apple previously not been very keen on this idea?
Apple previously argued the move will stifle innovation.

4. True or false? Standardising charging ports in the EU could help sales of mobile phones, tablets and cameras around the world.
False. Manufacturers could face a dilemma – the EU's decision might impact the products on sale for the wider global market.