Mobile device makers want common plugs for earphones

An international trade group representing wireless device makers announced Wednesday it was backing a drive to standardize audio and USB plugs for laptops and other mobile gadgets. The CTIA Wireless Association said it is behind an initiative to make 3.5 millimeter plugs the standard for earphones, headphones and micro-USB connections in mobile devices introduced to the market after January 2012.

"By simplifying input and output features on mobile devices, economies of scale will reduce consumers' costs," said CTIA president Steve Largent.

Members of the wireless industry came together in April to support having universal power chargers for devices. Article