Too Many New Smartphone Models Released Each Year: Survey (livemint.com)

An anonymous reader writes: Consumers think smartphone makers are releasing too many new models each year, a survey showed on Tuesday. The survey conducted in six countries, commissioned by the environmental group Greenpeace, showed that more than half of those who responded would prefer to change their phones less frequently. Handset devices are one of the most frequently replaced electronics products. The top cellphone companies, Samsung and Apple, launch new flagship phone models at least once every year, showing off the latest display and mobile processor technologies. Phone makers typically upgrade their cheaper lineups as well. "Over half of respondents across the countries surveyed agree that manufacturers are releasing too many new models, many designed to only last a few years," said Chih An Lee, global IT campaigner at Greenpeace East Asia. "In fact, most users actually want their phones to be more easily dismantled, repaired and recycled."

Comments

Re: When I don't want to change my phone

[ShanghaiBill]

GMO's allow for the use of more pesticides, a necessity in monoculture farming but not a boon for the environment.

Actually, GMO crops such as BT corn use less pesticides. "Roundup-Ready" crops allow the use of milder herbicides, since they can be sprayed when weeds are growing, rather than harsher chemicals that can kill seeds. RR crops also encourage "no-till" farming that can greatly reduce erosion and water pollution.

Re: When I don't want to change my phone

[dugancent]

Roundup-ready corn is off patent now, so no need for Monsanto. That said, there is a Roundup Ready 2 from Monsanto, but they original is available from several companies. Roundup's patent has expired too.

Re:When I don't want to change my phone

[TheRaven64]

That's a nice idea, but where can you buy a smartphone that gets security updates for 3-6+ years? Most Android phones get them for a year if you're very lucky, iPhones seem to get 3 years of support (counting from initial release date for that model - less if you buy them after that). Given the kinds of vulnerabilities that we're seeing on Android, I'd be as nervous about connecting one to WiFi without the latest security updates as I would of connecting a Windows PC directly to the Internet in the late '90s.

I'd love to see manufacturers made liable for providing new phones for customers if they don't provide fixes for fix security holes for 4-6 years.