AT&T plans to offer a "Zero Charger" for mobile phones so home owners looking to improve energy efficiency are able to save power when a phone or other device isn't plugged in.
Specifically, the charger is designed to eliminate vampire draw in the owner's household -- a common issue that lets a phone charger and other similar devices draw an electrical charge even if no device is connected to it.
Since the AT&T Zero Charger utilizes a USB plug, owners can also use it for iPods, external HDDs, and other consumer electronics. The Zero charger should work with most AT&T phones, along with the Apple iPhone and the Google Nexus One smartphone.
The wireless company didn't say how much it will price the charger, but it will be competitive with the cost of a replacement mobile phone charger.
The power use is minimal, but there also is a similar vampire draw from TVs, DVD and Blu-ray players, PCs, and many other household electronics and appliances.
"In an effort to provide environmentally friendly and simpler solutions for our customers, AT&T worked hand in hand with Superior Communications to create the first practical and user-friendly zero-draw charger for mobile phones," said Carlton Hill, AT&T Wireless Operation VP, in a statement.
There has been a renewed effort to go green, with tech companies releasing more eco-friendly products now that the U.S. government and more consumers want environmentally-friendly products.
