IFA 07 Philips for one has cottoned onto the fact that consumers are fed-up with piles of unidentifiable cables cluttering up their cupboards. Today, it unveiled its Power4Life range of universal chargers, developed to replace many chargers with one.

Philips' Power2Charge: one thing to charge them all

The Power2Charge range consists of three universal USB chargers and two universal USB car chargers. The slight nag is that it can only charge devices that can be powered through a USB port, such as an iPod, and presumably different cables would still be required for standard USB and mini USB ports. But it's a step in the right direction.

All three models are compatible with devices operating on up to 5V, while Philip's flagship SCM7880 model has an LED power level indicator on its front and a retractable USB cable. It also stores 15 hours' worth of power as a back-up and a foldable plug.

Philips' Power2Go: does what it says on the tin

If your power requirements are more upwardly mobile, then the Power2Go line provides up to 60 hours of power when away from a mains power connection. The range is divided up into two forms of battery pack and a third model specifically for mobile phones - so that classic 'oh my battery died' won't wash with the missus any more.

The Power2Charge and Power2Go ranges - both offered under the Power4Life brand - will be available across Europe from December, but prices are yet to be confirmed.