The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed some news that will make lots of electronics enthusiasts happy – they will no longer ask you to turn off your devices during take off and landing.

It’s not a huge deal to some, but to some it gets really annoying to have to turn off your devices, regardless of whether or not they have cellular or data transmission capabilities. This change will be taking effect at the end of this year, and will roll out to all air carriers.

Here’s the bit of the press release that pertains to personal electronic devices:

“Due to differences among fleets and operations, the implementation will vary among airlines, but the agency expects many carriers will prove to the FAA that their planes allow passengers to safely use their devices in airplane mode, gate-to-gate, by the end of the year.

The FAA based its decision on input from a group of experts that included representatives from the airlines, aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and the mobile technology industry.

Passengers will eventually be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions. Electronic items, books and magazines, must be held or put in the seat back pocket during the actual takeoff and landing roll. Cell phones should be in airplane mode or with cellular service disabled – i.e., no signal bars displayed—and cannot be used for voice communications based on FCC regulations that prohibit any airborne calls using cell phones. If your air carrier provides Wi-Fi service during flight, you may use those services. You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards.”