Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New smaller SIM format gets standardized, shrinks 40 percent (update: Nokia gives bitter OK)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/new-smaller-sim-format-gets-standardized-shrinks-40-percent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/new-smaller-sim-format-gets-standardized-shrinks-40-percent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/new-smaller-sim-format-gets-standardized-shrinks-40-percent/#comments New smaller SIM format gets standardized, shrinks 40 percent

ETSI has given the nod to a new SIM format standard, which will be 40 percent smaller than the existing micro-SIM design. Agreeing to the design in Osaka, Japan, the shape will be 12.3mm by 8.8mm and will measure the same thickness as existing SIMs at 0.67mm thick. The design promises to work with existing hardware and appears to fly closer to Apple's suggested size, following plenty of crossed words between manufacturers over the next iteration of the card.

Update: Nokia has since put out a statement saying it will honor ETSI's decision and license out the needed patents on fair terms after the standards group made sure the vote was fair. We detect more than a small number of sour grapes from Espoo over having its own design rejected, though: it still sees Apple's nano-SIM as "technically inferior" and thinks the existing micro-SIM will still be the "preferred option." We can think of a couple of reasons why Nokia might not be so keen to switch.

[Thanks Prodan]

Jon Fingas contributed to this report.

New smaller SIM format gets standardized, shrinks 40 percent (update: Nokia gives bitter OK) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleetsiformatmobilepostcrossMotorolanano simnano-simNanoSimnew SIM formatNewSimFormatNokiaRIMSIMSIM cardSIM slotSimCardSimSlotstandardizedFri, 01 Jun 2012 07:38:00 EST<![CDATA[AGA's iTotal Control range cooker packs GSM connectivity, lets you pre-heat via SMS or web]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/aga-itotal-control-range-cooker-packs-wifi-gsm-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/aga-itotal-control-range-cooker-packs-wifi-gsm-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/aga-itotal-control-range-cooker-packs-wifi-gsm-sim/#comments Image

There are many options available if you want to control your appliances over WiFi, but how about an oven with its own SIM card and phone number? That's exactly what AGA has done with its latest kitchen-oriented offering, the iTotal Control range cooker. Regardless of whether you're cooking in one, or all three of its ovens, sending an SMS message to this smart appliance lets you control each one. It even texts you back to confirm whether your commands like "baking oven on" successfully initiate. The cooker naturally works over WiFi as well, giving you an on-screen emulation of its control panel on either your computer's web browser or AGA's iOS and Android apps. An external GSM remote access device -- basically a router / modem -- connects to the appliance to make it all happen, with cellular service provided by Orange. Ready to get cooking? The iTotal Control is set to sell for a hefty base-price of £10,090 (~$15,826), and you'll also be tied to a one-year contract with Orange for £5.95 (~$9) a month to enable the texting functionality. Simmer over the details at the source link below.

Continue reading AGA's iTotal Control range cooker packs GSM connectivity, lets you pre-heat via SMS or web

AGA's iTotal Control range cooker packs GSM connectivity, lets you pre-heat via SMS or web originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 01:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agaaga appaga itotal controlAgaAppAgaItotalControlandroidappbakebakingdinnerfoodgsmiositotal controlItotalControlorangeovenrange cookerRangeCookerroastsimsim cardSimCardsimmersmart applianceSmartAppliancesmswebwifiwirelessTue, 29 May 2012 01:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon offers prepaid 4G LTE data in Japan, gets you online 500MB at a time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/amazon-offers-prepaid-4g-lte-data-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/amazon-offers-prepaid-4g-lte-data-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/amazon-offers-prepaid-4g-lte-data-in-japan/#comments Image

Amazon has decided that offering 3G-capable Kindles isn't enough of an involvement in the cellular world -- it's now getting into the business of offering the bits themselves. Through a tie-up with NTT DoCoMo-using MVNO Japan Communications, Amazon is selling prepaid SIM cards for LTE data. Each slice of plastic and circuitry will provide a 500MB block of sweet, sweet 4G for ¥1,980 ($25). There's a very good chance we'd burn through that in a day, but it'll let you get an NTT DoCoMo-ready smartphone or Arrows Tab online in a pinch. The Japanese can snap up the cards later in the month, while those of us in the US will just have to hope that Amazon can make a similar (if hopefully cheaper) deal closer to home.

Amazon offers prepaid 4G LTE data in Japan, gets you online 500MB at a time originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLteamazonarrows tabArrowsTabcellphoncellphonesjapan communicationsJapanCommunicationslteMobile virtual network operatormobilepostminiMobileVirtualNetworkOperatormvnontt docomoNttDocomoprepaidsimsmartphonesmartphonestablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcstabletsMon, 28 May 2012 21:23:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM and Motorola modify nano-SIM proposal, hope to meet Apple halfway]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/rim-motorola-nano-sim-redesign/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/rim-motorola-nano-sim-redesign/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/rim-motorola-nano-sim-redesign/#comments Image

It's been a battle of epic proportions over a microscopic piece of plastic, but the warring sides appear to be working together to find a compromise. We're referring to the fight between Apple and a coalition formed by RIM, Motorola and Nokia as each group attempts to make their own nano-SIM design the ETSI standard. Neither entity has seemed willing to extend an olive branch and come up with any compromise -- until recently. RIM and Motorola have updated their design proposal in an effort to reach middle ground with Cupertino, and it appears that they were more than accommodating in the chip's refreshed look (seen above).

So how different can two nano-SIM designs be? Worlds apart, it turns out. For instance, RIM and Motorola have insisted from the beginning that a notch is necessary to allow for "push-push" mechanisms (push to lock the chip in place, push to pop it back out again); Apple, on the other hand, has been entirely anti-notch -- not a surprise, given the fact that the company uses SIM trays on the iPhone, therefore making the concept of a notch completely irrelevant. In its redesign, however, RIM and Motorola took elements from both sides of the fight and combined them. The new look retains Apple's simple rectangular style, but still makes room for a low-key notch on one side. It's difficult to say whether this move will be enough to gain the affection of Tim Cook's company and sway the vote -- Apple is still hard at work modding its own design, after all -- but it's nice to see both factions playing nice with each other prior to the next ETSI meeting on May 31st. Head to the source to see the difference between the original designs and the latest version.

RIM and Motorola modify nano-SIM proposal, hope to meet Apple halfway originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 00:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleejectable sim cardEjectableSimCardetsiiphonemobilepostcrossmotorolanano simnano-SIMNanoSimnokiaproposalrimsimstandardstandardsvoteFri, 18 May 2012 00:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple mods nano-SIM design, awaits Nokia's tiny rebuttal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/apple-mods-nano-sim-design-awaits-nokias-tiny-rebuttal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/apple-mods-nano-sim-design-awaits-nokias-tiny-rebuttal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/apple-mods-nano-sim-design-awaits-nokias-tiny-rebuttal/#comments Image

Apple and Nokia agree that a smaller SIM card will aid them in their quest to create better phones for us all, but the two disagree about what that new SIM should look like. You see, Nokia claims that Cupertino's proposed card violates ETSI's -- the standards body that'll make the final call on the one nano-SIM to rule them all -- requirement that the nano-SIM design preclude people from fitting it into a microSD slot. Well, that complaint didn't fall upon deaf ears, as Apple apparently put SIM maker Giesecke & Devrient to work making a new version that solves the problem with some additional plastic in all the right places. Of course, this new design doesn't address Nokia's claims that its design is technically superior, so it's unlikely to win approval from its Finnish opponents. While Apple's new nano-SIM seems to eliminate one hurdle in its way, RIM's accusation that Apple's attempt to rig ETSI's decision in its favor has yet to be dealt with. That means it'll be a bit before we know if Cupertino's plan for nano-SIM domination will succeed. Stay tuned.

Sean Cooper contributed to this report.

Apple mods nano-SIM design, awaits Nokia's tiny rebuttal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applemicroSDnano-SIMnano-SIM dominationNano-simDominationnokiaRIMSIMTue, 08 May 2012 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[EnStream to bring mobile wallet to Canadians, make loonies obsolete (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/enstream-to-bring-mobile-wallet-to-canadians/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/enstream-to-bring-mobile-wallet-to-canadians/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/enstream-to-bring-mobile-wallet-to-canadians/#comments EnStream to bring mobile wallet to Canadians, make loonies obsolete (video)

A joint venture of Canadian carriers Rogers, Bell and Telus called EnStream is in final talks with the country's leading banks (likely CIBC, TD, RBC, Scotiabank and BMO) to bring a mobile wallet solution to the Great White North within six months. The system, which was demoed at the CWTA Wireless Showcase last September, enables mobile payments by storing a user's financial credentials on the SIM located inside their NFC-capable phone. It aims to replace credit and debit cards at first -- perhaps even driver's licenses and loyalty programs down the road. Carriers plan to charge banks a flat rate instead of a per-transaction fee.

According to Almis Ledas, EnStream's COO, "banking machines will become the payphones of the future". While we command this attempt to standardize mobile payments in Canada, the time frame seems rather optimistic in light of the slow progress AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have made with Isis in the US so far. Different countries, different rules of course -- still, we think it's going to take quite a while to make loonies obsolete. Maybe this is the perfect window of opportunity for Google Wallet and Square to jump across the border, eh? Time will tell. Check out EnStream's mobile wallet in action on video after the break.

Continue reading EnStream to bring mobile wallet to Canadians, make loonies obsolete (video)

EnStream to bring mobile wallet to Canadians, make loonies obsolete (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankBellBMOCanadacarrierCIBCcredit cardsCreditCardsdebit cardsDebitCardsdrivers licenseDriversLicenseEnStreamloonieloyalty programLoyaltyProgrammobile paymentsmobile walletMobilePaymentsmobilepostcrossMobileWalletNFCRBCRogersScotiabankSIMTDTelusvideoThu, 26 Apr 2012 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T purportedly unlocks in-contract iPhones for deployed military personnel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/att-purportedly-unlocks-iphones-for-deployed-military-personnel/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/att-purportedly-unlocks-iphones-for-deployed-military-personnel/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/att-purportedly-unlocks-iphones-for-deployed-military-personnel/#comments AT&T purportedly unlocks in-contract iPhones for deployed military personnelAT&T has gotten a good amount of attention lately for unlocking off-contract iPhone handsets, but a recent report from MacRumors suggests that the carrier is extending the same privilege to members of the US military currently serving overseas. While we haven't been able to verify the report, we'd like to believe that news of AT&T's goodwill gesture is indeed genuine. Naturally, we're rather curious to know whether this policy extends to AT&T's entire range of handsets. So, if you or a loved one is on active deployment, be sure to give this a try and let us know your experience in the comments below.

[Military photo via Shutterstock]

AT&T purportedly unlocks in-contract iPhones for deployed military personnel originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattcarriercarrier unlockCarrierUnlockcontractiphonemilitarymobilepostcrosssimsim unlockSimUnlockunlockunlockingus militaryUsMilitaryTue, 10 Apr 2012 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: AT&T now unlocking out-of-contract iPhones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/att-now-unlocking-iphones/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/att-now-unlocking-iphones/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/att-now-unlocking-iphones/#comments PSA: AT&T now unlocking out-of-contract iPhones
In case you've been living under a rock (or enjoying the weekend holidays), AT&T on Friday revealed its plans to start unlocking out-of-contract iPhones. However, customers looking to take advantage of the deal will have to meet a few requirements first, which include having an account in good standing (so pay those past due fees before inquiring), a fulfilled contract, paid an early termination fee or that a handset upgrade was done. The unlocking process can be achieved at any brick-and-mortar shop, online via chat or by dialing AT&T's 611. For what it's worth, we tried this and found it to be pretty straightforward. In this writer's case, it only took about 40 minutes after the initial approval went through. The most tedious step was that required restore, after which we were greeted with a joyful "congratulations your iPhone has been unlocked" message. Still, users are reporting mixed results: depending on whose account you believe, AT&T is asking users to wait 72 hours, or telling folks the unlock will complete on April 16th. Be sure to let us know in the comments how it's all turning out for you.

PSA: AT&T now unlocking out-of-contract iPhones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleApple iPhoneAppleIphoneattcarrieriphoneiphone unlockiphonesIphoneUnlockmobilepostcrossoff contractOffContractsimsim unlockSimUnlockunlockunlockingMon, 09 Apr 2012 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T to begin unlocking off-contract iPhones this Sunday, April 8th (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/atandt-to-begin-unlocking-iphone-sunday-april-8/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/atandt-to-begin-unlocking-iphone-sunday-april-8/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/atandt-to-begin-unlocking-iphone-sunday-april-8/#comments AT&T to begin unlocking off-contract iPhones this Sunday, April 8thWe've just received word of a spicy strategy change, to be enacted this Sunday, that's sure to please the AT&T iPhone-loving masses. On Easter, select Ma' Bell customers with iPhones -- those off-contract with accounts in good standing -- will be able to request a carrier unlock for their device. Once freed, any micro-SIM can be used -- provided its carrier's frequencies are supported -- by the smartphone. An AT&T spokesperson was able to confirm that "a policy change concerning iPhones" would indeed be rolled-out on Sunday, but declined to elaborate further. That sound you hear? International Love, being quietly spun from the corner office of Ralph de la Vega.

[Thanks, John Crawford]

Here's AT&T's official statement on the matter:

Beginning Sunday, April 8, we will offer qualifying customers the ability to unlock their AT&T iPhones. The only requirements are that a customer's account must be in good standing, their device cannot be associated with a current and active term commitment on an AT&T customer account, and they need to have fulfilled their contract term, upgraded under one of our upgrade policies or paid an early termination fee.

AT&T to begin unlocking off-contract iPhones this Sunday, April 8th (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATTbreaking newscarrier unlockCarrierUnlockchangeiPhonemobilepostcrosspolicySIMSIM UnlockSimUnlockunlockFri, 06 Apr 2012 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple patents ejectable SIM card tray as nano-SIM battle rages on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/apple-patent-ejectable-sim-card-tray-nano-sim-war/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/apple-patent-ejectable-sim-card-tray-nano-sim-war/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/apple-patent-ejectable-sim-card-tray-nano-sim-war/#comments ImageWe're guessing it's just coincidental timing here, but it looks as if Apple has been granted a patent surrounding "ejectable component assemblies" that are designed to be "flush with the external surfaces of the housings of the devices, despite variations in their manufacture." In other words, a SIM card tray. Granted, there's no specific verbiage in the independent claims of this one letting us know what exact size we're talking about, so it's highly unlikely that a patent application filed in December of 2010 (but granted today) would be directly referencing the nano-SIM war that's currently ongoing. That said, the description most certainly sounds like the tray that we've seen throughout the iPhone's life cycle, and if Apple's trying to go small in future handsets, there's a better than average chance that the ejection mechanism will be all too familiar. Legalese lovers can find the usual load down in the source link.

Apple patents ejectable SIM card tray as nano-SIM battle rages on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applemobilepostcrossnano simnano-simNanoSimpatentsimsim cardsim traySimCardSimTraytrayTue, 27 Mar 2012 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung does some awesome face projection to push Galaxy Y Duos (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/samsung-does-some-awesome-face-projection-to-push-galaxy-y-duos/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/samsung-does-some-awesome-face-projection-to-push-galaxy-y-duos/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/samsung-does-some-awesome-face-projection-to-push-galaxy-y-duos/#comments ImageSo, imagine that you're Samsung, and you're looking to promote your double-SIMed Galaxy Y Duos smartphone. How to go about it? How about performing a cool light show on some dude's face? That's the approach of this spot brought to you by the Portugal wing of the hardware maker. The model in question reportedly had to sit still for "up to" three hours straight as his face and upper body were used as a canvas for the same sort of video mapping we've seen applied to the sides of buildings. The result is a little strange, a bit spooky and generally awesome, even if your Portuguese is a bit rusty. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Samsung does some awesome face projection to push Galaxy Y Duos (video)

Samsung does some awesome face projection to push Galaxy Y Duos (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementdual simDualSimgalaxygalaxy y duosGalaxyYDuosmobilepostminisamsung galaxySamsungGalaxysimvideovideo mappingVideoMappingMon, 26 Mar 2012 21:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple ready to license its nano-SIM design for free, on one not-so-nano condition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/apple-ready-to-license-its-nano-sim-design-for-free/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/apple-ready-to-license-its-nano-sim-design-for-free/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/apple-ready-to-license-its-nano-sim-design-for-free/#commentsApple ready to license its nano-SIM design for freeIf you hadn't heard, there are two rival nano-SIM designs going around, but there's only room for one of them to become an industry standard. Nokia, Motorola and RIM sit together in one corner, and we've already covered why they think their design is superior. On the other side of the ring sits Apple, which has its own tactics for bringing ETSI, the European Telecoms Standards Institute, over to its way of thinking. According to a legal letter shown to FOSS Patents by a "perfectly reliable source", Apple is prepared to license its nano-SIM design royalty-free, so long as it becomes the new standard and all other nano-SIM patent holders reciprocate the gesture. Such a gambit may not appease Cupertino's rivals and it certainly doesn't address their technical concerns, but it might show that Apple isn't looking to profit out of this particular format war and is simply continuing its quest for greater clarity on FRAND licensing terms. Then again, it could all just be lawyer-speak.

Update: Nokia has responded to Apple's move, making it clear that it still prefers its own design. Mark Durrant, director of communications for the Finnish firm said, "the principal issues remain the technical superiority of our proposal and that Apple's proposal does not meet the pre-agreed ETSI requirements... Apple's proposal for royalty free licensing seems no more than an attempt to devalue the intellectual property of others." We expect this to go back and forth a few more times.

Apple ready to license its nano-SIM design for free, on one not-so-nano condition originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledesignETSIEuropean Telecommunications Standards InstituteEuropeanTelecommunicationsStandardsInstitutefoss patentsFossPatentsindustry standardIndustryStandardmobilepostminimotorolanano simnano-SIMNanoSimnokiapatentpatentsrimroyaltyroyalty-freeSIMstandardstandardsMon, 26 Mar 2012 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia to Apple: don't cha wish your nano-SIM was hot like ours?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/nokia-apple-nano-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/nokia-apple-nano-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/nokia-apple-nano-sim/#commentsImage
Don't you hate it when the biggest wars can be started over the smallest things? This time around, we're referring to this in a very literal sense, as Apple has been putting the heat on (no, not that kind of heat) against an alliance formed by Nokia, Motorola and RIM regarding nano-SIM standards. With the ETSI gearing up for a vote on various proposals next week, the two sides are locking horns, determined to prove theirs is the best. Last we heard, concerns were flying left and right that Apple was planning to move ahead with its nano-SIM unilaterally, snatch up a smorgasbord of patents along its path and seize control of the governing body by registering six subsidiaries to vote. Considering Nokia is the current vote leader and claims its design has "significant technical advantages," we can understand why the Finnish giant would be worried. But how, exactly, is its design any better off?

A Nokia representative gave some more clarity to The Verge about the perks its version offers. The company claims Apple's standard doesn't meet the ETSI-approved requirements, which if true would make it incredibly difficult -- in theory, anyway -- to win over votes. Also, unlike Cupertino's version, Nokia's card doesn't require a tray or drawer, which equates to more space, allows for more design innovations and decreases the cost of manufacturing in comparison. Lastly, Espoo also argues that its competitor's proposal wouldn't be backwards-compatible with micro-SIM slots. Sounds legit, but we'd love to hear the opposing team offer its rebuttal before next week's vote. As it stands, we doubt this is the last round in the war of words before everything is settled. For now, head over to the source to see the explanation in its entirety.

Continue reading Nokia to Apple: don't cha wish your nano-SIM was hot like ours?

Nokia to Apple: don't cha wish your nano-SIM was hot like ours? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleetsimicro-simmobilepostcrossmotorolanano simnano sim cardsnano-simNanoSimNanoSimCardsnokiaproposalrimsimsim cardsSimCardsstandardsThu, 22 Mar 2012 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Vietnam considers limiting SIM card access, suggests 18 per person is enough]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/vietnam-sim-card-limit/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/vietnam-sim-card-limit/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/vietnam-sim-card-limit/#comments Vietnam considers limiting consumer access to SIM cards, suggests 18 per person is enoughHow many SIM cards do you have in your stash? If your answer is less than three per operator -- of every network provider -- then you may have trouble sympathizing with the apparent plight of some Vietnamese. Proposed legislation from the Ministry of Information and Commerce would effectively regulate each citizen to a maximum of three SIMs per carrier (of which there are six), leading to a theoretical limit of 18 SIM cards per individual. The draft law is intended to curb unauthorized distribution in that nation, where SIM cards with student discounts and the like are re-sold without carrier knowledge. The proposal could affect businesses too, limiting each company to a maximum of 100 SIM cards -- but there's no word on whether this cap is per network or absolute. Meanwhile, industry officials insist that a limit of five SIMs per operator would be more reasonable, given the number of SIM-enabled devices available to consumers. What's most clear, though, is that Vietnam is awash in marketing opportunity -- just imagine how popular Nokia could be with a mobile phone that supports 18 SIM cards.

[SIM cards via ShutterStock]

Vietnam considers limiting SIM card access, suggests 18 per person is enough originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gemaltonetworknetwork operatorNetworkOperatorSIMsim cardsim card limitsim cardsSimCardSimCardLimitSimCardsvietnamWed, 21 Mar 2012 08:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's nano-SIM proposal draws fire from Motorola, Nokia, RIM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/apple-nano-sim-motorola-nokia-rim-standard/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/apple-nano-sim-motorola-nokia-rim-standard/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/apple-nano-sim-motorola-nokia-rim-standard/#comments Image
Giesecke & Devrient's nano-SIM design is fueling quite the standards battle over in Europe, with Apple sitting in one corner, and the troika of Motorola, Nokia and RIM looming in the other. That's according to the Financial Times, which reports today that Cupertino is leading a charge to push its own nano-SIM proposal through Europe's standards body, ETSI, much to the chagrin of its competitors. According to FT's sources, Apple's version of the nano-SIM would call for a "drawer" to protect it, much like the designs already featured in the iPhone and iPad. Though the standard would be available to all manufacturers under license, there's a lingering fear that Apple may eventually own all the patents pertaining to its proposal. Plus, its rivals would have to re-engineer their handsets to meet Apple's proposed design, even though Nokia claims its solution offers "significant technical advantages." ETSI is slated to vote on the proposals next week, but FT claims that the company has already garnered support from most of Europe's providers. Just to be sure, though, Cupertino is applying to become the largest voting member at ETSI, and is looking to register a full six European subsidies under its name. Each subsidy can wield up to 45 votes, meaning that if approved, Apple would overtake Nokia as the organization's largest voting body. Nokia, for its part, has filed a document in protest.

Apple's nano-SIM proposal draws fire from Motorola, Nokia, RIM originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleETSIeuropelawlegalmobilepostcrossmotorolamotorola mobilityMotorolaMobilitynano simnano-simNanoSimnokiaRIMsimstandardWed, 21 Mar 2012 00:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Bringing wireless to the disconnected: internet tales from the South Pacific]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/bringing-wireless-to-the-disconnected-internet-south-pacific/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/bringing-wireless-to-the-disconnected-internet-south-pacific/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/bringing-wireless-to-the-disconnected-internet-south-pacific/#comments

"We only have dial-up here. You'd be shocked at the speeds. [Laughs.] But it's okay -- as long as I can send and reply to email, I'm fine with it."

Those were the words spoken to me just weeks ago by the absolutely precious owner of Litia Sini Beach Resort on the extreme southeastern tip of Upolu. For those unaware, that's Samoa's most populous island (~135,000 people) -- a sliver of lush, mountainous land dropped almost perfectly in the center of the Pacific Ocean. I chuckled a bit upon hearing it, immediately realizing that I had a connection in the palm of my hand that was 20, 30, perhaps even 40 times quicker than what this business owner was relying on. She paused, as if to collect her thoughts before going into a familiar spiel about the resort's amenities, and then drew my attention to the display of her laptop.

"It's still a draft for now, but this is the new tsunami evacuation plan that we're working on. Soon, we'll have this in each fale. It's taking a bit of time to get right, as the drawings are actually done in New Zealand."

I nodded my head in understanding, immediately thinking that this must be in reaction to the catastrophic tsunami of September 2009, caused by a magnitude 8.1 submarine earthquake that hit barely 100 miles from the very spot I was sitting. It was the largest quake of 2009. The entire resort was leveled. Dozens upon dozens were killed. And here we were, over two full years later, and the evacuation schematics are still in "draft."

Continue reading Bringing wireless to the disconnected: internet tales from the South Pacific

Bringing wireless to the disconnected: internet tales from the South Pacific originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gamerican samoaAmericanSamoablueskybluesky samoaBlueskySamoabroadbandfijihspahspa plusHspaPlusinternetmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetrental simRentalSimsamoasimtravelwireless internetWirelessInternetwwanMon, 12 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T announces global coverage via a single SIM at MWC, makes dual-wielding a thing of the past]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/atandt-announces-global-coverage-via-a-single-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/atandt-announces-global-coverage-via-a-single-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/atandt-announces-global-coverage-via-a-single-sim/#commentsTired of switching out those SIM cards when you travel abroad? AT&T is about to relieve that burden. At MWC, the company has announced a new platform that offers global internet, WiFi, satellite and Ma Bell network coverage via a single SIM. In addition to the hardware, the new tech offers worldwide diagnostic, monitoring and alert / response features for management purposes from AT&T Control Center -- backed by Jasper Wireless. Glenn Lurie, President of Emerging Segments notes "Lessons learned by market leading manufacturers suggest that a single carrier supplier with a single SIM solution is often preferred over working directly with multiple regional wireless carriers." Coverage for globetrotters will be provided in more than 200 countries via hundreds of carriers to keep you connected -- with a few less components in tow. If you're looking for a few more details, hit the full PR below to read on.

Continue reading AT&T announces global coverage via a single SIM at MWC, makes dual-wielding a thing of the past

AT&T announces global coverage via a single SIM at MWC, makes dual-wielding a thing of the past originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATTcellphonesglobalglobal simGlobalSimInternetmobilepostcrossmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012networknetwork coverageNetworkCoveragesatelliteSimsmartphoneswifiMon, 27 Feb 2012 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Gigabyte GSmart G1355 leaked ahead of MWC, offers dual-SIM goodness for small wallets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/gigabyte-gsmart-g1355/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/gigabyte-gsmart-g1355/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/gigabyte-gsmart-g1355/#comments
Gigabyte doesn't crank out handsets with the same frequency as, say, Samsung or HTC, so it's a momentous occasion to see a new addition to its lineup getting dressed up and ready to go. The outfit's latest model, the GSmart G1355, is getting some unofficial face time before Mobile World Congress and appears to keep things simple: it's said to bring dual-SIM capability to the table as well as a lightly-skinned version of Android 2.3, 5MP rear camera with LED flash, an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7227T CPU with 512MB of RAM and Adreno 200 GPU. The 11.5mm-thick device also sports a 4.3-inch WVGA display, which is par for the course in today's smartphone market but a behemoth when compared to the rest of Gigabyte's offerings. Since it hasn't officially been announced, we also are unsure about the pricing and availability, but the specs certainly indicate that it's aiming for entry-level status. The G1355 is expected to make its official debut in Barcelona, and we'll be there to get some quality one-on-one time with the new handset.

Gigabyte GSmart G1355 leaked ahead of MWC, offers dual-SIM goodness for small wallets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3android gingerbreadAndroid2.3AndroidGingerbreaddual simdual-simDualSimg1355gigabytegigabyte g1355gigabyte gsmart g1355GigabyteG1355GigabyteGsmartG1355gingerbreadgooglegsmartmobilepostminisimwvgaWed, 15 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Xcom Global revolutionizes global data: one MiFi to serve 195 countries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/xcom-global-revolutionizes-global-data-one-mifi-to-serve-195-co/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/xcom-global-revolutionizes-global-data-one-mifi-to-serve-195-co/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/xcom-global-revolutionizes-global-data-one-mifi-to-serve-195-co/#comments Chances are you'll see a metric ton of new gizmos surfacing at CES next week, and if we're lucky, two or three of them will be bona fide game changers. Lucky for you, Xcom Global is serving one up ahead of the mayhem, with a single WWAN device that enables you to suck down 3G data in nearly every country on the planet. If you'll recall, the outfit's Euro SIM took a giant step in the right direction by providing universal 3G data coverage to jetsetters who passed through some 40 nations in Europe, but true globetrotters need something even more advanced. And frankly, even those who are only hitting three or four nations in a swing will surely appreciate the ability to carry just a single USB stick or MiFi hotspot versus a handful of 'em. Xcom's deeming it the Global Travel Plan, and thanks to its partnership with iPhoneTrip, the outfit is adding support for some 130 nations, bringing the grand total to 195. Better still, users will be able to enjoy unlimited surfing in any of those places, all for just $12.95 per day.

For those unaware, Xcom's service -- which we reviewed back in 2010 -- works a bit like this. If you're in the US, you hit its website and select your travel dates as well as the nations you're planning to travel through. If you select the Global Travel Plan, you'll get a single device shipped to you before you depart. It'll serve up data from local 3G networks in the countries you travel through, and once you're home, you pop the device back into a prepaid envelope and carry on. Yeah, you could argue that scrounging up a local SIM in every place you go is more affordable, but the ease of use here can't be overlooked. We'll be giving the new plan a go in some of the world's most far-out locales in the coming weeks, so be sure to keep an eye out for our results. Till then, hit the source link for a PDF of every supported nation as of January 2012.

Continue reading Xcom Global revolutionizes global data: one MiFi to serve 195 countries

Xcom Global revolutionizes global data: one MiFi to serve 195 countries originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gcoveragedataeuro simeuropeEuroSimexpansiongame changergame changinggamechangerGameChangingglobalhotspotinternationalinternational roamingInternationalRoaminginternetmifimifi rentalMifiRentalmobile datamobile hotspotMobileDataMobileHotspotoverseasrentalroamingsimwirelessXcom GlobalXcomGlobalTue, 03 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some iPhone 4S owners reporting ominous 'No SIM card installed' messages]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/some-iphone-4s-owners-reporting-ominous-no-sim-card-installed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/some-iphone-4s-owners-reporting-ominous-no-sim-card-installed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/some-iphone-4s-owners-reporting-ominous-no-sim-card-installed/#comments Could it be that Apple's latest smartphone is plagued with a troubling design flaw? Just ask the handful of iPhone 4S users who've experienced issues with their SIM cards, and they'll tell you this is very much the case. While we have no reason to believe a majority of iPhone 4S owners are affected, the problem appears to span across numerous carriers and parts of the globe -- even Sprint and Verizon Wireless users aren't immune. Some report resolving the problem with a new SIM card, while others have reason to believe it's the reader itself. Then there's a group known as Woo Servers, which suggests the malfunction is related to a short circuit caused by a design flaw with the SIM card tray. They've provided a detailed list of instructions to remedy the problem, with a simple piece of tape as the cure. Sadly, not everyone seems to benefit from the advice. So, Cupertino, care to lend a hand?

Some iPhone 4S owners reporting ominous 'No SIM card installed' messages originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebugbugserrorerrorsiosiphoneiphone 4sIphone4smobilepostcrossproblemproblemssimsim cardsim cardsSimCardSimCardssmartphonesmartphonesThu, 17 Nov 2011 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[SIM-based NFC gains global support from 45 mobile carriers, all huddled around GSMA's standard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/sim-based-nfc-gains-global-support-from-45-mobile-carriers-all/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/sim-based-nfc-gains-global-support-from-45-mobile-carriers-all/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/sim-based-nfc-gains-global-support-from-45-mobile-carriers-all/#comments You knew that NFC hardware can be embedded into SIM cards, right? Right? Regardless of whether you've been paying attention, the practice is about to become a whole lot more common, as 45 of the world's largest mobile operators have extended their support for the GSM Association's standard. Among the networks, you'll find heavy hitters such as China Mobile and China Unicom (which account for nearly 800 million subscribers between the two), along with familiar names such as America Movil, AT&T, Deutsche Telecom, KPN, Orange, Rogers, SFR, SK Telecom, Softbank, Telus, Verizon and Vodafone. Even Isis, the unholy mobile payment lovechild of AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, has pledged its support... in hopes of taking your money, that is. The new standard is expected to drive the proliferation of NFC across the globe, with Anne Bouverot, Director General of the GSMA commenting, "Mobile operators, working together, are ideally positioned to roll out services based on the requirements published by the GSMA, providing proven security and interoperability, global reach and customer care for consumers and businesses and a secure platform for service providers." Now, as you'd expect, we just wanna see it happen. For a complete list of the cooperating carriers, check out the PR after the break.

[SIM card photo via Shutterstock]

Continue reading SIM-based NFC gains global support from 45 mobile carriers, all huddled around GSMA's standard

SIM-based NFC gains global support from 45 mobile carriers, all huddled around GSMA's standard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>america movilAmericaMovilattchina mobilechina unicomChinaMobileChinaUnicomDeutsche TelekomDeutscheTelekomgsm associationgsmaGsmAssociationisiskpnmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsmobilepostmininear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationnfcorangerogerssfrsimsim cardsim-based nfcSim-basedNfcSimCardsk telecomSkTelecomsoftbankT-MobiletelusTMobileverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvodafoneThu, 17 Nov 2011 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[nano-SIM's flimsy form factor poised to frustrate fleshy-fingered phone users forever]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/nano-sims-flimsy-form-factor-poised-to-frustrate-fleshy-fingere/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/nano-sims-flimsy-form-factor-poised-to-frustrate-fleshy-fingere/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/nano-sims-flimsy-form-factor-poised-to-frustrate-fleshy-fingere/#comments
Most of us feel the average Subscriber Identity Module card is too small for our sausage-like digits, device makers loathe giving up that amount of space to an oversized plastic rectangle. Efforts to slim it down have been underway for ages, which is why some smartphones come with a micro-SIM, the easy-to-hold outer rim chopped off to make space for bigger batteries inside your device and to ensure your greasy fingers get all over the metal contacts. Sadly, it's time to wave goodbye to the idea of operating a smartphone without electron-tweezers, thanks to Giesecke & Devrient's new nano-SIM. The German fathers of the technology have shrunk the whole operation down to a 12mm x 9mm rectangle that's a third smaller than the micro-SIM and 60 percent smaller than the classic model: and as if to show off, it's also 15 percent thinner, too. The company will be exhibiting the chips tomorrow in Paris and has already sent initial samples to smartphone makers, expecting ETSI to sign off on the standard by the end of 2011 -- assuming they've been able to pick theirs off the table.

Continue reading nano-SIM's flimsy form factor poised to frustrate fleshy-fingered phone users forever

nano-SIM's flimsy form factor poised to frustrate fleshy-fingered phone users forever originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3G4GConnectivityETSIEuropean Telecommunications Standards InstituteEuropeanTelecommunicationsStandardsInstituteGiesecke DevrientGieseckeDevrientGieseckeUndDevrientLTEMicro-SIMMicro-Sim CardMicro-simCardmicroSimMicroSimCardMobileMobile InternetMobile PhonesMobileInternetMobilePhonesmobilepostmininano-SIMnano-SIM CardNano-simCardNetworkingSIMSIM CardSimCardSmartphonesMon, 14 Nov 2011 20:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Have you noticed battery improvements after updating to iOS 5.0.1?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/poll-have-you-noticed-battery-improvements-after-updating-to-io/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/poll-have-you-noticed-battery-improvements-after-updating-to-io/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/poll-have-you-noticed-battery-improvements-after-updating-to-io/#comments Yesterday, Apple pushed out iOS 5.0.1, just about four weeks after releasing iOS 5 to the masses. Among the reported fixes: battery life improvements, following a confirmed bug in the initial release. We're hearing reports that battery life remains an issue for some iPhone 4S owners, however, and that it's been reduced even further for others. We want to hear about your experience, though, so let us know what's up in the poll below, and jump past the break to join other iPhone owners in the comments.

View Poll

Poll: Have you noticed battery improvements after updating to iOS 5.0.1? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iphoneAppleIphoneattbattery lifeBatteryLifebugbugscallcommunicationemojifixInBoxiosios 5Ios5iphoneiphone 4sIphone4sissuemobilepostcrosspollproblemsimsiriupdateupdatesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwFri, 11 Nov 2011 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Vooma Peel PG92 case brings dual-SIM capability, added appeal to your iPhone 4, 4S]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/vooma-peel-pg92-case-brings-dual-sim-capability-added-appeal-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/vooma-peel-pg92-case-brings-dual-sim-capability-added-appeal-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/vooma-peel-pg92-case-brings-dual-sim-capability-added-appeal-to/#comments
Vooma's new Peel PG92 handset case isn't the first to bring dual-SIM capability to the iPhone 4, but it may be the most elegant. The accessory, which has yet to be released, essentially consists of an extra battery pack and an unlocked SIM slot. All you have to do is download Vooma's customized app to your jailbroken iPhone 4 or 4S, strap on the Peel PG92, and insert your spare SIM card into the case (judging from the photos, it appears that the device is tailored for mini-SIM cards, rather than micro-SIM). Once that's taken care of, you'll be able to place calls via the app and external SIM, using a dialer interface that's only slightly different from what Apple offers. No word yet on pricing or availability, but you can sign up for more information at Voom's website, linked below. Otherwise, check out the coverage from our friends at TechCrunch, who managed to get their hands on a pre-release model.

Vooma Peel PG92 case brings dual-SIM capability, added appeal to your iPhone 4, 4S originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesappapplebatterydual simDualSimiphoneiphone 4iphone 4 caseiphone 4siphone caseIphone4Iphone4CaseIphone4sIphoneCasejailbreakmobilepostcrosspeel pg92PeelPg92SIMvoomavooma peel pg92VoomaPeelPg92Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: What's broken (or working) for you in iOS 5?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/29/poll-whats-broken-or-working-for-you-in-ios-5/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/29/poll-whats-broken-or-working-for-you-in-ios-5/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/29/poll-whats-broken-or-working-for-you-in-ios-5/#comments If you haven't updated to iOS 5 by now, let's face it: you never will. It's cool. We get it. Some of us are still using Netscape, too. For the rest of the iOS universe, though, iOS 5 has almost certainly been installed, and now that you've had a few weeks to tinker with it, we're interested in seeing what quirks are being found. We've received a number of reports surrounding call connection issues (on both Verizon Wireless and AT&T), "invalid SIM" warnings, a bug that shows an inbox as being full (when it clearly isn't) and iCloud refusing to load email altogether. Oh, and then there's that pesky Siri pincode bypass -- tsk, tsk! Toss your vote in below, and converse amongst yourselves in comments. Sharing is caring!

View Poll

Poll: What's broken (or working) for you in iOS 5? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattcallcommunicationemojifixInBoxiosios 5Ios5iphoneissuemobilepostcrossproblemsimsiriverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwSat, 29 Oct 2011 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[How The Gadget Show built its FPS simulator (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/how-the-gadget-show-built-its-fps-simulator-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/how-the-gadget-show-built-its-fps-simulator-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/how-the-gadget-show-built-its-fps-simulator-video/#comments
Remember The Gadget Show's FPS simulator that we showed you last week? Armed with naught but a pre-release level of Battlefield 3 and £500,000 ($650,000), it transformed a Birmingham studio into the sort of game room only multi-billionaires can dream of (as long as the dreams involved getting shot back, the sim comes packing paintball markers). The episode, which shows how this slice of gaming greatness came to be, has just finished airing here in the UK, where streaming and catch-up services aren't available to those outside the country. Fortunately for you lot, our friends at the show have uploaded the feature for you to watch in all its glory after the break.

Continue reading How The Gadget Show built its FPS simulator (video)

How The Gadget Show built its FPS simulator (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield 3Battlefield3BF3Channel 5Channel5FPS SimFPS SimulatorFpsSimFpsSimulatorGame SimulatorgamesGameSimulatorgamingIgloo VisionIglooVisionJason BradburyJasonBradburyKinectKinect HackKinectHackMSE WeibullMseWeibullOmnidirectional TreadmillOmnidirectionalTreadmillPaintballPaintball MarkerPaintballMarkerSimSimsSimulatorSimulatorsSuzi PerrySuziPerryThe Gadget ShowTheGadgetShowvideoMon, 24 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Stratosphere, Motorola Droid RAZR to be first Verizon LTE phones with Micro SIMs?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/23/samsung-stratosphere-motorola-droid-razr-to-be-first-verizon-lt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/23/samsung-stratosphere-motorola-droid-razr-to-be-first-verizon-lt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/23/samsung-stratosphere-motorola-droid-razr-to-be-first-verizon-lt/#comments Looks like Verizon's got a hardware-crush on teensy 3FF Micro SIMs. The carrier's two latest 4G handsets, Samsung's Stratosphere and Motorola's Droid RAZR, both appear to make do with the diminutive cards. Neither, however, would be the first, as that honor was bestowed upon the carrier's version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1. If you're eager to call one of these devices your own, but already sport Big Red's LTE service, then get set to bust out the scissors for a little SIM card arts and crafts. Further pictorial proof of these itsy, bitsy modules awaits you at the source.

Samsung Stratosphere, Motorola Droid RAZR to be first Verizon LTE phones with Micro SIMs? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3FF3FF card3FF SIM3ffCard3ffSim4G4G LTE4gLtedroid razrDroidRazrLTEmicro SIMmicrosimmobilepostcrossmotorola droid razrMotorolaDroidRazrSamsung StratosphereSamsungStratospheresimsim cardsSimCardsStratosphereverizonverizon microsimverizon wirelessVerizonMicrosimVerizonWirelessSun, 23 Oct 2011 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gadget Show builds an FPS simulator that shoots back (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/the-gadget-show-builds-an-fps-simulator-that-shoots-back-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/the-gadget-show-builds-an-fps-simulator-that-shoots-back-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/the-gadget-show-builds-an-fps-simulator-that-shoots-back-video/#comments
Racing simulators are ten a penny, but the closest an FPS player will get to an immersive experience is buying some branded peripherals. Armed with a pre-release level of Battlefield 3, The Gadget Show enlisted a team of design experts to transform a Birmingham studio into an FPS simulator costing £500,000 ($650,000). A four by nine meter video dome surrounds the player as they stand on an omni-directional treadmill that lets you walk wherever you want to go. Ten infra-red motion tracking cameras and a sensor on your gun enables the picture to follow where you point it and a Kinect hack controls your jumping and crouching. The fun doesn't stop there -- 12 paintball markers mean that every time you get shot in the game, you'll feel it. The show airs in the UK on October 24th at 8:00pm, Channel 5. We've got a behind the scenes gallery below (supplied by those lovely people from the show) as well as PR and a trailer after the break.

Gallery: The Gadget Show Battlefield 3 Simulator - Behind the Scenes Gallery

The Gadget Show Battlefield 3 Simulator - Behind the Scenes Gallery

Continue reading The Gadget Show builds an FPS simulator that shoots back (video)

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The Gadget Show builds an FPS simulator that shoots back (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield 3Battlefield3BF3Channel 5Channel5FPS SimFPS SimulatorFpsSimFpsSimulatorGame SimulatorGameSimulatorIgloo VisionIglooVisionJason BradburyJasonBradburyKinectKinect HackKinectHackMSE WeibullMseWeibullOmnidirectional TreadmillOmnidirectionalTreadmillPaintballPaintball MarkerPaintballMarkerSimSimsSimulatorSimulatorsSuzi PerrySuziPerryThe Gadget ShowTheGadgetShowvideoThu, 20 Oct 2011 03:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: what's the best dual-SIM phone on the market?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-dual-sim-phone-on-the-market/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-dual-sim-phone-on-the-market/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-dual-sim-phone-on-the-market/#comments We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Damian, who just ain't satisfied with only one SIM in his handset. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I've looked and given up, so I'm chiming to the oracle. What is the best dual-SIM phone?"

We're going to need some serious input from our international readers on this one. Dual-SIM handsets just aren't "a thing" in America, and even finding one is a bit of a chore. But for those elsewhere, what's your preferred device for toting around SIMs from two nations?

Ask Engadget: what's the best dual-SIM phone on the market? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askask engadgetAskEngadgetcellphonedual simdual-simDualSimmobilepostcrosssimsmartphoneSat, 15 Oct 2011 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint explains iPhone 4S unlocking policy: phones will be unlocked, then locked, then unlocked again]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/sprint-explains-iphone-4s-unlocking-policy-phones-will-be-unloc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/sprint-explains-iphone-4s-unlocking-policy-phones-will-be-unloc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/sprint-explains-iphone-4s-unlocking-policy-phones-will-be-unloc/#comments Yeah, that makes just as much sense to us as it does to you. Following yesterday's PR debacle, the final word from Sprint appears to be as follows:

"Sprint's policy is to have the iPhone 4S SIM locked to our network domestically and internationally. At launch, the International SIM will be unlocked. We do expect a SIM lock to be pushed to the devices shortly after launch. We will then allow existing customers in good standing to unlock the SIM for international use if needed in the future."

So, if we're reading that correctly, the iPhone you purchase and activate will be unlocked. Then, a SIM lock will be "pushed" to your device. But, if you've been a good, policy-abiding customer, your iPhone can then be unlocked manually by Sprint. Who knows what'll happen if you buy your phone and flee to a non-extradition country before Sprint comes knocking at the door, shackles in hand. Will you be left to live in peace with your newly-acquired international Micro SIM? Will you need to plead your case before a tribunal of mobile carrier overlords? Only time will tell, we suppose, or perhaps further clarification from Sprint. Jump past the break for the complete announcement.

Continue reading Sprint explains iPhone 4S unlocking policy: phones will be unlocked, then locked, then unlocked again

Sprint explains iPhone 4S unlocking policy: phones will be unlocked, then locked, then unlocked again originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iphoneAppleIphoneattcdmacupertinogsminternationalinternational roaminginternational travelInternationalRoamingInternationalTraveliosios 5Ios5iphoneiphone 4iphone 4siphone 5Iphone4Iphone4sIphone5jailbreakmicro-simmobilepostcrossroamingsimsim cardsim unlockSimCardSimUnlocksmartphonesprinttmobileunlockedverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 13 Oct 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint and Verizon confirm iPhone 4S Micro SIM unlock for international travel (update: Sprint remains locked?)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/sprint-and-verizon-confirm-iphone-4s-micro-sim-unlock-for-intern/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/sprint-and-verizon-confirm-iphone-4s-micro-sim-unlock-for-intern/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/sprint-and-verizon-confirm-iphone-4s-micro-sim-unlock-for-intern/#comments If you own an iPhone 4 on AT&T, using the device while traveling internationally means paying sky-high roaming fees, jailbreaking or limiting data use to when you're on a WiFi network, either with a public hotspot or through a service like Xcom Global. Verizon iPhone 4 owners, however, don't have the option of GSM roaming at all, and can only make calls and use cellular data in countries that support CDMA. All that changes with the iPhone 4S, however -- Macworld has confirmed that Sprint will sell its version of the device with the Micro SIM slot unlocked, with Verizon offering free unlocking to customers after the first 60 days of service. iPhone 4S owners will then be able to purchase a Micro SIM overseas, allowing them to access data and make calls at local rates, for a fraction of what it would cost to roam. AT&T iPhone 4S owners won't have this option, however, so if you make frequent trips overseas, this benefit alone may be enough to justify purchasing the phone through Sprint or Verizon, saving some users hundreds or thousands of dollars in international roaming fees.

Update: A Sprint spokesperson has said that our source article was incorrect, telling us that its SIM will not be unlocked and adding that the card will not even be removable:

"Our SIM does not come out of the device - I believe the same is true of Verizon's iPhone but you would need to confirm that with them. Customers can sign up for one of our international rate plans and use this phone all over the world. When traveling internationally, there is a setting that must be turned on within the device to connect to GSM. The phone will work with a SIM that is provided within the device out of the box. International voice and data charges are on a pay-as-you-go basis and vary based on the country where the customer is using their phone; a list of rates is available at www.sprint.com/international."

Update 2: We heard from Sprint a second time, which redacted part of its previous statement. The carrier further explained "the SIM is removable and is not affixed to the device," which as you may notice directly contradicts the statement made earlier today. We've reached out to Apple twice and are awaiting further clarification.

Update 3: A Verizon spokesperson has confirmed that the original version of the article is in fact correct:

"The iPhone 4S works like all of our global phones. The phone comes in box with a SIM locked to our network and the network of our roaming partners including Vodafone, one of our parent companies. Customers sign up for a Verizon Wireless voice plan (beginning at $39.99 for 450 min.) and a data plan beginning at 2GB for $30. When they choose to go out of the country, they should call Verizon Wireless and sign up for a global plan. The customer can also request to have the SIM unlocked if they want to use a local service while out of the country. The request needs to be made prior to leaving the country, their bill must be current and the phone must be active on the account for 60 days before we will unlock the SIM."


[Thanks, Julio]

Sprint and Verizon confirm iPhone 4S Micro SIM unlock for international travel (update: Sprint remains locked?) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iphoneAppleIphoneattcdmacupertinogsminternationalinternational roaminginternational travelInternationalRoamingInternationalTraveliosios 5Ios5iphoneiphone 4iphone 4siphone 5Iphone4Iphone4sIphone5jailbreakmicro-simmobilepostcrossroamingsimsim cardsim unlockSimCardSimUnlocksmartphonesprinttmobileunlockedverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwWed, 12 Oct 2011 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4S vs. the smartphone elite: Galaxy S II, Bionic and Titan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/iphone-4s-vs-the-smartphone-elite-galaxy-s-ii-bionic-and-tita/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/iphone-4s-vs-the-smartphone-elite-galaxy-s-ii-bionic-and-tita/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/iphone-4s-vs-the-smartphone-elite-galaxy-s-ii-bionic-and-tita/#comments Now that we know how the iPhone 4S stacks up against the iPhone 4, let's take a look at how Apple's latest smartphone compares to its mightiest competitors on the other major platforms -- Android and Windows Phone. In Google's camp we chose the superlative Samsung Galaxy S II models (focusing on the announced US variants) along with the Motorola Droid Bionic for its qHD and LTE chops. We then picked the upcoming HTC Titan to bat for Microsoft's team. RIM's not included here since it's still stuck in the junior leagues. We left out the intriguing Nokia N9 because it's a niche player. Check out the fancy table after the break -- the results are pretty clear cut!

Continue reading iPhone 4S vs. the smartphone elite: Galaxy S II, Bionic and Titan

iPhone 4S vs. the smartphone elite: Galaxy S II, Bionic and Titan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p720pA5AndroidAndroid 2.3Android 2.3.4Android2.3Android2.3.4announcedAppleApple A5Apple iPhoneApple iPhone 4Apple iPhone 4SApple iPhone 5AppleA5AppleIphoneAppleIphone4AppleIphone4sAppleIphone5ATTBlackBerryCDMACupertinoDroid BionicDroidBionicExynosGalaxy S IIGalaxySIiGingerbreadGoogleGSMHDMIHSPA+HTCHTC TitanHtcTitaniOSiOS 5Ios5iPhoneiPhone 4iPhone 4SiPhone 5Iphone4Iphone4sIphone5keynotelets talk iphoneLetsTalkIphoneliveliveblogLTEMangoMHLMicro SIMMicroSimMicrosoftmobilepostcrossMotorolaMotorola Droid BionicMotorolaDroidBionicN9NokiaqHDQualcommQualcomm SnapdragonQualcomm Snapdragon S3QualcommSnapdragonQualcommSnapdragonS3RIMSamsungSamsung ExynosSamsung Galaxy S IISamsungExynosSamsungGalaxySIiSIMsmartphoneSnapdragonSnapdragon S3SnapdragonS3SprintTale of the TapeTaleOfTheTapetim cookTimCookTitanVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessVZWWidnows Phone 7.5WidnowsPhone7.5Windows PhoneWindows Phone 7Windows Phone MangoWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhoneMangoWVGATue, 04 Oct 2011 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Oscar winners crowd-sourcing the ocean with The Blu]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/oscar-winners-crowd-sourcing-the-ocean-with-the-blu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/oscar-winners-crowd-sourcing-the-ocean-with-the-blu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/oscar-winners-crowd-sourcing-the-ocean-with-the-blu/#comments Love the ocean, but hate holding your for breath for extended periods? Good news: a team of software engineers, composers, Oscar-winning animators and more have come together to recreate Davy Jones' locker in the cloud. Wemo Media is looking for a few thousand good artists for the project, to help create a massive simulation of life under the seas built on its Maker Platform. The project has been around for a bit, but is still in closed beta, making it a private development beach of sorts. You can watch an introductory video and request an invite at the source link below.

Oscar winners crowd-sourcing the ocean with The Blu originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 02:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fishoceansimsimulationthe bluTheBluwemo mediaWemoMediaSat, 17 Sep 2011 02:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's carrier ranking patent application hints at global iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/apples-carrier-ranking-patent-application-hints-at-global-iphon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/apples-carrier-ranking-patent-application-hints-at-global-iphon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/apples-carrier-ranking-patent-application-hints-at-global-iphon/#comments Apple may be hard at work creating the one phone to rule them all (around the world), if this latest patent application is any indication. The filing, first submitted in April of last year, describes a software-based method of determining carrier rankings, allowing owners to browse through a database of network-specific features, such as voice and data, to determine their best fit and sign-up for service. Ideally, this future iPhone set-up would come courtesy of a truly global phone, packing all the necessary radios and software to surf along the globe's wireless frequencies sans extra SIM cards. Rumors of an open handset have been circling Cupertino for a bit, much to the dismay of operators who fear the move would diminish their function as the industry's gatekeeper, shifting power to consumers. Certainly, Jobs and co. have a high hurdle to overcome if this purported world phone is to ever become a reality. In the meantime, why not just snag an unlocked device?

[Thanks, Neil]

Apple's carrier ranking patent application hints at global iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple iPhoneAppleIphonecarrier rankingCarrierRankingfilingglobal phoneGlobalPhonemobileopen handsetopen simOpenHandsetOpenSimpatent applicationpatent applicationsPatentApplicationPatentApplicationsSIMSIM cardSIM cardsSimCardSimCardsunlockedunlocked phonesUnlockedPhonesworld phoneWorldPhoneThu, 11 Aug 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Xcom Global's Euro SIM solves your European data conundrum: $13 per day, works in 40 countries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/xcom-globals-euro-sim-solves-your-european-data-conundrum-13/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/xcom-globals-euro-sim-solves-your-european-data-conundrum-13/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/xcom-globals-euro-sim-solves-your-european-data-conundrum-13/#comments Say it with us: Hallelujah! It's a problem that BMW European Delivery owners (not to mention gap-year backpackers and generic business travelers) have had for eons, and while the EU seems to have the whole "one currency" thing under control, the lack of a "one data plan" has continued to break the backs of connected travelers. No more. Xcom Global -- the company that revolutionized the art of staying connected abroad -- has just done the same thing for those planning their next Eurotrip. The newly-launched Euro SIM enables US-based jetsetters to rent a single device that'll provide unlimited data access in a staggering 40 nations across the pond. Everywhere from Iceland to San Marino is covered, including 20 extra countries that weren't covered even last week. Folks can pick up a MiFi for $14.95 per day (and yeah, that covers all 40 countries!) or a USB WWAN model for $12.95 a day, and if you happen to scoot over to a locale in Europe that isn't covered, you'll still be able to get online at a cost of one cent per KB. Hit the source link to find out more, and ping your best friend's travel agent to set those long-backburnered plans in motion.

Continue reading Xcom Global's Euro SIM solves your European data conundrum: $13 per day, works in 40 countries

Xcom Global's Euro SIM solves your European data conundrum: $13 per day, works in 40 countries originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gcoveragedataeuro simeuropeEuroSimexpansionhotspotinternationalinternational roamingInternationalRoaminginternetmifimifi rentalMifiRentalmobile datamobile hotspotMobileDataMobileHotspotoverseasrentalroamingsimwwanxcomXcom GlobalXcomGlobalMon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile hawks Micro SIMs for 'free', hopes your iPhone likes EDGE data]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/t-mobile-hawks-micro-sims-for-free-hopes-your-iphone-likes-ed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/t-mobile-hawks-micro-sims-for-free-hopes-your-iphone-likes-ed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/t-mobile-hawks-micro-sims-for-free-hopes-your-iphone-likes-ed/#comments Been wanting to stick it to Ma Bell, but have found yourself shackled by those pesky micro SIMs and your inexplicable fear of all things pointy? If you're wielding an unlocked device with a diminutive slot, T-Mobile's giving away the pint-sized cards gratis -- provided you're also willing to sign your precious life away on contract. It's a shameless play for Cupertino's sweetheart, sure, and this isn't the first time we've seen the carrier try to ship us some teensy SIMs. Making the plunge? Enjoy your rebellious ways while they last -- we hear Little Magenta's assimilation by the borg isn't too far off.

T-Mobile hawks Micro SIMs for 'free', hopes your iPhone likes EDGE data originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleedgefreeipadiPad 2iPad 3GIpad2Ipad3giphone 4Iphone4micro simmicrosimmicrosimspromotionsimsim cardSimCardtmobiletmobile microsimTmobileMicrosimFri, 22 Jul 2011 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon's Galaxy Tab 10.1 may pack Micro SIMs, force Charge owners to break out the scissors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/verizons-galaxy-tab-10-1-may-pack-micro-sims-force-charge-owne/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/verizons-galaxy-tab-10-1-may-pack-micro-sims-force-charge-owne/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/verizons-galaxy-tab-10-1-may-pack-micro-sims-force-charge-owne/#comments Galaxy Tab 10.1 Micro SIM There were some mumblings that T-Mobile's OG Galaxy Tab would come packing a Micro SIM, but that rumor never came to pass. Now a similar tale is being spun about Verizon's LTE-sporting Galaxy Tab 10.1. Android Central got its green, fingerless arms on a purported image of Big Red training docs that reveals the Honeycomb slate will not use the standard-sized 4G SIMs found in the Thunderbolt, Droid Charge, Revolution -- instead, it will come stuffed with a tiny 3FF card. The company has already made it abundantly clear that there will be no LTE roaming with its devices, perhaps now it's trying to discourage users from swapping a single SIM between a phone and tablet to save cash. Or, maybe Samsung chose the format due to space constraints. Guess we'll just have to wait and see -- which hopefully won't be much longer.

Verizon's Galaxy Tab 10.1 may pack Micro SIMs, force Charge owners to break out the scissors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ff3ff SIM3ffSim4gandroidgalaxy tabgalaxy tab 10.1GalaxyTabGalaxyTab10.1honeycombltemicro simMicroSimrumorrumorssamsungsamsung galaxy tabsamsung galaxy tab 10.1SamsungGalaxyTabSamsungGalaxyTab10.1simslatetabletverizonvzwMon, 18 Jul 2011 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Primed: What is NFC, and why do we care?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/engadget-primed-what-is-nfc-and-why-do-we-care/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/engadget-primed-what-is-nfc-and-why-do-we-care/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/engadget-primed-what-is-nfc-and-why-do-we-care/#comments Primed goes in-depth on the technobabble you hear on Engadget every day -- we dig deep into each topic's history and how it benefits our lives. Looking to suggest a piece of technology for us to break down? Drop us a line at primed *at* engadget *dawt* com.

The introduction of Google Wallet felt a little too good to be true, didn't it? It's magical, like the tech equivalent of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. In reality, the tech behind mobile payments has been around since 2003 on a much smaller scale using near-field communications, more commonly known as NFC. The idea behind Wallet (amongst other services, like ISIS) is contactless pay -- using your phone as a credit card -- and is just one of the many ways NFC can be useful in our everyday lives. In fact, we're only scraping the surface of what's theoretically possible.

Google is definitely not the first company to dabble in NFC, but it appears to be poised and ready to push the tech's adoption forward at a rapid pace with the advent of Wallet and Offers. Until now the coals have been hot; but if a fire's going to start, someone monolithic has to throw a few newspapers in as kindling -- and Google volunteered. But what good is NFC if it's just an acronym that causes our eyes to glaze over? Is El Goog the only instigator? After the break we'll focus on what NFC is capable of, and why we want it on our phones as soon as yesterday.

Continue reading Engadget Primed: What is NFC, and why do we care?

Engadget Primed: What is NFC, and why do we care? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3ATTBlackBerryblackberry OS 7BlackberryOs7contactlesscontactless payContactlessPayengadget primedEngadgetPrimedgooglegoogle walletGoogleWallethardwareISISmicrosdmobilemobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsnear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationnexusNexus SNexus S 4gNexusSNexusS4gNFCpartnerpartnershipprimedRIMSamsungsamsung nexus ssamsung nexus s 4gSamsungNexusSSamsungNexusS4gsimsoftwaresprintt mobilet-mobileTMobileverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideovisavzwFri, 10 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple proposing smaller SIM standard?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/apple-proposing-smaller-sim-standard/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/apple-proposing-smaller-sim-standard/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/apple-proposing-smaller-sim-standard/#comments
It looks like the Micro SIM (announced with Apple's first iPad last year) is destined to shed a few more grams, an Orange spokeswoman said -- contradicting an earlier rumor claiming that Apple is trying to kill off the chip altogether. SIM cards in their current form have been in use for over a decade (a Micro SIM is simply a standard chip without the extra plastic), and today's devices look nothing like the cell phones of 2001, so it's no surprise that the SIM we've come to love and loathe has run its course. If adopted only by Apple devices, however, a new form factor would be an incredible setback for iPhone unlockers, since an unlocked device is useless unless multiple carriers offer a compatible SIM. Apple has submitted its proposal to ETSI with support from Orange, which says we may even see the smaller SIM sliding into devices next year.

Apple proposing smaller SIM standard? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadapple iphoneAppleIpadAppleIphoneetsigsmiosipadiphonemicro simMicroSimorangeorange iphoneOrangeIphonesimuniversal simUniversalSimTue, 17 May 2011 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Download DARPA's sub-hunting sim, help train its ACTUV automaton]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/download-darpas-sub-hunting-sim-help-train-its-actuv-automaton/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/download-darpas-sub-hunting-sim-help-train-its-actuv-automaton/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/download-darpas-sub-hunting-sim-help-train-its-actuv-automaton/#comments DARPA dabbles in all matter of defense drones, and it's no stranger to leveraging the wisdom of the masses to help develop tomorrow's military machinery. The agency's latest program to go the crowdsourcing route is its Anti-submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV), and it wants you to help develop the software that'll control the thing. DARPA's borrowed a bit of the Sonalysts Combat Simulations Dangerous Waters game to create the ACTUV Tactics Simulator, where players complete missions tracking a target sub while navigating through and around commercial ocean traffic. Would-be captains can then choose to submit their strategies and game data to DARPA for use in shoring up the autonomous seabot's strategic submarine pursuit software. Hit the source link for a free download and dive into the sub-hunting action.

Download DARPA's sub-hunting sim, help train its ACTUV automaton originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACTUVACTUV tactics simulatorActuvTacticsSimulatorACUTUV x shipacutuv x-shipAcutuvX-shipAcutuvXShipautonomousboatcrowdsourcecrowdsourcingDARPAmilitarynavyrobotshipsimsimulationsimulatorsoftwaresubmarinetrackingwargadgetFri, 08 Apr 2011 23:47:00 EST