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[PSA: AT&T's HTC One X now in stock, get it while it's frosty]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/06/htc-one-x-on-sale-att/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/06/htc-one-x-on-sale-att/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/06/htc-one-x-on-sale-att/#comments

While the AT&T One X is getting some flack for being blocked from HTC's bootloader unlocking program, the good news is that it's officially available starting today. So long as you're not fazed with having Sense 4 sprinkled on top of your 4.7-inch Ice Cream Sandwich, the dual-core, LTE-enabled device is on offer in gray or white for $200 with a two-year contract ($150 if you order through Amazon Wireless). Hit up the source links below to get your hands on a One X to call your own -- and don't forget to parse our review if you're still making up your mind about this frosty treat.

PSA: AT&T's HTC One X now in stock, get it while it's frosty originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 May 2012 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p1280x72016GB1GB1GB RAM1gbRam4.7-inch8 megapixel8MegapixelAndroidAndroid 4.0Android 4.0.3Android4.0Android4.0.3attatt one xAttOneXavailableGooglegrayHDHSPA+HTCHTC OneHTC One Shtc one xhtc senseHTC Sense 4HtcOneHtcOneSHtcOneXHtcSenseHtcSense4HtcSenseUiIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichICSin stockInStockKraitLTEmicroSIMmobilepostcrossMSM8960NFCon saleOneOne XOneXOnSaleQualcommQualcomm MSM8960QualcommMsm8960whiteSun, 06 May 2012 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC One X for AT&T review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/htc-one-x-for-att-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/htc-one-x-for-att-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/htc-one-x-for-att-review/#comments HTC One X for AT&T review

After last year's scattered lineup of products, HTC's been going through a bit of a renaissance lately thanks to the One X, One S and One V -- a beautifully focused trio of phones that run the company's new, lightweight Sense 4 skin on top of Ice Cream Sandwich. Hot on the heels of T-Mobile's One S comes AT&T's One X, which is launching May 6 for $199 on contract. The reworked device gains LTE and drops NVIDIA's quad-core Tegra 3 chip for a dual-core Snapdragon S4. So, does this brain transplant make it a better or worse proposition than the global One X? Hit the break to find out.

Gallery: HTC One X for AT&T review

Continue reading HTC One X for AT&T review

HTC One X for AT&T review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p1280x72016GB1GB1GB RAM1gbRam4.7-inch8 megapixel8MegapixelAndroidAndroid 4.0Android 4.0.3Android4.0Android4.0.3attatt one xAttOneXGoogleHDHSPA+HTCHTC OneHTC One Shtc one xhtc senseHTC Sense 4htc sense uiHtcOneHtcOneSHtcOneXHtcSenseHtcSense4HtcSenseUiIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichICSKraitLTEmicroSIMmobilepostcrossMSM8960NFCOneOne XOneXQualcommQualcomm MSM8960Qualcomm SnapdragonQualcommMsm8960QualcommSnapdragonreviewS4SenseSense 4Sense UISense4SenseUiSnapdragonSnapdragon S4SnapdragonS4Super LCD 2SuperLcd2videoTue, 01 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC One S for T-Mobile review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/htc-one-s-t-mobile-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/htc-one-s-t-mobile-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/htc-one-s-t-mobile-review/#comments Image

A couple weeks ago we got to have our Ice Cream Sandwich and eat it too, thanks to a gorgeous couple phones from HTC -- the One X and the One S. Both run Sense 4 -- a thinner, lighter version of the company's polarizing UI -- and together with the entry-level One V, represent HTC's attempt to make a comeback after a lackluster year of me-too products. The first to make its way to the US is the One S which lands on T-Mobile April 25 for $199 on contract (with a $50 rebate). We just spent a weekend with Magenta's new flagship handset. So how does it compare to the global One S? Find out after the break.

Gallery: HTC One S for T-Mobile review

Continue reading HTC One S for T-Mobile review

HTC One S for T-Mobile review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p16GB1GB1GB RAM1gbRam4.3-inch8 megapixel8Megapixel960x540AWSHSPA+HSPA+ 42Hspa+42HTCHTC OneHTC One SHTC SenseHTC Sense 4HTC Sense UIHtcOneHtcOneSHtcSenseHtcSense4HtcSenseUimicroSIMmobilepostcrossOneOne SOneSPenTileqHDQualcommQualcomm SnapdragonQualcommSnapdragonreviewS4SenseSense 4Sense UISense4SenseUiSnapdragonSnapdragon S4SnapdragonS4Super AMOLEDSuperAmoledT-MobileT-Mobile One ST-mobileOneSvideoWed, 18 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dual-core Meizu MX fully unveiled, launching on January 1st with HSPA+]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/dual-core-meizu-mx-fully-unveiled-launching-on-january-1st-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/dual-core-meizu-mx-fully-unveiled-launching-on-january-1st-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/dual-core-meizu-mx-fully-unveiled-launching-on-january-1st-with/#comments After some teases and leaks, Meizu's finally unveiled its next flagship phone MX to keep China entertained for 2012. While the quad core flavor won't be here until next year, this dual core model will be available in mainland China starting from ¥2,999 ($470) on January 1st (like with the M9 last year), and Hong Kong is still expecting an early January release. The full spec list now includes a 4-inch 960 x 640 ASV display, 1.4GHz Samsung Exynos 4210 dual core chip, 1GB of LPDDR2 RAM, 16GB of storage (32GB version to launch later), 0.3 megapixel front-facing camera, a secondary mic for noise cancellation and a 1,600mAh battery. Oh, that circular button at the bottom? It's just a physical home button instead of an optical trackpad as previously rumored.

Globetrotters will be pleased to know that the 10.3mm-thick MX will pack pentaband 3G with HSPA+, so all you need is a Micro SIM to get the phone working. As for software, it'll come with Meizu's heavily customized Android 2.3.5 initially (dubbed Flyme OS) but will eventually get the 4.0 update, as already promised by CEO Jack Wong. On the multimedia front you'll again find native support for FLAC audio plus various video formats like MKV, MP4 and AVI; along with a micro-USB port that supports S/PDIF digital output, USB host plus MHL; and an eight megapixel f/2.2 backside-illuminated camera (which does smile detection and panorama shot) with 1080p 30fps recording. Head on over to Meizu's website for the full lowdown -- it'll be a good way to practise your Chinese, too.

Update: Press release added after the break.

Gallery: Dual-core Meizu MX fully unveiled, launching on January 1st with HSPA+ and pentaband 3G

Continue reading Dual-core Meizu MX fully unveiled, launching on January 1st with HSPA+

Dual-core Meizu MX fully unveiled, launching on January 1st with HSPA+ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3.5Android2.3.5cellphonechinaExynos 4210Exynos4210FlymeFlyme OSFlymeOsHong KongHongKongHSPA+MeizuMeizu MXMeizuMxMHLmicro SIMMicroSimMobile High-Definition Linkmobile phoneMobileHigh-definitionLinkMobilePhonemobilepostcrossMXphonesmartphoneWCDMAMon, 05 Dec 2011 21:28:00 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[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[Nokia N9 review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/22/nokia-n9-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/22/nokia-n9-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/22/nokia-n9-review/#comments
It's taken a long time for Nokia's MeeGo-packing N9 to make its way into our top secret labs (the N9 moniker was first applied to early E7 prototypes), but it's here in our dirty little hands, at last, and it's glorious -- well, as glorious as a stillborn product can be, anyway. The N9 is the latest and greatest in a long line of quirky, interesting, yet ultimately flawed touchscreen experiments from Nokia that includes the Hildon-sporting 7710, a series of Maemo-based "internet tablets" (770, N800, N810, N900) and most recently, the N950 MeeGo handset for developers. What makes the N9 special is that it represents Nokia's last flagship phone as an independent player. MeeGo is already dead, and future high-end devices from the manufacturer will run Windows Phone and use Microsoft's services. So, is this the company's final bittersweet hurrah? Did MeeGo ever stand a chance against Android, iOS and Mango? In its attempt to stay relevant, is Nokia throwing out the baby with the bathwater? Most importantly, how does the N9 fare in today's merciless dual-core world? Find out after the break.

Gallery: Nokia N9 review

Continue reading Nokia N9 review

Nokia N9 review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 GHz1Ghz3.9-inch720p8 megapixel854 x 480854X4808MegapixelAngry BirdsAngryBirdscameraphoneCortex A8CortexA8front facing cameraFrontFacingCameraFWVGAGorilla GlassGorillaGlassHarmattanHSPAMeeGoMeeGo 1.2MeeGo 1.2 HarmattanMeego1.2Meego1.2HarmattanmicroSIMmobilepostcrossN9NFCNokiaNokia N9NokiaN9OMAPOMAP 3630Omap3630OVIOVI MusicOviMusicPowerVRPowerVR SGX530PowervrSgx530reviewSGX530single coreSingleCoreSIPsmartphoneTITI OMAPTI OMAP 3630TiOmapTiOmap3630unlockedvideoWebKitWVGASat, 22 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Stratosphere cleared for Verizon landing October 13th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/09/samsung-stratosphere-cleared-for-verizon-landing-october-13th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/09/samsung-stratosphere-cleared-for-verizon-landing-october-13th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/09/samsung-stratosphere-cleared-for-verizon-landing-october-13th/#comments It seems like only yesterday that we got the full specy treatment from Samsung's QWERTYriffic Stratosphere -- 4-inch Super AMOLED display, Android 2.3 and 5MP rear-facing camera included. There was an important bit of information missing from the proceedings, however -- namely a release date. Droid Life has shed some light on that little mystery -- according to the site, the LTE handset should start offering up its Gingerbread goodness on Verizon starting October 13th.

Samsung Stratosphere cleared for Verizon landing October 13th originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3gingerbreadgoogleltemicro simMicroSimmobilepostminiqwertyqwerty sliderQwertySlidersamsungsamsung i405samsung sch-i405samsung stratosphereSamsungI405SamsungSch-i405SamsungStratospheresch-i405Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Windows Phone spotted, Nokia Sun on the horizon?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/another-windows-phone-spotted-nokia-sun-on-the-horizon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/another-windows-phone-spotted-nokia-sun-on-the-horizon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/another-windows-phone-spotted-nokia-sun-on-the-horizon/#comments

It's getting increasingly difficult to pin down exactly how many Nokia Windows Phones we can expect to see this year, now that the French WinPho obsessives at Mon Windows Phone have added the Nokia Sun to that list. The site got its hands on the vague screengrab above, which shows this mystery phone joining Orange France's ranks of forthcoming devices. With names like the SeaRay and Sabre already being bandied around, the Sun does fit in with Nokia's naming trend for Mango handsets, although it could be another name for previously leaked hardware. The accompanying spec sheet, meanwhile, hints at a very N9-esque device with an AMOLED screen, eight megapixel camera, polycarbonate shell, and (perhaps) a Micro SIM slot -- all centered around a slightly smaller display. Who knows, maybe this is the anonymous (and possibly fake) phone we saw last month? All bets are on the table at this point, but with Nokia World set to kick off in a few weeks, we shouldn't have to wait long for an answer. We'll be there to sniff out all the details on the Finnish colossus' Windows Phone offerings -- however many they decide to shower us with.

Another Windows Phone spotted, Nokia Sun on the horizon? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 megapixel8MegapixelAMOLEDfakeleakMicro SIMmicroSIMMicrosoftmobilepostminiNokiaNokia Sunnokia windows phoneNokia WP7NokiaSunNokiaWindowsPhoneNokiaWp7Orangeorange franceOrangeFrancesabreSeaRayvideoWindows Phone 7windows phone 7.5Windows Phone MangoWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7.5WindowsPhoneMangoWP7Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:36:00 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[Samsung Stratosphere lays it all out with spec sheet treatment]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/samsung-stratosphere-lays-it-all-out-with-spec-sheet-treatment/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/samsung-stratosphere-lays-it-all-out-with-spec-sheet-treatment/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/samsung-stratosphere-lays-it-all-out-with-spec-sheet-treatment/#commentsThe upcoming Samsung Stratosphere for Verizon Wireless is hardly a secret, but other than a few rumored details, the specs for this LTE-equipped QWERTY slider have remained a bit of a mystery. Now, all that has changed, thanks in large part to its leaked spec sheet from Big Red -- just take a peek after the break. It'll be packing a 4-inch Super AMOLED display with WVGA resolution, a (presumably) single-core 1GHz processor, along with 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage and a 4GB microSD card that's pre-installed. Curiously, it'll be the first of Verizon's LTE phones to incorporate a Micro SIM in place of the larger, traditional offering. Other than that, it looks as if the speculation of Android 2.3, along with its 5MP rear / 1.3MP front cams were dead on. There will also be an LED flash in tow, although video capture will be limited to a rather mundane 480p. That said, if you're thirsting for speed but are needing a keyboard, the Stratosphere is looking like your obvious (albeit only) choice.

Continue reading Samsung Stratosphere lays it all out with spec sheet treatment

Samsung Stratosphere lays it all out with spec sheet treatment originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3gingerbreadgoogleltemicro simMicroSimmobilepostminiqwertyqwerty sliderQwertySlidersamsungsamsung i405samsung sch-i405samsung stratosphereSamsungI405SamsungSch-i405SamsungStratospheresch-i405smartphonesmartphonesstratosphereverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessSun, 02 Oct 2011 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of August 29, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/03/mobile-miscellany-week-of-august-29-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/03/mobile-miscellany-week-of-august-29-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/03/mobile-miscellany-week-of-august-29-2011/#comments This week, as always, was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of August 15, 2011:
  • More rumors are circulating about the upcoming Sony Ericsson Nozumi, originally leaked two weeks ago. The new specs getting floated around are even better than we previously thought, which include a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, 4.3-inch display with 1280 x 720 resolution for a PPI of 342, and NFC. (Thanks, David) [via XperiaBlog]
  • The Motorola Milestone 3 -- the GSM twin of the Droid 3, essentially -- was released in Brazil this week and will be available in select Latin American countries later this month. [via AndroidCentral]
  • Just as we're getting used to the idea of a white HTC EVO 3D at Radio Shack, it's now reported that a purple version will soon be available exclusively at Best Buy. [via PocketNow]
  • The BlackBerry Torch 9860 has two new Canadian homes, as it launched this week on Telus for $100 and SaskTel for $130. Both carriers involve setting up a three-year commitment. [via MobileSyrup(1) and (2)]
  • Did someone mention SaskTel? Yes, the carrier is jumping on the 4G bandwagon by announcing its intent to deploy LTE by the fall of 2012. [via MobileSyrup]
  • AT&T's LG Thrill 4G is finally getting released tomorrow after several weeks of delays. While the phone will be offered for $100 by the carrier itself, you'll be able to get it at Costco for $30. [via PhoneArena]
  • Alongside the Kyocera Milano, Sprint will also launch a new feature phone called the Kyocera Brio. The Brio will offer a QWERTY keyboard, a 192MHz CPU and will run Java. [via Electronista and AndroidCentral]
  • At HTC's Windows Phone launch this week, reps confirmed that all of its new Windows Phones will indeed have the mobile hotspot feature included, though it won't be a part of the software update to the company's existing lineup. It's likely to be added with a future refresh, but apparently the feature was added too late in the process to get thrown into the initial rollout. (Thanks, Gilles) [via Pocket-Lint]

Mobile Miscellany: week of August 29, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.5ghz1gb ram1gbRam3d4.3-inch4g720p9860attatt thrill 4gAttThrill4gbest buyBestBuyblackberryblackberry 9860Blackberry9860brazilbriocostcodroiddroid 3Droid3evo 3dEvo3dhspa+htchtc evo 3dhtc radarhtc titanHtcEvo3dHtcRadarHtcTitankyocerakyocera briokyocera milanoKyoceraBrioKyoceraMilanolatin americaLatinAmericalg thrill 4gLgThrill4gltemangomicro simMicroSimmilanomilestonemilestone 3Milestone3miscmiscellaneousmiscellanymmmobile miscellanyMobileMiscellanymobilepostminimotorolamotorola milestone 3MotorolaMilestone3nozumioptimus 3dOptimus3dpurplepurple evo 3dPurpleEvo3dradarresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsasktelsasktel lteSasktelLtesony ericssonsony ericsson nozumiSonyEricssonSonyEricssonNozumitelusthrill 4gThrill4gtitantorchtorch 9860Torch9860windows phonewindows phone mangoWindowsPhoneWindowsPhoneMangowp7.5Sat, 03 Sep 2011 09:00:00 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[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[Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/gevey-sim-provides-janky-but-jailberak-free-unlock-for-iphone-4/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/gevey-sim-provides-janky-but-jailberak-free-unlock-for-iphone-4/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/gevey-sim-provides-janky-but-jailberak-free-unlock-for-iphone-4/#comments If you've updated your iPhone 4 to iOS 4.2.1 or above, you might be aware that there is currently no unlocking software available for the accompanying basebands. Naturally, we'd imagine the Dev-Team will soon provide a remedy for this lack of freedom, but for now, Gevey has you covered... somewhat. For $70, this imposter SIM promises to unlock, without the need to jailbreak, all the current basebands found embedded within 4.0 - 4.3. In the video after the break, it appears multiple -- and frankly, just plain inconvenient -- steps are required to get the kit working on your iPhone. What's more, apparently you'll need to do all of this again if you switch off the phone. Oh, and we should mention this involves snipping off a corner on your SIM card, and carriers tend not to like that. Our recommendation regarding this contraption? If you're absolutely in the need of a carrier unlock and have the cash, proceed with caution. Otherwise, patience is your answer.

Continue reading Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3

Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4.10.01applegeveyiosios 4.3ios 4.3 unlockIos4.3Ios4.3Unlockiphoneiphone 4 unlockiphone unlockIphone4UnlockIphoneUnlockmicro simmicrosimsimsim cardsim unlockSimCardSimUnlockunlockvideoWed, 23 Mar 2011 23:25:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile customers being mistakenly shipped Micro SIMs, just begging to get shoved into iPhones (update: Galaxy Tab!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/t-mobile-customers-being-mistakenly-shipped-micro-sims-just-beg/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/t-mobile-customers-being-mistakenly-shipped-micro-sims-just-beg/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/t-mobile-customers-being-mistakenly-shipped-micro-sims-just-beg/#comments You've got to admit, this is a little weird: we've received a number of tips today about T-Mobile USA customers being shipped Micro SIMs rather than the typical Mini SIMs. We've gotten a picture of just such a module (see above), and you can plainly see it's not a hybrid -- it can't be snapped out as a Mini SIM, meaning that unless you've got an adapter lying around, you need to head into the store to get it swapped out for the right kind. The only consumer devices out there in any measurable quantity right now that make use of Micro SIMs are, of course, the iPad and iPhone 4 -- and when you pair this up with the fact that T-Mobile stores are starting to sell iPhone cables right now, the situation is starting to get wacky. Now, we still want to stop short of suggesting this means T-Mobile is getting either the iPad or iPhone any time soon; after all, Apple would have to provide a new hardware variant that supports AWS 3G, and it's totally reasonable to think the carrier could be offering other phones in the near future that'll use Micro SIMs. We do love us a good conspiracy theory, though.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: We're hearing it's for the Galaxy Tab. Mystery solved!

Update 2: Our own Richard Lai notes that the European version of the Galaxy Tab uses a Mini SIM, but we're hearing some pretty strong evidence that T-Mobile's will be Micro for whatever reason. That'd be an odd thing to switch up, yes -- but if any major manufacturer could quickly churn out umpteen different versions of a device with moderately different internals, it'd be Samsung. Guess we'll know soon enough.

T-Mobile customers being mistakenly shipped Micro SIMs, just begging to get shoved into iPhones (update: Galaxy Tab!) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleipadiphoneiphone 4Iphone4micro simmicro-simMicroSimmini simMiniSimsimt-mobileFri, 05 Nov 2010 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[How-to: resize your SIM, change your APN, and drink the sweet nectar of mobile freedom]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/how-to-resize-your-sim-and-drink-the-sweet-nectar-of-mobile-fre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/how-to-resize-your-sim-and-drink-the-sweet-nectar-of-mobile-fre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/how-to-resize-your-sim-and-drink-the-sweet-nectar-of-mobile-fre/#commentsMyriam Joire (tnkgrl) was born wearing combat boots and holding a keyboard; moments later she picked up a soldering iron. She's been stomping, typing and hacking ever since. In her regular series, she'll share her tips, tricks, and mods on everything from phones to netbooks -- and be sure to catch her weekly on the Engadget Mobile podcast.

Things used to be simple: you either had a CDMA device with no SIM, or a GSM device with a SIM. If your GSM device was unlocked you could swap SIMs between carriers, and if was locked, you could swap SIMs between accounts on the same carrier. Basically, an unlocked phone meant mobile freedom. At first, the only complication was the different frequencies used for GSM in different parts of the world, which was remedied with quadband radios. Then 3G was introduced, with different frequencies used by different carriers in the same geographic area, like North America. Today, this proliferation of bands makes it difficult to build universal radios, and makes it less appealing to switch carriers. In fact, the only phone that currently supports all 3G frequencies used in North America is the upcoming pentaband Nokia N8.

The second obstacle was the introduction of special data plans, either requiring additional service layers (such as BlackBerry or Sidekick plans) or restricting the types of devices permitted as the iPhone and iPad plans do. What used to be as simple as changing APNs is now a Kafkaesque nightmare, complete with nasty "you are using the wrong data plan and we are going to send you a bill" text messages from carriers. Strike three was the micro SIM (also known as the 3FF SIM), popularized by Apple's iPad and the iPhone 4. This smaller form-factor SIM is electrically compatible with the standard SIM we all know and love -- and as such, it's easy to convert a standard SIM into a micro SIM and vice-versa (but still, it's one more hurdle standing in the way of happiness).

Let's dive in and take a look at how it's done.

Continue reading How-to: resize your SIM, change your APN, and drink the sweet nectar of mobile freedom

How-to: resize your SIM, change your APN, and drink the sweet nectar of mobile freedom originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adapterapnappleattatt simAttSimbroadbandcdmacingulardatadiygsmhackhowtointernetipadipad simIpadSimiphoneiphone 4iphone simIphone4IphoneSimmicro simmicro-simMicroSimmobile broadbandmobile datamobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileDataMobileInternetmodresizesimsim cardsim cuttersim cuttingsim resizeSimCardSimCutterSimCuttingSimResizevideowwanFri, 09 Jul 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Does adjusting or trimming the iPhone 4's micro SIM fix the antenna issue? Probably not.]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/does-trimming-the-iphone-4s-micro-sim-fix-the-antenna-issue-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/does-trimming-the-iphone-4s-micro-sim-fix-the-antenna-issue-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/does-trimming-the-iphone-4s-micro-sim-fix-the-antenna-issue-pr/#comments Ever since Apple decided to do little about the iPhone 4's pronounced reception issues except suggest that users hold the thing differently and / or buy a nice case, the voodoo engineering remedies have been flying in full force -- sure, we'll admit we tried sticking some tape over the side of our phone (no dice), but we stopped short when people suggested we try a couple coats of nail polish (insanity). Even we have limits, after all. But the latest snake oil fix is definitely the craziest we've heard so far: according to a 13-page (and growing) thread at MacRumors, the iPhone 4's reception issue can be fixed by adjusting or even trimming the micro SIM so the contacts don't touch the metal tray. The popular belief is that touching the side of the phone somehow shorts across the micro SIM, causing (mumble mumble) and leading to dropped signal. Making things more interesting, Apple and AT&T are apparently using several different types of micro SIMs, including one with a significantly larger contact area -- you can check a shot of two of our iPhone 4 micro SIMs side-by-side after the break.

So does all this hocus pocus actually work? In a word, no. We tried it on a few of our particularly bad iPhone 4s -- the ones that consistently demonstrate the issue -- and achieved no meaningful results. We even went so far as to line the edge of one of our trimmed micro SIMs in electrical tape (pictured above) to ensure that no contact was being made, and we were still able to flatline the phone using the "death grip." Sorry folks -- we wanted this to work too, but it looks like people are just being hopefully optimistic. We'd say the real fix is going to have to come from Apple -- and given the growing discontent over this relatively severe issue, the sooner the better.

Continue reading Does adjusting or trimming the iPhone 4's micro SIM fix the antenna issue? Probably not.

Does adjusting or trimming the iPhone 4's micro SIM fix the antenna issue? Probably not. originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntennaIssueapplebugbugsiphoneiphone 4Iphone4micro simmicro sim cardMicroSimMicroSimCardproblemreceptionreception issueReceptionIssuesimsim cardSimCardWed, 30 Jun 2010 00:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Cut My SIM does as its name commands]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/cut-my-sim-does-as-its-name-commands/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/cut-my-sim-does-as-its-name-commands/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/cut-my-sim-does-as-its-name-commands/#comments In case you haven't noticed, all the cool kids are using Micro SIMs nowadays. But help is at hand if you're stuck with an old and busted Module, thanks to this stainless steel SIM trimmer. Painfully simple to use, it accepts old school chips, smashes down on them with the full force of modernity, and spits out an appropriately streamlined Micro SIM. But wait, you can reverse the modification too -- just use the included "back to normal" kit to turn back time and restore compatibility with your dated gear. The first batch of 500 has already sold out, but the next is expected to ship by the end of this month at a price of $25 or just under €20, depending on where you reside. What else do you need, a written invitation?

Cut My SIM does as its name commands originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecut my simCutMySimcutterdiyhackhackingipadiphonemicro simmicro sim cardmicro sim cutterMicroSimMicroSimCardMicroSimCuttermodmoddingsimsim cardSimCardstainless steelStainlessSteelFri, 04 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[How to create your own Micro SIM card using a chef knife and some scissors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/how-to-create-your-own-micro-sim-card-using-a-chef-knife-and-som/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/how-to-create-your-own-micro-sim-card-using-a-chef-knife-and-som/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/how-to-create-your-own-micro-sim-card-using-a-chef-knife-and-som/#comments We told you you could shave down your old and busted SIM cards and turn them into minty fresh Micro SIMs, didn't we? An industrious Londoner by the name of John Benson has gone and proven that concept with the help of some cutting implements and an original Micro SIM to use as a reference. His saintly patience resulted in his being able to negotiate the Vodafone SIM you see above into his iPad 3G (imported from the USA) and riding the waves of Voda's network as if Apple never decided to encumber its portable device with a silly new standard. The 3FF (Micro) SIMs and the bulkier original ones are electrically identical, so there's no threat of harm by using them interchangeably, though we can't say the same thing about the tools that get you there. As always, we advise trying to rope someone else into doing the work for you -- less chance of hurting yourself that way. Hit the source for more.

[Thanks, Brandon]

How to create your own Micro SIM card using a chef knife and some scissors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ff3ff sim3ffSimapplediyhomebrewhomemadehow tohow-toHowToipadknifemicro simMicroSimmicrosim cardMicrosimCardmodmoddingscissorssimsim cardSimCardThu, 06 May 2010 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad 3G works on T-Mobile, can be hacked to send text messages]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/ipad-3g-works-on-t-mobile-can-be-hacked-to-send-text-messages/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/ipad-3g-works-on-t-mobile-can-be-hacked-to-send-text-messages/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/ipad-3g-works-on-t-mobile-can-be-hacked-to-send-text-messages/#comments Here's a pair of interesting iPad 3G hacks for your lazy Sunday -- first, Apple's tablet is apparently unlocked out of the factory, so trimming a T-Mobile SIM to micro SIM size will get you up and running on EDGE with no further hassle. Not terribly useful in the States, but good news for Europeans who'll have several carrier options right out the gate. Secondly, MuscleNerd of the Dev Team has discovered it's apparently possible to send text messages from a jailbroken 3G iPad using a T-Mobile or non-iPad AT&T SIM -- the stock AT&T SIM restricts SMS and calls, apparently. Check videos of both hacks after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading iPad 3G works on T-Mobile, can be hacked to send text messages

iPad 3G works on T-Mobile, can be hacked to send text messages originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 May 2010 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpadipadmicro simmicro-simMicroSimmusclenerdsmst-mobiletext messageTextMessageunlockedvideoSun, 02 May 2010 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T's micro SIM card is the matryoshka doll of micro SIM cards]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/atandts-micro-sim-card-is-the-matryoshka-doll-of-micro-sim-cards/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/atandts-micro-sim-card-is-the-matryoshka-doll-of-micro-sim-cards/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/atandts-micro-sim-card-is-the-matryoshka-doll-of-micro-sim-cards/#comments Alright, well played, AT&T: you've sort of managed to undo Apple's unfortunate move of eschewing nearly two decades' worth of deeply-entrenched SIM card standards in favor of a new one that literally nobody in the consumer cellphone world is using -- and for that, we thank you. We're being told that these new SIMs are now being sold in AT&T stores for $15 and will work both with the iPad 3G and... well, literally every other GSM device you've ever owned, thanks to a couple of well-placed perforations that can turn the standard SIM into a micro SIM. This is presumably a preemptive strike to support the next-gen iPhone, too, but otherwise, you can go ahead and use the big card without busting out the little one. Trust us.

Update: Our tipster wrote back in to say that they're actually not being sold in stores yet, so if you've formed a line outside your local brick-and-mortar, go ahead and turn in for the evening. Sorry, folks!

AT&T's micro SIM card is the matryoshka doll of micro SIM cards originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattexclusiveipadipad 3gIpad3gmicro simmicro-simMicroSimsimsim cardSimCardThu, 29 Apr 2010 01:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Micro SIMs can probably be fashioned from shaved down traditional SIMs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/02/micro-sims-can-probably-be-fashioned-from-shaved-down-sims/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/02/micro-sims-can-probably-be-fashioned-from-shaved-down-sims/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/02/micro-sims-can-probably-be-fashioned-from-shaved-down-sims/#comments We've finally found ourselves a solid, confirmed shot of a micro SIM in the wild, thanks to an FCC filing from Lok8u -- the company that just inked a deal with T-Mobile -- that shows the innards of its GPS watch torn asunder. Over on the right there is one of the micro SIMs in question, and as you can clearly make out, the contact pad is identical to the one you'd find on a traditional SIM (that shot of an AT&T unit that we'd posted earlier was actually a mockup by our own Sean Cooper, you see). In other words, if you were really hard up to get that iPad up and running on a network that isn't providing micros, you could probably shoehorn a traditional SIM in there with a little elbow grease and handiwork, which happily matches up with information we've been hearing from several contacts of ours. Who knew Lok8u would be so important in this investigative process?

Update: The ETSI has also confirmed to CNET UK that micro SIMs are electrically identical to their older counterparts, so that's a promising sign, and Boy Genius tells us that he used to shave down SIMs to micro SIM size back in the day for dual SIM adapters -- in other words, you're probably not going to damage the chip by trimming (and even if you do, it's a simple replacement from your carrier). Thanks, Matthias!

Micro SIMs can probably be fashioned from shaved down traditional SIMs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ff sim3ffSimfccipadlok8umicro simMicroSimmini-uiccsimTue, 02 Feb 2010 11:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Rest easy, iPad roamers: O2 and Orange have micro SIM orders, too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/rest-easy-ipad-roamers-o2-and-orange-have-micro-sim-orders-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/rest-easy-ipad-roamers-o2-and-orange-have-micro-sim-orders-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/rest-easy-ipad-roamers-o2-and-orange-have-micro-sim-orders-to/#commentsSteve mentioned in his iPad preso yesterday that he was pretty confident the company would have international data deals locked up by June or July of this year -- but since the thing uses some wacky new micro SIM standard, carriers that intend to support it are going to need to get the new chips in stock after having used traditional SIMs for nearly twenty years. That makes moving your iPad around between carriers and your SIM between devices that much harder, but we've got a sliver of good news here: we're hearing from a tipster with connections at supplier Gemalto that O2 and Orange both have micro SIM orders in the pipeline. That doesn't necessarily mean that Apple is going to be trumpeting them as iPad partners with special data plans, of course -- but even if they aren't, at least they'll have the necessary equipment ready for you if you want to use your unlocked tablet on their airwaves. Gemalto also has outstanding orders with T-Mobile and AT&T (of course), so yeah -- it might be a long road, but we're hopeful that these will start to become commonplace over the next few years.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Rest easy, iPad roamers: O2 and Orange have micro SIM orders, too originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ff3ff sim3ffSimappleattgemaltogsmipadmicro simmicro-simMicroSimmini-uicco2orangesimt-mobileThu, 28 Jan 2010 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple iPad's 'Micro SIM' explained]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipads-micro-sim-explained/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipads-micro-sim-explained/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipads-micro-sim-explained/#comments
While the news of Apple's iPad having 3G wasn't exactly a surprise, the move to a new format for the SIM certainly was. The SIM -- that tiny card that holds your contact info and account information that you find in your GSM handset -- is a 15 x 25mm plastic card whereas the new Micro SIM (also known as a 3FF SIM) is a diminutive 12 x 15mm, about 52% smaller. Needless to say, it's not physically compatible with your current phone. This card was developed by the ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) to offer things like more storage space on-chip for provider applications, increased control and security functions -- over what, we don't know -- and the new smaller form factor allows it to fit in tiny devices. Frankly, we wouldn't call the iPad "tiny" and we have absolutely no clue what justification Apple had to switch to it other than a desire to be different -- this is the company that pioneered Mini DisplayPort, after all -- but the long and the short of it is that you're going to have a hard time finding a carrier offering Micro SIMs in the short term since the GSMA doesn't appear to be actively spearheading a mass conversion. In fact, from AT&T's perspective, this is better than a software lock in some ways -- you're not going to be able to download a hack that gets you on another network, so you're totally at the mercy of your carrier at choice for providing a compatible card. Intentionally evil? Perhaps not -- all standards have to start somewhere -- but it's an awful pain in the ass.

Update: T-Mobile (in a partnership with Lok8u GPS devices) announced they were bringing the 3FF SIM to US shores back on January 6th of this year. See the source link for more info.

[Thanks, Brian]

Apple iPad's 'Micro SIM' explained originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ff SIM3ffSim3g3g data3gDataappleapple ipadAppleIpadattipadMicro-simMicros-SIMmicroSIMmini-uiccWed, 27 Jan 2010 20:45:00 EST