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Apple pushing for smaller SIM card standard with Orange's backing
An Orange executive told Reuters that Apple has proposed a standardized SIM card that is smaller than those currently found in the iPad and iPhone 4. Apple says the design would allow the company to produce thinner mobile devices. Orange's head of mobile services, Anne Bouverot, told Reuters that "We were quite happy to see last week that Apple has submitted a new requirement to (European telecoms standards body) ETSI for a smaller SIM form factor -- smaller than the one that goes in iPhone 4 and iPad. They have done that through the standardization route, through ETSI, with the sponsorship of some major mobile operators, Orange being one of them." Of course, the finalization of Apple's proposed new SIM standard needs to be worked out, but Bouverot says devices with the new SIMs could hit the market as early as next year. This isn't the first time Apple has been rumored to progress SIM technology. Last October, a rumor emerged that Apple was working with security firm Gemalto, a SIM card manufacturer, to create a software-reconfigurable SIM that would be directly integrated into future European iPhones. The iPhone would then be activated on the user's carrier of choice by downloading a carrier-specific app from the App Store. Apple has also taken interest in shrinking other common devices so that it could continually thin its mobile and handheld offerings. In September, an Apple patent emerged that described smaller audio jacks that could be used in future, thinner iPods. If you look at the iPod nano, for example, its current width is almost entirely dictated by the standard audio jack receptor. The SIM news is a sign that Apple is keenly aware that if it's going to continue making thinner and thinner devices, standardized pieces of hardware -- such as SIM cards and audio jacks -- will need to be redesigned.
CDMA Xperia Play visits FCC, promptly gets dissected
There are few things we enjoy more than seeing the glittery innards of a device splayed before us in the name of science -- especially when it happens to be the CDMA version of Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play. The Verizon bound phone made a cameo at the FCC today where it was subjected to -- and passed -- the usual battery of SAR tests before getting dissected. What's intriguing about the pictures in the FCC report is that the CDMA model features the same combination SIM / microSD card slot as its GSM sibling. While some are theorizing that Verizon's gaming handset might support LTE, we think it's more likely that the Xperia Play uses a dual-mode CDMA / GSM radio and that the SIM slot will either remain empty and disabled in firmware or that the Xperia Play will be one of Verizon's global offerings. Take a look at the gallery below and judge for yourself. %Gallery-120248%
Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3
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.
HP TouchPad emerges from the Vietnamese wilds, sporting SIM slot (video)
We've seen the HP TouchPad up close and personal, but only under strict supervision -- and now that we find Tinhte has been playing with a prototype for hours on end, you can only imagine our jealousy. Anyways, without those meddlesome PR representatives to keep them from prying at ports, the Vietnamese gadget hounds discovered that the slate has a slot for a SIM card. While we can't attest to the vintage of this particular prototype -- and thus say whether the TouchPad will still have a SIM when it ships -- it's safe to assume that HP was at least considering GSM frequencies at some point during its development. Video after the break. [Thanks, Nguyen The Bach]
Thieves damage South African traffic lights, reach for the juicy SIM card innards
Johannesburg, South Africa had six hundred high-tech traffic signals, each with a cellular modem and GPS chip. The idea was, if one malfunctioned, they'd call home immediately. Well, that plan isn't working out so well, because only two hundred are still in working order -- vandals ripped apart the rest to get at their SIM cards, causing traffic jams and accidents. Apparently, the government-provided cards are a ticket to unlimited free phone calls for the thieves -- at least until the individual devices are identified and their permissions revoked. The Johannesburg Roads Agency told the Mail & Guardian that the crime looks like an inside job, because only the SIM-equipped signals seem to have been targeted so far, despite looking visually identical. The damages are piling up, with the agency figuring it will require ZAR 8.8 million (roughly $1.26 million) to repair the four hundred signals currently out of order. Needless to say, the agency is looking at ways to better secure the traffic lights. We're guessing that switching to CDMA is probably off the table. Embedded SIMs, perhaps?
Isabella Products' Mini USB stick connects unconnected digital photo frames
Passed on Isabella Products' Vizit digital photo frame? 'Tis a shame, really. But hey, if you were one of the millions gifted with a lackluster, non-connected digiframe over the past few years, at least the aforesaid company is giving you a way to make things right. The outfit's newly launched Mini is one special USB key, embedded with an AT&T 3G SIM and tailor made to provide cellular connectivity to dormant frames. The key is linked to one's VizitMe content management service, and users will be able to email photos directly or have the device extract content from Photobucket and LIFE.com; once received, owners will see new images pop up on any frame that accepts USB keys. Furthermore, these same emailed images can be viewed on USB-equipped monitors and televisions. The company's planning to ship the Mini in Q2 of this year for an undisclosed rate, but naturally, we're more interested in the potential unadvertised capabilities. An off-contract, fee-free USB key with an AT&T SIM card within? Sounds like we're just a hack or two away from the most beautiful mobile broadband card this world has ever seen.
Verizon launching LTE on December 5th, two transforming 4G USB modems hitch a wild ride
Sure, Verizon's holding a press conference tomorrow, but unless they've got a secret LTE smartphone or tablet (we can only hope) we've got a fairly good idea what the company will say. We're hearing Verizon will flip the switch on its LTE network on December 5th, unveil a pair of hot new USB modems to take advantage of those supposedly stellar speeds, and launch the SIM cards required to make LTE function in the first place. The gadgets include the LG VL600 thumbstick we've seen before, but also this marvelous-looking Pantech UML290 key, which has not only a slick swiveling case but also a dual-jointed USB port beneath. We doubt we're going to have any trouble getting this one plugged into even the slimmest of port-abhorring slimline computing machines. See where one of the SIM cards goes in the gallery below. Update: The populace has spoken, and "sexy" is no more. Shall we call them "transforming" modems, then? They most certainly are. %Gallery-108552% [Thanks, Anonymous and JT]
Ongoing rumors about the integrated SIM card
Last month, we talked about the rumor that Apple is developing an integrated SIM card. This integration would allow the user to activate his phone with any service carrier by simply downloading an app. Apple would include a generic SIM card in the mobile device like an iPad or iPhone, and the new user would only sign a virtual contract with their phone carrier. While it's difficult to say what effects this new dynamic would have on the retail phone business, an integrated SIM card would definitely change the phone game. Despite rumors about the integrated SIM, there hasn't been any further confirmation of the news. However, on November 21, The Telegraph reported that even this conjectural development into the integrated SIM has been stopped. Citing an unnamed senior source, The Telegraph says that Apple gave up their plans to bundle an integrated SIM when mobile carriers threatened to no longer subsidize the purchase of new devices. Since many iPhone users enjoy a discount on their phone cost thanks to the mobile carriers' contracts, the loss of that subsidy could have a significant impact on the purchase of new iPhones. The Telegraph cites this as the reason that Apple has stopped integrated SIM development for iPhones, although it will continue plans to bundle such a SIM card with the iPad. The challenge with these rumors is that there has been no announcement or indication from Cupertino itself. While we've been following the information from unofficial sources, we're mostly seeing rumors about a conjectural functionality. An integrated SIM card could mean awesome freedom for iPhone and iPad users, but we just don't know the true heart about what's going on yet. It is worth noting the GSMA has launched an initiative that would enable an embedded SIM to be remotely activated, but this initiative never mentions Apple. Further, such functionality wouldn't even appear until 2012. [Via Boy Genius]
Screen Grabs: A Droid X with a SIM card? XOXO, Gossip Girl
Sure, Verizon has the lock on Gossip Girl product placement, but even the technological reality of CDMA must bow to plot development, and if that means Serena's Droid X sprouts a SIM card so Lil' J can steal it and surreptitiously swap in a new one, well, so be it. Of course, this clever plan assumes that Serena doesn't text or call anyone using her new SIM, but, you know, just go with it. Video after the break.
Rumor: Apple, Gemalto working on integrated SIM
GigaOM is reporting on a rumor that Apple has been working with security firm Gemalto, a simcard manufacturer, to create a software-reconfigurable SIM that will be directly integrated into future European iPhones. The iPhone would then be activated on the carrier of your choice by downloading a carrier-specific app from the App Store, instead of the traditional activation methods. Essentially, Apple wouldn't have to worry about bundling carrier-specific SIMs with the iPhone and end-users would have only virtual contact with the carriers. Something Google tried to do with the Nexus One. This would make the overall purchase of an iPhone from Apple's Online Store, or Apple's brick-and-mortar stores, a much simpler and smoother process for the end-user -- whilst cutting out the retail aspect that carriers currently hold. Although, I can't imagine carriers not wanting to sell the iPhone directly from their retail stores since the iPhone is such a hot commodity these days. It'll be interesting to see how this one pans out. [via Engadget]
OTECH F1 handset holds four SIM cards, enables you to live a quadruple life
So look, you feel pretty special toting around that dual-SIM phone, right? Being able to switch numbers and carriers as you hop back and forth between Germany and Amsterdam is fairly nifty, but you've been considering a daily route around the Benelux. Of course, tri-SIM phones aren't impossible to find either, but should you ever wander into France, Switzerland or any other nation, you'll be forced to pop one of those out and insert another the old fashioned way. Well, unless you can score an OTECH F1. This here handset -- which can only be found in the wilds of Asia right now -- actually has room for four SIM cards, and it's also packing a full QWERTY keyboard, 2.4-inch touchscreen, support for mobile TV, an FM radio tuner, Bluetooth module and what appears to be a 12.1 megapixel camera. Unsurprisingly, a price on this bad boy is eluding us, but if you're an industrious jetsetter, we're confident you won't have any issues running one down. Whether or not you want to, however, is another matter entirely...
AT&T transitioning to LTE-friendly SIM cards
There's precisely zero doubt that AT&T will be supporting LTE waves in the not-too-distant future, but it looks as if "the future" may be drawing closer than anyone had ever imagined. Or else the carrier's just really, really proactive. Based on the leaked slide above, it looks as if AT&T is already beginning to transition its current crop of SIM cards to "those that will also support LTE devices." Naturally, the iPhone 4 is omitted from all of this due to it using a micro SIM, but it looks as if employees will need to keep a careful eye on the SKU (and front graphics) in order to make sure customers are well equipped for another blend of 4G. Now, how's about a rollout schedule, Ma Bell?
French gendarmes bust network of 'cellphone hackers'
Police in France have busted what's been described as a "mobile phone hacking ring" and arrested nine people, according to Reuters. Apparently the criminal enterprise, which has been operating for five years, purchased SIM card unlock codes from phone company employees and retailers at €3 ($4) a pop, which it then sold on the Internet for €30 ($40). According to investigators, one of the employees made something like €25,000 ($33,685) a month from the scheme, which all told cost mobile operators anywhere from about €500,000 ($667,200) to several million per month. Among the affected providers were Bouygues Telecom, Orange, and SFR, the latter of which prompted the investigation last year. A brother and sister arrested in the city of Rennes are suspected to be at the head of the ring.
How-to: resize your SIM, change your APN, and drink the sweet nectar of mobile freedom
Myriam 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.
Does adjusting or trimming the iPhone 4's micro SIM fix the antenna issue? Probably not.
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.
Cut My SIM does as its name commands
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?
How to create your own Micro SIM card using a chef knife and some scissors
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]
AT&T's micro SIM card is the matryoshka doll of micro SIM cards
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!
Portuguese carrier TMN pairs Samsung Blue Earth with world's first paper SIM card
Tiny SIM cards seems like the last thing worth worrying about in our bid to save the environment one tree at a time -- but let's not forget that you end up throwing away about 80 percent of the card as soon as you pop the actual chip out and stick it in your phone. Portuguese carrier TMN has rolled out what it claims to be the world's first recycled paper SIMs in combination with the release of the Samsung solar-charging Blue Earth handset, delivering a powerful one-two combo of feel-good environmental responsibility that should boost your karma for a solid day or two (if not more). You can't get the paper SIM with TMN's other devices just yet, but in the meantime, you can pick up the Blue Earth package for a stout €239 ($318). [Thanks, Ricardo]
Simavita's electronic underpants TXT you when they're wet
People like to joke about incontinence when it happens to someone else, but for nursing staff or those taking care of the elderly it's simply another duty that must be managed. The SIM cycle system from Australian company Simavita makes things a little easier with text messaging. The system, which is now being deployed at nursing homes following successful clinical trials, involves a replaceable pad with electronic leads that detect moisture. Those leads are run to the SIM box, which sends a text message to the resident nurse when it's, uh, changing time. This should enable the staff to spend less time peeking in unsightly places and more time helping those who need it. Meanwhile, reports can be generated from the system to keep track of incontinence problems -- which could also be useful for parents trying to monitor their kids' World of Warcraft marathons.
