Tag Archives: SIM

KnowRoaming is the Smarter, Cheaper, and Easier Way to Roam

Posted on by

KnowRoaming

One tip that frequent travelers dole out to non-frequent travelers is this: buy a local SIM the moment you land, because international roaming rates will be the death of your wallet. Local SIMs are usually sold for cheap and even though you might not consume all the credits from your initial top up, at least you won’t be slapped with atrocious roaming rates by your regular network.

There used to be no alternative to this–but that was before KnowRoaming came along. KnowRoaming is a sticker that you’re supposed to stick onto your SIM card using the included applicator. Once affixed, you’ll be able to connect with local networks wherever you are in the world by firing up the KnowRoaming app.

KnowRoaming1

KnowRoaming has already made deals with over 220 networks all over the world, so you’re more or less guaranteed a local connection–without having to buy a local SIM. When you’re ready to make a call, send a text, or use data services, just fire up the app and key in what you currently need to check out the rates.

What happens is our smart sticker will detect that you are travelling outside your home network (i.e. roaming) and will switch you onto our KnowRoaming network. Furthermore, you do not need to worry about missing calls and SMS from people back home because you will receive all calls and SMS from your home cell number.

KnowRoaming is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, but will only work on unlocked units. It’s currently available for pre-order at $35.

[ Product Page ] VIA [ C|NET ]

Insert Coin: KnowRoaming’s SIM ‘stickers’ let you talk, text and surf worldwide on the cheap

Posted on by

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Insert Coin KnowRoaming's SIM 'stickers' let you talk, text and surf worldwide on the cheap video

You still can't power on your smartphone across the pond in London and expect to pay the same fees you do back in New York, but several offerings make it cheaper to get online across the globe. One of our favorites, KeepGo (formerly iPhoneTrip), has been our preferred method for browsing the web in Canada, Cambodia, and everywhere in between. But daily rates do add up, and that service requires that you swap in a separate SIM, tucking your primary card away until you're back on your contracted network's home turf. KnowRoaming, a new player in this space, has an even more appealing option, however. That firm's SIM "stickers" include all the electronics in a thin film that you can attach to any SIM card using the included applicator. The sticker sits dormant in your unlocked phone when you're at home, but once you cross a border, the service prompts you to jump onto a local network, bypassing your original SIM in the process.

Filed under:

Comments

Source: KnowRoaming

HTC One Developer Edition announced, $649 with SIM and bootloader unlocked

Posted on by

HTC One Developer Edition announced, $649 with SIM and bootloader unlocked

HTC is getting into the Developer Edition trend -- a compromise necessary since CEO Peter Chou's plan to stop locking bootloaders entirely didn't stick -- as it's announced tonight that a variant of its new One that will be available with both SIM and bootloader unlocked. Due to arrive in the US at the same time as the standard carrier versions, it will keep the same powerful specs and slick design (no, the case is not transparent) we loved in our review, but without the restrictions. One thing it's missing? AWS HSPA/WCDMA access, which should limit its opportunities on T-Mobile until it rolls out LTE service. The price is $649 up front and it will ship in "limited quantities," so we'd figure that's just one more thing to keep in mind before the next Galaxy S is announced on Thursday.

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Source: HTC Blog

Apple lands important SIM card connector patent

Posted on by

Apple lands important SIM card connector patent

Sometimes, a patent grant is less about the technology itself than what it could mean for others. Case in point: a newly granted Apple patent for a "mini-SIM connector." The design complements earlier work and represents a straightforward approach to a SIM slot that prevents damage from inserting the card the wrong way and ejects the card through a plunger system. By securing the patent, however, Apple gains a bargaining chip in phone technology disputes, especially for SIM-related tussles; companies are less likely to start a fight if Apple can return fire. The claim doesn't give Apple a lock on subscriber modules by any means, but it could lead to other adopters treading carefully.

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Source: USPTO

Gemalto adds AMEX, Mastercard and Visa certs to its UpTeq NFC SIM

Posted on by

Gemalto adds AMEX, Mastercard and Visa certs to its UpTeq NFC SIM

Gemalto has been in the NFC SIM business for a while now, adding the possibility of mobile payments to any GSM phone that'll support it. Now it's become even more legit with the addition of AMEX ExpressPay, MasterCard PayPass and Visa payWave certifications to its UpTeq NFC SIM, which is supposedly the first ever NFC SIM to get all three certs. Already in use in Orange France, the high-end SIM lets carriers tailor their own NFC deployments; for example, Singapore operators will add CEPAS, a local payment system alongside the major credit brands, while other carriers like KDDI in Japan and Rogers in Canada will get customizations to fit local requirements. Services like coupon redemption, loyalty programs and transit cards are potential add-ons depending on the market. Now that most carriers around the globe are slowly getting on board the NFC train, a cash-toting wallet could be a relic of the past sooner than we think. You can get the full Gemalto release after the break.

Continue reading Gemalto adds AMEX, Mastercard and Visa certs to its UpTeq NFC SIM

Filed under: ,

Comments

Source: Gemalto

Isis makes October 22nd mobile payment launch official, vows 20 capable phones by year’s end

Posted on by

Isis Mobile Wallet demo

While we could easily see this coming, it's still good to hear the news more directly: Isis has confirmed that its delayed mobile wallet system will arrive on October 22nd. The company's marketing lead Jaymee Johnson tells us that the NFC-based commerce should start in the previously mentioned Austin and Salt Lake City areas. We haven't been given a formal device list, but "as many as" 20 smartphones should be compatible by the end of the year. We can think of at least four. More details will follow on the day in question, although we already know that the cash-averse will need an Isis app, a special SIM card and compatible SmartTap terminals at stores. That's a lot of conditions that have to be satisfied just to lighten the strain on our pockets -- all the same, we'll take it when the alternatives are moving slowly.

Filed under: , , , ,

Isis makes October 22nd mobile payment launch official, vows 20 capable phones by year's end originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Rogers, CIBC may launch Suretap NFC-based payments on October 15th, require a unique SIM

Posted on by

Rogers, CIBC may launch Suretap NFCbased payments on October 15th, require a unique SIM

Rogers and Canadian bank CIBC struck a deal for NFC-based mobile payments back in May, long enough ago that it was starting to fade out of the public consciousness. The alliance may be near refreshing our memory with a commercial launch in the cards. MobileSyrup has reportedly scored internal documents that has the two launching their e-commerce collaboration on October 15th under a slightly catchier Suretap name. Unfortunately, the text also suggests that the initial launch will require at least as much hoop-jumping from customers as for the original Google Wallet plans. Avoiding a traditional wallet will demand a BlackBerry Bold 9900 or Curve 9360 on Rogers, a CIBC MasterCard, nearby stores with PayPass terminals, a CIBC app and now a special NFC-enabled SIM card -- a set of criteria that disqualifies almost everyone, especially when there's supposedly a $50 ceiling on transactions. It remains a step forward for mobile payments in a country that has had very few options to start with, but we'd only anticipate widespread adoption once there's a much wider selection of devices and banks.

Filed under: , ,

Rogers, CIBC may launch Suretap NFC-based payments on October 15th, require a unique SIM originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceMobileSyrup  | Email this | Comments

Nano-SIMs reportedly popping up at T-Mobile stores, ready to welcome your iPhone 5

Posted on by

Nano-SIMs reportedly popping up at T-Mobile stores, ready to welcome your iPhone 5

The iPhone 5 may not be ready for sale unlocked officially just yet, but that doesn't mean T-Mobile isn't ready to be your service provider. As evidenced by the photo above, the folks at TmoNews and YouTuber BigRicksChannel have confirmed that the carrier is now selling iPhone 5-compatible Nano-SIMs. Of course, these'll work just fine with the Verizon-variant of the the 4-inch device, as it's technically unlocked out of the box. Need proof beyond a photo? Catch the video after the break to see it connecting to T-Mobile's network for yourself.

Continue reading Nano-SIMs reportedly popping up at T-Mobile stores, ready to welcome your iPhone 5

Filed under: , , ,

Nano-SIMs reportedly popping up at T-Mobile stores, ready to welcome your iPhone 5 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 18:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Verge  |  sourceTmoNews  | Email this | Comments

iPhoneTrip SIM rental review: the best way to keep your smartphone connected while abroad

Posted on by

iPhoneTrip SIM rental review the best way to keep your smartphone connected while abroad

In the seemingly unending quest to remain connected while traveling abroad, we recently decided to try yet another option when departing the US for a lengthy amount of time: iPhoneTrip. In a way, it sounds like the perfect solution. A single rental SIM, mailed to your address anywhere in the world, that you don't even have to return when you're done. There are claims of supporting "200+ countries," and if you don't have a smartphone or mobile hotspot at the ready, the company will rent you one of those, too. Of course, we've long since learned to take grandiose claims with an adequate amount of salt. Care to see how iPhoneTrip's rental SIM service stacks up against similar alternatives from Tep Wireless and XCom Global? Read on.

Continue reading iPhoneTrip SIM rental review: the best way to keep your smartphone connected while abroad

Filed under: , ,

iPhoneTrip SIM rental review: the best way to keep your smartphone connected while abroad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceiPhoneTrip  | Email this | Comments

Mobile Miscellany: week of September 10th, 2012

Posted on by

Mobile Miscellany week of September 10th, 2012

Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, C Spire Wireless activated its first LTE networks and we discovered strong indication that Isis will leverage the GSMA's SIM-based NFC standard for its mobile payments system. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of September 10th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of September 10th, 2012

Filed under: , , ,

Mobile Miscellany: week of September 10th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments