The shift from physical SIM cards to eSIMs is gradually gaining momentum. eSIMs, which are integrated into your device, offer potential security advantages.

Nevertheless, moving eSIM profiles between devices can still be a bit of a hassle, often requiring carrier assistance or new SIMs. A recent development involving Samsung and Pixel devices hints at a simpler approach.

Acknowledging the issue, Google announced a solution at last year’s Mobile World Congress—a new eSIM transfer tool for Android.

The tool will allow users to securely and quickly move their mobile plans to new devices without the need for physical SIMs. 

Although Google didn’t provide specifics or a launch date, users setting up their Pixel 8 devices noticed its practical implementation as early as October last year. Looks like the tool have now started becoming more widely available. 

Recently, a user setting up their brand-new Galaxy S24 Ultra using Samsung’s SIM transfer tool encountered a new eSIM transfer option during the setup process.

According to the user, a pop-up appeared on their nearby LG V60 ThinQ, allowing them to transfer their SIM to the Galaxy S24 Ultra by scanning a QR code.

Samsung had previously introduced its own eSIM transfer tool within One UI 5.1, but it was limited only to Galaxy devices. The recent development, however, suggests that the eSIM transfer feature for Android is getting wider compatibility across brands and models in the future.

While there are no reports from other brands using this feature, it’s not surprising that Samsung is among the first to adopt it. After all, Samsung and Google have been building a strong partnership recently.

However, it’s important to note that, at present, T-Mobile is the only carrier confirmed to support this eSIM transfer functionality in the US. Although the growing interest suggests wider adoption by other carriers may be on the horizon, it’s still too early to confirm definitively.

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The Honor 90 5G has officially received support for Reliance Jio eSIMs. The CEO of HTech, Madhav Sheth, confirmed the telecom operator’s eSIM connectivity for this smartphone model. So here are all the details.

Honor 90 5G Supports Jio eSIM

The senior executive revealed that the Chinese smartphone maker is rolling out eSIM connectivity for the Honor 90 on his official X account (formerly Twitter). Looking at the tweet, the CEO shared screenshots that revealed support for Reliance Jio eSIM. These screenshots also confirm that the eSIM can be used along with the physical SIM card. The device is confirmed to support 5G network on the eSIM connection.

Madhav Sheth further added that they will be collaborating with other network providers in the region in the upcoming months. So we can expect other eSIM support arriving for other major telecom operators as well. The support for eSIM also arrives months after the Honor 90’s India launch. To recall, the Honor 90 5G sports a tall 6.7-inch AMOLED display that has a Full HD+ resolution, 1,600nits of peak brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, it is equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. The rear packs a 200-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front houses a 50-megapixel selfie shooter. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this model, which also supports 66W wired fast charging. Other notable features include 193 grams in weight, a slim 7.8mm body, Bluetooth 5.2, an in-display fingerprint scanner, GPS, and stereo speakers.

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Sensorise, a leading M2M service provider in India, has announced the launch of India’s first consumer travel eSIM. This eSIM is targeted at corporate travelers, leisure travelers, and students who are looking for an affordable and convenient way to stay connected while abroad.

The Sensorise Travel eSIM eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, costly operator roaming charges, and the hassle of finding public Wi-Fi networks in foreign countries. Instead, travelers can simply scan a QR code to activate their eSIM and start using mobile data instantly.

The eSIM supports over 1,000 customizable plans in over 190 countries, making it the most comprehensive eSIM data plan coverage available globally. It is also priced at a very affordable USD 10 (Rs. 834 approx.).

Mr. Karn Nagpal, President of Rosmerta Technologies, the parent company of Sensorise, said that the eSIM solution represents a significant leap forward in global travel connectivity for Indians. He also said that Sensorise is committed to creating solutions that simplify and enhance the lives of individuals.

The Sensorise Travel eSIM is now available for purchase through the Sensorise mobile app.

The Sensorise Travel eSIM seems a great option for travelers who want to stay connected while abroad without having to worry about expensive roaming charges or finding public Wi-Fi networks. It is also very easy to use, making it a convenient option for travelers of all ages and experience levels.

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In a recent surprise event, Google introduced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro alongside Android 14. The phone, boasting numerous new features, has managed to grab the attention of users. Undoubtedly, one of the most notable features is the simple yet functional eSIM transfer capability. Here are the details…

Pixel 8 Introduces Seamless eSIM Features with Android 14

If you’re not very familiar with this technology, eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded directly into a device. It functions the same way as a traditional SIM card. eSIMs are gaining traction in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. They are also found in wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers, as well as IoT devices such as cars and smart home systems. However, the novelty of this technology has brought some issues.

For instance, in my country, even though there is no cost to the operators, they still charge an unnecessary fee for every eSIM transaction. Considering that setting up a digital SIM simply requires scanning a QR code, this can be quite frustrating. However, Google addresses these opportunistic issues with two “outstanding” features in the Pixel series. The first of these is the eSIM transfer feature.

This feature lets you shift your eSIM profile from your previous phone directly to your new Pixel 8 without needing to get in touch with your service provider. It’s a significant convenience, eliminating unnecessary time and effort. Also, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro introduced the feature of converting a physical SIM to an eSIM. This feature allows you to transform your physical SIM card into an eSIM profile.

It can be handy when traveling to a country that doesn’t support your carrier’s physical SIM or if you just want to minimize the number of cards you carry. However, it is important to note that not all carriers support eSIM transfer or physical SIM to eSIM conversion. You should check with your carrier to see if they support these features before you try to use them.

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Apple’s current generation of iPhone 14 lineup comes with eSIM connectivity, continuing the feature that was first introduced a few years back with the launch of the iPhone XS in 2018.

However, for the first time, the Apple iPhone 14 lineup launched in the United States comes without a physical SIM card slot and only supports eSIM connectivity.

Now, as per the latest report, it is claimed that the Cupertino-based technology giant is planning to expand this further, and along with the United States, there will be some more countries that will get eSIM-only iPhones this year.

While the list of countries for this feature has not been confirmed yet, the report coming from a French website indicates that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series will have eSIM-only support in France. If that’s the case, then we expect the company to follow the same in other European countries.

Apple is claiming that the eSIM is more secure than the physical SIM as it is not possible to physically remove them when the device is stolen. Also, the company adds that the user can add and manage up to eight eSIMs in the device, eliminating the risk of swapping SIM cards and keeping them safe when traveling.

More smartphone manufacturers are now bringing devices with support for eSIM and because of this, it is being speculated that eSIM smartphone shipments are expected to increase by 15% this year. Samsung recently introduced eSIM support to its mid-range smartphones with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy M54.

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Samsung has two lineups of flagship smartphones — Galaxy S-series and Galaxy Z-series, both of which comes with support for eSIM connectivity.

While eSIM is considered a premium feature, given that there are only a few smartphones in the market with support for eSIM, the South Korean giant is now bringing it to mid-range phones.

The newly launched Samsung Galaxy M54 5G smartphone comes with support for eSIM connectivity, which makes it the first mid-range smartphone from the company to have support for it.

However, similar to other Samsung phones with eSIM and unlike the iPhone 14 lineup in the US, the phone does have a physical SIM card slot for those who are still not comfortable using an eSIM.

Samsung started offering eSIM support for its premium smartphones a few years back, starting with the Galaxy S20 series launched in 2020. The feature enables users to connect to a network without the need to insert a physical SIM card into the smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy M54 features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a screen resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Under the hood, the device is powered by the company’s own Exynos 1380 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and two options for internal storage — 128GB and 256GB.

In the camera department, there’s a triple-camera setup on the back consisting of a 108-megapixel primary camera sensor with OIS, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. On the front side, there’s a 32-megapixel snapper for selfies and video calling. The phone runs the Android 13 operating system out-of-the-box with the company’s own One UI 5.1 custom interface on top. It is powered by a 6,000mAh battery and comes with support for 25W fast charging.

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Google has announced its plans to introduce eSIM transfer capabilities to Android phones in 2023, as the company aims to simplify the process of changing phones for users. Currently, transferring an eSIM profile from one device to another requires the user to unregister the eSIM on the old device and reactivate it on the new one, which can be a cumbersome process. However, with the upcoming eSIM transfer capability, users will be able to seamlessly transfer their eSIM profiles without needing to contact their mobile carrier.

Deutsche Telekom is one of the first carriers to adopt eSIM transfer on Android handsets, according to Google. The announcement comes after months of leaks and beta tests that showcased the ability to convert physical SIM cards to eSIM, along with the transfer tools that the company has now officially announced.

The move to eSIM is part of a wider trend in the industry, with Apple having already eliminated physical SIM cards from its latest iPhone series in the United States. Google’s eSIM transfer capability will make the process of switching phones easier for Android users, and it is expected that more smartphone manufacturers will follow suit in the coming years.

In addition to the eSIM announcement, Google also highlighted recent partnerships aimed at expanding the reach of Android’s latest software enhancements. Vodafone is making the Messages app the default messaging service on eligible Android phones to further expand the reach of RCS, while Google is simplifying the RCS branding across the board.

Google also showcased recent smartphone launches from its partners, such as Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, and Xiaomi, which have used Android features like Nearby Share and digital car keys. The company also announced a brand-new set of Android features rolling out from today, along with a promise that Fast Pair for Chromebooks will finally arrive in the near future.

Software support was another major focus at Google’s MWC event, with the company reiterating its partners’ commitments to longer Android OS upgrades and security update schedules. Samsung leads on that front, offering four years of major OS updates and five years of security patches, while Xiaomi promised three OS upgrades for its new flagship phones and five years of security updates during the Xiaomi 13 series debut at MWC 2023.

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Google has recently rolled out the second Android 13 QPR2 beta update to supported Pixel devices, which includes a number of underlying changes. According to Mishaal Rahman, among these changes is a new system property called ‘euicc.seamless_transfer_enabled_in_non_qs’, suggesting that Android could soon gain support for seamless eSIM transfers.

Currently, Android users have to deactivate their eSIM profile on their old phone and activate it on their new phone. This process is not seamless and may require the user to contact their carrier to activate the eSIM on their new phone. In contrast, iOS offers a built-in Quick Transfer feature that allows users to transfer physical or eSIMs from their old iPhone to a new model without contacting their carrier. It seems that Google is taking inspiration from this iOS feature and working on bringing similar functionality to Android.

The feature is being implemented in the SIM Manager app on Pixel phones and several other phones that ship with Google Mobile Services. However, the complete compatibility details are not available yet. It’s likely that Google’s Pixel lineup will support both eSIM profile transfers and converting a physical SIM to an eSIM profile. Devices from other OEMs will also get support for eSIM profile transfers, but the ability to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM profile might be limited to a few models.

It’s not yet clear when Google plans to release this feature. It could arrive with the March 2023 Pixel Feature Drop or later in the year with Android 14. The company has not yet commented on the matter, and it’s not known when more information will be available.

Overall this feature will make the transition of eSIM profile to new phone much easier and more seamless, by not requiring users to contact their carrier and make activation. This could make the transition process much more user-friendly and less time-consuming.

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Most industry-leading brands maintain their position through innovations. In the rugged phone industry, Doogee has done so by releasing products with unique features that are of value to consumers. The company’s new product Doogee V30 is a big statement to its competitor. It is one of the best-designed smartphones of the year with eco-friendly leather on the back. It is also the only rugged phone to have eSIM as one of its main features. This is a unique feature so a little background on why this is an amazing feature before we move on.

The Doogee V30 eSIM feature is perfect for travelers

SIM cards are important on any smartphone, and they are the reason we are able to make phone calls. Anyone with a smartphone understands its importance. For people whose livelihood has them traveling around the world, physically buying a SIM card anytime they are in a new country is time-consuming and inconvenient. So eSIM was developed, which is now being adopted by the V30 rugged phone.

The Doogee V30 eSIM feature is perfect for all travelers. With this feature, all you have to do when you arrive in a new country is to scan the QR code of a service provider and follow a few setup processes, and then you are ready to go. This takes away the process of walking to a physical store anytime you want to switch carriers. The Doogee V30 joins the short list of smartphones offering this feature to its many customers.

With what is already written the advantages of the eSIM are very evident. Doogee V30’s eSIM features facilitate an easy and cheap way to transfer service providers. It eradicates the potential of damage to SIM cards and saves on the cost involved in the transfer. These advantages are enough to cut down some of the anxiety of traveling to a new place.

At this point, it is time to talk about the design of the phone. At an initial glance, the V30 looks like every rugged phone on the market but upon closer look, you realize it is much more. The back is covered in eco-friendly leather that is not only pleasant to the eyes but feels great in the palm. To complete the design, the side panel finish was inspired by wood grains giving an entirely unique and fresh look. 

Doogee keeps providing its clients with advanced technologies and an improved experience. With more details of the V30 set to be released, it is safe to say, the V30 like the V20 and V10 before is certain to come with flagship-level features. Now Doogee is holding a promotion campaign where you can leave comments and win free prizes. Doogee will pick a few comments from the page and gift prizes like a D11 watch or a $50 V30 coupon!

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, the foldable smartphone from the South Korean giant that was launched a couple of years back, has finally received a new update in the United States that enabled a much-awaited feature on the device.

The company has rolled out a new update for the Galaxy Z Fold 2 smartphone in the United States that has enabled eSIM functionality. Along with that, it also brings support for DSDS, which stands for Dual SIM Dual Standby.

As per the report, Samsung has rolled out firmware build F916USQU2HVF1 for the carrier-locked model of the Galaxy Z Fold 2, while the unlocked model has got F916U1UEU2HVF4 update that brings both the new features.

Along with the eSIM functionality and DSDS support, the June update also comes with some additional features for the camera department, such as auto framing in the camera app and video calls, as well as improved Night portrait photography.

Some users of the carrier-locked model have already started receiving the July 2022 update, so there’s a possibility that some of the users may not get the June update and directly get the new July update, which will bring these new features to the phone.

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Samsung recently enabled eSIM support for some of its current generation foldable smartphones in the US market but the feature isn’t available for every region. For instance, its home market of South Korea doesn’t have eSIM support.

That is about to change if the latest report is to be believed. A new report has claimed that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Flip 4 smartphones will be the first to have eSIM support for the South Korean market.

Network operators in South Korea haven’t rolled out eSIM services over several factors, including concerns about SIM card sales, increasing subscriber churn, and declining average revenue per subscriber.

The government has been negotiating with the telecom operators since last year to introduce support for eSIM technology and now it appears that the carriers are in the final stage of developing eSIM support for cellular connectivity.

eSIM eliminates the need to use a physical SIM card to get cellular connectivity and is also easy to switch between carriers. The service can be activated remotely by installing eSIM, making some operators worry about subscriber churn because of ease.

Samsung’s foldable smartphones already have eSIM support enabled in the regions where the technology is available and the company will continue to offer it on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 smartphones.

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Must See: Strong iPhone 13 sales helped Apple beat Xiaomi in Vietnam in Q4 2021

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Google is expected to reveal some information about the next-generation Android 13 operating system at the upcoming annual developer conference next month. While some of the features of Android 13 have leaked online, the company could officially reveal these features at the conference.

As per the latest report, the search engine giant is now working on a feature that will allow users of Android 13-powered smartphones to have dual SIM capability on a device with a single eSIM chip.

Currently, eSIM allows only one subscriber line to be active at a time. So Google has been working on a way to offer dual-SIM support using a single eSIM chip. For this, the company has developed multiple enabled profiles (MEP), allowing one eSIM element to actively connect to two carriers simultaneously.

Google was granted a patent for this technology back in 2020 and is reportedly planning to include it with the final release of Android 13 during the third quarter of this year.

Apart from Android 13, the support for MEP could be available for other devices, including those running iOS, macOS, and Windows, as mentioned in the patent application. The Pixel series smartphones are reportedly being tested for this new feature and there’s a possibility that Google could license the technology to other companies.

There are a couple of features of the Android 13 that have already leaked online, including support for controlling the brightness level of the flashlight and allowing notifications to be dragged on the display in split-screen mode, among others.

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Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 series smartphones have been making the rounds for the past few months, despite the lineup being months away from getting launched. There have been several reports about the upgraded features of the device.

The iPhone 14 models are also rumored to ditch the nano-SIM card slot and will instead have support for eSIM. Now, an analyst has indicated that this could indeed turn out to be true and the Cupertino-based tech giant may launch eSIM-only iPhone models this year.

Emma Mohr-McClune, a Technology Service Director at GlobalData, says (via iMore) that the Apple iPhone 14 series may come with only eSIM support without any nano-SIM card slot. However, Mohr-McClune adds that the company may offer a variant with a SIM card slot for those carriers that still don’t support eSIM functionality.

The company has been slowly expanding the eSIM functionality on its smartphones. It first added support for eSIM with the iPhone XS and XS Max launch and with the recent iPhone 13 models, it added support for dual eSIMs.

Recently, it was reported that Apple is even working on a transition as some U.S. carriers will start offering select iPhone 13 models without a nano-SIM card in the retail box from Q2 2022. The company is already selling iPhone 13 models without a nano-SIM in the box if the product is sold through Apple Store or Apple.com.

If the reports about the eSIM-only models for the upcoming smartphones from Apple turn out to be true, then Apple must be testing waters and expect the company to completely do away with the physical SIM cards for the iPhones with new iterations.

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A couple of days ago, it was reported that the Apple iPhone 15 Pro series models, which will get launched in the year 2023, could come without a physical nano-SIM card slot and only support dual eSIM cards.

Now, a new report indicates that the switch from physical SIM to eSIM only could happen earlier than expected. It is being claimed that the iPhone 14 series models getting launched in 2022 could lack physical nano-SIM slots.

According to a report from MacRumors, Apple has advised major network carriers in the United States to prepare for the launch of eSIM-only smartphones by September 2022. They have also accessed a document outlining the timeframe for this initiative, although the document doesn’t specifically mention Apple or the iPhone.

The company is even working on a transition as some U.S. carriers will start offering select iPhone 13 models without a nano-SIM card in the retail box from Q2 2022. The company is already selling iPhone 13 models without a nano-SIM in the box if the product is sold through Apple Store or Apple.com.

We expect the Cupertino-based technology giant to still make iPhone models with physical SIM card slots for the regions where eSIM functionality isn’t available.

Prior to this, there were rumors about Apple planning to remove the Lightning port from the smartphones and if the company also gets rid of the physical SIM card slot, then it would be a step further for a seamless design as well as improve water resistance.

Apple has a track record of taking some bold decisions so there’s a possibility that this information could turn out to be true. We expect to get more information about this in the coming weeks or months.

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Apple introduced support for eSIM on its smartphones with the iPhone XS and XS Max which enabled users to have second network support on the device through the digital SIM along with the regular physical SIM.

Now, if the latest report coming from a Brazilian website is to be believed, then Apple is planning to get rid of the physical SIM card slot from the iPhone in the coming years.

As per the report, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models getting launched in 2023 could lack the physical SIM card slot. Instead, the devices will only have support for eSIM cards for connectivity. It is also said that there will be support for two eSIM cards, ensuring dual SIM functionality.

It’s still very early to get confirmed information about the Apple iPhone 15 series models getting launched in the year 2023, so we would advise you to take this information with a pinch of salt.

Even if this information turns out to be true, we expect the company to still make iPhone models with physical SIM card slots for the regions where eSIM functionality isn’t available.

Prior to this, there were rumors about Apple planning to remove the Lightning port from the smartphones and if the company also gets rid of the physical SIM card slot, then it would be a step further for a seamless design as well as improve water resistance.

Currently, it all seems like speculation and there’s no concrete evidence to back any of these claims. However, Apple has a track record of taking some bold decisions so there’s a possibility that this information could turn out to be true. As of now, all we can do is wait for more details to surface online in the coming months.

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Vivo held a joint press conference with China’s Big 3 Telcos (China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile) yesterday, to announce vivo’s collaboration with the Big 3 on their newest upcoming smartwatch, the vivo Watch 2.

At the event, vivo showed off the design of its vivo Watch 2 to the public at the in-person event. From the pictures gathered, we found that vivo is using a circular watch face, a round-shaped dial as well as swappable watch bands for the vivo Watch 2. The watch is also shown to come either in a metallic silver finish or in a matte black finish with two buttons on the side. 

Another announcement at the event today was the support of standalone eSIM SMS for the vivo Watch 2. This is the first for the company and with standalone eSIM support, the watch can now receive SMSes without needing to be connected via Bluetooth to a phone or even the internet via Wi-Fi. This feature is a joint collaboration between Vivo and the Big 3 Telcos in China.

No other features or specs were announced today at the event today, but a TENAA listing of the vivo Watch 2 from October gave some insight into what the specs of the vivo Watch 2 are.

The vivo Watch 2 is said to feature an OLED display, a heart-rate tracker, a built-in GPS, a step counter, and a 515mAh battery, which is an improvement over last year’s 478mAh battery on the 2020 vivo Watch. 

To know more about the highlights of the upcoming vivo Watch 2, stay tuned for vivo’s 22 December launch event in China, where it will not only officially announce the release of the vivo Watch 2, but also release its highly anticipated vivo S12 lineup of smartphones. 

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The post Vivo shows off the vivo Watch 2’s design in real life, announces support for standalone SMS appeared first on Gizmochina.

Vivo will be launching a successor to its first smartwatch, the Vivo Watch, soon. The new watch is expected to launch as the Vivo Watch2 and ahead of its arrival, more details have surfaced alongside a photo from its TENAA certification.

The Vivo Watch2 will have a round dial like its predecessor. There are markings on the bezel and the case is black with matching straps. We expect the smartwatch will be available in other color options when it is launched.

According to the Chinese leaker, Digital Chat Station, the display is OLED and the watch has a higher screen-to-body ratio than last year’s model. He also mentions that the watch has a 515mAh battery capacity which is an increase from the 478mAh battery inside the 46mm Vivo Watch. The bigger battery is necessary since the Vivo Watch2 will have an eSIM for making calls and sending messages.

There is a possibility we may only get a single size this time as a 42mm version with eSIM support may have poor battery life. The 42mm model released last year has a 226mAh battery capacity and a 9-day battery life as against the 18-day battery life of its bigger sibling.

The leaker goes on to reveal the watch will support three networks with eUICC support. He also mentions that the Vivo Watch2 will support more apps and still have a long battery life as one of its selling points.

There is no info on when the smartwatch will be announced. Last year’s model was launched in September. Regardless, a launch date should not be far off since it has already been certified by TENAA.

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Vivo launched its first smartwatch last year. The Vivo Watch, as it is officially called, is now set to get a successor and a new leak has revealed it will have a feature not available on the original.

While some folks are fine with their smartwatch being limited to telling the time and tracking health features, there are users who want more, up to the extent of being able to leave their phones at home when going for a run while not missing calls and messages. This category of users are those Vivo is targeting with its upcoming smartwatch.

According to the Chinese leaker, Digital Chat Station, the upcoming Vivo smartwatch, expected to launch as the Vivo Watch 2, will have an eSIM. This will allow users to be able to make and receive calls as well as send and receive messages on the smartwatch without being tethered to a phone.

In addition to having an eSIM, the source also mentioned that the watch will have support for more apps, probably in a fashion similar to the recently announced Xiaomi Watch Color 2. He also mentioned that the Vivo smartwatch will have a round dial. However, we do not know if it will be available in multiple sizes like last year’s model.

The Vivo Watch comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes with a 1.19-inch and 1.39-inch AMOLED display respectively. The smartwatch can track up to 11 sports modes, supports heart rate and blood oxygen level measurement, and has a built-in assistant, NFC, GPS, built-in storage, and a waterproof rating. The 42mm version has a 9-day battery life while the 46mm version pushed the battery life up to 18 days.

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Apple has now officially announced its much-anticipated iPhone 13 series. Just like its predecessor, the company has unveiled four models — Apple iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Although the smartphones from Apple come with one physical SIM card slot, the company added support for eSIM with the iPhone XS and XS Max launch, the company is now expanding the feature with the new iPhone 13 lineup.

As reported by 9to5Mac, the newly launched Apple iPhone 13 series now comes with support for dual eSIMs, making it the fruits device from the technology giant to have support for this feature.

The smartphones feature a nano-SIM card slot and with the support for dual eSIMs, there’s a possibility of using three different lines for connectivity on the iPhones. However, it is not yet confirmed if the nano-SIM and two eSIMs will work simultaneously and how the system actually works. To know more about this, we’ll have to wait for an official statement or announcement from the company.

There’s also a possibility that some network carriers might not support eSIMs and may disable the feature if the device is purchased thorugh the network carrier.

Expanding the connectivity features, Apple said during the launch event that the new iPhone 13 models now come with support for more 5G bands, which should enable the new faster telecom network technology in more countries.

The Apple iPhone 13 series’ pricing starts at $699 for the Mini model and goes up to $1,599 for the top-end iPhone 13 Pro Max. All the models in this new series will go up for pre-orders from 17th September and the shipments will begin from 24th September.

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The Galaxy Z Fold3 was announced yesterday as one of two new foldable phones from Samsung. The new device is not only cheaper than its predecessor but also packs new and upgraded features one of which is support for two physical SIMs.

Yes, unlike its predecessors that have a slot for only one SIM card, the Galaxy Z Fold3 has a tray for two physical SIM cards in addition to an eSIM. Technically, you should be able to connect to three networks but we doubt that will be possible.

The addition of an extra SIM slot is definitely good news for users especially frequent travelers and business professionals. You will be able to keep your primary SIM in the device and pop in another one from the country you are in.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 packs a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED QXGA+ main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The cover display is a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED HD+ display with a 120HZ adaptive refresh rate too.

There is a Snapdragon 888 processor under the hood along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of non-expandable storage. There is a 10MP camera inside the punch hole of the cover display while the main display has a 4MP under-display camera. On the back of the Galaxy Z Fold3 are three 12MP sensors – an ultrawide angle camera, a wide-angle (primary camera), and a telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom.

The foldable phone packs a 4400mAh battery with support for 25W fast wired charging, 10W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, an IPX8 rating, stereo speakers, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, and Wi-Fi 6E.

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The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 has two physical SIM slots and an eSIM appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung started rolling out the One UI 3.1 update for various devices including the Galaxy S20 series recently. Along with the update, it seemed to have enabled the eSIM functionality in regions like India.

As reported by Piunikaweb, the One UI 3.1 update for India has the firmware version G98xFXXU6DUB5. It weighs 1246.69MB and brings the latest UI to the Galaxy S20+(SM-G985F) variant. Certain users in Samsung community forums have confirmed that e-SIM functionality is enabled after this update.

As you can see below, the screenshot on the forums shows the eSIM options inside settings-> SIM Card Manager. If you recall, Samsung launched the Galaxy S20 series in February 2020. Back then, the devices in India had the support for eSIM but Samsung had disabled it.

So, for using a secondary SIM card, one had to take out the memory card out and use the slot for another network. For the unware, Samsung Galaxy S20 comes with a Hybrid-SIM slot i.e., users can use a nano-SIM + microSD card or two nano-SIMs at a time.
Anyway, with eSIM enabled, you can now use the device with two networks and an SD card simultaneously.

1 of 3

Also, that’s not the only thing the One UI 3.1 update brings to the table. Just like other regions(South Korea, UK, Europe), the Indian region also brings  Improved performance, Private Share, GPS location data removal on Images, more Lock screen widgets, Background Video Calling, Zoom Lock(in camera), and more.

That said, the update should enable the eSIM features for other regions(like the USA) as well.

Recently, Samsung upped the ante yesterday by extending security update support for 4 years in total. The eligible devices including the Galaxy Z, S, Note, A, M, XCover, and Tab series will receive monthly/quarterly updates accordingly.

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OPPO has today announced that the company has entered into a partnership with telecom operator Orange (France Telecom) to launch an eSIM variant of the OPPO Watch in the European market.

Not just the OPPO Watch, more products from the company will also be adopted for the Orange network, including two new 5G smartphones — Reno 4Z 5G and Reno 4 Pro 5G, along with a 4G smartphone named OPPO A72.

OPPO has now established a partnership with major telecom operators in the European market, including Orange, Vodafone, and Deutsche Telekom.

The OPPO Watch features a large 1.91-inch 3D curved flexible AMOLED display with 326 PPI and 100% DCP-P3 color gamut. The company says that it opted for the square design because it feels squares are more efficient at displaying information.

The device comes powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2500 platform and paired with Apollo 3 co-processor. The wearable runs ColorOS-based Watch OS, which is a custom skin based on the Android operating system.

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It has 8GB of internal storage, built-in GPS, NFC, and Bluetooth 4.2 for connectivity. The smartwatch is powered by a 300mAh or 430mAh battery (depending on the variant) and has support for VOOC fast charging technology.

It features a quad-optic heart rate sensor that keeps the user updated on the heart’s health and can also detect anomalies. Other modes standard to a smartwatch is also present, along with some special modes for beginners like ‘easy 5km run’ and ‘5-minute easy fitness’ mode. The watch is also waterproof up to 50m in water.

Thanks to the eSIM support on the device, the OPPO Watch allows users to make and receive phone calls on the device as well as independently access the internet, without the need of connecting the wearable device to a smartphone.

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With the advent of newer networking standards, connectivity has become the backbone of various fields especially related to technology. Thus, the Xiaomi IoT eSIM provider, Showmac Tech, is banking on eSIMs becoming the integral infrastructure that allows for seamless and stable communication between devices and has even raised a large sum in funding.

Back in 2017, Xiaomi had invested in the then startup company, Showmac, that has now convinced more investors as it raised over 100 million yuan (roughly 15 million US Dollars) in funding in a Series A+ round. Lily Liu, founder and chief executive of Showmac said in an interview with TechCrunch that, “We believe cellular communication will become a mainstream trend in the era of IoT. WiFi works only when it’s connected to a small number of devices, but when the number increases dramatically it becomes unreliable.”

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For those unaware, an eSIM basically acts like a traditional SIM card (subscriber identity module). However, it does not require a removable card, which also does away with the need for a SIM card slot on a device. In its place, dedicated eSIM is integrated into the device’s chip and is compatible with a number of telecom operators. In other words, an eSIM also works like an application or software development kit (SDK).

Showmac Tech began its pilot project when it supply Xiaomi’s ecosystem with eSIMs that helped in connect separate devices. At the moment, the company is currently targetting IoT products and a connection management software as a service. So far, Showmac has equipped more than 10 million devices, out of which over 30 percent are for Xiaomi.

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HMD Global which presently controls the Nokia brand name may have filed a new trademark application for an e-SIM feature known as SIMLEY. The application was filed at the European Union Office for Intellectual Property (EUOIP) and was first spotted by LetsGoDigital.

The application was submitted by intermediary Gilbey Legal from Paris, France and is categorized as Class 9/36/38. The description shows the tech will serve a multitude of functions ranging from telecommunication services to an e-wallet and banking service tool as well as an extended warranty service.

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What we can draw from the application is that HMD Global is working towards the introduction of eSIM compatible Nokia phones in the near future. It won’t be the first to do so as Apple and Google already offered this type of service on their devices for a while now. The service is still not very common but is rather catching steam on smartwatches. Xiaomi’s latest model came with e-SIM features.

Apart from its function as a SIM card for mobile service, HMD’s SIMLEY is also described to work as an electronic mobile payment service with added protection for user data but the details of how this will pan out are still sketchy.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi Mi 10, Black Shark 3 launch events could be held online due to Coronavirus outbreak

(via)

The post Nokia files trademark application for SIMLEY – an eSIM service appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi Mi Watch was announced last month in China with a large battery and eSIM support. However, at the time of launch, the company mentioned that users will have to wait for a few weeks to get access to eSIM services from Chinese telecom carriers. Now, it looks like at least one of the carriers, namely China Telecom, has started testing eSIM services in the country, activating calling and data services for the new Xiaomi smartwatch.

China Telecom is reportedly testing its eSIM service in 7 pilot cities in China. They are as follows:

• Shanghai
• Guangzhou
• Nanjing
• Chengdu
• Shenzhen
• Wuhan
• Hangzhou

Editor’s Pick: Xiaomi Mi Watch Review: A Phone on your wrist

There are two types of eSIM services available on China Telecom right now: Dual terminal eSIM and independent eSIM. In dual terminal eSIM service, you can share your existing mobile number with the eSIM, essentially sharing a single number on two devices. So when you get a call on your smartphone, your Xiaomi Mi Watch with the eSIM will also receive the call. You can accept the call either on your watch or on your phone. In the case of the independent eSIM service, you have a separate phone number for your eSIM. So your contacts can directly call on your Mi Watch using this independent number. The pricing naturally differs according to the eSIM service you select.

If you recall, Motorola had delayed its plans to release the Motorola Razr clamshell foldable in China because the carriers didn’t yet support eSIM service. However, with China Telecom piloting its service in the major cities in China, we may see the wide-scale launch of the eSIM service in the coming weeks. This should further pave the way for the Razr launch in China.

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(Via)

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Another day and yet another Mi Watch feature confirmed. Xiaomi revealed a few hours back that the Mi Watch can independently play music with the option to even download it to its storage. So you don’t have to rely on your smartphone to stream music. This can come in really handy when you don’t have your phone around, like when you are out for your morning jogs. And it looks like you can even play your music via its speakers.

Independent music playback isn’t new on smartwatches. Even Amazfit’s Pace lineup offers this particular feature and personally, I find it very useful as I don’t have to carry my smartphone around for music. However, the Mi Watch could make things even more interesting as it features an eSIM which means you can ditch your phone most of the time.

The Mi Watch will also, unsurprisingly, come with a heart rate sensor and smart home controls. You also get a replaceable fluororubber strap in multiple color options.

The Mi Watch will come with an MIUI for Watch OS. You will be able to install a number of different apps on the watch. As for the hardware, the Mi Watch will come feature Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor with connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, and even an eSIM. The watch is confirmed to feature speakers which means you should be able to make and receive calls on the watch, just like a smartphone.

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Yesterday, Xiaomi officially confirmed that it would release a new smartwatch alongside the Mi CC9 Pro at the November 5 event. Today, Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun has revealed a render of the upcoming Xiaomi Smartwatch and we can’t deny that it takes HEAVY inspiration from the Apple Watch.

The Xiaomi smartwatch will come in two band colors, elegant black, and silver. It features a curved rectangular screen very similar to the Apple Watch series. What’s more, the placement of the crown is also exactly the same as the Apple Watch. Even the power button is placed just as the Apple wearable. There’s no denying that this Xiaomi smartwatch design lacks originality. We would really be disappointed if Xiaomi is marketing its new watch as an Apple Watch clone at a cheaper price tag.

Xiaomi had revealed a couple of days back that its new watch will be a true smartwatch and not just another band. Today, the company revealed more details about its internals and it’s clear that the smartwatch will be loaded with features. The Xiaomi smartwatch will feature a high-performance CPU along with independent GPS, NFC, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth modules. There will be an independent linear motor as well as speakers inside. Further, it is said that the battery will be pretty large as well. Finally, the Mi Smartwatch will come with eSIM support, just like the Apple Watch.

So even if the upcoming Xiaomi Mi Smartwatch lacks an original design, it will probably make it up with interesting features. With eSIM support and speakers, the watch should be able to make phone calls and other functions, just like a smartphone.

Well, after seeing Xiaomi’s new smartwatch, the Huami Amazfit GTS doesn’t look like an Apple Watch clone anymore.

What do you think?

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The post This is the Xiaomi SmartWatch & it’s HEAVILY inspired by the Apple Watch appeared first on Gizmochina.

Huami has been on a release spree lately, releasing the Amazfit Verge Lite and Amazfit Bip Lite in China. The company is set to unveil a new Amazfit watch soon. According to a teaser released by the company, the Watch will be announced on June 11 in China. The prelaunch poster also revealed some of the features it would pack.

First off, Qualcomm China disclosed that it is assisting Huami with the latest Snapdragon mobile platform on its next-gen Amazfit smart products. The smartwatch is said to come with full Netcom eSIM function that allows the smartwatch to be used to make calls independently. eSIM is still relatively new on smartphones with the Apple Watch series 4 being the most prominent smartwatch that came with full Netcom eSIM feature. eSIM allows smartwatches to be inserted without a physical SIM card, simply by setting up a contract with a telecom operator.

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The prelaunch teasers adopt the mantra “I love you Three Thousand”. This is apparently in reference to the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset that would power the wearable device. The Wear 3100 chipset was first announced in September 2018 and came with several improvements over the Wear 2100.

Huami’s vice-president, Wei Fandi had reported released a picture of the packaging box bearing the inscription “for internal testing of Unicom” in addition to confirming the name Amazfit Verge 2. In addition, Huami confirmed it will be teaming up with Marvel Avengers to launch an Avengers edition of the upcoming smartwatch. The colourful teaser poster has a silhouette of the letter V which again point at this being a next-gen iteration of the Verge.

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(source 1, 2)

The post Huami’s launching a new Amazfit watch with full network eSIM support on JUNE 11 appeared first on Gizmochina.

The new iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max are the first iPhones to get dual SIM support but depending on the region, this feature is different for both phones. This post explains how the dual SIM function works for the different regions.

For the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max that will be sold in the US and Europe, they will only support one physical nano-SIM. The second SIM is an eSIM much like what Google did with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

Even at that, the only way to be able to use two different carriers is if your device is unlocked. Also, you can’t use two CDMA networks if your physical SIM is a CDMA carrier. The list of carriers that support eSIMs are still very small but iPhones are very popular and we won’t be surprised if more networks adopt eSIM support simply because of the new models. To learn more about eSIM technology, you should check out this special article we wrote.

For those living in China, Hong Kong, or Macau, the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max sold there don’t have an eSIM. Instead, you get to use two physical nano-SIM cards just like a lot of Android dual SIM phones. Both SIM cards use the same tray – one sits on top and the other sits below with the chip side facing upwards for the top one and facing downwards for the one below.

Owners will be able to make and receive calls from both SIM cards but when you are on a call on one line, calls to the other are sent to voicemail. Apple will also let you set a particular SIM as default for calls or data. This should be familiar to Android users who may be switching to the new iPhones.

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You will also be able to set which number is used as the default for calling certain contacts. First-time calls to a number use the default number for calling but a specific number can be set under the contact’s setting. You will also be able to set which line is used for iMessage and FaceTime under settings. Both SIMs will be labeled (P) for Primary and (S) for Secondary by default but you can also change the labels.

(Sources: 1, 2 | Via)

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A new teaser for the Mi band 3 may hint at Xiaomi’s next smartband having SIM connectivity. One of China’s top network operators, China Unicom, released a new poster for the upcoming band which makes us wonder what hidden feature the device has.

The poster shows a flyover with different icons which includes a car, a computer, a building, a truck and a shopping bag. There is also a text that roughly translates to “connects you to the world”.

The shopping bag sort of hints at the Mi Band 3 supporting purchases as it is reported to have a NFC chip built-in. We’ll have to wait till Thursday to find out the details for the other features.

However, what is strange is China Unicom’s relationship with the new smartband which has got people asking if the band has an eSIM embedded in it.

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 3 and the Huawei Watch 2 Pro have eSIMs but we haven’t heard of a smartband with one. We guess there is always a first time. Bear in mind that if it is true, it will drive up the price.

READ MORE: Photos of Xiaomi Mi 8 Poster And Retail Box Reveals A Few Specs & Blue Color Variant

Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun also revealed in a Weibo post that the wristband of the watch has been redesigned and is now stronger, therefore preventing the device itself from getting lost.

(Source, Via)

The post China Unicom Releases Teaser Poster For Mi Band 3, eSIM Support? appeared first on Gizmochina.

It appears we have more smartwatches coming soon. LG already has one in the pipeline and Google is said to be working on three Pixel watches. Another smartwatch launching this year is the Huawei Watch 2 (2018) and its specs and images have just leaked online.

The leak which was posted by @evleaks shows the big difference between the 2018 model and last year’s Huawei Watch 2 is the addition of eSIM support. The rest of the specs are pretty much the same.

The Huawei Watch 2 (2018) will run Wear OS, have a 1.2” AMOLED display with a 390 x 390 resolution, and be powered by a Snapdragon 2100. RAM remains 4GB and built-in storage has also been left at 768MB.

The watch also keeps the 420mAh battery from last year, has Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, a bunch of sensors including a heart rate sensor, and an IP68 rating. Huawei has also redesigned the straps. The eSIM is the major addition. It was exclusive to the Watch 2 Pro last year but will now be available on the base model this year.

READ MORE: Huawei Y3 (2018) Android Go Phone Full Specs, Images Appear on Official Site

The eSIM should let you share the same phone number as that of your phone. So, you can leave your phone at home and not worry about missing calls or messages.

There is no info with respect to a release date and pricing.

(Source)

The post Huawei Watch 2 (2018) Specs and Images Leaked appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last year Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 3 with an embedded SIM (eSIM). The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL also come with eSIMs. This new SIM technology replaces the current SIM cards we use. Yesterday, ARM introduced iSIM- a similar technology but for IoT devices.

The integrated SIM (iSIM) will provide a way for IoT devices to have cellular identities. The new technology is also said to be GSMA Embedded SIM Specifications compliant.

Wondering how it is different from eSIM? Unlike an eSIM which is separate from the device’s main chipset and modem, iSIM combines everything into a single SoC.

So you have the main processor, modem, and SIM as a single component. ARM says the SIM is stored in a secure enclave with enhanced hardware security like its Arm CryptoIsland.

The advantage this brings is a significant reduction in production cost.

READ MORE: GizmoChina Explains: How Does An eSIM Work?

With more devices getting connected, ARM’s iSIM should help them get connected in a cheap and safe way. The technology is reported to have already received support from SoftBanck, BT, and Sprint.

(Source, Via)

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This year, three devices were launched with an eSim -the Apple Watch 3, the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL. Add them to last year’s Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 3G and the iPad 9.7, the first two devices to come with what is called an eSim and that makes it five. For this new technology, this is just the beginning.

An eSIM/eUICC (embedded SIM or embedded UICC) is a replacement for the current physical SIM cards that we use in our smartphones and a bunch of other devices. While users can remove the physical SIM cards in their phones, an eSIM cannot be removed. Most people do not know how an eSIM works, this post is aimed at explaining how it works and the benefits it brings to consumers.

Evolution of SIM Cards

Ever since mobile phones became mainstream, users had to buy a SIM card from their preferred network operator to be able to use their services. The SIM card had a number attached to it and a security key that allowed the network to identify and authenticate subscribers of its services. It can also store contacts and text messages. Over the years, the physical SIM card has reduced in size. Starting first as what is today called the Mini SIM, then getting a reduction to what is called the Micro SIM and finally the Nano SIM. All three SIM types are still in use but the last two are the common ones used by smartphones.

So why has the size of the SIM reduced over time? To create space. Smartphones have gotten thinner over the years and space has become so precious. The Mini SIM takes a lot of space along with the tray and the reduction in size makes it possible for manufacturers to fit more components on the device or better still, create a thinner device.

How eSIMs Work

With the use of an eSIM which is a fraction of the size of a nano SIM and the complete elimination of the SIM tray, there is more space for other components as well as an overall thinner device.

Apart from space, eSIMs will also allow users switch between networks with ease. This is different from roaming (you don’t pay roaming charges) and is done over the air. eSIMs will be able to store different network profiles and consumers will be able to switch easily between networks. How this is supposed to work is that you should have multiple profiles on your eSIM and switch between any of them easily. So you can have a data plan on one SIM profile and a voice plan on another SIM profile, and because it is the same number, calls and SMS are not missed.

For easy switching, there has to be a unifying standard that makes it easy for SIM profiles to be loaded on the eSIM. The GSMA has a standard called Profile Interoperability which simplifies the process and makes the relationship between operators and OEMs more flexible. There are hundreds of operators all over the world with different SIM profiles, so it is only logical that there is a standard that everyone can adopt. The two videos below explain how this is supposed to work.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvBEIEslhG0[/embedyt]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLouo2mYjAU[/embedyt]

While the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL’s eSIM works on only Google’s Project Fi network for now, the Apple Watch 3 can be used on Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint. Users should be able to keep their mobile numbers when they switch but they may be charged a fee when moving to a new operator for the first time. This fee will be similar to what you pay when you purchase a SIM but may include free data and voice calls too in the package.

The Future of eSIMS

It may take a while for eSIMs to be adopted widely for smartphones, but it will be easier to adopt into devices like wearables, cars, and computers which require mobile connectivity. Microsoft and Qualcomm’s upcoming ARM-powered computers are expected to have eSIMs for on-the-go connectivity. Microsoft also announced that its new Surface Pro will come with LTE via an eSIM but that version won’t arrive till Spring next year.

For Windows PCs with eSIMs, users will be able to purchase data plans from the Windows Store. T-Mobile, AT&T and some other foreign operators have already signed on to work with Microsoft on this.

There are still some concerns associated with the use of eSIMs. Let’s say your phone is low on battery and you have a traditional SIM card, you could simply remove the SIM and put it into the other phone. For devices with eSIMs, you can’t do that.

READ MORE: Broadcom’s Highly Accurate GPS Chip Arriving in Smartphones Next Year

Also, the switch to eSIMs doesn’t mean the death of carrier-locked devices. The reason for carrier-locked devices is because the owners are on a contract plan and are obliged to pay monthly installments for the phone. It makes it easy for folks to get a new phone and not have to shell out the cost at once. However, they will be able to switch to any network of their choice when their contract expires.

What are your thoughts about eSIMs? Are there any problems you think they might pose that we have failed to mention? Please drop a comment in the box.

(Sources: 1)

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