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Smaller SIM Format Standardized

Posted by Soulskill on from the easier-to-lose dept.

New submitter mk1004 writes "ETSI members have approved a new, smaller SIM format. 'The fourth form factor (4FF) card will be 40% smaller than the current smallest SIM card design, at 12.3mm wide by 8.8mm high, and 0.67mm thick. It can be packaged and distributed in a way that is backwards compatible with existing SIM card designs. The new design will offer the same functionality as all current SIM cards.' Nokia is not happy about the decision, as they believe their version was superior, but they say they're prepared to license the patents essential to the standard."

3 of 83 comments (clear)

  1. Re:So what was better about Nokia's design? by sconeu · · Score: 5, Funny

    Nokia would hold the patents.

    --
    General Relativity: Space-time tells matter where to go; Matter tells space-time what shape to be.
  2. Comes with tweezer and magnifying glass by blahbooboo · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hope all phones that use these come with a tweezer and magnifying glass! This little sucker is gonna be hard to handle! lol

  3. Re:Nokia still holds the patents by Stellian · · Score: 3, Funny

    The new design, being really similar to the old one, also means that Nokia holds the patents for it already.

    Here's a radical idea: keep the same electrical interface with the old SIM, arrange the contact pads in a way that makes sense, and simply shrink it in size [patent pending].

    Why we are unable to make the most trivial technical advances without the whole thing degenerating in a intellectual property shit throwing contest ? Does anybody still believe this state of affairs promotes the Progress of Science and useful Arts ?