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Microsoft Wants To Enable Cellular PCs, But Will Carriers Bite? (computerworld.com)

Posted by msmash on from the future dept.

Microsoft is aiming to enable the installation of non-removable programmable SIM cards and data radios in PCs and Windows tablets. In the company's vision, users will then be able to purchase cellular data for those cards through the Windows Store. The announcement was made at the company's WinHEC conference for device manufacturers in Shenzhen, China. From a report on ComputerWorld: Users would also get settings to help them better manage the use of data plans, so it's easier for them to control how much data apps can suck up. But there's a wrinkle in that plan: Cellular carriers will have to get on board with selling plans through the Windows Store, which will likely be a tougher sell.

16 of 145 comments (clear)

  1. non-removable programmable SIM so ATT can lock the by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    non-removable programmable SIM so ATT can lock them to ATT only like the ipad's from att?

    MS needs to say no carrier locking!

  2. Enough of this foolishness by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Sorry, but I don't need another data plan in addition to my phone. I'll just hotspot from my phone plan as needed.

  3. Just what Corporate Security needs... by geekmux · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...another fucking interface to hack.

    While you've got the hood popped, why not just IoT the BIOS while you're at it.

    Yet another design change justified by maximizing recurring revenue for vendors. I grow very tired of being told what I want in a product. Shit is getting old.

    1. Re:Just what Corporate Security needs... by mlts · · Score: 5, Insightful

      This. You have your internal network nice and secure, and then a blackhat uses the cell interface to enable IP forwarding and turn a PC into an open gateway to the Internet for all and sundry to get on the subnet.

    2. Re:Just what Corporate Security needs... by geekmux · · Score: 3, Insightful

      If Microsoft ever implements mobile connection technology in PC-grade equipment, before I even remotely would touch that stuff, I want a guarantee I can swap out/backup/etc e-SIMs in that hardware myself AND hardware-switch enable/disable the feature. Yes, I want a ****** button and traces on the PCB I can follow that show me the hardware can be disabled.

      Have you not seen what Apple has done with their "Pro" grade portable assets and the profit margins they enjoy with designing a sealed box, with all upgrade paths soldered permanently to the chassis?

      Don't assume for a HFT-trading millisecond that any Board of Directors isn't going to clone that fucking profit model.

      The future of portable computing has already been defined, based on corporate greed.

      In short, fuck what you want. You'll get whatever maximizes their revenue.

      Oh, and I fully expect a push from corporate lobbyists to make DIY illegal in some way, so you can forget about that build-it-yourself Kickstarter idea to re-enable the concept of choice...

    3. Re:Just what Corporate Security needs... by geekmux · · Score: 3, Informative

      Because this has never been done before. Cellular cards have been included with laptops before, the Dell Latitude line used to have this as an option, and it was extremely convenient to have for remote workers who could not get a Internet connection. Maybe get off your high horse and quit being a baby and think about what the consumer might want.

      Perhaps you were too busy ranting and didn't see that whole non-removable part in TFS. Clone an embedded SIM and enable a data stream without a users knowledge? Oh right, 'cause that shit that would never happen.

      And after seeing what Apple did with their "Pro" line of hardware, feel free to provide evidence that manufacturers give a flying fuck about what you want. You'll get whatever maximizes their revenue, and like it.

  4. The Microsoft business plan by Dunbal · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Trying to figure out if Microsoft wants to eventually extinguish the cell phone or the PC... judging by the amount of sense they've been making lately, it's probably the PC.

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    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  5. How about asking if consumers want it? by H3lldr0p · · Score: 4, Insightful

    That seems like a much better question than if the carriers would do it. Since, you know, that would be the first step to convincing the carriers to get on board. By showing demand.

  6. I'd pay for data...if all updates are free by xxxJonBoyxxx · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The biggest problem with Microsoft getting near a data plan is that you could easily see a scenario where most of your data was getting sucked up by Microsoft's ever-present upgrades. That, and, having to wait an extra 10-15 minutes when you really want to restart your phone.

  7. Re:non-removable programmable SIM so ATT can lock by spire3661 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Think bigger. Unremovable cellular cards so that they can always be used to spy, even if not actively being paid for.

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    Good-bye
  8. Great business plan. by CptLoRes · · Score: 3, Insightful

    1. Create a new problem by taking away user control of bandwidth usage, forcing untimely app and windows update,s telemetry etc. 2. Sell a solution to the new problem.

  9. Re:Hol. ly. Sheeeeeit. by Enigma2175 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    What could possibly go wrong???

    A better question is "Why does Microsoft need to be involved in this?" I can currently buy a data card from one of the cell carriers or I can tether my computer to my phone. How is having to pay Microsoft going to improve the current state of things? Just make the OS, jackasses, stop trying to use your near monopoly to force your way into other industries -- you are really bad at it.

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    Enigma

  10. Re:non-removable programmable SIM so ATT can lock by Alumoi · · Score: 4, Interesting

    He, he, you're too late buddy. Why do you think batteries are soldered to the phones now?

  11. Re:Hol. ly. Sheeeeeit. by Opportunist · · Score: 4, Insightful

    How this is improving things? Easy, where is the cut for MS in the current scenario?

    Oh, how is it improving things for you, you mean? Not at all, why would it? Why should MS give a shit about that?

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    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  12. Re:Hol. ly. Sheeeeeit. by Joce640k · · Score: 4, Funny

    I don't buy this for a moment. Microsoft "telemetry" is several gigabytes per month. No existing data plan could cope.

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    No sig today...
  13. Re: It makes sense by Alumoi · · Score: 3, Informative

    Dell Wireless 5520 (3G HSDPA) works for me in *buntu and derivates.