Dual SIM mobile phones are nothing new. We've had them in some form since 2000. Everything from a basic Nokia or Doro, to top-end Android smartphones have been available in Single SIM or Dual SIM versions.
If you haven't seen one, it's simply a second slot for a second SIM card. This SIM can be on a different network, and will have a different mobile number.
Dual SIM phones can be really useful. Users that require separate work and personal numbers can elect to run both from one device. Also, people that regularly travel to other countries can benefit from having two SIMs - one UK SIM and one Spanish SIM for example.
The only major manufacturer that didn't release a phone with two SIM slots was Apple. However, the iPhone XS, XS Max & XR, released in 2018, were the first iPhone's to support two SIMs. The phone still has just one SIM slot, for the primary SIM. A second SIM can be activated and used electronically, without the need for a physical SIM card.
This is called an eSIM, which stands for embedded SIM card. A small chip inside the phone controls this function entirely. The information on an eSIM is rewritable, which means that the user can still change their number, network provider or data plan.
In 2017, Google released the Pixel 2, which was the first phone with eSIM technology. The Motorola Razr (2019 edition) was the first and so far the only phone to support eSIM only. It does not have a physical SIM slot.
In the digital age, it begs the question - why have a physical SIM card at all? Digital products and simply more flexible, convenient, reliable and efficient than physical products in most cases. No SIM slot means more space inside the phone for a bigger battery or other technology. It's also better for water resistance. Your Apple Watch uses e-SIM only, why not your iPhone?
Our current cellular systems and infrastructure are designed around SIM card technology. These systems are complex and universal, so they take a long time to update, especially in this case - it's a lot of work, there's no huge financial incentive, and the current system works just fine.
Most of our UK networks support eSIM technology, but most networks in countries such as China and India don't yet. Phones are sold globally, and need to be compatible with as many networks as possible.
No one company change the status quo by itself. Henning Schulzrinne, a professor of computer science, said that SIM cards are "a good example of an interdependent system that makes it difficult for anybody to change until everybody changes."
We must also consider the Mobile Networks themselves (EE, O2, Vodafone etc.), who can maintain a much closer bond with their customers, who rely on their physical products to make their devices work.
Physical SIM cards are actually a very secure way for the user to authenticate with the network - perhaps more so than digital SIMs, because they cannot be cloned, stolen or hacked.
Another advantage of physical SIM cards is that if you break your phone, you can swap your SIM into a spare phone as a quick and temporary solution.
So you can clearly see why we haven't yet transitioned to eSIMs exclusively.
In time, networks will adapt, the technological infrastructure will catch up, and we will manage our SIM plans through an app. Buying, activating and fiddling around with plastic SIM cards in fragile little trays will be a thing of the past that the children of today will never understand.
Gotten a SIM card jammed inside your phone? We can help.
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Just as we get flooded by the rain, blown away in the wind, ground to a halt by some snow - today, we shall burn to a crisp inside of our insulated, carpeted, unventilated, double-glazed, non-air-conditioned buildings.
The government has issued the first of what is likely to be many red weather warnings for heat, with no sign or intention of doing anything about it.
In keeping with that theme, lets address how our smartphones feel about this weather.
You may have noticed a warning icon or message on your screen when your device overheats. Smartphones have temperature sensors which will disable or turn off the device in order to prevent damage. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) generates a lot of heat. The more processing that it has to do, the hotter it gets. Hot conditions can push the CPU beyond it's safe operating temperature (somewhere around 90°C), which can cause permanent damage. More intense processing from gaming, video and navigation applications will cause your phone to get hotter. Avoid using these apps, especially if you notice your phone getting hot.
Unlike computers, phones don't have fans or ventilation holes. Instead, they use graphite sheets and thermal paste to diffuse heat. Various metals throughout the device act as a heat sink which allows the heat to spread and dissipate.
You may notice that your battery drains more quickly on a day like today. Lithium batteries degrade more rapidly at higher temperatures - permanently losing charge capacity or causing internal damage as chemical fluids evaporate. Your battery really appreciates moderate temperatures, especially when charging.
Unlike you, your phone is not dehydrated. Don't try cooling your phone in water or the refrigerator. Modern smartphones are water-resistant, not waterproof. This resistance breaks down over time, and is almost entirely eradicated if the phone is ever damaged or disassembled for repair.
Like the ice caps, a phone with white glass and aluminium will reflect the sun a little better than a phone with black materials.
All in all, your phone should be fine, but we do recommend keeping it out of direct sunlight and hot environments like your car.
It's a great day to be an ice cream man or woman though - check out this recent story from The Sun, where one punter picked up a 99 ice cream for a fiver!
Increased costs in fuel, ingredients, energy bills, and a shortage of flakes apparently.
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Now available: Privacy Tempered Glass Screen Protector for iPhone.
This premium quality screen cover offers edge-to-edge protection against scratches and damage.
The privacy version of our screen guard range offers anti-spy protection - the phone's display is only visible to the user, and cannot be seen by anyone peaking from either side.
Micro-louver technology allows light to pass through only at certain angles. It's a similar concept to venetian window blinds, which allow daylight to pass through whilst simultaneously blocking direct line of sight.
As we utilise and adopt technology for more things, our cyber-security becomes increasingly important. Passwords, biometric authentication and encryption are essential tools in protecting against hackers. But what about someone sat next to you simply sneaking a glance at your screen?
Whether it's work email, online banking, or just scrolling social media, you don't want a Nosey Nelly next to you on the bus watching your every move do you? Or maybe you're into that; each to their own. But if you want to keep your data to yourself, then visit our store and we will supply and fit one of these gizmos to your device.
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See Our Blog for the latest industry news, tech tips, company updates, and anything else we feel like writing about.
This is an iPhone SE in Red, or as it says on the back "PRODUCT (RED)".
Founded in 2006 by Bobby Shriver and Bono (U2 lead singer), (RED) is a charity organisation with a mission to bring justice to the AIDS fight by delivering life-saving medicine in the poorest parts of the world.
The global fund has raised over $700 million dollars, and has impacted more than 245 million lives.
(RED) is also focused on providing COVID relief, which remains unavailable in many countries, leaving the entire world vulnerable to variants and future pandemics. (RED) is working hard to make testing, treatment and vaccines available in poor countries, which will help protect everyone, including you and me.
(RED) are partnered with several global brands including Amazon, Fiat, Primark, Starbucks, and Apple.
When you buy a (RED) product from Apple, 50% of the profits go to the charity.
It's a great concept: utilize our love for shopping big brands and luxury products to fight the AIDS crisis.
The iPhone, iPhone cases, Apple Watch, Bands and Faces, and Beats Headphones are available in (RED).
Next time that you purchase an Apple product, consider going for (RED). You will be contributing to a great cause. It looks pretty sweet too.
Learn more about how (RED) works, and the impact that they are having here - It's an interesting and inspiring read.
Thanks for reading!
See Our Blog for the latest industry news, tech tips, company updates, and anything else we feel like writing about.
It's July 4th, AKA independence day by our American comrades.
225 years ago, the US signed the declaration of independence, meaning that they were no longer subject to British rule, and were instead free to operate as 13 independent sovereign states.
56 people signed the document - most famously John Hancock - who signed his name very prominently to be sure that King George III could read it. John Hancock became an eponym for a signature, which is why people will sometimes ask for your John Hancock - in case that ever left you confused, now you know.
It's a federal holiday - similar to a bank holiday - so most Americans will be celebrating the anniversary of their victory over the British monarchy by eating hot dogs and watching fireworks.
In completely unrelated news, we've been working on an iPhone 11 which was destroyed in an unfortunate accident. This has been fully refurbished and is quite literally good as new.
Sorted same-day, at less than half the cost of a replacement device, with the customers valuable data and photos safely recovered.
Now that's a satisfying job well done. Time for a hot dog.
