Smaller SIM Format Standardized 83
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."
Re:So what was better about Nokia's design? (Score:5, Funny)
Nokia would hold the patents.
Comes with tweezer and magnifying glass (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
Re:Nokia still holds the patents (Score:4, 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 ?