The ongoing race between Apple, Motorola, RIM, and several other smartphone manufacturers over the next-gen nano-SIM card design took another turn today. According to a report by The Verge, RIM and Motorola submitted just hours ago a new design for their take on the nano-SIM card that is said to be a “compromise” between their initial design and Apple’s.
If you recall, the non-Apple nano-SIM design was dramatically changed resulting in a loss of backwards compatibility with standard and SIM cards. Apple’s design, meanwhile, has always been backwards compatible and is really no different than a micro SIM with a tiny bit less plastic surrounding the metal contacts.
The latest design from RIM and Motorola (above) is still more radically changed design-wise thanks to the notch in the side but maintains backwards compatibility with older SIM card sizes. As for the notch, RIM/Motorola say that this notch will make inserting and removing their nano-SIM possible without the need of a tray — something Apple’s nano-SIM design still requires.
The governing body (ETSI) that overseas such things is scheduled to come together once again on May 31st-June 1st. RIM, Motorola, Apple and others will also be in attendance as to vote on the new redesign and if it should be accepted in the running for the nano-SIM spec.
Personally, we really like the tray-less idea put forth originally by RIM and Motorola, though like Apple’s more standard (and simply smaller) design. ‘Tis a crapshoot.
Source: The Verge
