SIMs are standalone embedded computers (they run Java!) that handle the cellular connections one their own and communicate with the phone over a standard pin-out and protocol.
This way the phones are somewhat insulated from advances in cellular technology and it’s one of the reasons mobile phones have been able to evolve so smoothly from feature phones to smart phones.
But the entire industry is built around frequent updates and outmoding older models. I had a phone that was no older than 2 Y/O when my cell carrier did some kind of tower update that rendered it completely unusable.
I hate that we’re conditioned to treat these powerful computers like throwaway technology just because a marginally improved model is made available.
SIMs are standalone embedded computers (they run Java!) that handle the cellular connections one their own and communicate with the phone over a standard pin-out and protocol.
This way the phones are somewhat insulated from advances in cellular technology and it’s one of the reasons mobile phones have been able to evolve so smoothly from feature phones to smart phones.
But the entire industry is built around frequent updates and outmoding older models. I had a phone that was no older than 2 Y/O when my cell carrier did some kind of tower update that rendered it completely unusable.
I hate that we’re conditioned to treat these powerful computers like throwaway technology just because a marginally improved model is made available.