Most of the current IoT devices are connected to the network via Wi-Fi or IoT cards, the former is not convenient enough and the latter will increase the size of the device and the production cost, and this situation may soon be improved.
Chip design firm ARM recently introduced Kigen, a new solution that integrates SIM cards into the device's processor, called iSIM technology, to reduce the need for Wi-Fi and be networked anytime, anywhere. The technology is mainly small Networking equipment developed to reduce the cost of production.
Instead of producing silicon directly, ARM licenses the technology to other manufacturers, and the ARM-based CPU is the most widely used processor in modern mobile devices. In 2016, ARM was acquired by the Softbank Group for £ 23.4bn.
If iSIM technology is promoted, users will be able to obtain logistics information from the sensors in the truck at any time, and remotely control the farm's smart irrigation system.
Integrated SIM also makes it easier to change the service.Early users want to replace the operator, had to replace the new SIM card.Apple and Samsung have jointly promote the eSIM card (embedded SIM card), try to solve this problem.Google Of Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL phones, and Apple Watch 3 first to support eSIM.Many of the domestic mobile phone also has eSIM card, but only when abroad to use it to provide users with network roaming.
Compared with eSIM technology, iSIM no longer uses a separate chip, but the SIM card information is built into the device's processor, making the production costs further reduced.
For users, iSIM technology makes it easy to change network services and even carriers, and can securely store account data such as contacts and operator settings in the cloud, and compared to Wi-Fi and SIM card network connections Also safer.
While for manufacturers, reducing the SIM card slot not only reduces the space, but also can save manufacturing costs.Although the virtual SIM technology will enhance the handset manufacturers advantage, so that operators control the handset sales weakened, but ARM said iSIM technology eventually Will be welcomed by operators, as more IoT devices mean more customers.
ARM has already sent iSIM design to the cooperation manufacturer, the related products are expected to come out by the end of the year.