Japanese carrier NTT Docomo has unveiled a new device called Portable SIM that aims to replace SIM cards in smartphones and tablets. This would let you wireless activate any compatible smartphone or a tablet with securely stored subscriber identity information on the device. This portable authentication device is still in prototype stage, so it is not yet compatible with any smartphone or tablet currently on the market. But this could be incorporated in wearable devices in the future says the company.
This has a built-in SIM card, Bluetooth and NFC. Since this uses Bluetooth and NFC, you just need to wave the portable SIM next to a mobile device, and the user’s subscriber identity would be transmitted to the device. This eliminates the need to physically insert a SIM card and also lets you switch subscriber identity from a personal device to a shared tablet easily.
The switched phone number in the smartphone is locked once the Bluetooth link is broken. The portable SIM can securely store ID and multiple passwords to perform automatic input of ID and password. NTT Docomo also plans to link Portable SIM and other smart devices, such as TVs, music players and more devices. This would let you easily switch to other device easily. NTT Docomo will showcase the portable SIM prototype at Mobile Asia Expo this Wednesday in Shanghai.