Microsoft partners with a range of manufacturer & carrier partners for seamless eSIM connectivity

You better get ready for connected PCs, because eSIM cards are becoming a thing of reality.

At Computex, Microsoft announced that several major OEMs, including ASUS, HP, and Lenovo, will be delivering the first Always Connected PCs. Obviously connected PCs are engaging, but we are more interested in the technology, that could enable the PCs to function just as well out in a far land without WiFi as it could do in your office with WiFi.

eSIM is a new standard for the SIM cards that use in cell phones, smartphones, wearables and other connected devices. These SIMs are embedded directly into a device, hence they cannot be removed out of the device. However, ditching the tedious task of switching SIM cards, eSIMs are universally compatible with all carriers, so they should work anywhere in the world.

In a statement, Microsoft said, "There is a new generation of users that need to be connected to the cloud at all times. They are students, creators, freelancers, small businesses, and enterprises. This means sharing experiences across screens and leveraging the latest network technology like gigabit LTE and eSIM. We are collaborating with our ecosystem on a shared vision."

And Microsoft has partnered with a whole bunch of powerful chipmakers and smartphone makers to bring the concept of connected PCs to reality. Starting with Intel, Microsoft has partnered with ASUS, Dell, HP, Huawei, Lenovo, VAIO, and Xiaomi. All have committed to adopting “Always Connected PCs,” and they will build traditional Intel x86-based Windows 10 PCs with integrated eSIMs. ASUS, HP, and Lenovo are expected to ship Windows 10-based PCs based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, and with integrated eSIMs by late 2017 or 2018.

Mobile operators such as AT&T, BT/EE, DTAG/T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange, Tele2, Swisscom, 3, KDDI, Gemalto, Oberthur, Gigsky, and Transatel are also in the rope to promote “Always Connected PCs” over “the next year.”

According to the Engadget report, Intel has already started "testing and validating eSIMs in one existing modem" to ensure its future mobile modems are compatible with eSIMs.