If you use a smartphone for work and you don't have access to a dual-SIM handset, this usually means carrying two phones around. A new device aims to provide a simple alternative: Piece is an adapter that allows two phone numbers to be used with one phone.
Piece is about the size of a credit card, albeit it a little thicker, measuring 83 x 55 x 4 mm (3.3 x 2.2 x 0.2 in). Users slot a secondary SIM card (either a Micro SIM or a Nano SIM if used with a SIM adapter) such as one used for work, into it, while the primary SIM card remains in their phone. The device connects to the user's phone via Bluetooth 4.0, with a range of up to 10-15 m (33-49 ft), allowing users to make calls and send text messages via their secondary number.
As yet, its not possible to use data via Piece, but the built-in rechargeable 550 mAh lithium-ion battery provides 150 hours of standby time and 4 hours talk-time. It is compatible with iOS and Android handsets and an accompanying mobile app, also compatible with both platforms, allows users to control the settings of their two phone numbers separately.
In addition to providing dual-number functionality, Piece offers some security functions. If a user's phone and Piece are separated by more than 10 m (30 ft), they will both ring to prevent either from being lost. The Piece app can also be used to make the Piece device ring and you can ring your own from the Piece device, helping to locate one or the other if misplaced.
A Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign is ongoing for Piece. At the time of writing, US$75 is the minimum pledge required to reserve a Piece device. If all goes well, the company expects it to ship from October this year.
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