eSIMs: How to activate yours

If you’re the owner of a smartphone released in the last year or two, it’s likely that your phone is fitted with an eSIM. If you’re unsure what eSIMs are, don’t worry as you’re not alone. Millions of smartphone users around the world are holding a device that has its very own virtual SIM card built inside that helps them connect to cellular services – and they don’t even know it!

What are eSIMs?

eSIM is a chip embedded inside a range of devices that can either replace an existing SIM card, or act as a companion to it. A bit like a regular SIM, users can purchase cellular plans that activate the SIM with services like voice, SMS and data. And just like a regular SIM card, a user can choose from a whole host of network providers and deals.

However, an eSIM is activated in a totally different way to a regular SIM card. Unlike purchasing a physical SIM card from a network operator like Vodafone, users can download their mobile service over the internet and activate their eSIM at any time. The plan will even work concurrently with a user’s regular SIM card, meaning there’s no need to remove an existing SIM.

Although a user can only have one physical SIM card loaded into a phone at a time, they can actually store as many eSIM plans as they like within the single embedded SIM. They can switch easily between network providers and offerings, always making sure they have the best deal possible.

Why use an eSIM?

There are many uses for eSIMs, but the most common is to support cheap communication while traveling overseas. As an eSIM chip can be reprogrammed to any participating mobile network provider around the world, users are no longer tied to expensive roaming charges applied by their regular operator. Instead, those with an eSIM-enabled device can find and download a cost-effective plan for their chosen location – whether that be from a local operator or an eSIM designed for travel.

Other uses for eSIM include:

Adding a second line to your handset and enjoying a personal and business line on one device
Being able to access multiple networks to enjoy stronger coverage in your area
Connecting other devices to the internet. i.e. tablets or wearables

Where do you buy eSIMs?

eSIMs can be bought through participating traditional Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like Verizon, T&T or O2, or through Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) who own online eSIM stores. However, no two eSIM plans are the same and offerings will vary depending on whom you choose to purchase from.

MNO plans are popular for a number of reasons:

A user wishes to switch their regular plan over to an eSIM plan
A user wishes to add a second line to their device from the same operator
When overseas, they want to download an eSIM plan from a local MNO to benefit from local-rates
So, why is there a demand for stores that sell eSIMs online? What is the difference?

Instant download – customers buy online and can activate their plan immediately
Often cheaper than domestic MNOs, with the same level of coverage (or more)
Greater variety of plans and packages available – everything from data-only bundles to global plans with voice, SMS and data services
Generally less commitment and greater flexibility – no lengthy contracts
Regardless of where you choose to purchase your eSIM from, the plan is activated over-the-air and completed by scanning a provided QR code which is sent to you via email or in the post. Users scan the QR code using the guidelines provided and then follow the instructions given by your phone manufacturer. Set-up is done in a matter of seconds.

eSIM devices list

Not sure if your smartphone is eSIM enabled? Here is a list of compatible eSIM-enabled handsets and laptops/tablets:

Handsets:

Apple’s iPhone 10, 11 and SE (2020) series’
Huawei’s P40 series’
Samsung’s S20 and Z Flip series’, Note 20+ and Galaxy Fold
Motorola Razar
Google Pixel 3 and 4 series’
Tablets and PCs:

Apple’s iPad Mini (5th gen.), iPad (7th gen.), iPad Air (3rd gen.), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd gen.), 11-inch iPad Pro
Windows 10 devices

In the coming years, it is expected that up to 60% of all smartphone sales will be eSIM-enabled, making it the norm to download your mobile service over the internet. If you already have an eSIM-compatible device in your hand, why not activate a plan today?

Buy Gardening Tools Online and Make Gardening Easier

Naturally, plants and trees are very good friend of human beings. All of us like to have greenery around us. It soothes our eyes and gives calmness to our minds too. And flowers and fruits in these trees and plants impart more beauty to them. Some people also say that these green gifts of God bring positivity in our lives. But, today with growing population and changing lifestyles, greenery around us is day by day vanishing. Due to accelerating need of constructing houses or factory, many green trees get destroyed and houses are made in such a way that there remains a very little space for maintaining lawns and large gardens like in case of multistoried flats.

However, many people have maintained beautiful gardens in whatever space they have got. Architectures have also come up with the idea of terrace gardens which is already implemented in many buildings. No matter what space and place they get, greenery lovers always love to grow and take care of their plants and maintain a beautiful green space in their homes. That is why developers have invented tools and equipments which will help people in growing of plants. There are many shops where shopkeepers sell tools like tripod ladders, axes, garden sprayers, torches, loppers, gloves and many more which provide aid in maintaining and renovating landscapes. For example, garden sprayers help you to keep your plants protected from insects and pests and can be used for watering them. They come in different types like trigger sprayers, backpack sprayers, etc, to assist you according to your need so that plants can be well maintained.

You can order these equipments online too. There are many websites which sell these products. You can choose the brand and type of product and order it online just by sitting at home. Whether you own a big villa with a wide space or have a compact but maintained landscape you will need these products to create beautiful gardens. A person using these equipments can do his job easily with safety. Many people and farmers use these tools in landscaping.

If you want to buy any of these equipments order them online when you don’t have time to go and search shops. A wide range of small products like loppers, axes, nuts, gloves to large products like ladders, helmets, visors, safety jackets, everything is available. You can order them easily and you may get some discounts as well.

LIGHTENING OF ACNE SCARS

Acne has become a problematic skin condition for many people. A pimple that comes from nowhere becomes very annoying and frustrating but the situation gets worse when it leaves behind a dark spot or scar. American Academy of dermatology considers acne scarring as a part of the healing process where skin tries to correct what has been damaged by the breakout. The process involves the production of collagen that enables the skin to be renewed.

Some of the people are lucky enough to have spots after the breakout that come and go without leaving a scar. But for most people, these scars become quite stubborn and lead to an emotional toll, and ultimately become the reason for self-consciousness and embarrassment.

Are you wondering how to regain your clear skin and get rid of these scars? Nothing to be worried about as there are several ways you can follow to lighten them. You just need to be consistent as all of these treatment options take time to work.

Let’s go through the process of lightening the acne scars!

Sunscreen is a Must

The very first rule of thumb is to get a good sunscreen to apply. Many dermatologists have agreed upon the fact that visible light and UV rays coming from the sun further darken the acne spots. Also, if you are on acne treatment that mostly involves ingredients likesalicylic acidand retinoid, your skin becomes more prone and vulnerable to UV rays and sunburns. Therefore, it is very necessary to wear sunscreen on daily basis. However, the sunscreen you are choosing for your acne-prone skinshould be non-greasy, lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (do not clog pores). The wrong product can even aggravate the situation. Therefore, use a sunscreen recommended by your dermatologist.

Ingredients that can help lighten acne scars

There are some powerful ingredients you can use, that are proven to lighten the stubborn acne scars:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidantthat neutralizes free radicals and reduces redness. Its healing properties accelerate the production of collagen and increase the cell turn over thus lightening the scars.

Retinol

Topical retinol or retinoid is very helpful in lightening acne scars as it blocks inflammation, lessens acne lesions, and speeds up cell regeneration. The production of new cells fades the acne marks and thus helps in preventing hyperpigmentation.

Azelaic acid

It is a natural acid found in grains like wheat and barley. It has been found very helpful in treating acne and its scars. It works by reducing inflammation, clearing pores, and increasing cell turnover so that your skin goes on the verge of quick healing reducing the acne marks

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is another ingredient you can look up to for fading your acne scars. It treats post-acne hyperpigmentation by obstructing the transfer of melanin to the surface of the skin. Unlike other products is very soothing and not affected by light, oxidizers, or moisture.

PIH or PIE

The time is taken and the effectiveness of the product also depends on the type and nature of scars. It can be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) causing brown or black marks usually in people with dark skin tone and Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) producing red marks in people with light skin tone. Identifying the right scar and treating it accordingly is very important. There is no shortcut to clearing acne scars but a long process, which depends upon the efficiency of serum you are applying, the current condition of your acne, and your age. Overall, for any good product, it takes a minimum of 3 to 6 months to heal your acne and fade the scars. So do not rush and be consistent!

Some people opt to go through a clinical process to treat their scars, which involves a laser, chemical peeling, fillers, micro-needling (collagen induction therapy), injections, surgery, etc. However, it may become unaffordable for many. A proper skincare routine including sunscreen and a good product with ingredients mentioned above can do the same and handle the acne effectively and affordably. It is worth mentioning here to avoid physical exfoliators rather than chemical exfoliators as mentioned above as physical exfoliation can worsen the marks by even darkening them, also it can be very harsh for the skin.