___ card (smartphone chip) nyt crossword clue

The clue "___ card (smartphone chip)" is looking for a specific term associated with smartphones and their functionalities. The blank before "card" suggests that we need a word that can precede "card" to form a common phrase. Given the context of smartphones, the most relevant answer is **"SIM"**, which stands for Subscriber Identity Module. A SIM card is essential for connecting a smartphone to a mobile network, allowing for phone calls, texting, and mobile data services. To break down the solving process: 1. **Identify the context:** The clue mentions a "smartphone chip," indicating that it’s related to mobile technology. 2. **Think of relevant terms:** The word 'card' suggests that we should consider types of cards used in smartphones. Common options include SIM cards, microSD cards, etc. 3. **Narrow it down:** Since the clue indicates specifically a chip used in smartphones, "SIM" is the most fitting as it specifically refers to a card that holds subscriber data for network access. Here’s a tip for solving similar clues: - Focus on the context given in the clue and think about industry-specific terminology. In technology-related clues, acronyms are often used, so watch for common abbreviations like SIM (for smartphone technology), RAM (for computer memory), or GPU (graphics processing unit). If the number of letters was provided, you could further confirm the answer based on how many letters fit with "___ card."