Nokia developing ‘Meltemi’ OS for feature phones?

Although Nokia still hopes Windows Phone will round out a “three-horse race” with iOS and Android, it’s said to be cooking up an entirely new operating system aimed at lower-end handsets. According to the Wall Street Journal, the OS (codenamed “Meltemi”) is meant to cement Nokia’s top dog status in emerging markets, where feature phones remain king. Makes sense: low-end phones accounted for 47 percent of the company’s device-and-services earnings in the second quarter. We’re not sure if the adage “when one door closes, another one opens” exactly applies here, but either way, it looks like we’ve hardly seen the end of software updates out of Suomi.

Nokia developing ‘Meltemi’ OS for feature phones? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Radio Shack inventory screen pegs iPhone 5 for Sprint

Could it be? Are the rumors true? If this screenshot, apparently culled from Radio Shack’s inventory system, is any indication, Sprint will indeed be among the carriers offering the iPhone 5. That lines up just right with previous reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, slating the phone to hit the Now Network in mid-October. There’s no indication of actual dates at this point, but if Sprint’s getting Apple’s next-gen iPhone, we’re guessing we’ll hear more about it on Tuesday.

[Thanks, Anon]

Radio Shack inventory screen pegs iPhone 5 for Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 14:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple axes iPod click wheel games in iTunes, is the ‘classic’ model next?

We’re all well aware that a new iPhone will see daylight next week. What’s still a bit unclear is whether or not Apple plans on discontinuing the ol’ faithful iPod classic. However, we may be getting a clue as to what fate the PMP may soon meet. The folks over at AppleInsider discovered that the link to iPod Click Wheel Games no longer appears on the App Store drop-down menu in iTunes. Since 2006, the folks in in Cupertino have been offering added entertainment for the popular mobile jukebox for $7.49 each, but only about 50 titles were available for purchase — it’s kind of hard to develop software when a third-party kit wasn’t publicly released. So if you’re planning on hanging onto your iPod classic for a little while, we hope you’re content to keep playing Vortex, Klondike or whatever else you’ve already downloaded.

Apple axes iPod click wheel games in iTunes, is the ‘classic’ model next? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink MacRumors  |  sourceAppleInsider  | Email this | Comments

Griffin’s Multidock system charges and syncs up to 30 iPads at once

Don’t you hate it when all of your iPads collectively run out of juice? Well, praise Griffin for announcing its first business centric iOS “accessory” in the shape of the Multidock. It has its own power connection for simultaneous charging of ten iPads, but it can be chain-linked to two other docks for syncing of up to 30 tablets with a single Mac. With each server-esque tower measuring up at 18.6 inches (47.2 cm) tall and priced even higher at $700, this one’s for IT pros and Scrabble aficionados only.

Griffin’s Multidock system charges and syncs up to 30 iPads at once originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Gizmag  |  sourceGriffin  | Email this | Comments

iPhone ‘Life of George’ Combines Real Lego With Virtual Lego

Lego’s Life of George marries a video game with real life. Sweet

Life of George is kind of like backwards Tron, only with Lego. Backwards Tron because it takes something already inside a computer and takes it out, and Lego because, well, it uses Lego.

The worst part of the game is its dull name. The best part is everything else. It works like this: The game throws up a picture of a Lego model on the iPhone’s screen, along with a ticking countdown. The player picks up the supplied bricks and copies the on-screen model as quickly as possible. He then snaps a photo of his creation (placed on a special background mat) and the game compares real life with simulation, awarding points. Check it:

Players can also make their own models and photograph them, whereupon they enter into the computer like real, forward-playing Tron.

Annoyingly, the Lego set is U.S-only, which counts out players in the home of Lego. The set will cost $30 and be in stores on October 1st, and the game is already available in the app store, for free.

Life of George product page [Lego]

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Harman Kardon’s MS 150 speaker dock supports multiple devices, $600 pricetag (video)

Some folks get along just dandy with an iPod and a speaker dock, but if you need a rig that’ll handle more sources, Harman Kardon hopes to have you covered with MS 150 — which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Zeppelin Mini. This stereo system comes loaded with an iPhone dock, CD drive and FM tuner, along with a flood of auxiliary connections not limited to its headphone jacks and subwoofer output. It’s even sporting an LCD display so you’ll know what’s pumping out of its 30 watt drivers. The MS 150 is available now from Harman Kardon, but all of its functionality will cost you — it’s priced at a whopping $600. Hey, at least it comes with a remote. You’ll find full details in the PR and video demo below.

Continue reading Harman Kardon’s MS 150 speaker dock supports multiple devices, $600 pricetag (video)

Harman Kardon’s MS 150 speaker dock supports multiple devices, $600 pricetag (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Gadget Guy, Mac News  |  sourceHarman Kardon  | Email this | Comments

Plantronics intros Marque M155, its lightest Bluetooth headset for smartphone users

Along with providing hands-free convenience for mobile users on-the-go, Bluetooth headsets serve a fine purpose for crazies, giving them something to point to when they’re rambling incoherently to themselves. Now, the latest offering from Plantronics brings greater comfort and style to both types of users. The Marque M155 heralds the company’s smallest and lightest headset to date, which weighs in at just 7 grams — approximately the weight of a ballpoint pen. Designed specifically for Android and iOS phones (though widely compatible with more), the M155 offers voice-guided pairing assistance, customized apps and the ability to answer or ignore calls with verbal commands. What’s more, all purchasers will receive a one-year subscription to the company’s Vocalyst service, which offers the ability to send email, update Twitter, check the weather, listen to news feeds and more — all hands free. Available in jet black or arctic white, the Marque M155 will retail for approximately $60 and is available for pre-order beginning today.

Continue reading Plantronics intros Marque M155, its lightest Bluetooth headset for smartphone users

Plantronics intros Marque M155, its lightest Bluetooth headset for smartphone users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skype update for iOS adds anti-shake, Bluetooth connectivity and ads for freeloaders

Skype‘s latest app upgrade brings a few substantial features, some good, one not so. Alongside a new anti-shake video call function (limited to the iPhone’s back-facing camera), you can now pair Bluetooth headsets with the VoIP calling service, something apparently “long requested” from Skype fans. However, users have to fork out for credit to avoid seeing advertising that’s also baked into the new version. The update’s now up for grabs on both the iPhone and iPad, though there are reports of a few teething troubles, including missing credit and account details. We’ve also been experiencing issues, with the app unwilling to play nice with our Bluetooth headsets, though oddly, we can still hear the Skype call ring through. Hopefully we’ll see another update that sorts this out soon — till then, tap the link below for more details, or ogle a bit of smoothed out anti-shake action after the break.

Continue reading Skype update for iOS adds anti-shake, Bluetooth connectivity and ads for freeloaders

Skype update for iOS adds anti-shake, Bluetooth connectivity and ads for freeloaders originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Phone Arena  |  sourceSkype, iTunes App Store  | Email this | Comments

Zeo Mobile turns phones into a sleep clinic, aids in advanced Power Rangers dreaming

Much like hope, love and Coconut M&Ms, sleep is one of those things that is both hard to live with and impossible to live without. But unlike the first three, it’s evidently possible to throw math into the whole “shut-eye” thing. Like it’s bedside-based older brother, the newly-announced Zeo Mobile includes a SoftWave wireless headband that wraps around your grey matter as you sleep, reporting on how well your brain is shutting down. Instead of the custom base-station, the data is sent straight to your iOS or Android device and syncs up with the Zeo site to give you the inside skinny on your dreaming. Best of all, the device can wake you at the peak of a sleep cycle, rather than halfway through that dream about Björk and the melting clock. Of course, if you didn’t already know that mainlining Red Bull until 3am isn’t healthy, then perhaps you’re beyond redemption.

Zeo Mobile turns phones into a sleep clinic, aids in advanced Power Rangers dreaming originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink CNET  |  sourceZeo Mobile  | Email this | Comments

iLuv unveils WorkStation docks, turns your iPad 2 / Galaxy Tab into a PC, sort of

We’ve seen all shapes and sizes of iPad cases, with varying degrees of utility. But, if you have use for a desktop PC-style dock / keyboard combo, you may want to check out some of the new offerings in iLuv’s WorkStation Series. First up is the iMM737, featuring a wired keyboard with iOS function keys that can be stowed in the dock’s base when you’re not typing away, a tilting / rotating bracket for easy customization and built-in speakers. Next, the iMM517 boasts an adjustable slate holder of its own, a Bluetooth keypad and jAura Sound technology. Need something a wee bit more portable? Perhaps the iCK826 or the iSK912 Professional WorkStation Portfolio cases will suit your workflow. Both offer a wireless set of keys that are detachable, should the need arise. Only looking for a keyboard? That’s an option too with the iBTKB20. You can grab any one of these you’d like for $180 to $50, from top to bottom. You’ll have to wait until November to pick up the iMM737, though — everything else will be hitting stores this month. Check out the gallery below for a look at all the above mentioned add-ons, or peep the full PR after the break.

Continue reading iLuv unveils WorkStation docks, turns your iPad 2 / Galaxy Tab into a PC, sort of

iLuv unveils WorkStation docks, turns your iPad 2 / Galaxy Tab into a PC, sort of originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 06:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear, iPodNN  |   | Email this | Comments