Nokia is going to make Android phone

Nokia has been building its own Android phone according to multiple sources familiar with the company’s plans. Codenamed Normandy, and known internally at Nokia under a number of other names, the handset is designed as the next step in low-end phones from the Finnish smartphone maker.

 

 

The Finnish phone maker has been working on a low-cost Android smartphone that's codenamed Normandy, according to the Verge. This is device is said to use a "forked" variant of Android that is different from what Google uses.

A press image of this purported smartphone was leaked in late November and published by @evleaks onTwitter. While no specifications were included with the photo leak, one can see that the phone comes with a touch screen and no noticeable capacitive navigation buttons.

According to The Verge the phone may be released in 2014

Source: This is Nokia's Android phone

 

 

Apple has offered the "12 Days of Gifts" promotion in the U.S.

Digest: Apple has decided to spread a bit of holiday cheer at home this year by making the 2013 12 Days of Gifts app available to iTunes users based in the United States for the first time.

 

Apple has just launched its annual 12 Days of Gifts campaign for 2013. In previous years, this campaign was available only in a few select countries, but not in the United States. For the first time Apple will now allow U.S. customers to participate in the giveaway.

From Dec. 26 to Jan. 6, Apple will offer a free gift every day from the App Store or iTunes. That means free books, movies, apps, songs right after you've opened that brand new iPad or iPhone. Each deal is only available for 24 hours.

But in order to find out about those giveaways you'll need to download Apple's "12 Days of Gifts" app, which is available now in the App Store.

 

PayPal Debuts "Beacon", a Bluetooth LE Enabled Device for Hands-Free Check Ins and Payments

Summary: Beacon, a new add-on hardware device for merchants that leverages bluetooth technology to enable consumers to pay at stores completely hands-free

PayPal has unveiled its latest digital payments scheme ”Beacon”,  promising what could be the holy grail of mobile wallet solutions: easier than a credit card.

What is Paypal Beacon?

PayPal Beacon is a Bluetooth Low Energy device to connect to a customer’s PayPal app when they enter a store. With one vibration or sound on your phone, you’ll know you’re checked in. And when you’re ready to make a purchase, all you have to do is say you’re paying with PayPal and the transaction is automatically completed: no cash, cards, taps, or signatures required—all hands free.

How does PayPal Beacon works?

PayPal Beacon will connect consumers to enhanced shopping experiences such as automatically ordering your favorite dish at your usual lunch spot, or getting personalized service at your favorite clothing store. In addition, you can choose to accept messages from stores that you walk into, so that you can take advantage of special offers in the produce aisle.

How can merchants take advantage of this technology?

Merchants are focused on providing easier ways for their customers to make purchases either online or in-store. As more and more consumers embrace mobile technologies to do their shopping, PayPal Beacon will allow you to connect to your customers as they enter your store. By working with our open APIs, you’ll be able to craft an experience that makes the shopping experience easier and more delightful for your customers.

What is the value for consumers?

PayPal Beacon eliminates one of the last remaining points of friction for consumers. With Beacon, you are notified with a vibration or sound that there is an enhanced shopping experience as soon as you walk in to a store. You can get notified immediately when your prescription is ready, order your usual lunch at your favorite restaurant, or simply walk to the counter with your purchases and say you’re paying with PayPal—all done hands-free. The merchant does the rest and you receive your receipt electronically.

More from  Techtimes24: Dwolla alternative to PayPal,Popular EDI for online B2C transactions

Source: PayPal, techcrunch