Google partners with edX for new open source online learning platform

Google adds one more open source project to its list. Teaming up with MIT and Harvard’s educational site edX, Google’s launching a new online learning platform mid-2014 called mooc.org. It stands for “massive open online courses.” What differentiates it from edX is that it takes submitted from other universities, businesses, governments, and even individuals, whereas edX offers free courses just from affiliated institutions. No word yet on how courses are going to be screened or how contributors will earn money. 

Sony debuts new wireless NFC speakers

The new Sony SRS-BTS50 is made for your great outdoor jaunts. You can take it to the beach, have it by the pool, or even on camping trips. This ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker is a durable, splash-proof device that is powered by a rechargeable battery capable of lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge. Adding Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and Sony’s One-Touch Listening, streaming your favorite tunes is going to be a breeze. 

The SRS-BTS50 comes in a variety of colors (blue, red, pink, white, and black) and is available starting this month for $149.99 at Sony’s Online Store, Sony stores, and other authorized retailers in the country.

Nokia reportedly unveiling Lumia 1520 on Sept. 26

Aside from showing a leaked image of the Nokia Lumia 1520, @Evleaks on Twitter claims the new 6-inch Windows Phone 8 device is going to be launched on September 26. If @Evleaks is as accurate as it usually is about device information and launch dates, this would be coming right at the heels of the new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablet launch on September 23 in New York.

Source: @Evleaks

BlackBerry Z30 "Aristo" earmarked for Bell Mobility

BlackBerry's large 5-inch display toting handset, the Z30, is slated for release in Canada under Bell Mobility. The Z30 is the flagship device that puts BB10 OS at the disposal of a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 16GB storage (expandable), 2GB of RAM, 8 megapixel camera and a whopping  2,880 mAh battery. The BlackBerry "Aristo" Z30/A10 is the biggest handset BlackBerry has ever made and one that's betting on the popularity of the phablet smartphone sub-genre which has been dominated largely by Samsung. Aside from the new Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Mega, the BlackBerry Z30 will have to duke it out with the likes of the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, the HTC One Max and the Nokia Lumia 1520 which are all supersized smartphone joining the phablet fray. But for BlackBerry users, the Z30 will be the only game in town.

Source: MobileSyrup