KARYNE: Hey, I�m Karyne Levy.
Welcome to Rumor Has It! The show that rounds up the
week's biggest tech rumors.
And you can vote on what you think about the rumors, too,
in the interactive player if you're watching on CNET.
This week, Apple is at it again, and it seems that Nokia
wants to help you find yourself. Let's get started.
KARYNE: First up, Lumia smartphone owners will find it
easier to find things that they might've misplaced, if a new
rumor pans out.
The Verge, citing anonymous sources, reports that Nokia
plans to unveil a proximity gadget for its Lumia lineup.
The sensor, called a "Treasure Tag," could be attached to all
sorts of items: your keys, wallet, bike, purse. This sounds
like similar devices that work with Android and iOS, but this
would be specific to the Lumia line.
You'd then be able to track down the location of the item
directly from your smartphone using Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC.
Once you're close enough, the tag would emit a sound to
pinpoint the exact spot.
It's like a game of hot and cold, but with your phone. I can
imagine that this would be useful for lots of people. The
problem I have is losing my phone. So... I guess I'm
screwed.
KARYNE: Next up, among the millions of iPhone rumors,
one that keeps popping up is that there might be a low-cost
addition to the lineup that's being referred to as the iPhone
5C -- maybe "C" for "Cheap?"
And as Apple's fall product reveal approaches, alleged
images of the new iPhone parts are appearing with greater
frequency.
The latest is this photo of packaging for an iPhone 5C,
which appeared on the Chinese WeiPhone discussion
forum.
And, a report citing worker abuse at Apple supplier
Pegatron, inadvertently mentions an iPhone with a plastic
cover.
Annnnd, protective cases for the alleged iPhone 5C are
already up on Amazon! Who is going to buy a case for a
phone that doesn't even exist yet?
But, I actually do think that Apple will produce a cheaper
iPhone. That way everyone can have one.
But how would a cheaper iPhone be different? Some might
even say that going back to a plastic back would be better --
no more shattered phones, which leads to shattered
dreams.
KARYNE: What do you guys think? Is Apple working on a
cheaper iPhone? Don't forget to vote and leave a comment,
and I'll ask the CNET Council what it thinks.
And the CNET Council's verdict is... YES. Three out of five
CNET editors think that there will be a lower-cost iPhone,
but that it won't be for the U.S. market. Interesting!
KARYNE: That�s our show everyone, share your rumors at
rumorhasit@cnet.com or call us at 1-800-750-CNET. And
tweet us! And tune in next week for more tech rumors.
