Eagle-eyed readers might remember that Flipboard's long-awaited port to Android started with a fair amount of confusion; it showed up (seemingly at random) on Samsung's Galaxy S III, but soon after, we learned that it would only be available for that very phone over on the Android side of things. Recently, we uncovered the story of why, and what the company's planning for the future. Put simply, that "device diversity" that keeps developers on their toes is at the forefront of the issue here. For those unaware, Flipboard is quite the polished app over on iOS, and the outfit didn't want its product to offer a subpar experience on competing platforms. In order to gain a better grip on the app's appearance in the land of mobile desserts, it teamed up with Samsung to focus on a single screen, and a single screen resolution. Naturally, it's expecting a huge amount of GSIII shipments, so that's certainly not a bad device to start on. But in the effort of understanding Flipboard's future on Android, it's important to note that whole "start" phrase.

Turns out, the company's eerily close to having a build ready for the rest of the Android smartphone universe. But, smartly, it's planning to release it to a small subset of users with a clear 'beta' label. The idea here is to offer it up to savvy Android users who understand the art of sideloading an APK, giving them the tools to submit bug reports and help polish up Flipboard on the many, many variations of devices out there. Truth be told, we wish more app makers would give this approach a try. Tossing that 'beta' label on there keeps expectations in check, and allowing early adopters to chime in with bugs enables the final product to be that much more stable across a wide gamut of screen resolutions. We weren't able to nail down a specific launch date, but Android aficionados hoping to get a few flips in shouldn't have to wait too many more months before that beta offering is made public. In the meanwhile, there's always the renegade method -- but of course, we'd caution that you proceed at your own risk.

Update: It's here! Tips are pouring in from folks that have received an email from the Flipboard team with a direct link to the APK. If you haven't gotten the message yet, no worries, you can download it and sideload it yourself here.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Flipboard beta coming to all Android devices soon, hopes to handle resolution variety with poise (updated: it's live!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

PlayBook product manager Michael Clewley has tweeted that users can soon expect to get hold of (beta) version 2.1 of its operating system at the "end of May." Given that it's the 30th now, the company has less than two days to ensure Mr. Clewley doesn't break his promise -- after all, tweets are as good as legally binding contracts. It'll arrive on your slate the same way that version 2.0 did; simply sign up online and it'll be pushed out as soon as its ready.

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 beta due soon? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's safe to say that anticipation is high for the upcoming Windows 8 Release Preview, which will become available in the first week of June. While we're still curious to see if Microsoft can better integrate the desktop and Metro environments of its latest operating system, the company has now revealed a significant change to the desktop portion of Windows 8 -- a completely restyled visual appearance. As you might remember from the Consumer Preview, window borders and widgets featured a simplified and subdued look in comparison to the glass-like materials of Aero, which Microsoft now calls "dated and cheesy." With the latest refresh, however, the company has pushed its modernistic philosophy even further to reveal a spartan (yet functional) interface that draws less attention to the chrome elements and allows the user to focus more on content.

Microsoft's latest reveal was made as part of a larger, retrospective look at its development of Windows and the evolution of the operating system. At every step, the company states that its emphasis has been on the overall "learnability" of the environment. As such, Microsoft claims that it's making great strides to ensure that consumers may quickly get up to speed with the latest OS, and hints that it has a number of reveals yet to be seen. In its very next breath, however, it also emphasized people's ability to adapt and move forward, which suggests the number of changes might not be as conciliatory as some might've hoped. Regardless, we'll know for sure what Microsoft has in store in just a few weeks.

Update: Well, this is interesting. In the screenshot above, you'll notice a highlighted mail-esque icon at the bottom of the taskbar. As it would turn out, Techblitz recently discovered that Microsoft swapped that shot for a nearly identical replica, albeit without the icon. Is this miniscule peek into something new in the way of Windows Live mail or similar? At this point it's anyone guess, but we'll keep you posted if we find out more. You'll find the new screenshot after the break.

Continue reading Kiss Aero goodbye: Latest Windows 8 build reveals minimalistic desktop UI (update)

Kiss Aero goodbye: Latest Windows 8 build reveals minimalistic desktop UI (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple looks to be stepping up the frequency of OS X Mountain Lion beta updates after initially keeping the pace slow and steady: it just posted a new, unceremoniously titled 12A206J build for developers. What the update fixes in the Developer Preview isn't clear, but there are still glitches with Fast User Switching, Java applets, sharing menus and Notes syncing with iTunes, among a handful of other showstoppers. There's also a major heads-up for those who own mid-2007 MacBook Pros, as they can't properly run Mountain Lion at all until another update. We wouldn't be surprised if there's another fix in store ahead of WWDC next month, and there's still all of the summer left for Apple to put the final polish on the OS and make its release target.

Apple slips out new OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion beta, leaves 2007 MacBook Pro in a momentary lurch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 01:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Those who've liked Firefox for Android but have been clamoring for a native version can rest easy, as there's now a truly optimized version waiting for you in Google Play. Mozilla's new Firefox 14.0 beta now looks like, and importantly runs like, a full member of the Android family. Making the leap also affords it Flash support, a new starting page with top sites, secure Google searches and a slew of load time and responsiveness upgrades over the creakier, XUL-based version. Beta status should still trigger a moment of pause if you're not ready to accept a few bugs, but if you've got Android 2.2 or later, you're welcome to give Firefox a shot.

Firefox native version hits Android in beta, new UI and speedups tag along originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Looks like Apple's going to add more than just banner notifications to iCloud.com in the near future: a randomly available beta.icloud.com page has shown Notes and Reminders alongside familiar iCloud fixtures like email and Find My iPhone. If that wasn't enough, some skulking about in the HTML code of the beta page showed for a time that access to the new features requires signing in to the "iOS 6 beta," a fairly strong indicator that a web refresh will go hand-in-hand with a new mobile platform at this year's WWDC. What else is in store will likely have to wait until the developer event next month, but we at least know now that our iPhone's grocery lists will survive on the web.

[Thanks, Tommy]

iCloud.com slip-up shows Notes and Reminders, iOS 6 references originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Nokia's rolling more of its experimental Symbian projects out to its Windows Phone hardware and City Lens is the latest to arrive in its immaculately-kept Beta Labs. Not to be confused with existing efforts, it throws together an augmented reality interface to give you a better overview of the best places to eat in town, and those tourist hotspots you simply must see. It'll then connect with your current location (which can be shared with your your contacts) and even offer up directions if you're in need. The app remains in testing for now, but you can help Nokia out by donning your labcoat and registering for its Beta Labs at the source below.

Continue reading Nokia City Lens arrives for trials on Lumia devices, augments your reality (video)

Nokia City Lens arrives for trials on Lumia devices, augments your reality (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Considering it's supposed to be a democratic free-for-all, Steam has been running a tight ship lately. We've already seen a video of a forthcoming native client for Linux, and now there's a new beta client for Windows and Mac that also brings something different: remote game management. This can save you time by letting you trigger the download and installation of a title to your home computer while you're still in the office or on the move, via any web browser. That said, this type of thing was already possible using remote desktop apps, and so far the community response to the buggy beta has been decidedly mixed -- so make sure you read up on Valve's forum (at the source link) before you expect to find your slippers, Pinot Grigio and Sniper Elite V2 all lined-up and waiting when you get home.

[Productive workplace photo via Shutterstock]

Steam's latest beta client enables remote installation of games, with emphasis on 'beta' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Will BlackBerry 10 be the hallowed OS that heals Waterloo's recent wounds or yet another RIM-shot to highlight its foibles? Only the fickle tide of consumer interest will certainly tell. But while the success and awareness of that new platform undoubtedly rests on the company's shoulders, a great deal of it also hinges upon crucial developer support. To spur things along in that latter department, RIM's released its developer toolkit in beta today. The tools, launched ahead of forthcoming BB 10 devices and the nascent ecosystem that they'll depend upon, are designed for flexibility, allowing third parties to choose between the Native SDK with its OS-specific APIs or the WebWorks SDK for HTML5 and CSS. The company's even gotten a head-start and partnered with the likes of Gameloft, which has already committed to optimizing 11 of its software titles for use on the platform. There's still a long road to US recovery ahead for the ailing BlackBerry brand, so let's hope this latest call-to-arms isn't lost on the dev community. Click on past the break for the official PR.

Continue reading BlackBerry 10 developer toolkit released in beta, adds Native and WebWorks SDKs for app-building flexibility

BlackBerry 10 developer toolkit released in beta, adds Native and WebWorks SDKs for app-building flexibility originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If you're a Windows Media Center fan and have been drooling over the treats Ceton showed off at CES like its mobile companion apps (whether on WP7 or other platforms like iPhone and Android) and Echo extender we've got good news and better news. The good news is that the apps have been rebranded simply as Ceton Companion Apps and they will be available for all Windows Media Center 7 users when they launch, spreading their guides, file browsing and remote DVR management options throughout the land. The better news is that you'll be able to get your hands on the apps and / or Echo extender relatively soon, since there are beta tests coming soon for both. While the app beta is planned to start May 25th on all of the previously listed platforms, the Echo extender will be a paid beta where users can keep the hardware once its over. More details on the latter should be available soon, for now interested users should hit the link below to get on the list or check out an... interesting promo video embedded after the break.

Gallery: Ceton announces multi-room DVR and Echo extender hands-on

Continue reading Ceton's Media Center mobile apps are for all, app and Echo extender beta signups open now

Ceton's Media Center mobile apps are for all, app and Echo extender beta signups open now originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If you've been defiantly clinging onto Firefox 3.6 by your fingertips, bad news. Mozilla is officially putting it to sleep -- whether you like it or not -- by auto-updating users to version 12. You've still got a few days to bid your emotional farewells, with the switchover being pegged as early May. But, the browser's creators stop short of setting a date for you to get the flowers delivered by. Official support for the 2010 release finished this week, and the final bout of security fixes was back in January. At the other end of the spectrum, Firefox 13 wobbled up onto its beta legs yesterday, bringing a new homepage, Google's new SPDY protocol and tab extra features with it. If you're making the leap, don't panic if you find some old friends missing.

Mozilla dispatches Firefox 3.6, fills its chair with version 13 beta originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

You knew it was gonna happen, but Google's cloud-based storage service has now been married to its cloud-based operating system, as Chrome OS users who receive updates via the dev-channel may now benefit from integration with Google Drive. Most notably, Drive will now appear as an additional folder within the file manager, although the implementation isn't without its quirks. For example, our peers at TechCrunch described the inability to make these files available for offline access. It goes without saying that dev-channel releases aren't for everyone, but if you enjoy living on the edge, then be sure to take a peep at what Google has in store for the inevitable mainstream release.

Google Drive now offers a bumpy ride for Chrome OS dev-channel users originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Similar to that other, foxy browser, Opera reached numerical version 12 (although in beta form), promising to be as fast and smooth as it's ever been. Included in the new revision are a slew of under-the-hood enhancements, along with a few cosmetic alterations. For starters, Opera 12 now offers complete 64-bit compatibility for both Mac and Windows, while "experimental" hardware acceleration and WebGL support are also in tow. Furthermore, the browser added a "smarter" tab-loading sequence, speed improvements for faster page uploads and a way to customize the look with a bundle of new themes -- of course, you can create your own as well. As for the backend tweaks, Opera announced it's abandoning its Unite and Widgets features in favor of an extension-driven model. Those of you eager to take it for a spin can hit the Opera link below to get started.

[Thanks, Yousef]

Opera 12 opens its beta doors: improves performance and stability, adds new themes originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Reckoning it's about time you replaced that copy of Windows 8 Consumer Preview? Microsoft is right there with you. According to the outfit's Building Windows 8 Twitter account, the next major installment of Win8 is due out in "the first week of June," with the Windows 8 Release Preview to hit the intertubes at that time. Go ahead and take off the whole week in preparation -- we're sure you can think of a few DIY activities to bide your time in the event of a Friday release. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, this is just yet another step in the march to a hopeful October ship date for the final build of Windows 8.)

[Thanks, Jignesh]

Continue reading Windows 8 Release Preview coming 'first week of June'

Windows 8 Release Preview coming 'first week of June' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Buried within Skype's announcement that its app has finally graduated from beta on Windows Phone, the mention of a 512MB minimum memory requirement reveals that the Internet phone service won't -- currently -- work with the likes of Nokia's Lumia 610 and the ZTE Tania. Skype has logged this under "current issues", which we hope means the company is working tirelessly to squeeze the app into cheaper Windows Phone hardware. Other features still being worked on include Bluetooth compatibility and Skype SMS messaging support. C'mon, they're part of the family now -- can't they all just get along?

Update: Nokia's told us that it's now got the Skype app working on the Lumia 610.

Skype app won't work on low-end Windows Phone devices (update: works on Lumia 610) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype's fledgling Windows Phone app broke out of beta today, adding contact searching and landline calling to it's VOIP repertoire. The update comes just shy of two months of the Beta's introduction in February, and boasts a handful of minor improvements that should keep your calls connected. You'll still be making those calls yourself, however, as the full version doesn't yet have support for receiving calls in the background -- if the app isn't running, your phone isn't ringing. Hit the source link below to update.

Skype for Windows Phone sheds beta title, graduates to v1.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Republic Wireless opening up reservation system next week in advance of summer beta program originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google Chrome 19 beta brings live tab synching to the fold originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Linux Tycoon game lets you 'create' your own distro, neck beard not required originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Sony outs Xperia Play ICS beta for unlocked phones, wants to know which games work

Sony outs Xperia Play ICS beta for unlocked phones, wants to know which games work originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading BlueStacks App Player hits beta, supports ARM-written Android apps on x86-based Windows (video)

BlueStacks App Player hits beta, supports ARM-written Android apps on x86-based Windows (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Nokia releases Play To beta, updates Music app for Windows Phone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Adobe Photoshop CS6 beta screenshots

Continue reading Adobe unveils Photoshop CS6 beta with redesigned UI and 65 new features, download it for free today

Adobe unveils Photoshop CS6 beta with redesigned UI and 65 new features, download it for free today originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Republic Wireless to open next beta of hybrid VOIP service this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Jolicloud Me opens in beta, brings together shares in the cloud originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple shuttering iWork.com document sharing, hopes you'll embrace the iCloud originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Windows Embedded Standard 8 preview now available for download

Windows Embedded Standard 8 preview now available for download originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Unofficial VLC beta hits Android, no video format is safe originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Ubuntu's 'Precise Pangolin' emerges into Beta, enjoys the fresh air (video)

Ubuntu's 'Precise Pangolin' emerges into Beta, enjoys the fresh air (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In the midst of this week's mobile madness, Skype has announced that its finally ready to arrive on its good friend's mobile platform. Yes, Windows Phone is getting its very own Skype app -- at least, a beta version. Compatible devices include the Nokia Lumia 710, Lumia 800, HTC Titan, Radar, Samsung Focus S and Focus Flash. A spokesperson has told us that the app will be available on most devices running Windows Phone 7.5 and above. This early version will allow free audio and video calls over WiFi or 3G, alongside those any-number paid-for calls. There's a brief video overview right after the break and the beta's available to download now.

Continue reading Skype app launches beta version on Windows Phone Mango and up (video)

Skype app launches beta version on Windows Phone Mango and up (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Notion Ink's ICS build for Adam goes beta, adds 3G, GPS originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

New Swype beta fulfills the Ice Cream Sandwich promise originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Messages Beta now available for Mac OS X Lion originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Crytek's Gface hits beta, wants you to stream your games, life originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Dropbox offers up to 5GB of free space to anyone willing to go beta originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Steam mobile beta now open to all, still of questionable utility originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Steam beta journeys to Android and iOS, for select invitees originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Raspberry Pi demos Model B computer's AirPlay capabilities (video)

Raspberry Pi demos Model B computer's AirPlay capabilities (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Skype for Mac Beta update adds revamped call UI, incoming video calls

Skype for Mac Beta update adds revamped call UI, incoming video calls originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading iOS 5.1 beta 3 appears on developer iPhone, available only OTA? (update: live on ADC)

iOS 5.1 beta 3 appears on developer iPhone, available only OTA? (update: live on ADC) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.