Opera is releasing a preview of the next update to its mobile web browser, Opera Mini 4.2. The beta release offers improved support for YouTube, the ability to play nice with a wider selection of phones, note sharing between phones and PCs and a selection of new skins for greater customisation. Best of all, it's still free. Download it from the Opera website.

Read More »

Windows 7 looks like it will kick the pants off Vista, even if the two do look fairly similar. And now ZDNet is reporting that anyone keen on checking out the Windows 7 pre-beta that was distributed to media last week can, thanks to the wonders of bittorrent.

We're not going to point you in the direction of a pre-beta build of software, but in all honesty if you were that keen on checking it ut, you'd know where to find it anyway. Both the 32-bit and the 64-bit builds are available apparently.

Personally, I'm more than happy to wait for the full release to hit shelves. After Vista, I'm not too keen to rush into a new Microsoft OS too quickly, no matter how good it sounds.

[ZDNet AU]

As we reported last Sunday, Netflix Watch Instantly was "coming soon" for Mac users. Well, coming soon is today, dear readers. If you're into being a beta user, head over to Netflix to opt in at the sign in page, and give her a try. Of course, there are a few things to understand before you start streaming. You'll need to download Microsoft's Silverlight; and Netflix is imposing a six machine limit (PC, set top, whatever). Additionally, not all movies are available for viewing through the Silverlight player. Still cool though. Bye-bye DVDs?[Venture Beat]

Google Chrome Beta version 0.3.154.9 isn't due to drop for a few days, though it can be found over at FileHippo. No major features are introduced here—just security enhancements and bug fixes. But I know some of you love to have the latest and greatest. So enjoy. [FileHippo via Download Squad]

If you have been waiting patiently to try out the Skyfire browser for Windows Mobile, now is your chance. The developers have opened up the 0.8 beta to anyone with a Windows Mobile or Nokia N or E Series (3rd edition) phone in the US. Hit the following link to sign up. [Skyfire]

Read More »

Microsoft is not including all the new Windows 7 goodies in the pre-beta version that will be distributed at the Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles. However, the good news is that they are putting in a lot of new stuff that will have fans of the operating system excited until the public beta hits--if they can reach their deadlines this time--in December.

Read More »

The first beta of Firefox 3.1 is available now, and it's worth braving the occasional perils of betaland to check it out. Truly, the killer feature is the new 3D tab interface. It's beautiful, it's functional, it's awesome. Javascript performance is jucied by the new TraceMonkey engine (take that, Chrome!), though you have to enable it. And it's location-aware, no Geode plug-in necessary. Not yet in the mix are the promised porn mode or smarter session restore, but it's a good start. Word of warning: It will break your add-ons. [Mozilla via Lifehacker]

Sling Media (makers of those nifty Sling boxes) has just notified their beta community that new and improved Sling.com services are soon to go live for testing. The first major feature is web-based content viewing for subscribers, eliminating the need for separate players. The second major feature, teased way back in early 2007, is Clip+Sling content sharing.

Read More »

If you're running a Windows Mobile phone (more specifically the MOTO Q Music 9m, MOTO Q 9h, Palm Treo 750w, Samsung Blackjack I or Blackjack II), you might want to check out Adobe's new mobile beta site. Hit the link to register. [Adobe via intomobile]

Read More »

Who isn't ready for Windows 7? That wiser, stabler, more streamlined OS with Vista's good looks but an even prettier Start button and an alleged 15-second boot time? Heck, even Bill Gates is excited to get on to the next version. You can get your hands on a "pre-beta" version of Windows 7 by attending the Professional Developer Conference (PDC) in LA October 27 to 30, or the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC), also in LA shortly after, from November 5 to 7. Go get them, and then report back to us with some new info. [Vista Blog; screenshot from WinFuture.de]