The first public beta version of the Opera Mini browser for Windows Phone is now out in Microsoft’s dedicated app store. You can grab it and test it on your device, as long as it runs Windows Phone 8.x.

The beta was announced last week, when Opera prompted people to sign up in order to join its “beta testing group”. That seemed to imply that only those who signed up would be able to play with the Opera Mini beta, but that’s not the case – anyone can get it from the Windows Phone store. Read more »

Best Buy was the only retailer that had the Moto 360 smartwatch at launch but Verizon has started taking pre-orders and now AT&T hurriedly announced it will be offering it at some point in the future too.

Unlike Verizon, AT&T will start by offering the two leather wrist bands at first. Read more »

WhatsApp, the popular messenger for mobiles that recently fell under Facebook’s wing, has received an update to its iOS version.

The latest build includes the ability to share slow-motion videos directly from within the app, add captions added to photos, and archive chat logs and contact groups. Read more »

Sony has shared information on its developer blog on how to get started creating HTML5 and Android TV apps for its upcoming TVs and home entertainment systems. In the process, the company also spilled loose details on its upcoming lineup of Android TV products.

Sony TVs running Android TV will start arriving in 2015 with the company waving goodbye to the Google TV platform. Google Cast is also going to be supported on select Bravia models. The company’s Blu-Ray and Home Theater system products will support HTML5 apps, too. Read more »

LG will bundle its G3 smartphone flagship with an extra battery and a charging cradle for it in the United States. The offer is valid with the purchase of a new device between September 8 and September 22.

The additional 3,000mAh battery and its charging cradle are worth $70. Read more »

Google’s Play Movies & TV app for iOS got treated to a significant update. Version 1.2.0 of the app brings offline movie playback to the Apple’s platform.

The app’s newly built-in functionality should appeal to those with limited amount of data in their wireless plan, or simply spend time away from less than perfect network coverage. Read more »

Back in July a few people spotted an odd new Buy button next to certain product-related tweets in their Twitter timelines. Starting today this feature is officially in testing, the social network has announced.

For now, you’ll only see Buy buttons next to some tweets if you’re in the US. Even if you are, you might not get the new feature, as it will first be available for just “a small percentage” of users. Read more »

Remember HP’s Windows-powered ultra low-cost 14-inch laptop that was supposed to be a Chromebook’s worst nightmare? Well, the HP Stream has finally become official today.

There is one huge caveat, though. While it was previously said to cost just $199, in fact it will start at $100 more than that. $300 still isn’t a huge sum to pay for a laptop, but it’s also not crazy cheap. Read more »

Amazon had great ambitions for its Fire Phone, but the final product probably isn’t as impressive as the mega-retailer wanted it to be. And up until today it’s also been hampered by a pretty steep asking price – $199.99 with a two-year AT&T contract.

Hot on the heels of its introduction into Europe, the Fire Phone’s price in the US has now thankfully been cut. And this isn’t a small reduction we’re talking about, as the handset can be had starting at $0.99 with the same two-year contract with AT&T. That’s 99 cents. So basically free. Read more »

Following the VivoTab 8 Note, Asus also revealed the VivoTab 8 (M81C). The Windows 8.1 tablet features an 8″ IPS display with a 1280 x 800 pixel resolution and an amazingly low under-$200 price tag.

Inside, there’s an Intel Bay Trial Atom Z3745 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM (2GB also available as an option) and 32GB of storage. At the back and front, there are identical 2MP cameras as well as stereo speakers. Read more »

An upcoming 7-inch tablet listing has been spotted on the US FCC website that indicates that LG is readying a new Nvidia Tegra-powered tablet in the compact range.

This could very well be the next coming of Google’s Nexus 7 tablet, as the Google branding is clearly evident as well. Read more »

The Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch sold out soon after it was released. If you wanted a metal wrist band you were out of luck even if you got to the store in time – Motorola released the phone with a choice of two leather bands saying it will make it available with a metal band later on.

Now however, Verizon has put the metal strap version on pre-order for $300 with a choice of Black and White (more like silver) colors. Read more »

The Samsung Gear VR debuted last week at IFA and is Samsung’s foray into the world of virtual reality. It’s in partnership with Oculus, the team behind the best known VR headset on the market. Samsung already has game devs lined up to develop content for the Gear VR and the Galaxy Note 4 to power it.

Here’s an infographic that will introduce your to just what the Gear VR does. Read more »

Microsoft aims to bring new life into its aging MSN portal with a shiny new homepage alongside plan to rebrand several of its Bing-powered applications.

Not only will Windows Phone apps like News, Finance, Travel, Sports and Weather be rebranded to MSN, but Microsoft is also planning to release iOS and Android versions as well. Read more »

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a 2D action/puzzle game that originally debuted on the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and the PC, and has now made its way to iOS.

Valiant Hearts takes place during World War I, and you play as four characters and try to get a soldier back to his wife and child. The game is known for its art style and storytelling. The simple gameplay style always made it conducive to touchscreen devices and now it’s finally here, so let’s take a look at it. Read more »