Google's keyboard app for smartphones, Gboard, is bringing its Incognito Mode to Nougat and Marshmallow. The mode was originally thought to be reserved for Android O, but a new beta of Gboard reveals otherwise. The mode's name is derived from the Incognito Mode found on Chrome, giving users an option that has greater privacy for some sensitive communications.
This week Apple released another Beta build of their OS for mobile devices in iOS 11 Public Beta 2. This version of the software is great - it has new features aplenty - but it's not something I'd recommend everyone download lightly. In fact I think you should skip it altogether - here's why.
![Chrome OS touch controls now available [in this Beta update]](https://c.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/touchchromeos.jpg)
Touch controls and a new UI have been introduced in the most recent release of Canary, the Beta-like state of Google Chrome OS. Google Chrome OS is in a constant state of flux, partially because of the manufacturers that've pushed for functionality that's not been a major part of the software in the past. Google, too, released their first higher-end Chromebook with a touchscreen on it - the first Google Chromebook Pixel.
Today the macOS High Sierra public beta has been released to the public - just days after the public beta for iOS 11. This newest version of the desktop operating system from Apple includes all the bells and whistles - or at least most of them - spoken about during Apple's special event on the subject. A warning before anyone goes any further - this is, again, a BETA release, which means it might not be entirely stable.
Huawei's fans in the US might like to know that the company has launched a new Honor beta program. Revealed today, this beta will center around both hardware and software, and consumers in the US is invited to sign up. Unfortunately, details about what we can specifically expect are still sparse.
Microsoft launched the second multiplayer beta for the upcoming real-time strategy game Halo Wars 2 on Friday, making it available to all Windows 10 PC users, as well as Xbox One players with a Xbox Live Gold subscription. The new beta will run through Monday, January 30th, and builds on last summer's Halo Wars 2 trial by introducing the Blitz gameplay mode, which is designed to speed things up, giving players a more action-oriented experience.
Skype's cool real-time translation feature, appropriately named Translator, is getting a rather significant expansion today. What was once limited to Skype-to-Skype calling is now expanding to calls with mobile phones and landlines. This assumes a few things, most importantly that you're part of the Windows Insider program.
iOS 10.2 is just around the corner! You know that because Apple has just rolled out its fourth beta preview for the next version of its mobile OS. Available initially to developers, the beta is also trickling out to brave iPhone and iPad owners who opted into Apple’s Beta Software program. Those that did are now enjoying a whole new set of emojis from Unicode 9.0. And if they own an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, they also get three new wallpapers to delight.
WhatsApp has finally added two-step verification as an account security option, but it appears to only be available in some of the beta versions of the app presently. As expected, the feature can be found in the Account menu under “Security.” Enabling it will require a 6-digit passcode to be entered before registering your phone number with WhatsApp.
As announced earlier in the year, Sonos has rolled out new features focused on Spotify integration. Assuming you use Sonos speakers in your home, you can now use the Spotify app to control them directly. It's a nifty function, but it's launching in beta, meaning it's still a little rough around the edges and signing up can be a little confusing.
If you've been frustrated over the past few months by the absence of a Harambe emoji, or being forced to shrug in backslashes and brackets, then the iOS 10.2 beta is for you. Apple's freshly released update for iPhones and iPads may be targeted at developers and those on the cutting-edge of the update cycle, but there are new emoji with mass-market appeal in there too. That includes a fresh batch of pictures, updated art for existing icons, and a welcome balancing of gender roles.
Finally there's a reason worth risking an upgrade to an iOS Beta for iPhone. A public beta release for iOS 10.1 is available for iPhone users of all sorts, this version bringing on a key feature for iPhone 7 Plus. This version of the public beta software release allows an early version of the feature called Portrait Mode. This is one of the headliner features of the iPhone 7 Plus' double-camera, and a relatively unique feature for a smartphone of this caliber.
