Mozilla has released a preview version of Firefox specifically designed for Windows 8. The popular web browser has been re-engineered to work as a standalone desktop program as well as a Windows Store app but as the preview moniker suggests, there’s still a lot of work to be done before it’s ready for the big show.

The Register notes that the touch-enabled version is probably the furthest behind in development. It’s currently only available as a Mozilla nightly build and the app itself is even called “Nightly”, lacking any sort of Firefox branding at this point. It does work, however, and should be far enough along to give early adopters a decent idea of what they can expect from Firefox in Windows 8.

Those interested in trying out the Windows Store version of Firefox, or the Metro app as Mozilla incorrectly refers to it, will need to be running the RTM version of Windows 8 or later. People still using the preview release will only be able to experiment with the desktop client.

Mozilla has given Firefox a complete redesign based on the Australis theme released as a Nightly version earlier this year. The foundation describes the new look as modern, streamlined and beautiful but if you ask us, it’s very Windows 8-ish. For example, the Bookmarks page features rectangular tiles that are nearly identical to what’s found natively in the OS. But of course, it’s more than just a fancy new look as Firefox for Windows 8 now supports OS-specific touch and swipe gestures among other things.

If you’re interested in trying the new Firefox, you can download a copy by clicking here.

A German court has ruled that Motorola hasn't ripped off a major Microsoft radio patent, scoring one for Google in the great tech patent war.

The patent in question relates to radio interfaces, formally known as "Method and radio interface layer comprising a set of application programming interfaces (APIs)".

Microsoft alleged that the way Motorola's Android handsets accessed contacts infringed on the patent, but the German courts disagreed.

Wheels and deals

Motorola is one of the few Android manufacturers not to have cut a licensing deal with Microsoft.

Microsoft makes a fair amount of cash from Android-makers, taking a cut from most handsets sold.

This isn't something Google is particularly pumped about, and it is keen to keep Motorola, a company it paid billions of dollars for, off that list.

Folks eager to play Hammerpoint Interactive's upcoming sandbox survival title will be able to get in on the action as early as October 15 or October 31, depending on how much you're willing to pony up. The War Z is now available for preorder with an array of bonuses offered across three packages -- of which the "Survivor" tier is the most affordable and straight forward, costing $19.49 for beta access starting on October 31.

Next up, Hammerpoint offers the "Pioneer" package, which runs $29.99 and provides alpha access on October 15, over two weeks ahead of the beta. Additionally, Pioneer purchasers will receive $15 worth of in-game currency (used for survival supplies and such), three guest keys that will allow your friends to play for two days, and one month of server hosting -- something Hammerpoint is aiming to streamline over DayZ.

Meanwhile, if you're willing to part with $49.99 for the "Legend" package, you'll get alpha access on October 15, $30 worth of in-game money, three guest keys and six months of map server hosting. All three tiers also come with unique forum badges to flaunt your support. It's also worth noting that these prices will only be available until October 20, at which point they'll increase 28-40% to $29.99, $49.99 and $69.99.

The War Z -- PvP gameplay (NSFW language)

The War Z will compete with DayZ, State of Decay and other post-apocalyptic, persistent open-world titles in which your goal is to survive. There are no quests, classes or levels, though it seems like characters should be fairly unique between skill trees and rare loot. While exploring the 154-square-mile world, you'll face threats ranging from bipedal foes -- dead and alive -- to less tangible dangers like thirst, hunger and sickness. Beyond that, whether you want to rebuild civilization or hunt fellow survivors is your call. Of note, the game is designed to run on practically any hardware and all future content updates will be free.

Sony has had to stop selling the Xperia Tablet S because gaps between the screen and the case make it vulnerable to water damage.

That's a pretty big problem for a tablet that is supposed to be splash-proof and has already shipped over 100,000 units.

The problem comes down to a manufacturing flaw with Sony placing the blame on the Chinese factory that puts the tablets together.

Splash canyon

The tablet went on sale in September, so Sony has promised to replace or repair any tablets that have already been bought.

We're yet to spend some serious time with the Xperia Tablet S but our first impressions weren't bad; we're talking to Sony to try and find out more about the situation.

The company hasn't said when it expects to see the tablet back on the market yet though, so if the Xperia Tablet takes your fancy, you could be in for a bit of a wait.

One of the leading experts on mobile phones in emerging markets has suggested that Google's Android operating system has already won the war of the operating systems.

Jana co-founder and CEO Nathan Eagle, speaking at Google's ThinkMobile conference with TechRadar in attendance, explained that Android was perfectly aligned to become a dominant force, and not just in phones.

This is down to the plethora of affordable smartphones that are set to sweep through emerging and developing markets in places like Africa.

Winning

"I would say that Android has already won the battle of the operating systems," said Eagle.

"That's not necessarily because it's the best, just that it's given away for free and you are starting to see the rise of these [$50 phones] from China."

Eagle's presentation "Engaging the next billion" suggested that 2013 would see Android overtake Windows, with predictions that 1.3 billion will be using Microsoft's OS and 1.5 billion Android.

It's clear that mobile technology is a huge boon to countries without the telecomms infrastructure of many developed markets.

And the rise and rise of the smartphone – enabling things like internet access, GPS and, not to forget, phone calls – means that mobile platforms are increasingly powerful.