Not only can devs upload and crowdtest their games, but players can test out their own builds on the fly through sideloading.

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Compared to Dish Network's Sling-powered TV Everywhere streaming approach, DirecTV's sideloading has the distinct benefit of offline viewing, but without access to live TV on the go.

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For Mac users, Microsoft is also developing a substitute for the Zune client that won't enable Zune store purchases but will allow sideloading of non-DRM content, including a direct hook into iTunes.

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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.

ENGADGET: Flipboard beta coming to all Android devices soon, hopes to handle resolution variety with poise (updated: it's live!)

We should preface this entire section by saying we're clearly used to the experience of buying books OTA on the Kindle or Nook and on their associated applications, so you can probably understand why we think the process of sideloading books seems so last decade.

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