Secure password synchronization, Speed Dial extensions, and an easier way to get Opera's developer's builds graduated from alpha to beta today, as the Norwegian browser maker upgraded its latest alpha to beta status. Opera 11.50 beta 1 (download for Windows, Mac, and Linux) adds the long-missing password syncing to Opera's syncing component, Opera Link, along another long-missing feature: the ability to customize the new tab landing page layout known as Speed Dial with extensions.

Opera revealed in a blog post at the beginning of May a simplified take on how the password security works. Basically, Opera generates a long, random encryption key the first time you send your passwords to Opera Link. On the user side, this key then gets used to encrypt all the data sent to the Opera Link servers. The key is also sent to the servers, with a twist: it's encrypted with your Opera Account password. So, by tying the Account password to the encryption key, Opera is essentially setting up a two-step verification process.

Opera recommends to existing Opera Link users that they change their Opera Account passwords once they begin using the new feature to ensure that it's a strong password.

The Opera 11.50 beta itself represents a stabilization of the improvements that debuted in Opera 11.50 alpha about a month ago. Another debut at the same time as the alpha gave users the ability to stay on top of cutting-edge Opera changes with Opera's version of a developer's build, called Opera Next. These three changes will place Opera on a similar feature level as Firefox 4 and slightly ahead of Chrome 11, assuming that the password synchronization makes it to Opera's mobile versions.

You can test the Speed Dial extensions with one that Opera wrote, which puts real-time weather data in one of the dial windows.

Opera 11.50 does more than introduce new features. It also expands support for the still-in-development HTML5 standards, including datalist, session history, navigation, classlist, and the < time > element. The full Opera 11.50 beta changelog can be read here.

You've been waiting for it for a long time. We told you it was coming. It's been available on the iPhone forever. Well, it's finally here. The second of three PopCap exclusives to be released on Amazon's Appstore for Android is none other than Plants vs. Zombies, and it's the free app of the day.

Frankly, there's really no need to tell you how the game works (I think we've all played it at least once), but I will tell you a few things before downloading. First, as with all three PopCap exclusives, Plants vs. Zombies is a Wi-Fi-only download. Second, the file size is approximately 75MB.

Lastly, despite the small number of Android phones in the compatibility list on Amazon's site, we can verify that it also works on the HTC Thunderbolt, HTC Droid Incredible, and the HTC EVO (which are not listed).

Suffice it to say that it will work on the majority of Android phones to date. The app is supposedly not optimized for tablets--pixelation may occur--but if you have one, screw it; try anyway.

On Amazon's Appstore for Android you can download the full, ad-free version of the Plants vs. Zombies. It's free on launch day, then will go back to the standard retail price after the one-day promotion expire, at $2.99. Plants vs Zombies will remain an Amazon exclusive for only two weeks, then becomes available everywhere else.

Plants vs. Zombies will be Amazon's free App of the Day until 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT tonight.

Originally posted at Android Atlas

This week, we took a look at a couple of crowd-powered Windows-cleaning utilities. Newly updated Soluto combines in-house engineers and crowdsourcing to diagnose and prevent Windows crashes. It provides suggestions for crash solutions, as well as links to research the crash on the Web. SlimCleaner also draws on anonymously contributed data from its users to keep your computer running efficiently. However, this more powerful piece of software might be better suited for more-advanced users.

In other news, Foxit, the widely recognized No. 2 behind Adobe in the PDF software market, has revamped its lineup. Foxit PDF Reader jumped up to version 5.0, and now offers XFA form-filling and a refreshed interface among other changes. Meanwhile, the newly reorganized PhantomPDF Suite, has also jumped to 5.0, and now comes in three editions: Express, Standard, and Business.

Finally, be sure to check out our killer Chrome tips, some fun video apps for iPhone, and the newly updated mSpot for Android.

MarsEdit makes blogging easier, letting you ditch clunky browser-based editing in favor of a full-featured, fully Mac-powered desktop editor. With nice bonus features like autosaving, Technorati tag editing, blog-specific image settings, support for Tumblr, and a speedy Flickr browser, MarsEdit is a great example of indie software done right. It gives you lots of functionality, a professional level of quality, and responsive support, at (of course, this being indie software) a modest price.

Also this week we have the latest version of AppDelete, the utility that helps you uninstall unwanted apps completely--even hidden system files that often get left behind. Our game this week is Solitaire Forever, a popular version of the classic card game with over 150 game variations.

Don't forget to check out this week's collection of iOS apps: fun video apps for the iPhone.