How to play the Mincraft Pocket Edition beta right now

Here's the worst kept secret about Mincraft Pocket Edition: all the new features can be sampled weeks in advance of the next update. You just need to be in the beta.

And that's easy to do! All you need is an Android device, a copy of Pocket Edition on your Google Play account, and about 5 minutes of free time.

First things first, go to this website on your Android, log in with your Google account (the one you used to buy Minecraft on Android) and then tap "Become a Tester".

Now, if you go to Google Play you'll notice that your version of Pocket Edition is now titled (Beta) and an update will be available. Install it and open the app.

You'll know if it's right if you have a load of text at the top of the screen. You can also see the version number in the bottom right of the main menu.

Now go explore! Your best bet is to start a creative mode world and look through the inventory for interesting new toys to play with.

When the final version is out, just update the game again to get the full build. You'll also be ready to beta test version 0.17! And if you want to leave the beta, go here.