The Merge Network, home to Carbon Poker, Play Aces Poker, Aced Poker, Reefer Poker and more has released the beta for their new version 5.0 of the network’s software for Mac and PC. This update features a number of changes, some cosmetic and some functional. First of all, if you would like download the Beta, open the software on your skin of choice and go to Player Admin. When the browser opens, there should be a 5.0 Beta option on the menu to the left of the screen.

The Beta adds the following features:

  • Moving the play money games and tournaments to a tab of their own.
  • Opening tournament lobbies in a new window.
  • Improvements to the full screen mode for games.
  • Changes to improve the software when used on a netbook.
  • Changes to the display of news items.

They have also removed or changed the following:

  • Removal of the balance display at the top of the software. Balances can be found in the cashier.
  • Removal of the news tab. News will be presented in a web browser.
  • Removal of the quickstart panel.
  • Removal of Backgammon and Euchre.
  • Some smileys are being updated

Most of these are very much welcome. The removal of the balance display is good for those who made videos of their play or took screen shots, the removal of the news tab streamlines the software a bit, and I can only imagine what new stupid smilies will be added. The fish love them, and they can be tilt inducing, so I guess that is a good thing too. It is also about time they split on the play and real money games.

Overall it isn’t as much of an overhaul as the Cake Poker beta, but there are some nice small, and a couple big changes to the software. Remember, this is a Beta so the the beta software may not be as stable as the current platform. If you have problems, report them to support so they can be corrected in the final version. If they are game breaking, simply use the normal software until an official release. But none of the problems should be game breaking.

If you are not a member of the Merge Network, it is a great network to play on these days. It has grown a lot in 2010, and features some of the best VIP programs on the net. We recommend checking out Carbon Poker, where you can get 35% rakeback, a big sign up bonus, monthly reloads, monthly instant bonuses and more.






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