Topping tech headlines on Tuesday was the launch of the new Dropbox Platform — a set of developer tools that help determine how apps access data across various platforms.

Dropbox can already sync files and folders, but the cloud system is expanding with its Database API, which can store and sync data beyond files, including settings, contacts, to-do list items, and more. Anyone using an app that taps into this technology will find their content is up to date across all devices, whether they’re working online or off. The new tools have already been integrated into Shutterstock, Mailbox, and Yahoo Mail.

Meanwhile, almost five minutes of Grand Theft Auto V gameplay was released by Rockstar, two months before its Sept. 17 release. Fans have already been introduced to the three main characters — a first for GTA — but players can now journey through the expansive Southern California world awaiting them this fall. The fifth installment of the popular franchise was built with a focus on mechanics; the game aims to make every aspect of play seem responsive, from driving and shooting to tennis and bike riding.

In other upcoming launch news, Sprint revealed on Tuesday that its first Windows Phone 8 device, the HTC 8XT, will debut on Friday, July 19. Customers will finally have the option of a Microsoft Windows-based smartphone, for $99.99 with a $50 mail-in rebate and a two-year contract. The handset is geared toward music lovers, boasting dual front-facing stereo speakers and Beats Audio. It also comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.6-megapixel front-facing cam.

Also making headlines on Tuesday:

• Will Fla. Internet Cafe Ban Also Affect Smartphones, PCs?: A Florida law passed earlier this year is worded in such a way that some are concerned that it might actually allow for a ban of all smartphones and computers in the state.
• Android Jelly Bean Tops Gingerbread for First Time: Android Jelly Bean is now the most popular version of Google’s mobile operating system, surpassing Gingerbread for the first time.
• Facebook Home Android Update Adds Folders: The social network on Monday rolled out an update that now lets users drag apps into folders for a more organized and personalized Home screen.
• Hasbro Buys 70 Percent Stake in DragonVale Maker Backflip: Toy maker Hasbro dropped $112 million in cash for a 70 percent stake in mobile gaming firm Backflip Studios.
• Google Launches Interactive Tour de France Gaming Site: Google has come up with an interactive way to allow anyone to virtually experience the Tour de France from the comfort of their home.
• Pandora iOS Update Includes Auto-Pause, ‘Stutter-Free’ Playback: Version 4.4, launched on Monday, also includes bug fixes and “improvements to keep your music playing as it should,” the company said.
• Yahoo Bids Farewell to Vintage Search Engine AltaVista: Yahoo on Monday officially killed off AltaVista, which was once one of the Web’s most popular search engines.
• Emergency Alert System Vulnerable to Hackers, Report Finds: Hackers could have a field day with the Emergency Alert System (EAS), thanks to vulnerabilities with equipment used to transmit alerts.
• Shareholders Get Prickly About BlackBerry’s U.S. Failings: BlackBerry is in the middle of its rebuilding plan, but shareholders want to know why it’s doing so badly in the U.S.
• SpaceX Grasshopper Reusable Rocket Soars to New Heights: The experimental, 10-story-tall VTVL vehicle climbed to more than 1,000 feet last month before returning to its launching pad.
• France Drops Internet Disconnection From ‘3 Strikes’ Piracy Law: France has struck down the portion of its “three strikes” piracy law that ordered Internet service providers to cut off the service of repeat offenders.
• Researchers Demo 3D Printing of Liquid Metal: Researchers at North Carolina State have demonstrated a method for using a 3D printer to create free-standing liquid metal structures at room temperature.