Planning a quiet night in for Valentine's Day? Thinking of renting a movie? Save a little of your hard-earned money and get those extra toppings on the pizza you order by using a $6 credit from Google exclusively for Chromecast users. Not a fan of movies? Use the credit to purchase something else from the Play Store (nothing says romance like a few extra bonuses in Candy … [Read more...] about Still Time to Use $6 Play Store Credit for Chromecast Users
google play
Google Announces Top Reading Apps and eBooks of 2014
Google is in a prime position to give everyone a sense of the most popular news and eBook apps. The Play app store is basically bundled on 85% of every Android phone and tablet on the market. Today, Google has announced the most popular apps, video and music. What is surprising about the top reading apps this year, is that the majority of people are consuming digital news. … [Read more...] about Google Announces Top Reading Apps and eBooks of 2014
Google Lessens Android Appeal, Piracy Apps Gone From Play Store
There isn't an iOS user out there who hasn't been attacked by an Android fanatic. It is unrestricted, they say. It is free, they say. It is so open, they say. It doesn't come with the same strict (and unreasonable) rules that iOS does, they say. As it turns out, rising popularity has changed the game significantly... with an Android device now in novice hands more often than … [Read more...] about Google Lessens Android Appeal, Piracy Apps Gone From Play Store
Google Sets Sights on App Store in China
Android users in China (now numbering in the ten of millions) will be happy to know that many of them will have access to Google's app store (hopefully, at least). Though a specific launch date has yet to be discussed, Google is working with a legal team to get plans together (many of the core Google Play services, like Gmail and Maps, are currently being blocked in China). … [Read more...] about Google Sets Sights on App Store in China
Google Play Services 6.5 Receiving Updates
While it may seem that the news is primarily for developers, Google's announcement that Google Play services is receiving a series of updates is good news for everybody --more features and more functionality all around! The Google Maps API now includes a toolbar that provides users with turn-by-turn directions quickly to a selected marker. With the updates, Google Maps will … [Read more...] about Google Play Services 6.5 Receiving Updates
Google Play Adds Pre-Order for Movies Still in Theatres
Playing a little catch-up with other Internet video stores (including iTunes), Google Play is now letting users pre-order movies so you see the latest new releases the moment they are available. Using the new feature is easy: check the list of available pre-orders, click the button to reserve it, enter your credit card details (though you will not be charged until the movie … [Read more...] about Google Play Adds Pre-Order for Movies Still in Theatres
Google Adding Transparency to In-App Purchase Prices
According to Google, price ranges for in-app purchase will be listed on their detail pages within the Play store --including those fees payable for virtual products and subscriptions. Recent changes had already indicated whether in-app purchases were present within each title, but this takes it a thankful step further. I expect reactions to this change will be mixed. In … [Read more...] about Google Adding Transparency to In-App Purchase Prices
Google Offers 2-Hour Refund Window for Paid Apps
In the beginning, Google gave users a full 24-hours to regret an app purchase. In 2010, they updated their policy such that users only had 15-minutes to change their minds (which is a little tight, especially if you like to shop on your desktop and have apps downloaded onto your device from there --this method of shopping can add a few extra minutes to complete installation). … [Read more...] about Google Offers 2-Hour Refund Window for Paid Apps
Google Play Movies & TV Adds Offline Playback for iOS
Google Play users on Android have had the ability to save television shows and movies for offline viewing for a while now, but thanks to a new update, iOS users can experience the same convenience. Whether you are frequently on-the-go and find yourself away from an Internet connection or suffer with slow download speeds, being able to save content for later is extremely … [Read more...] about Google Play Movies & TV Adds Offline Playback for iOS
Study: Smartphone Users Aren’t Downloading Apps
According to a recent study conducted by ComScore, nearly two-thirds of US smartphone users aren't downloading any new apps. Their research uncovered that only 7% of smartphone users accounted for almost half of the new apps being downloaded. Fortunately for a few app developers, these results cannot be interpreted to mean that we aren't using apps. Over half of users are … [Read more...] about Study: Smartphone Users Aren’t Downloading Apps
Google Prepares for Subscription Music Service Launch
Rumours have swirled for several months now that suggest Google is readying to launch a You-Tube branded subscription music service. New details tell us that this service will be called YouTube Music Key. It is a little confusing of course, because the tech giant already has their Google Play All Access service --though all signs point to the two being joined. Features of … [Read more...] about Google Prepares for Subscription Music Service Launch
Meaning of Free Apps Changing in Europe
Every person with a smartphone or tablet has experienced the frustration of a free (but not so free) app; you download it, you install it, you go to run it... and find that it's so bogged down with ads and purchase options that it's nearly impossible to use. In North America, many classify these apps as being Freemium. Beginning in September, Google has reached an agreement … [Read more...] about Meaning of Free Apps Changing in Europe
Tinder Updated For Wearables
The great news is that you can now cross 'finding a date' off the list of tasks you wished you could complete from the comfort and convenience of your wrist. Tinder has released an update that optimizes their addictive dating app for use on wearable devices --so you can now find the next love of your life (anonymously) from nearly any device you choose. With Tinder loaded up … [Read more...] about Tinder Updated For Wearables
Samsung Renames App Store to Galaxy Apps
Samsung has had their own app store for quite some time, but now instead of carrying the "Samsung Apps" label, it is called "Galaxy Apps." It may seem like a trivial change, but with the company diversifying their product line to include both Tizen and Android devices, a single Samsung app store couldn't accommodate both. Rebranding isn't the only change Samsung has in store … [Read more...] about Samsung Renames App Store to Galaxy Apps