Oculus launches Chromecast support for Gear VR, opening new viewing possibilities

The VR fun doesn’t have to be limited to just the person wearing the headset.

Oculus has announced a nice update that brings Google Cast functionality to Gear VR — meaning you can let anyone see what you’re seeing inside your headset on a big screen. All you need is the latest version of the Oculus mobile app and either a Chromecast, Android TV or Cast-ready TV, and you’ll be able to share right away.

Cast support adds a crucial sharing element to the VR experience.

Bringing simple one-touch Cast support to a VR experience helps break down one of the main barriers of showing off VR: it’s really hard to explain what’s going on when you’re in the headset, and tough for you to walk a new user through their own VR experience as well. By adding in Cast support, not only can you share your VR world with others in the room, but you could also help a new user get acquainted with the experience.

Interestingly this comes just a few weeks after Google announced that the same Cast feature was arriving for Daydream VR at Google I/O 2017. At the same time Google and Oculus also managed to announce full Daydream compatibility for the new Galaxy S8 and S8+. When Samsung, Oculus and Google get together, great things like this happen.

Android Pay is finally available in Canada, several banks are on board

Well, it’s about darn time.

Android Pay is finally available up in Canada, coming closely after everyone was informed of its impending launch at Google I/O 2017. Canadians can now install the Android Pay app, add their cards and start paying right away.

Google says over the next few days, banks will be finalizing their support — but all the big names are here, including BMO, Banque Nationale, CIBC, Scotiabank, ATB Financial and more. Interac-branded debit cards will start working next week, and other big players like American Express are slated to arrive “this summer.”

#AndroidPay is now available in #Canada 🇨🇦. An easier way to pay is already in your hand: https://t.co/Y85ULkyHsN pic.twitter.com/kNmasq7bge

— Android (@Android) May 31, 2017

It’s interesting to see that it took this long for Android Pay to arrive in Canada, as theoretically it has a more favorable market to launch a new contactless payment system. Contactless payments via NFC-enabled credit cards have been the norm in Canada for far longer than the U.S. was thinking about the technology, and its banking system is far more consolidated into a handful of key players rather than the diverse set of hundreds of credit unions down South.

Given the way the market is set up, now that the app is here and the banks are on board, Canadians should be able to pick up Android Pay at a much faster pace considering how many of its stores support NFC already.

But delays aside, Android Pay is now available. Getting Canada on board with the same great phone-based payment technology that has been available in the U.S. is excellent for adoption. If you’re in Canada, give the Android Pay app a try!

Best Car Chargers for Google Pixel

Keep your Pixel charged while out on the road. Here are our favorite USB-C car chargers.

Updated May 2017: Added the Belkin USB-C car charger as an option.

We’ve all been there (some of us more than others): You hop in your car ready to rev on the road and then you check your phone — it’s dying at a rapid pace! You’ve barely enough battery life to get to your destination. Well, that’s what car chargers are for, and if you’ve a Google Pixel, this next list should be particularly resonant for you. Here are some of the best car chargers you can buy for your Pixel or Pixel XL.

• Belkin
• Tronsmart
• Pleson 3-port
• Maxboost
• Nekteck
• Vinsic

Belkin

The Belkin car charger with removable 4-foot USB-C cable is consistently suggested as one of the better car chargers for USB-C compatible devices. Make sure that you purchase the 27-watt version, however, which is capable of delivering enough power to rapidly charge your Pixel or Pixel XL. It can power your tablet and Chromebook in the car, too.

See at Amazon

Tronsmart

Tronsmart’s car charger with a built-in USB-C cable is easily your best option for keeping your Pixel juiced on the road.

The attached USB-C cable means no need to remember one every time you drive, and the USB Type A port is handy for charging another device at the same time via Quick Charge 2.0 or 3.0. Your Pixel will charge quickly and efficiently, thanks to USB 3.1 and its delivery of 5V at 3A.

If you want a car charger that has exactly what you need to keep your Pixel going, check out the Benson-approved Tronsmart 33W dual USB charger.

See at Amazon

Pleson 3-port

Pleson’s charger features two USB Type A ports and a USB-C, so you can charge up to three devices at the same time! The USB-C port is USB 3.1, so your Pixel will charge quickly, giving you a significant charge in about a half-hour.

This charger has built-in safeguards so that your Pixel doesn’t fry, with automatic shut-off in case of a power surge, overheating, or an overcurrent.

If you want to charge up your Pixel, as well as a couple other devices while you’re on the go, then check out Pleson’s 3-port charger.

See at Amazon

Maxboost

Maxboost’s 35W charger is another to feature a built-in USB-C cable, so you never have to worry about forgetting yours at home. The other USB port is great for any of your Quick Charge 2.0 devices and charges with up to 18W (12V/1.5A, 9V/2A, 5V/2A).

The handiest part of this charger is its muted light-up ring that shines when plugged in. It’s dimmed so as not to distract you while you drive.

This charger comes in black or white, each with a blue LED ring, so you can match it to any color Pixel you have!

See at Amazon

Nekteck

Nekteck is yet another charger that features a built-in USB-C charger, so you need only bring your Pixel when you hit the road — no extra cables needed!

The USB-C cable comes in a straight or curled version, which is handy if you happen to tangle your cables pretty often.

Your Pixel will be charged as quickly as possible, thanks to USB 3.1 and your other devices can be charged through the USB Type A port at up to 2.4A.

See at Amazon

Vinsic

Vinsic’s charger features both a USB-C port and a USB Type A port, so you can charge your Pixel and another device at the same time. You’ll need to bring cables along, since this charger doesn’t have anything built-in.

Your Pixel won’t be cooked, thanks to overcurrent, overcharge, and overvoltage protection, and the LED indicator lets you know when the charger is ready to juice up your devices.

See at Amazon

Your picks?

Are you using an awesome USB-C charger that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Google Pixel and Pixel XL review
• Google Pixel XL review: A U.S. perspective
• Google Pixel FAQ: Should you upgrade?
• Pixel + Pixel XL specs
• Understanding Android 7.1 Nougat
• Join the discussion in the forums!

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Gear VR streams to your TV thanks to Google Cast

For as much fun as you can have donning a VR rig and slipping into a virtual environment these days, it’s still pretty awkward to watch as an outside observer. Now that Google has partially solved the VR spectator problem by building Cast into the next version of Daydream, Oculus and Gear VR are joining the party and adding support their own support for Google’s streaming solution.

In a blog post announcement, the Oculus team notes that all you need to stream from your Gear VR headset to your TV in real-time is the latest versions of Android and the Oculus mobile app, plus a compatible TV or streaming box. Users only need to hit the Cast button to select a nearby screen and pop on the headset. While spectators obviously won’t get the 3D stereoscopic effect, they will get a look at everything that’s going on inside the headset. That should greatly simplify things the next time you feel like throwing a VR gaming party, showing off the hardware to your grandparents or just bringing your friends along to the next VR heavy metal concert.

Source: Oculus