Google adds a handful of family-friendly games to the Chromecast for the holidays
Looking for something fun to do with your family this holiday season? Good news – Google has just announced a handful of family-friendly games have gained Chromecast support, which should help liven up your get-togethers. Most notably, Rovio’s Angry Birds Friends, Risk, Monopoly Here & Now, Yahtzee Blitz, The Game of Life and Scrabble Blitz 2.0 have been added to the list of Chromecast-enabled games. These titles should definitely help bring the family together. Additionally, Ubisoft’s Driver Speedboat Paradise has also gained Chromecast support.
These titles are made better by utilizing the split-screen functionality Google introduce awhile back. For instance, if you’re playing one of the Hasbro board games listed above, you’ll be able to see your cards on your phone while the moves are displayed on the big screen.
Related: Chromecast 2015 and Chromecast Audio Review
Don’t have a Chromecast? Here’s another bit of good news. Google just recently announced a new promotion that would get you $20 in Google Play credit when you buy a Chromecast through January 2nd. If you’re interested in saving even more, you can buy two Chromecast devices (including Chromecast Audio) and get them for only $55, which is a $15 discount.
For a full list of Chromecast-compatible games and more, visit chromecast.com/apps.
More games get Chromecast support, ‘Angry Birds’ and ‘Monopoly’ included
We’re just days away from Christmas and among the most popular gifts nestled under trees will be Google’s Chromecast. The little dongle does it all. Everything that a pricey media player can do is possible with Google’s $35 darling. Gaming is even in Chromecast’s wheelhouse. And Google wants everyone with a Chromecast (as well as soon-to-be owners) to know that a few more games are now Chromecast-enabled for you to play solo and alongside friends and family during the holidays.
There’s nothing quite like playing Angry Birds on your television while staying warm next to the fireplace.
Here are the games that, according to Google, showcase the excellent multi-screen capabilities of Chromecast:
- Angry Birds Friends
- Driver Speedboat Paradise
- Monopoly Here & Now
- Yahtzee Blitz
- The Game of Life
- Scrabble Blitz 2.0
- Risk
Specifically noted by Google is the addition of Monopoly Here & Now. Four people can simultaneously play the game on one television, each using their own device as the controller.
Check out the entire selection of games that are Chromecast-enabled on the official site. That’s where you’ll see just how serious Google is taking gaming on a device that costs less than $40.
Source: Google
Come comment on this article: More games get Chromecast support, ‘Angry Birds’ and ‘Monopoly’ included
Google adds more Chromecast games for the holidays
If you’re giving someone a shiny new Chromecast this holiday season, it turns out you’d be giving them a healthy dose of family-friendly games as well. Today, Google has announced that it’s rolling out several new games made just for its tiny TV streamer. They include Angry Birds Friends (which lets you compete in weekly tournaments), Driver Speedboat Paradise plus a whole host of Hasbro board games designed to be played on the TV. Examples of the latter include Monopoly Here & Now, Yahtzee Blitz, The Game of Life, Scrabble Blitz 2.0 and Risk. Sorry, no Settlers of Catan just yet.
The idea with these boardgame translations is that you can play them split-screen — the main board will be on the TV, while friends and family can view their own cards or tiles on their phones or tablets. Of course, you’ll likely use your Chromecast mostly for watching movies and TV shows anyway, but the occasional game could be a fun way to kill time as you’re waiting for that ham to finish in the oven. You can download these games starting today on the Chromecast app store.
Source: Chromecast
The After Math: Baby, it’s cold outside
It’s 50 degrees and raining here in San Francisco which, by West Coast standards, constitutes the second coming of Snowpacalypse. With this sort of weather the only rational choice is to stay inside and patiently wait for spring. But just because we’re tied to the couch for the next few months doesn’t mean we can’t take a tour of the West Wing, knit ourselves some binge socks or play 16 new (old) XBox games. Because counting the days to spring is way easier if you do it by the numbers.Slideshow-349707
The After Math: Baby, it’s cold outside
It’s 50 degrees and raining here in San Francisco which, by West Coast standards, constitutes the second coming of Snowpacalypse. With this sort of weather the only rational choice is to stay inside and patiently wait for spring. But just because we’re tied to the couch for the next few months doesn’t mean we can’t take a tour of the West Wing, knit ourselves some binge socks or play 16 new (old) XBox games. Because counting the days to spring is way easier if you do it by the numbers.Slideshow-349707
We are giving away the ultimate gift package! An Amazon gift card, Chromecast Audio, Star Wars Cardboard and more
2016 is coming to an end and we are just a week away from Christmas. I know everyone doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but many of you do support giving and especially love getting free stuff.
One perk of writing we have as writers, is getting free stuff to review. We do our best to give you readers an honest opinion so you can make an informed purchase, but the cool part is we get free stuff.
I personally want to thank each and everyone of you, but I cannot afford to buy all of our readers gifts. However I will be giving away a host of items, some of which I personally bought, while others are products I received as review units. It’s a way to say thank you for your support.
Here are some of the products I will be giving away to ONE reader within the United States(I wish I could ship worldwide but shipping fees are expensive):
Dead Zebra Android Mini Special Edition – Bingle Bear
These Android Mini collectibles from Dead Zebra sell out quickly, and are so popular that they frequently gain value over time. Last year’s Christmas edition Androids are selling on ebay for over $50. I love the Android Minis because they look cool and are perfect for any fan of Android. There will also be a couple other Android Minis from my personal collection in the giveaway as well.
Tis the season for gift giving! No doubt the elves have been busy at the workshop.. but so have the lesser known toy production bears! Bingle Bear by Scott Tolleson is here to deliver holiday cheer!
- 3″ vinyl figure.
- Includes removable hat and present accessories.
- Limit two per household.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Cardboard
Apparently some move called Star Wars: The Force Awakens is now out in theaters, and I guess more than a few people are excited about it. Technically this Cardboard was free from Google, but they ran out of them very quickly, because millions of people around the globe are head over heels for Star Wars! Google Cardboard is a great way to experience Virtual Reality, and you can read more about it at Google Cardboard. The giveaway will include the Google Cardboard Storm Trooper Edition.
$25 Amazon.com Gift Card
Amazon.com is without a doubt my favorite place to shop, and included in the giveaway is a gift card valued at $25. An Amazon.com gift card is almost as good as cash because you can buy practically anything, from gadgets to groceries, Amazon has all of your needs covered.
1byone Plasma Ball Music Speaker
1byone has been behind a couple of big giveaways this year on Androidguys.com, and included in the holiday giveaway will be my review unit of the Plasma Ball speaker. I hate to see this 1byone Plasma Ball go, but I think one of you will enjoy it. You can read my review here. Thanks to Kara at 1byone! 1byone is a company based in China that makes great products at unbelievably low prices.
There are still a few hours left for the 1byone giveaway for 10 portable multi-function power banks here!
Solove Titan 20000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank
The people behind the Solove Titan 20000mAh are hooking it up with a free 20000mAh portable power bank. My Titan is a must have in my gadget bag and I bring it with me whenever I need power on the go. It earned a 5/5 star rating in my review. I think you’ll love it too. It’s one of the best all around portable power banks you can get today.
Chromecast Audio
Have you heard of Google? The Chromecast Audio was added to its lineup of connected devices and enables you to stream music to any speakers in your household.
What is Chromecast Audio?
Chromecast Audio is a small device that plugs into your speaker for streaming music through WiFi.
Once set up, simply use your iPhone®, iPad®, Android phone and tablet, Mac® and Windows® laptop, or Chromebook to cast your favorite tunes to the best speakers in the house.
dbrand Nexus 5X skin
dbrand is a company you need to check out if you haven’t already. They shipped me two skins for my Nexus 5X(I gave away the extra 6P skin to a lucky reader), but I can only use one. dbrand’s phone skins are literally so cool that people asked where they could buy the carbon fiber version 5X. People who see my 5X truly think my phone is made from carbon fiber. They make a wide variety of skins and you can check them out here.
Tronsmart Quick Charge 2.0 54W 4 Ports Rapid USB Car Charger – LINK
Tronsmart is giving away a four port Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 car charger. Most of us have more than one device that needs charging these days, so do it in style with the car charger from Tronsmart.
There are going to be more surprises in the giveaway box, and one lucky reader is going to win it all. I will be selecting a winner on Christmas Day, December 25th, and will be sending that winner a personal email notifying them of all of the free stuff they will be receiving. All you have to do to enter in the giveaway is make a comment below in the Comments section, and if you don’t mind, follow us on Instagram. But if you don’t do social media, that is okay too – a comment will qualify you for the giveaway. I will need a shipping address, but am not looking to collect your information for any other reason. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone.
We also have a few great coupon codes for you as well if you’re in need of discounts.
Solove Roco 10000mAh Power Bank for $24.99 (Save $10 on the regular price) with code ROCOXMAS
Solove Titan 20000mAh Power Bank (Gray, Silver, Green, Gold) for $29.99 (Save $15) with code LUVEXMAS – Gray LINK, Gold LINK
Vantrue PowerUp C1 Quick Charge 2.0 Car Charger for $5.99 (Save $4) with code VANTXMAS – LINK
This is the season for giving and it is my favorite time of year. By no means do you have to give in order to qualify for this giveaway, but if you’re in the spirit of giving and have a few extra bucks to spare, check out a few of my favorite charities.
Animals are near and dear to my heart. My cat Poi came all the way from Maui, where she showed up on my doorstep as a kitten, and I simply had to give her a home. My dog Taro was abandoned at a foreclosed home in San Diego as a puppy, and she has filled my heart with love and joy for the past eight years.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty has worked endlessly to fight animal cruelty and neglect. They are the nation’s leader in the areas of rescue, adoption and welfare and none of it would be possible without donors like you.
Escondido(San Diego) Humane Society
The Escondido Humane Society is where I adopted Taro and they will always have a special place in my heart. Taro is all I need for Christmas and she is the gift that never stops giving. If you love animals, I promise you that the Escondido Humane Society does wonderful things for domestic animals.
Taro and Poi.
Sacramento, CA is my hometown, and taking care of the hungry and sheltering the homeless has always been a passion of mine. I am heading back to Sacramento to spend time with my family, and my mom and I will be feeding breakfast to the homeless and to those that are less fortunate. Christmas is a time of giving and we should all have compassion for those in need.
Almost all of us use Wikipedia as a resource of endless information. Wikipedia is not paid for by corporate powerhouses and survives solely on the generosity of its readers. They are asking for help to keep us informed without ads. If you use it, consider giving back and help keep it free and ad free.
In no way do you have to donate to charity in order to qualify for the giveaway. Simply make a comment below in order to enter into the contest and a winner will be selected on Christmas Day. But if you do have a few extra dollars, consider giving back and spreading the holiday cheer.
I want to personally thank you for being dedicated and loyal readers. Stay safe and from all of the writers here at AndroidGuys, we wish you happy holidays.
AndroidGuys – Instagram
AndroidGuys – Twitter
The only other rule is that you must live within the United States in order to win.
The post We are giving away the ultimate gift package! An Amazon gift card, Chromecast Audio, Star Wars Cardboard and more appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Chromecast support arrives for PlayStation Vue TV streaming service
Sony has added Chromecast support for PlayStation Vue, its TV streaming service. It’s no big surprise really, since Sony had teased the coming of this feature back in November. However, the caveat is that this feature can only be enjoyed by iOS users. Why? That’s because PlayStation Vue doesn’t have an Android app as of yet, and there’s no word on when we’re getting one.
At launch, PlayStation Vue was only available to PS3 and PS4 users. Since then, Sony worked hard to bring their subscription TV streaming service to more platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, iPhone, and iPad. The subscription service differentiates itself from others by allowing users to pick the TV channels that they would like to watch, and pay for them accordingly. It is more economical though to go for one of the various TV packages listed on Sony’s website.
Chromecast support for #PSVue available today; access content via the PS Vue Mobile app from compatible iOS devices: https://t.co/GV1ms8yl00
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) December 15, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
A $49.99/month plan would grant you access to over 50 top channels from live TV, movies, and sports genres. Have a larger appetite for watching TV shows? You could go for the $64.99/month Elite plan, which gives you access to over 85 channels. What’s more, you can save thousands of hours of your favourite shows to Sony’s cloud DVR, from where you can stream it later.
See also: 10 best video streaming apps for Android
Are you a PlayStation Vue subscriber? Do share your experience with us in the comments below!
Sony’s PlayStation Vue internet TV gets Chromecast support
Back in November, Sony said PlayStation Vue would soon start working on the Chromecast. Now, having teased that over a month ago, the electronic company’s finally making its internet TV service friendly with Google’s $35 dongle. The only caveat is that this feature’s only for iOS users right now, since Sony doesn’t have a PlayStation Vue app available on Android. There’s no word on when, or if, that’s going to change, which means you have to own a compatible device if you want to get a subscription.
Chromecast support for #PSVue available today; access content via the PS Vue Mobile app from compatible iOS devices: https://t.co/GV1ms8yl00
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) December 15, 2015
Source: PlayStation (Twitter)
LG announces Cast-enabled Music Flow sound bars, X-Boom products, to be shown off at CES 2016
With the biggest electronics show of the year coming up quick, companies are already giving us a sneak peak as to what we’ll be seeing at CES 2016 in January. One of these companies is LG, who late yesterday announced a new line up of Music Flow sound bars that will be Google Cast-enabled. The company plans to fully unveil them during CES 2016 in January, where they will be demoed as well.
The new sound bars–the SH6, SH7, and SH8–will have Bluetooth connectivity, Google Cast support, and Auto Music Play, as well as a one-button setup to make connecting the sound bars to other Music Flow speakers via Wi-Fi a seamless process.
What sets these sound bars apart from the last generation is the new technology packed inside. This time around the SH6, SH7, and SH8 will have LG’s Adaptive Sound Control (ASC) technology, which automatically changes sound settings to match different types of media.
The SH7 and SH8 come with a wireless subwoofer, while the SH6 uses special all-in-one technology for pushing sound. These new Music Flow sound bars aren’t the only home theater speakers getting a refresh for 2016, though. LG also announced three new X-Boom products–the OM5560, OM7560, and OM9960. These are “total entertainment solutions,” according to LG and the OM5560 and OM7560 will actually be 100% self-contained units.
What will be particularly interesting is seeing how all of these new sound bars and “total entertainment solutions” will work with devices like the Chromecast Audio. We’ll no doubt hear more come January.
Press release below.
LG EXPANDS POPULAR MUSIC FLOW LINEUP WITH NEW WIRELESS SOUND BARS AND X-BOOM AUDIO SYSTEMS
Latest Audio Products to Bring Premium Listening Experience and Flexible Connectivity to LG’s Audio Collections
SEOUL, Dec. 15, 2015 ― LG Electronics (LG) announced that it will unveil its most advanced sound bars and audio systems at CES 2016. Part of LG’s Music Flow smart audio ecosystem, the new sound bars greatly enhance the home theater viewing experience with their rich sound quality and responsive settings. LG will use the opportunity of CES to also introduce the company’s newest X-Boom audio systems which come complete with a range of exciting new features for any party or gathering.
LG’s new SH8, SH7 and SH6 sound bars provide consumers with a variety of options, making it easy to choose the audio system that is perfect for their needs. Each sound bar sports a sleek, slim design that blends in seamlessly with almost any interior decor. Ideal for home theaters, the advanced SH8 and SH7 come with wireless subwoofers that provide rich bass tones to compliment the speaker’s audio output. The SH6, on the other hand, is comprised of six independent speaker drive units and employ an innovative air duct structure that effectively highlights deep tones, allowing the SH6 to deliver powerful sound from its compact single-body speaker system.
The new 2016 LG sound bars boast a simple one button setup, making the home cinema system incredibly easy to install while access to basic sound bar functions directly on the TV remote makes operation as straightforward as possible. LG’s latest sound bars also support the company’s new Adaptive Sound Control (ASC) feature, allowing the devices to automatically change sound settings to suit a range of media types in order to get the most out of a wide variety of content. The Bluetooth, Google Cast™ and Auto Music Play capabilities of the sound bars boost connectivity potential by giving listeners a variety of content options. With support for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, LG’s new sound bars allow users to automatically switch between different types of content and connectivity method that works best.
The fast, convenient connectivity of LG’s sound bars and Music Flow wireless speakers allow these powerful devices to play just about any content from a smartphone. The easy Bluetooth connectivity of LG’s P7 and P5 speakers provide a wireless environment for beautiful sound anywhere at anytime.
LG will also be unveiling three new X-Boom Systems at CES 2016 ― two LG X-Boom Solo models (OM7560 and OM5560) and the CM9960. X-Boom models serve as total entertainment solutions, providing both powerful sound and wireless connectivity. Both X-Boom Solo models boast entire audio systems housed in single speakers, giving them the ability to deliver intense audio output that is perfect for parties and other large gatherings. The X-Boom’s Sampler Creator feature gives users the ability to record any sound on their smartphones and wirelessly beam it to the X-Boom, which can then be added to the digital soundboard which DJs can select at the touch of a button. All three products feature the unique Party Thruster lever that allows users the ability to create stunning multicolored light shows that sync perfectly with the system’s audio output. The ornate display of flashing lights and high quality audio makes any party unforgettable.
“The Music Flow series has been a tremendous success in giving LG a significant footprint in the consumer audio business,” said Brian Kwon, President and CEO at LG’s Home Entertainment Company. “Our newest Sound Bars and X-Boom audio systems present an excellent opportunity for LG to draw attention to its advanced audio products at the largest consumer electronics tradeshow in the world.”
Come comment on this article: LG announces Cast-enabled Music Flow sound bars, X-Boom products, to be shown off at CES 2016
Buy a $30 Chromecast and Google will give you $20
Google announced a new promotion for its Chromecast line on Monday: Buy one of the $30 devices, get $20 in Google Play store credits. What’s more, you don’t have to buy it directly from Google to qualify for the deal. Pick up one from either Best Buy or Walmart if that’s more convenient, you’ll still get the twenty dollar rebate after you activate the device.
Source: Google
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