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645 'Google Play' stories March 2012 - December 2015
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Before the unified Play branding, Google had the Android Market, Google Music, and Google eBookstore. Google decided to merge and rebrand its individual digital offerings into the Play Store in March of 2012.

The Play Store is now the default place to purchase apps, movies & television, music, books, and news subscriptions for all Android devices. The latter four offerings having their individual Android and iOS apps to watch, listen, and read purchased content. Most content can also be accessed through the web.

In April of 2016, the suite of icons were redesigned in a similar style to provide a consistent look across all devices and the web.

Take 50% off any album purchase from Google Play

Avatar for Chance Miller Dec 21 2015 - 8:22 pm PT
2 Comments

Google Play is offering 50% off any album purchase to celebrate the end of the year. Go through this special link to activate the coupon and then the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. With so much new music having recently come out, this deal comes at a perfect time. Popular choices may include Coldplay’s new album, Adele’s new critically acclaimed album, and much more. Deal expires at midnight on January 4, 2016. If for some reason Google Play does ask you for a coupon code, just enter ALBUM2015.


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Nexus 6 32GB is $250 at Amazon, stuff your stockings with Marshmallow phablets

Avatar for Seth Weintraub Dec 21 2015 - 5:29 am PT
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From 9to5Toys:

If you are looking for a last minute deal for Android-loving Christmas recipients, Amazon has matched the lowest price we’ve ever seen on  the Marshmallow Nexus 6 phablet at $249.99 shipped in Cloud White or Midnight Blue.

Until very recently, this was Google’s flagship phone and it still has enviable specs and gets the first updates.  Whether you use this as your main phone or a burner/development/extra/kids/parents phone, it still holds up very well and includes fast charging Micro-USB, a huge 6-inch display, front stereo speakers and much more.

You can get it with plenty of time for wrapping and putting under the tree. Prime will get it there by the 23rd.

If you want to got full bore, the 64GB is also available for $299.99, also an all time low. If you are after something smaller, grab the Moto X Gen 2 leather for the same price.

Of course, if you are looking for the latest and greatest, You can grab the Nexus 6P for $50 off here. 
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With Google Play offers and holiday deals, new Chromecasts are practically free

Avatar for Jared Weintraub Dec 14 2015 - 6:45 am PT
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From now until January 2nd, if you buy a 2015 Chromecast you also get $20 to cast TV shows, movies and more on Google Play. Factoring in the credit, that’s the lowest offer we’ve seen for the new Chromecast. After you make your purchase you can get your $20 Google Play credit here.

You can also find a 2-pack Bundle with $12 Google Play Credit at Costco for $49 shipped. Or save $5 on one at Best Buy today as well.

Enjoy a world of entertainment with Google Chromecast (2015). Just connect to your HDTV’s HDMI interface and your home Wi-Fi network to get started. You can stream your favorite apps from your compatible phone, tablet or laptop, plus use your phone as a remote to search, play and pause content.

Note: You need to wait one week after you register for the Google Play credit to appear.

Full Terms & Conditions:

Must purchase a Chromecast device and complete initial set-up between Dec 13, 2015 and Jan 2, 2016 to qualify for the promotional credit. Not reloadable; no cash value.
Credit must be added to a Google Payments account by January 31, 2016 and used on Google Play by January 31, 2017. Certain devices (including Chromecast Audio) and subscriptions excluded. Offer good in US only. Must be 13+ years old, US resident, have Internet access, and have or activate a Google Payments account. Limit one per Google Payment account.
See Promotional Balance Terms for more information.
To redeem, go to chromecast.com/offers

 

Yahoo’s new Video Guide app offers universal search across streaming services

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Dec 10 2015 - 9:36 am PT
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Yahoo today released a new “Yahoo Video Guide” app for mobile devices that acts as one central location for users to find content from across a long list of competitive video services and networks.

The app allows users to search from one place and then offers links to buy or start streaming the content in other apps like Amazon, Netflix, HBO GO, and many others. So you’ll still need to be a subscriber, have the app downloaded, and or purchase the content once the Yahoo Video Guide app redirects you.

And while you can just search for something you’re looking for, the app also has a Mood Picker feature that lets users pick a from GIFs to search through curated lists. 

Yahoo of course has its own Yahoo Screen app for mobile devices, but it also links to content on iTunes, Amazon Video, Hulu, Netflix, HBO GO, ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC, Xfinity, YouTube, A&E, BET, Cartoon Network, Cinemax, Comedy Central, Disney, Food Network, and others. In total it says it’s promoting over 30 video services through the new Video Guide app.

The Yahoo Video Guide Android app is available to download for free in the US. 

Google Drive gains search improvements on Android, iOS, and web

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Dec 9 2015 - 1:35 pm PT
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Google has highlighted new features for Google Drive apps today that it says make it easier to search for files on Android, iOS, and web.

Among the improvements to search in the app, you’ll now be able to narrow your search by file type and open advanced search from the search box. For iOS specifically, users can now get quick access to recent files and search from the Home screen icon using 3D Touch and the ability to search from iOS’s Spotlight feature.

Here’s a full list of improvements courtesy of Google:

  • Narrow your search to a file type from the search box on Android, iOS, and the web.
  • Open advanced search instantly from the search box.
  • Access recent files or search Drive from the home screen using 3D Touch on iOS.
  • Search Drive using the iOS search bar without opening the Drive app.
  • Search for shared files by file owner using their name or email address.
  • Use advanced search options like the date a file was modified, words it contains, or who it was shared with.

Google says the improvements for Drive will roll out to the Android and iOS apps over the coming weeks.

Google Play Music family plan now available, $14.99 gets 6 people unlimited streaming + YouTube Red

Avatar for Cam Bunton Dec 9 2015 - 9:22 am PT
4 Comments

Having announced its intention to do so earlier this year, Google is now rolling out its up-t0-6 person family plan for its popular music streaming service. Starting today, you can sign up to the Google Play Music family plan for $14.99 per month and you and your family can listen to as much music as you like without ads. Over the next few days, Android devices in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, France and Germany should see the option to sign up become available in the Play Music app.


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Songza shutting down in January, features will be folded into Play Music

Avatar for Abner Li Dec 2 2015 - 1:00 pm PT
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Google acquired music streaming service Songza in June of last year, and Songza’s unique recommended playlist feature was integrated early on into Play Music. Today, the Songza team has announced (via The Verge) that the rest of the service will be shut down on January 31st, and that Google Play Music’s free tier will soon be coming to Canada…


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Google appears to be testing partial payments with Google Play credits on paid purchases

Avatar for Cam Bunton Dec 1 2015 - 12:40 pm PT
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According to one Reddit user, Google is now seemingly beginning to allow users to part-pay for items using their Google Play Store credit. Previously, if you didn’t have enough credit to cover the entire cost of a download, you couldn’t use it. It’s particularly frustrating if an app or download is only a few cents more than what’s in your balance. If you don’t have enough, it usually defaults to your registered credit card to pay the full amount, leaving your Google Play balance untouched.
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Take 50% off any album purchase from Google Play

Avatar for Nov 25 2015 - 8:39 pm PT
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You can save 50% on any one album from Google Play this weekend. Go through this special link to activate the coupon and then the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. This is a great chance to save on music that isn’t available on any streaming services including Adele’s new critically acclaimed album. Deal expires at midnight on December 1. If for some reason Google Play does ask you for a coupon code, just enter 50ALBUM2015.

Terms and Conditions are as follows:

Get 50% off any one album of your choice. Select any album on Google Play and redeem your offer by midnight December 1, 2015. Your discount will be applied at checkout.

Must be redeemed on Google Play from compatible Internet connected devices using a Google account. Limit 1 per user. Age restrictions apply. Valid in AU, BR, CA, DE, FR, GB and US. Nontransferable. No cash value. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers or discounts. See Google Play Terms & Conditions

Google Handwriting Input app update brings five new languages including Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Urdu and Burmese

Avatar for Cam Bunton Nov 21 2015 - 6:50 am PT
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Google has updated its Handwriting Input app to include five new languages. Now, customers who speak Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Hebrew and Burmese will be able to scribble words on to the input pad, instead of having to tap or swipe across the virtual QWERTY keyboard. By adding these five new languages, Google’s handwriting recognition tool now supports 82 languages from across the globe.

What’s great about the tool from Google is that, even if you have untidy handwriting, the software still seems to do a good job recognizing your scrawling and changing it in to text on screen. In most cases, it seems to understand what I’m trying to write, even though my scribbles aren’t the most legible. Google describes it as such:

Google Handwriting Input allows you to handwrite text on your phone or tablet in 87 languages. It supports printed and cursive writing, with or without a stylus. Google Handwriting Input also supports hundreds of emojis, so you can express yourself in any Android app.

Key features:
• A useful complement to touchscreen typing or voice input
• A fun way to enter emojis by drawing
• Useful for languages that can be challenging to type on a standard keyboard
• Works across your Android phones and tablets running Android 4.0.3 and up
• If you claim your handwriting is terrible, try it out and see if it can convince you otherwise

Google Handwriting Input version 1.5.1 is available to download for free from the Google Play Store and is compatible with any Android device running Android 4.0.3 or later.

PSA: You can pick up Michael Jackson’s Thriller album free on Google Play [Updated]

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 20 2015 - 4:26 am PT
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Update: Google has now advised that the original version is included as well as the demo.

If you don’t already have Michael Jackson’s hit album Thriller in your music library, Google Play is offering the chance to download it free of charge.

There is, though, a catch. The album is described as a ‘Google Play Exclusive Version,’ and from our sampling of Billy Jean, you may find the special edition a little disappointing. It’s a demo version which sounds like he was singing it in the car …

But hey, free is a very good price.

One thing you won’t get for free on Google Play Music is Adele’s new album, 25. While it is available for preorder on both Google Play and iTunes, the singer’s management has said that it won’t be available for streaming.

LG Smart TVs gaining access to Google Play Movies & TV

Avatar for Abner Li Nov 17 2015 - 11:01 am PT
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LG says that its line of webOS and NetCast 4.0 and 4.5 smart TVs are getting access to Google Play Movies & TV. With access to this service, users will be able to watch previously bought movies and shows as well as buy new ones from the Play Store.

Users will also be able to start watching content on their LG Smart TVs resume watching later from their smartphone, tablet or PC, LG said a press release.

The ability to buy and watch movies will be rolling out to LG Smart TVs in 104 countries starting this month, while the TV service will first roll out to US, Canada, UK, and Australia.

WATCH LATEST MOVIES, TV SHOWS WITH GOOGLE PLAY MOVIES & TV ON LG SMART TVs

‘Google Play Movies & TV’ Brings Great Content to LG Smart TVs, PCs, Smartphones

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Starting this month, U.S. owners of LG Smart TVs will be able to enjoy thousands of movies and TV shows through “Google Play Movies & TV.” Compatible with LG’s industry-leading webOS Smart TV platform (as well as its earlier NetCast 4.0 and 4.5), Google Play Movies & TV will offer timeless classics, new releases, independent films and cult favorites in both HD and SD formats.

With Google Play Movies & TV, viewers can rent or buy from among thousands of movies or TV shows from major Hollywood studios. And because all the content originates from the cloud, viewers can begin watching on their LG Smart TVs at home and resume watching from where they left off the next day on their smartphone, tablet or PC.

“The smart TV market is growing rapidly and with that comes a tremendous demand for fresher, higher-quality content,” said In-kyu Lee, senior vice president and head of the TV and monitor division at the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. “Meeting this demand is LG’s highest priority, matched only by our desire to provide the best possible viewing experience on our TV products with the webOS platform. Our close partnership with Google will go a long way toward fulfilling the high expectations of LG Smart TV owners.”

Google Play Movies will become available starting this month on LG Smart TVs in 104 countries with the TV service rolling out initially in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.

Google drops minimum premium app and IAP price in 17 countries

Avatar for Cam Bunton Nov 17 2015 - 9:31 am PT
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Google has announced today that — following a successful trial in India — it will allow developers in 17 more countries to charge a lower price for its premium apps and in-app purchases. This news comes a couple of weeks after the company raised the maximum price, now giving developers much more flexibility in what they can charge customers, and hopefully enabling them to reach more customers.

The full list of countries this reaches, and the minimum prices:

  • Brazil: R$ 0.99 (was R$2.50)
  • Chile: CLP $200.00 (was CLP $500.00)
  • Colombia: COP$ 800.00 (was COP$ 2000.00)
  • Hungary: Ft 125.00 (was Ft 225.00)
  • Indonesia: Rp 3,000.00 (was Rp 12,000.00)
  • Malaysia: RM 1.00 (was RM 3.50)
  • Mexico: MXN$ 5.00 (was MXN$ 9.90)
  • Philippines: ₱15.00 (was ₱43.00)
  • Poland: zł1.79 (was zł2.99)
  • Peru: S/. 0.99 (was S/. 3.00)
  • Russia: руб 15.00 (was руб 2.00)
  • Saudi Arabia:﷼ 0.99 (was 2.00﷼)
  • South Africa: R3.99 (was R10.00)
  • Thailand: ฿10.00 (was ฿32.00)
  • Turkey: ₺0.59 (was ₺2.00)
  • Ukraine: ₴5.00 (was ₴8.00)
  • Vietnam: ₫6,000 (was ₫21,000.00)

If you’re a developer in one of these countries, you can lower the prices of your app by going to the Google Play Developer Console and clicking “Pricing and Distribution” or “In-app Products” for your apps.

MetroPCS getting its own version of Music Freedom, to stream unlimited music on $40+/mo plans

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 17 2015 - 4:40 am PT
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T-Mobile is extending its popular Music Freedom service, which allows unlimited use of Google Play Music and other streaming music services without eating into your data allowance, to MetroPCS prepaid customers – albeit under a slightly different name. T-Mobile said that its Music Unlimited service would be available on a range of plans, starting from just $40/month.

Music Unlimited includes more than 30 music streaming services, including Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, Slacker, iHeart Radio, and Google Play Music. Music Unlimited is available to new and existing MetroPCS customers on Metro’s new $40, $50, and $60 unlimited plans.

The company is also offering a Binge On equivalent, known as Data Maximizer. This compresses streaming video streams down to DVD quality to allow customers to stream three times as much video content for the same data usage … 
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Apple Music on Android: Setup and first impressions [Video]

Avatar for Cam Bunton Nov 10 2015 - 4:03 pm PT
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Apple Music is finally available to download for Android, so I wanted to give you a quick setup tour and first impressions of Apple’s second app for Google’s mobile platform. It’s free to download and offers almost all of the same features and services found in the iOS and OS X apps, including the option to sign up for a free three-month trial…

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Star Wars Battlefront gets its own official Android companion app

Avatar for Cam Bunton Nov 10 2015 - 7:34 am PT
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Thanks to the impending arrival of Star Wars: Episode VII, one of this year’s most talked-about console games is Battlefront, which is undoubtedly one of the best (if not THE best) Star Wars games of all time. And now, it has its own official mobile companion app on the Google Play Store. The Android app was just released and features a number of mini games that unlock various objects in the full Battlefront console title…


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Google launches official DoubleClick for Publishers Android app

Avatar for Cam Bunton Nov 9 2015 - 6:25 am PT
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Google has finally launched an Android app for its DoubleClick for Publishers customers. This way, those who use the service to serve or sell ads will be able to keep on top of their performance without being tied to a desktop. If you are a DoubleClick for Publishers user, you’ll be able to monitor network performance by measuring several key metrics, including impressions, clicks, click ratios and CPM as well as individual advertisement performance.

All in all, it’s a pretty simple app, but potentially very useful to DFP customers. The description itself says nothing but the following:

Provides a high-level overview of a DFP network’s performance. The data is displayed in a series of cards, which contain information associated with what’s happening in your DFP network.

As you’d expect, it’s a free download from the Play Store. It’s compatible with any Android device running 4.0.3 or later.

Google Play Services 8.3 released, brings one-tap Google sign-in, efficient wearable sync, more

Avatar for Cam Bunton Nov 6 2015 - 4:07 am PT
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Google has updated its Play Services to allow developers to make use of some very useful new enhancements to the overall experience of using Android. Google Play Services 8.3 includes updates to the way users sign in to apps, as well as new functionality for app invites, wearable data layer APIs and improvements to location services…


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Drive for Android adds sharing notifications, access to shared files without a Google account

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 4 2015 - 12:07 pm PT
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Google Drive updates arriving today include new features for the Android app including sharing notifications and the ability to share with people without a Google account.

As part of its Drive mobile app updates today, both users of the iOS and Android apps can now enable notifications for when files are shared with them. Not only is it a notification, but it also acts as a quick links to jump right into the file or folder. And in addition, Google notes that “If a file/folder owner has notifications turned on and someone requests access to their content, the owner will be notified of the request instantly on their mobile device so they can quickly grant access.”

And while the Google Drive iOS app is getting what Google describes as a new consistent sharing experience (essentially bringing it up to par with Android), Android users are getting the ability to share with people without a Google account:

Until now, a Google Account was needed to view shared files on an Android device. Now, people can do this without a Google Account just like they can on the web.

The updated Google Drive app for Android is available now.