Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai. Photo: Google
Google is keeping a keen eye on Apple — and promising to do everything faster, better and cheaper than Cupertino. That’s the takeaway from today’s impressive Google event, during which the world got its first look at tons of new services, devices and features coming soon to a screen near you.
Here are all the ways Google answered Apple at the San Francisco event, a few ways Google surged ahead — and some gratuitous jabs at Cupertino.
New design, new features, new Chromecast. Photo: Google
Google’s inexpensive TV dongle is finally getting a much needed update today as the tech giant revealed two brand new Chromecast models at its press event in San Francisco. Google also loosed a redesigned Chromecast app, Photos support, and Spotify for the video device. The newly-designed TV-centric Chromecast dongle (which comes with an integrated HDMI cable) and a brand-new audio device named Chromecast Audio (also in an delightful dongle design), are both available starting today for $35 each.
Get a move on…to iOS! Photo: Apple
In a bold new move, Apple has just placed its first Android app on the Google Play Store.
No, it’s not Apple Music for Android, but rather Move to iOS, a new app that lets Android switchers easily transfer all their data and information over to a brand new shiny iPhone.
The first video game that’s officially sanctioned as canon by Lucasfilm is a free-to-play game? Photo: Kabam
There’s been a disturbance in the Force: a free-to-play Star Wars game has arrived for iOS and Android, and it’s surprisingly damn good.
Star Wars: Uprising is the first video game that’s actually canon to the new Star Wars Universe, taking place between Return of the Jedi (VI) and the upcoming The Force Awakens (VII).
That alone merits a download, but once you start playing, you’ll find a really well-written storyline, some deep customization options, and an addictive gear collecting and upgrading system that will keep you going back for more. Check out the trailer below for some glorious Star Wars action.
No, that’s not a giant hand. Photo: The Nipper
Modern mobile phones need a lot of power; chances are we’ve all got an external battery pack (or at least a second cable and wall plug) tucked away in a bag somewhere that will charge up our Android and iOS mobile phones while we’re on the run.
The thing is, those things need to be taken along with you when you leave the house. If you’re like me, though, that requires a heck of a lot of cognitive overhead and pre-planning.
The whole point of the Nipper, this tiny new mobile phone charger that uses two AA batteries to give you a bit of juice when needed, is to always be available.
