04
Jan
playmags

When Google first launched Play Magazines, there was an immediate backlash from users who were already subscribed to paper magazines that offer a free digital copy, as there was no way to grab said digital subscription from Google. Instead, these users were treated as if they had no prior subscription at all and were effectively forced to pay again if they wanted to read on their mobile device. Needless to say, that didn't go over very well.

Screenshot_2013-01-04-10-09-59 Screenshot_2013-01-04-10-12-21

Fast-forward to now, and you can finally get your digital fix from your analog subscription straight through Google Play. For magazines that offer such a thing – like Wired and GQ, for example – there's a new entry under the "subscribe" option: "Free for print subscribers." After selecting this entry, it's pretty cut and dry – just enter your current subscription info and you're good to go.

29
Oct
playmagazineslogo

We've already heard that Google was expanding their Play Movies and Play Music services today to new countries and with new content. Play Magazines isn't getting left out in the cold, though. Today, the storefront is opening up to our neighbors up north, in addition to signing extra content partners for a more robust distribution platform.

As part of the huge announcement Google put together, the company touted its magazine partnerships:

We’re now working with Time, Inc. to bring you even more magazines like InStyle, PEOPLE, TIME and others...We’re now working with all...the major U.S. magazine publishers."

canada1 canada2 canada6

We're definitely pleased with the major expansions that have been happening today.

10
Oct
playmagazines

Google's magazine app, Play Magazines, just received a bump up to v1.1 in the Play Store. It's a small update, but a good one nonetheless:

  • Significant performance improvements for all devices (page flipping and rendering)
  • Now available in Australia!

Screenshot_2012-10-10-12-44-48

So there you go - not only does the app work better, but now those of you Down Under can get your mag fix! At the time of writing, the update isn't yet showing in the Web Store for most of us, but you should be able to pull it down through the Device Store.

Enjoy!

Play Magazines

Download Play Magazines from Google Play
QR code for https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.magazines

22
Aug
googlemusictiny

A bunch of new fun stuff is coming down the pipeline, Google-fans! Your favorite search giant has just pushed several updates to some of its headlining properties, including Play Music, Play Magazines, and Google Goggles. We've got the full rundown for you.

Play Music

For starters, Google Music has added expandable notifications to its repertoire. It doesn't look like you'll see much more info if you expand it, but Play Music continues to be one of the best examples of how to make notifications robust and useful. Also, good news for Google TV owners: if you purchased a newer GTV box (like the Vizio Co-Star), Play Music will now be supported.