dimanche 2 février 2020

Kickstart an IT career with this CompTIA certification training

More and more people are turning toward a career in IT these days, thanks to growing demand for talented and trained professionals who can install servers, maintain networks, implement cybersecurity parameters, and much more.

The Complete 2020 CompTIA Certification Training Bundle will help you get a leg up on the competition in this competitive field by helping you prepare for some of the industry's leading certifications, and it's available for over 95% off at just $89 right now.

This 14-course bundle is packed with content that will teach you about everything from the absolute basics of IT and networking to the more nuanced elements of infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more.

You'll be preparing to ace the exams for the CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Linux+, Cloud+, Project+, and Security+ certifications through instruction that walks you through how to troubleshoot a wide range of IT problems in the real-world, and there are plenty of examples to keep you track.

You'll also have unlimited access to a wide range of practice tests and questions to ensure that there aren't any surprises when it comes time to sit for the actual exams.

Join the booming field of IT with help from the Complete 2020 CompTIA Certification Training Bundle for just $89—95% percent off its usual price.

Prices are subject to change.

 



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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip breaks cover in first leaked video

Leak comes just a few days before the announcement.

What you need to know

  • First video of Galaxy Z Flip leaks.
  • Samsung's foldable is the company's second overall and first vertical-oriented.
  • It's set to be announced alongside the Galaxy S20 series on February 11.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip folding phone has seen fewer leaks than its Galaxy S20 series counterpart, but we still know a fair amount about the vertically-oriented folding device.

For starters, it's set to fold from top to bottom, as opposed to Samsung's Galaxy Fold, which folds horizontally. It's also considerably more compact than the Fold, turning from a short clamshell into what we know as a regular-sized (but still-tall 22:9 aspect ratio) smartphone.

Now leaker Ben Geskin has published a video he obtained by someone who appears to be testing the Galaxy Z Flip in a controlled environment. It's clearly an engineering sample, with the phone, once opened and unlocked, showing a Samsung security consent form. There are also unique watermarks on the side of the phone to identify the holder. Either this person put their job at risk, or the video was stolen and distributed without their knowledge (either way, the phone's original owner is likely without a job).

According to Ishan Agarwal, this particular model's color is Mirror Purple, borne out by the reflective coating that shows reflections (and likely fingerprints after a short amount of time).

In this video, you can also see the small 1-inch ticker OLED, which shows the time and date and, presumably, incoming notifications and even, according to previous leaks, functions as a viewfinder for the selfie camera.

Once opened you can see the phone's tall inner display, which is expected to be covered by the first iteration of a folding glass that should make it more difficult to damage with everyday use.

What are the specs?

Because of the phone's long development lead time, we're expecting specs in-line with most 2019 phones, not ones upcoming in 2020. This includes a Snapdragon 855+ SoC and 8GB of RAM as opposed to the upcoming Galaxy S20 series' Snapdragon 865 and 12GB of RAM.

Category Galaxy Z Flip
Operating System Android 10
One UI 2.0
Primary Display 6.7-inch
Super AMOLED
2630 x 1080
22:9 aspect ratio
HDR10+
Secondary Display 1.06-inch
Super AMOLED
300 x116
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+
Memory 8GB RAM
Storage 256GB
Expandable ❌
Rear Camera 1 12MP primary camera
f/1.8 aperture
Rear Camera 2 12MP ultra-wide camera
f/2.2 aperture
123-degree field-of-view
Front Camera 10MP
f/2.0 aperture
Battery 3,300 mAh

When will the Galaxy Z Flip be released?

While we're not sure when the Galaxy Z Flip will be released to the public, it's possible that it will come out alongside the Galaxy S20 series on March 6.

How much will the Galaxy Z Flip cost?

Nothing definitive has been revealed at this point about the Galaxy Z Flip's price, but it's rumored to be in the neighborhood of $1,500 USD when it's released, coming in a bit lower than the original Galaxy Fold's $1980 price tag.



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Super Bowl 2020 live stream: Start, what channel, & how to watch free

The biggest NFL game of the year, Super Bowl 2020, takes place on February 2, which is today! Whether you are attending a party, planning to stay home, or will be traveling, one thing you may be wondering is how to watch the Super Bowl live stream. Well, there are a lot of different ways, and a lot to know about the ways to watch rhe Super Bowl live stream online.

It's been a crazy season so far, and for once the New England Patriots won't be playing in the big game. This year, we have the San Francisco 49ers playing against the Kansas City Chiefs, and it is shaping up to be an exciting game.

Whether you care about football or not, there is a whole lot to enjoy about the Super Bowl. From the epic Super Bowl half-time performances to the amazing commercials that will debut, you are going to want to find a way to stream it live. Luckily, it doesn't matter very much where in the world you are located, it's pretty easy to find a way to tune in and watch the Super Bowl online for free.

How to watch Super Bowl 2020 live stream online with a VPN

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, can be used for a number of things these days. Sure, one of the key advantages to using one is that it keeps your browsing data secure, but it can also help you watch content that you may not normally have access to.

Our favorite VPN provider is ExpressVPN. From strong security to fast speeds and great prices, there is a lot to like about the company. You can use the VPN on a variety of your devices, like phone, tablet, PC, and more, all at the same time. For a limited time, ExpressVPN is offering a 30-day money back guarantee, 3 months free, and a 49% discount when signing up for the annual plan.

You'll want to take a few minutes now to get things set up on your devices. Installing the VPN isn't hard, but you won't want to be configuring things just minutes before the kick off. Whether you are in the U.S. and are looking for another streaming option, or an area where you can't find a reliable way to stream it, a VPN is a perfect choice.

ExpressVPN

See latest price at ExpressVPN

No matter where in the world you may be, a VPN is one of the easiest ways to live stream the Super Bowl for free. Get going with this great offer, and then continue using it for all the additional security benefits after the Super Bowl has ended.

Having difficulty finding a reliable free live stream of the Super Bowl? Connect your new VPN to a UK location, any of them will work, and as soon as you do your device will show a UK IP address. After this, navigate to TVPlayer.com and you're set. TVPlayer.com is a free, legal online streaming service in the UK. It doesn't offer any commercials, so you won't see the new ads, but you do get an commercial-free experience for the game, which is great for many. TVPlayer also has a free DVR service, so you can record it now, and watch it later.

Super Bowl Channel: Who is broadcasting the big game?

It changes each year, but this year Fox has the rights to the Super Bowl broadcast. This means that you'll be able to find the game on your local Fox affiliate network, as well as via the Fox Sports apps on your phone, tablet, TV, and more.

Super Bowl 2019 was broadcasted by CBS.

Can you use an OTA antenna to watch the Super Bowl?

One of the easiest ways to watch the Super Bowl will be via an OTA antenna and tuning in through your local Fox affiliate. This won't work for everyone, so you'll want to check out this handy map to see if that's an option for you or not.

Once you confirm that you can receive a broadcast where you live, you'll need to make sure you have an antenna that reaches how far the provider is away from you. From here, all you need is to scan your TV's tuner to grab the channel, and then turn on the big game on Sunday! There are a lot of great options out there. You can order one from places like Amazon, Best Buy, and more, or just go into a local Walmart or Target and pick one up.

You will need to make sure your TV has a tuner built-in so that you can get this working. Look on the back of the TV for a coaxial input and you'll be set.

How to live stream Super Bowl 2020 for free in the U.S.

You'll need to check your local area to see which (if any) streaming provider offers Fox for you. Since contracts differ by market, we aren't able to pinpoint which service will work best for you. There are a few that may work for everyone, and some that won't work except for in a few select areas. Here's where to look for a live stream of the Super Bowl:

Some of these even offer free trials, so once you confirm that the program will be available in your local market you can strategically sign up for a trial to watch the game without even paying anything out of pocket.

Fox is the way to go

Fox is streaming the Super Bowl this year, so you'll be able to tune your TV to the local Fox affiliate to watch the game for free. If you don't have cable anymore, you'll need to be a bit more creative to watch it!

Creating a profile on Fox Sports' website grants you free access to streaming the game in stunning 4K Ultra HD. On Fox you'll be able to see the pre-game coverage, the game itself, half-time show, and all the best commercials.

Fox Sports lets you watch it from a web browser, the free Fox Sports mobile app for iPhone and Android, and also on Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, Android TV, and more. That's a whole lot of options for streaming on the big day.

Update: Fox and Roku have reached another agreement so that the apps can stay on Roku Streaming Media Players. This means you'll still be able to download and use the Fox Sports app to live stream the Super Bowl.

Follow along with CBS

You'll be able to use the CBS All Access app on your PC, phone, or tablet to follow the game from wherever you may be when it starts. CBS All Access offers a library of over 10,000 episodes of current and past TV favorites, along with a Live Feed that showcases big sporting events in over 150 cities.

Aside from your mobile devices, you can also get CBS All Access set up on your Fire TV Stick, Roku, PlayStation 4, Xbox, Apple TV, and more. It is a paid service, though the company does offer a free 7 day trial. While you won't be able to watch the whole game, you can follow along with commentary, updates, and more.

How to watch Super Bowl 2020 live stream in 4K

Unfortunately, you won't be able to get a 4K live stream of the Super Bowl from every service out there. Your best bet is via the Fox Sports network, which will stream it in 4K on compatible Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku hardware. Several of these devices are even on sale right now ahead of the Super Bowl.

In addition, Verizon has announced that it will stream the game in 4K for those who have a Fios One Set Top Box and Comcast will also offer a 4K feed. You'll need to be an X1 customer with a 4K TV and eligible set top box (XG1v4s and Xi6s) in order to view it though. Be sure to contact your cable provider to find out if you are eligible or how you can upgrade to become eligible.

How to watch Super Bowl 2020 online for free in the UK

The easiest option for those in the UK looking to watch the big game is BBC One. The company has streamed the big game for free for the past five years, and this time around is no different.

Since BBC One is broadcasting it, this means that you can also view it on the free BBC iPlayer app, which works on phones and tablets as well. Be sure to have all the apps installed and set up ahead of time so you don't miss out on any of the game day action.

In addition to BBC One, Sky Sports will also be broadcasting the game for free. If you won't be in the UK during the game, but prefer to watch local coverage of the event, remember to use a VPN to make that easier.

How to watch Super Bowl 2020 live stream in Canada for free

Much like last year, and the previous few years, CTV/TSN is going to be your best bet in Canada. It's the official broadcaster for the Super Bowl in Canada, and you'll be able to watch it on your TV or mobile device using the CTV Go app.

If you need another option in Canada, DAZN will be streaming the Super Bowl in Canada. It's a subscription service, so you will have to pay the monthly rate, but DAZN offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service.


Super Bowl 2020: When, where, and more

When is Super Bowl 2020?

Super Bowl 2020 takes place on Sunday, February 2. The game will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. This is the home stadium for the Miami Dolphins normally, and has a capacity of just over 65,000 people.

What time is kickoff for Super Bowl 2020?

The kickoff time for Super Bowl 2020 is 6:30pm ET. This is the same time it kicks off each year, though you can expect a few hours of pre-game information to be shown on TV ahead of the kickoff. Be sure to tune in starting at around 6pm if you're interested in watching the National Anthem performance, seeing the coin flip, etc.

What teams are playing in Super Bowl 2020?

We now know what teams will be playing in Super Bowl 2020. This year, the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Miami. On Sunday, January 19 the 49ers were able to beat the Green Bay Packers with a final score of 37 to 20. As for the Chiefs, the team bested the Tennessee Titans by a score of 35 to 24.

Both of these teams have been in the Super Bowl previously (and won), though this match up has not taken place yet. It should prove to be an exciting game as the Chiefs had a regular season record of 14-4 and the 49ers came in at 15-3.

Who is singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl 2020?

Before the game begins, Demi Lovato will take to the field to sing the national anthem in front of the crowd. Lovato is well-known Grammy-nominated singer who has had many #1 hit songs in the U.S. While Lovato sings it, Christine Sun Kim from the National Association for the Deaf (NAD) will be sign the National Anthem in American Sign Language.

Who's performing the half-time show at Super Bowl 2020?

Whether you care about the game itself or not, most likely you are interested in the half-time performance. This year, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (J-Lo) are teaming up for what's sure to be an incredible show.

Last year, Maroon 5 offered up what many said was an underwhelming performance, but odds are that these two ladies bring the heat this year to Miami. Previous half-time artists include Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Slash, Prince, and many more.

What Super Bowl commercials will debut in 2020?

While it's not exactly known which commercials will be showcased during the big game, you can expect to see all the big players bring some heat. Last year, we saw ads from Mint Mobile, Pepsi, Doritos, and more.

It's said that both Michael Bloomberg and Donald Trump spent a cool $10 million on a 10 second advertisement slot to promote their respective campaigns according to TechRadar.

Who won the Super Bowl in 2019?

Last year's big game was won by the New England Patriots, who played against the Los Angeles Rams. It was a low-scoring game, with the final being 13 to 3 in favor of New England.



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NVIDIA Shield Android TV (2019) specs

This box packs a ton inside, and manages to offer top-of-the-line specs for just $199.

The Android TV marketplace isn't the most diverse, but there's a clear winner in the high-end here with the NVIDIA Shield Android TV. Its success and superiority start on the inside with its top-notch specs. They blow the competition in the Android TV world out of the water, and it's no surprise that they're capable of handling all of your media tasks but also higher-end gaming. Here's everything that's inside the Shield Android TV, in both its standard and Pro version.

Category Shield Android TV Shield Android TV Pro
Operating system Android TV 9.0 Pie
Chromecast 4K
Android TV 9.0 Pie
Chromecast 4K
Processor NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor
256-core NVIDIA GPU
NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor
256-core NVIDIA GPU
RAM 2GB 3GB
Storage 8GB
Expandable storage over microSD
16GB
Adoptable storage over USB Flash or hard drives
Video output 4K HDR at 60fps
Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
AI-enhanced upscaling for 720p/1080p uto 4K up to 30fps
4K HDR at 60fps
Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
AI-enhanced upscaling for 720p/1080p uto 4K up to 30fps
Audio output Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround sound over HDMI
High-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz over HDMI
Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround sound over HDMI
High-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz over HDMI
Gaming NVIDIA GeForce Now
NVIDIA GameStream
Android gaming via Google Play Store
NVIDIA GeForce Now
NVIDIA GameStream
Advanced Android gaming via Google Play Store
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band, 2x2 MIMO
Bluetooth 5.0 LE
Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band, 2x2 MIMO
Bluetooth 4.1 LE
IR receiver
Ports microSD card slot
Gigabit Ethernet
HDMI 2.0b w/ HDCP 2.2 and CEC
USB-A 3.0 (2)
Gigabit Ethernet
HDMI 2.0b w/ HDCP 2.2 and CEC
Dimensions 40 x 40 x 165 mm
137 g
98 x 159 x 26 mm
150 g

NVIDIA Shield TV

Our pick

$130 at Amazon $130 at Best Buy

The best balance of price and features

The non-"Pro" NVIDIA Shield TV is a compact new design that still delivers outstanding performance and improved AI-powered upscaling. A great choice if you want the best Android TV experience.

NVIDIA Shield TV Pro

Subtle upgrade

For hardcore streaming enthusiasts

$200 at Amazon $200 at Best Buy

The Shield TV Pro is the better choice if you care about expandable storage, using your Shield TV as a Plex server, and care about making the most of NVIDIA's gaming offerings. It offers more connectivity options and can be used as a hub for SmartThings.



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samedi 1 février 2020

Which Chromecast devices work with Stadia?

Best answer: Playing Google Stadia on a TV only works with a Chromecast Ultra for now, and beyond that, you also need a Stadia controller. Anyone who owns an earlier Chromecast model should upgrade to an Ultra if you want to play Stadia on a TV, or wait for Google to eventually add support for older Chromecasts.

You need both a Chromecast Ultra and Stadia controller to play on a TV

By most accounts, Google pretty much bungled the launch of Stadia. As it stands now unless you've bought the Stadia Founders Edition or Premiere Edition you're not going to be able to play Stadia games on your TV.

That's because you'll need both a Chromecast Ultra that has the latest Stadia firmware updates, along with a Stadia controller. That's the only configuration that currently works for TV play, so even if you already own a Chromecast Ultra you will still need to buy a standalone Stadia controller if you want to play on your TV. A software update that adds support for other controllers to be connected to a Chromecast Ultra might come at some point down the line, but for now, the Stadia controller is your only option.

You can still play Stadia through a Chrome browser on your PC with a keyboard and mouse or a controller, albeit only with a controller that's been connected via USB. You can also play on a Google Pixel phone (from the Pixel 2/2 XL up to the latest Pixel 4/4 XL) with any Bluetooth controller you might already own including the Stadia controller. Google has a chart that outlines which controllers are compatible with Stadia, although it's worth noting that any Bluetooth controller that you can connect to your Pixel phone should be able to connect with the Stadia app.

Why can't I use regular Chromecast?

One reason why the Chromecast Ultra is the only Stadia-compatible Chromecast device is simply that it's the only one that supports 4K HDR content. Google wants early adopters to experience the best that Stadia has to offer, which is why they bundled in a three-month Stadia Pro subscription for pre-orders and with the Premiere Edition. Only Stadia Pro subscribers can play in 4K at 60 frames per second with HDR, so if you bought the bundle you get everything you need to enjoy Stadia in blissful 4K. So, following that logic, it seems pretty clear why adding compatibility to older Chromecast devices wasn't a top priority.

It's still relatively early in the Stadia launch cycle and many promised features have yet to arrive on the service. On Google's Stadia FAQ page, it states that there might be future announcements regarding additional Chromecast device compatibility, so we may still see support arrive for older Chromecasts — hopefully alongside Chromecast-enabled smart TVs and other Android TV products with built-in Chromecast functionality.

Chromecast Ultra

4K HDR power

$69 at Amazon

The best Chromecast you can get

It's double the price of the standard Chromecast, but for that money, you can stream games and video in 4K HDR and get an Ethernet adapter in the box. It's also the only Chromecast device that works with Stadia.

Best for living room gaming

Google Stadia Premiere Edition

$129 at Google

No console, no maintenance, just video games

The Stadia controller is your only option for couch gaming on Stadia. Until full wireless support is added for Chrome and phones, it's hard to recommend this expensive bundle for Google's gaming service.



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Small hands? No problem for these small Android phones

The definition of a small phone has changed throughout the last couple of years as the smartphone industry has moved to taller displays. One way manufacturers have kept phone sizes small is by trimming the bezels, and that's the direction Samsung took with the Galaxy S10e. It's perfect for one-handed use but doesn't skimp on the screen real estate.

Perfect size

Samsung Galaxy S10e

Staff Pick

The Galaxy S10e comes in vibrant colors and offers a 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED FHD+ display that's perfect for one-handed use. The S10e has a flat display and a fingerprint sensor on the left side. Samsung hasn't compromised on the internal hardware, with the phone sporting the same Snapdragon 855 chipset as the S10 and S10+.

$650 at Amazon

Google's best

Google Pixel 4

Google has done a stellar job releasing the "same" Pixel 4 in two different sizes. The Pixel 4 doesn't miss out on any features from its larger sibling — it has the same specs, cameras, and stereo speakers. The display may be smaller, but it's the same quality. Really, the only downside here is battery life, which is frankly poor.

$630 at Amazon

Pure Android

Nokia 7.1

The Nokia 7.1 has been replaced by the newer 7.2, but its successor is much larger. To stay compact, stick with the 7.1 and you'll save money at the same time. It has a vibrant 5.8-inch HDR10 display, and the Snapdragon 636 ensures you don't see any lag. Then there's the software — the Nokia 7.1 runs Android One, guaranteeing a clean interface and timely security updates. Best of all, it's available officially in the U.S.

$209 at Amazon

Amazing camera for less

Google Pixel 3a

Take the software, capabilities, and camera of the Pixel 3, but cut the price down — now you have a Pixel 3a. Strategic cutbacks in the hardware and specs are noticeable. But you may not care when you get to save a few hundred dollars and keep that compact form factor you desire.

$340 at Amazon

Mid-range marvel

Honor 10

The Honor 10 stretches the definition of a small phone as it comes in just shy of 150 mm, but its narrow form factor makes it great to use one-handed. The design at the back is evocative, the phone offers excellent value for money, and the 3400mAh battery is more than adequate for all-day usage. But you don't get a warranty in the U.S.

$290 at Amazon

Unbelievably inexpensive

Nokia 5

The Nokia 5 is incredibly inexpensive, but that also means it keeps things modestly sized with just a 5.2-inch display. The specs are basic, as is the design, but for this money, you can't have any complaints. But it's one of the smallest modern full-featured phones you can get today.

$100 at Amazon

If we're making some suggestions

The market for small phones is dwindling, but there are a few reliable options still available. The Galaxy S10e brings you the core Galaxy S10 experience in a smaller package and also a lower price. Yes, it's still a little pricey, but if you're after a small, flagship smartphone, it's the way to go.

The Google Pixel 4 also keeps the size down, but its battery life is on the weak side and doesn't have the same pile of features the S10e does. There are plenty of compelling less-expensive options too, like the Pixel 3a and even-cheaper Honor 10 if you're on a tighter budget.



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Play these amazing Android games on your NVIDIA Shield TV

As NVIDIA proclaims in every piece of marketing, the Shield Android TV box is "the streamer for gamers." It also happens to be the best TV streaming box for playing games developed for Android TV from the Google Play Store. Want to start playing? Here are some games to try.

Note: The NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) is not quite as gamer-ready as its predecessors and the Shield TV Pro (2019). NVIDIA went with a 32-bit version of Android TV and also downgraded the RAM on its tube-shaped streaming dongle to just 2GB. This has affected the base model's compatibility with some 64-bit games from the Play Store including several on this list (Borderlands, Metal Gear Solid 2, Half-Life 2, The Witness, and Portal). Meanwhile, the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) is still fully compatible to play all games developed for the Shield lineup.

An epic zombie-filled road trip

Death Road To Canada

Staff pick

$10 at Google Play Store

Death Road to Canada is one of those games that offers a unique gaming experience every time you play and is full of unexpected surprises. It's a survival game where your goal is to outrun a zombie apocalypse by driving to Canada. Featuring randomly generated locations, characters, and events, it's a game that's chock-full of surprises that will keep you coming back for more.

Explore alien planets

Morphite

Free, $5 for full game at Google Play Store

Morphite is sort of a mix between No Man's Sky and something like Metroid Prime, wherein there's a whole universe of procedurally generated planets to explore like the former alongside a full-fledged campaign mode with missions that require space combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming. While it played pretty well on a smartphone, it really reaches new heights playing it on a big TV screen with a controller in your hand.

Hide in a box

Metal Gear Solid 2 HD

$10 at Google Play Store

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is arguably the best game in Hideo Kojima's legendary series and you can relive it all in the HD remastered version for the NVIDIA Shield. Step into the role of Solid Snake as he sneaks through a heavily-defended tanker to gather intel on a new Metal Gear weapon in development, and then play as Raiden, a rookie Spec Ops agent who's on a mission to infiltrate an evil corporation's compound to save the President... and the world!

Traffic is a mother trucker

ClusterTruck

$15 at Google Play Store

ClusterTruck is a frantic physics-based first-person platformer where your goal is to leap between semi-trucks that are just barrelling down roads and getting blown up by falling rocks, laser beams, and all other sorts of crazy obstacles. You want to go as fast as possible, but if you touch the ground you lose. This is a great game to take turns playing with friends, as it's basically like playing "the floor is lava" with super-human jumping powers.

High concept puzzle game

The Witness

$10 at Google Play Store

If you consider yourself a hardcore puzzle gamer, you owe it to yourself to check out The Witness, one of the most beautifully crafted and challenging puzzle games ever conceived. At first glance, this appears to be a rather standard puzzle adventure game, where you wander around a mysterious island solving grid puzzles all the livelong day, things become quite layered as you start to unravel the true nature of the island and just how deep the puzzle theme extends

Epic loot shooter

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

$15 at Google Play Store

The Borderlands franchise is a gloriously unique first-person shooter, mixing genre elements from action, RPG, and FPS into an addictive experience that's topped off with the beautiful cel-shaded graphics and a storyline featuring razor-sharp wit. The Pre-Sequel was originally released in 2014 for the major consoles and fits in story-wise between the first and second Borderland games. As such, it largely uses the game mechanics from Borderlands 2, while adding in some new weapons and elements. The game also supports co-op play, although sadly, no split-screen co-op is available at this time.

Wacky couch multiplayer fun

Ultimate Chicken Horse

$12 at Google Play Store

Ultimate Chicken Horse is a unique party platformer that'll have you and your friends gather around the TV like it was 1998 again. Equal parts strategic and stupid, this game is great fun to get a few friends together and have at it (if you've got the right number of Shield controllers to accommodate the crew — third-party Bluetooth controller support is lacking). The goal is to build a level with enough traps to sabotage your opponents while leaving a clean route for yourself to make it through the level and reach the goal. Everything is packaged in a fun, cartoony art style, with a host of farm animals as your disposal as playable characters.

Construct bridges…with Portals!

Bridge Constructor Portal

$5 at Google Play Store

Bridge Constructor is a great physics-based puzzle game in its own right, but the Portal spin-off takes the concept and adds in all the wacky elements from Aperture Laboratories. Through 60 test chambers, your goal is to get the test vehicles to the end of the course any way you can using portals, along with propulsion and repulsion gels while avoiding deadly lasers, pits of acid, and sentient turrets. It's an outstanding cross-over title that provides a challenge that will delight fans of Bridge Constructor and Portal alike.

Not your grandma's Metal Gear

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

$15 at Google Play Store

Right off the hop, for those wondering this game is nothing like the stealth action found in Metal Gear Solid, the crown jewel of the Metal Gear franchise. Instead, this is a slick-looking hack-and-slash action spin-off title starring Raiden, whom fans will remember best from the aforementioned Metal Gear Solid 2. he story revolves around conflicts between rival Private Military Companies, with some corporations actively looking to court chaos to keep the war economy chugging along. We won't dive too much into the plot specifics, but just want to reiterate that this is nothing like the gameplay found in Metal Gear Solid games.

As we wait for the sequel…

Half-Life 2

Free w/IAPs at Google Play Store

Half-Life 2 is a masterpiece of a game. It's the sequel to 1998's groundbreaking first-person shooter Half-Life. If you own an NVIDIA Shield and have never played Half-Life 2, you owe it to yourself to check this game out. You don't have to have played the first one, but if you need a bit of the backstory: You play as Gordon Freeman, a quiet scientist who previously worked for Black Mesa Research Facility and accidentally opened a portal to another dimension. Half-Life 2 picks up with Freeman being awoken from stasis, learning that the world has fallen under the control of the Combine, an inter-dimensional empire that has implemented a brutal worldwide police state to control the human race.

Step aside, Mr. Hawk

Skateboard Party 3 ft. Greg Lutzka

$2 w/IAPs at Google Play Store

Fans of the classic Tony Hawk Pro Skater games from back in the day who lament the storied franchise's current state should check out Skateboard Party 3. It's a throwback game to those classic skateboarding games we loved from the late 90s and early 00s before things went awry. The game physics and controls feel very familiar and you're given a couple of game modes to choose from. In Career mode, you get four minutes to explore the eight different locations and rack up a huge score, collect P-A-R-T-Y scattered around as floating letters, and find other hidden items. Things are unlocked by spending experience points, which you collect by completing challenges and landing tricks.

Another classic from Valve

Portal

$10 at Google Play Store

When you're making a list of best games, and Portal is one of the options to include, you know it's going to be in there. It is one of the most fun and inventive games of all time. If you've never played Portal before, I'm actually jealous because it means you get to experience this outstanding game fresh for the first time. This game is celebrated justly for its brilliantly subtle storyline, mind-bending puzzles, and one of the most celebrated video game villains of recent times. It's been ported beautifully over to the NVIDIA Shield TV via the Google Play Store.

There's even more on GeForce Now

Beyond the offerings from the Google Play Store, NVIDIA offers its own GeForce Now service which lets you stream a whole bunch of great PC games from the cloud, including the insanely popular Fortnite. You'll find many games available to play for free, while other AAA titles are available for purchase.

NVIDIA Gamestream also lets you stream your favorite PC games from your gaming rig to your NVIDIA Shield TV — assuming your setup uses an NVIDIA's graphics card.

If we were to choose one game for you to check out, we'd recommend Death Road to Canada, which offers one of the most unexpected and surprising experience on NVIDIA right now.

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Google Play Gift Card

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Pay to play

Getting a play gift card is the safest way to load up your Google account with credit to use towards buying premium games without overspending.



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