Google Stadia has been adding new games every month to convert regular players into cloud gamers. The company tried out free trials, discounts and even sent out free Stadia controllers to YouTube Premium subscribers not that long ago to encourage even more users to subscribe and try out the platform.

In a new attempt, Google Stadia is now offering a new way it could encourage gamers to join the platform (via 9to5Google). The new method allows any user to try out a select game for 30 minutes without paying a dime or providing credit information. The user needs to be logged in, so there are certainly other limitations to avoid abusing the system.

I have checked, the this also seems to work in the UK, so it’s not limited to the US only, and it may also work in other regions where Stadia is available. When you select a game (Hello Engineer is currently the only one supporting this), you’ll find a red “Play 30 min free” button. Once you start the game, a countdown will be shown in the Stadia sidebar, displaying how much time is remaining from the free trial period. Once the trial is up, you’ll see a prompt asking if you would like to purchase the game or subscribe to Stadia Pro, which would allow you to claim the game, and play it for “free” for as long as you’re subscribed.

A Google Engineer told TheVerge that Stadia will be experimenting with this new feature for the next few months, and that they plan on introducing more games with this new system. Interestingly, some of the games will differ based on user accounts, and some will have different times other than 30 minutes. 

Personally, I feel like this feature should’ve been there from the beginning for 1-2 titles, allowing users to test out what’s possible with the next generation of cloud gaming platforms. Still, it’s better late than never to see this function appear and go live.

Roland Udvarlaki

Roland is a technology enthusiast and software engineer based in United Kingdom. He is also a content creator and writer, and is best known under the name “Techusiast”.

Alphabet just released its quarterly financial report, and the company managed to pull some very impressive results. Alphabet published its Q3 2021 earnings with $65.11 billion in revenue, which is from July to September, and it’s the company’s highest recorded revenue yet for the third quarter.

The revenue was up 41% from $46.2 billion in Q3 2020, and the operating income was at $21 billion. The profit for Q3 2021 is reported to be nearly $19 billion (which is $27.99 per share), which was a lot better than the expected $24.08 per share (via 9to5Google).

In the earnings call, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, said the following:

“Five years ago, I laid out our vision to become an AI-first company. This quarter’s results show how our investments there are enabling us to build more helpful products for people and our partners. Ongoing improvements to Search, and the new Pixel 6, are great examples. And as the digital transformation and shift to hybrid work continue, our Cloud services are helping organizations collaborate and stay secure.”

Ruth Porat, CFO of Google and Alphabet, also talked about the revenues and focused on meeting expectations and delivering on its promises.

“Our consistent investments to support long-term growth are reflected in strong financial performance, with revenues of $65.1 billion in the quarter. We continued to deliver across our business by providing helpful and valuable experiences for both consumers and our partners.”

Unsurprisingly, Google’s advertising division earned the most amount, with $53.1 billion brought in by Google Search, Youtube Ads, and Google Network. YouTube’s ad revenue on its own was $7.2 billion (compared to $5.04 billion in 2020), while Google Cloud earned $4.99 billion (compared to $3.44 billion last year).

If you’d like to listen to the earnings call, you can watch and listen to the video above.

Roland Udvarlaki

Roland is a technology enthusiast and software engineer based in United Kingdom. He is also a content creator and writer, and is best known under the name “Techusiast”.

After a series of leaks, teaser images, and announcements from Google, the Pixel 6 Series finally became official on 19th October. It brings two devices, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Both of these feature a significant departure from the design on the Pixel 5 lineup and several unique color options, unlike the simple Just Black and Sage. So if you’re interested in the new phones, read this article to get an idea of what to expect from each color choice for the Pixel 6 Series before you make the plunge.

Google Pixel 6 Colors

Stormy Black

While introducing this shade for the Pixel 6, Google had to say that it’s a simple finish that’s not plain? While the phone does look simple, I don’t think it’s the definition of “not plain.” With Stormy Black, you can expect to receive a phone that maintains class and will gel with any outfit you can think of, although I would say you should be wary of fingerprints on this colorway.

Sorta Seafoam

Google defines this shade as one that brings “sophisticated, but fun vibes.” The yellow bar on top adds a pop to the phone, while the grey back (which has looked kind of green to me?) is a great foil. If you’re one for pop-py accents, the Sorta Seafoam option does have a great take on it.

Kinda Coral

For Kinda Coral, Google used the words “inviting and energetic.” Those are terms I wouldn’t argue against, as the color combination here will turn heads. And the contrast provided by the matte black bands and camera bar completes the look.

To learn more about the Pixel 6, check out the Google Pixel 6: Everything You Need to Know and FAQ article on our website.

Buy Google Pixel 6

Google Pixel 6 Pro Colors

For the Pixel 6 Pro, Google said its inspiration came from high-quality finishes on jewelry and watches, leading to a glossy finish on the aluminum frame with hints of it around the camera bar too. Let’s dive deeper into the color options below.

Stormy Black

The Stormy Black colorway on the Pixel 6 Pro picks up right where the Pixel 6 left off, although it does swap the matte black frame for a polished one. Here, the overall design of the phone is what makes it a lot better than the Pixel 6, as the curved screen and smaller bezels add to its look. For mmWave compatibility, the Pixel 6 Pro features a segment of plastic along the top of the phone; on this option, it’s black.

Sorta Sunny

The Sorta Sunny colorway of the Pixel 6 Pro mixes two pastel colors, possibly based on orange, along with a polished gold-colored frame giving it a welcoming look. Google said this is the option that they feel is luxurious and uplifting. The mmWave segment on this phone is a light peach-like shade.

Cloudy White

For Cloudy White, Google mixes a light grey and warm white tone for the back, the former at the top with the latter covering the bottom half. And the frame of the phone is a high polished silver, although the white antenna section at the top breaks the aesthetic.

Like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, while the phone’s frame may look good, it could end up picking up a lot of micro scratches, so do keep that in mind!

If you want to learn more about the Pixel 6 Pro, check out the Google Pixel 6 Pro: Everything You Need to Know and FAQ article on our website.

Buy Google Pixel 6 Pro

Which color would I pick?

Now, for me, Black has always been the color to pick, but if you’d take that option away for a moment, it’d be a different story.

For the Pixel 6, I wouldn’t mind using the Kinda Coral variant. Its light pink shade and contrasting top are colors I quite like when put together, and as for the Pixel 6 Pro, while I would have picked Cloudy White, the off-white doesn’t look pleasing to my eyes, and nor am I a Gold person. Hence, I would probably wait it out and get a Stormy Black Pixel 6 Pro.

Aryan Suren

A 21-year-old whose interest is peaked when someone says the word ‘Ecosystem’. When not doing any writing related to technology, you may find Aryan filming videos, doodling or diving into RPGs.