26 December 2019

Huawei reportedly got by with a lot of help from the Chinese government


For those following Huawei’s substantial rise over the past several years, it’ll come as no surprise that the Chinese government played an important role in fostering the hardware maker. Even so, the actual numbers behind the ascent are still a bit jaw dropping. Huawei reportedly had “access to as much as $75 billion in state support,” according to a piece published by The Wall Street Journal on Christmas Day.

That massive figure is culled from poring over various forms, including grants and tax breaks. Huawei, for its part, isn’t denying any government support, but said in response that those it received were “small and non-material,” in line with the usual variety of grants awarded to tech startups and companies.

Per WSJ’s accounting of public records, Huawei got around $46 billion in loans and other support, coupled with $25 billion in tax cuts used to accelerate tech advances. There’s also a billion or two here and there for things like land discounts and grants. At very least, it seems China had a vested interest in the rise of a hardware company that could go head to head with the likes of Apple and Samsung. Certainly it’s not unheard of that a government would foster some growth in the form of grants, but there’s a clear question of how much. 

The phone maker’s alleged close ties to its government have been a major sticking point in its swift international expansion. Such notions have raised flags in the United States, where the company has been barred from provided mobile hardware for government bodies. Many leaders have also raised concerns over use of Huawei telecom equipment, as the company looks to be a linchpin in a global 5G rollout.

Due to such perception and central role in U.S./China trade tensions, it’s no surprise the company was quick to deny any such ties. Huawei has, of course, been hampered by a U.S. trade ban that has barred the use of U.S. originated hardware and software. A domestic push and patriotic ad campaign, however, have helped its sales figures in China, even as it has struggled to expand in other parts of the world.


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Cosmo and Google create a mobile Watch Party for the new season of ‘You’


The second season of the Penn Badgley romantic murder drama “You” launches on Netflix today — and along with it, a new project called Cosmopolitan Watch Party.

You can hit play on the Watch Party website at the same time as you hit play on each episode, kicking off an experience that runs alongside the show. Watch Party will show you content from Cosmo that’s tied to what you’re seeing on-screen, and it’s often drawn from interviews with the cast and crew.

Cosmopolitan Editor in Chief Jessica Pels said her publication created Watch Party with Google News Lab, a team that collaborates with newsrooms to create new experiences as part of the larger Google News Initiative. The idea was to respond to broader shifts in TV viewing, where “binge viewing is the thing, appointment viewing is not.”

She added, “As a viewer, if you don’t catch it in that moment, you feel like you’re left out of that conversation. That’s why we’re bringing the conversation to you.”

Pels was hesitant about revealing too many details about Watch Party content, since so much of it is tied to the twists and turns of the new season. But as an example, she said Watch Party could reveal that Badgley described “a certain song that he listens to when he’s trying to get into the headspace of this murderer, in order to get into this scene.”

Cosmo Watch Party

Not everyone will embrace the idea of constantly looking at their phone while they watch Netflix, but Pels said Cosmopolitan’s traffic data suggests that plenty of viewers are doing it already. She also emphasized that it’s “all flat content” consisting of text and graphics, with no video or sound.

“You don’t want to be annoyingly distracted from the show,” she said, describing it as “true companion content” that you can check when you want and ignore otherwise.

Simon Rogers, data lead at Google News Lab, told me that Pels and her team were given access to exclusive Google Trends data for additional insight into which characters and cast members viewers were responding to. The News Lab also built a built custom content management system for Watch Party that could be used for similar experiences in the future.

Not that Pels has necessarily decided what the next Watch Party will be.

“I kind of want to leave ourselves open to the right partnership or the right next opportunity for how best to execute round two,” she said.


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Cosmo and Google create a mobile Watch Party for the new season of ‘You’


The second season of the Penn Badgley romantic murder drama “You” launches on Netflix today — and along with it, a new project called Cosmopolitan Watch Party.

You can hit play on the Watch Party website at the same time as you hit play on each episode, kicking off an experience that runs alongside the show. Watch Party will show you content from Cosmo that’s tied to what you’re seeing on-screen, and it’s often drawn from interviews with the cast and crew.

Cosmopolitan Editor in Chief Jessica Pels said her publication created Watch Party with Google News Lab, a team that collaborates with newsrooms to create new experiences as part of the larger Google News Initiative. The idea was to respond to broader shifts in TV viewing, where “binge viewing is the thing, appointment viewing is not.”

She added, “As a viewer, if you don’t catch it in that moment, you feel like you’re left out of that conversation. That’s why we’re bringing the conversation to you.”

Pels was hesitant about revealing too many details about Watch Party content, since so much of it is tied to the twists and turns of the new season. But as an example, she said Watch Party could reveal that Badgley described “a certain song that he listens to when he’s trying to get into the headspace of this murderer, in order to get into this scene.”

Cosmo Watch Party

Not everyone will embrace the idea of constantly looking at their phone while they watch Netflix, but Pels said Cosmopolitan’s traffic data suggests that plenty of viewers are doing it already. She also emphasized that it’s “all flat content” consisting of text and graphics, with no video or sound.

“You don’t want to be annoyingly distracted from the show,” she said, describing it as “true companion content” that you can check when you want and ignore otherwise.

Simon Rogers, data lead at Google News Lab, told me that Pels and her team were given access to exclusive Google Trends data for additional insight into which characters and cast members viewers were responding to. The News Lab also built a built custom content management system for Watch Party that could be used for similar experiences in the future.

Not that Pels has necessarily decided what the next Watch Party will be.

“I kind of want to leave ourselves open to the right partnership or the right next opportunity for how best to execute round two,” she said.


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The 8 Best TV Ambilight Kits for Pleasing Background Lights


add-background-light-tv

The Philips Ambilight kit adds ambient backlight effects to televisions to compliment on-screen video content. The kit is part of a broader TV backlight market.

These can sometimes detect what’s on the screen to provide the best TV ambient lighting, but cheaper models rely on you changing the color manually.

Here are some of the best TV backlights and Ambilight alternatives.

1. LEDGlow Million Color Home Accent Lighting Kit

LEDGlow Million Color Home Accent Lighting Kit LEDGlow Million Color Home Accent Lighting Kit Buy Now On Amazon $59.99

Specifically engineered for home theater use, the LEDGlow Million Color Home Accent Lighting Kit spices up any TV panel. Its 30 ultra-bright, wide-angle SMD LEDs offer plenty of color and brightness options. Plus, there’s a wireless remote and receiver with color scan adjustment, sound, brightness, and fade activation.

You’ll find a generous eight primary colors here, too. This kit features two 15-inch light tubes and two nine-inch light tubes with four five-foot mini-USB connections.

You can set the LEDGlow accent lighting to switch between its eight primary color modes or the million color fade mode, which gradually cycles through the entire color spectrum. The remote allows you to vary the speed, sleep, and memory features. A 120-volt power supply powers the LEDs.

All these features make the LEDGlow the best TV backlight for a home theater. While it isn’t the cheapest option, the kit comes with everything you need to set up ambient lighting for your TV.

2. Luminoodle Color Bias Lighting

Luminoodle Color Bias Lighting Luminoodle Color Bias Lighting Buy Now On Amazon $25.29

The Luminoodle Color Bias Lighting is a great TV ambient light kit. It’s compatible with TVs up to 70 inches and adheres to the back of monitors with 3M adhesive tape. This makes installation simple, easy, and long-lasting. There’s a wireless remote, as well as an on/off switch on the LED string.

Luminoodle uses 15 colors, three fade modes, and ten brightness levels. For power, Luminoodle has a USB-powered color lighting strip. As such, it’s incredibly simple to hook up to any television, game console, or other multimedia device and makes cable management a breeze.

3. Hamlite LED TV Backlight

Hamlite LED TV Backlight Hamlite LED TV Backlight Buy Now On Amazon $29.99

If you want an effective Ambilight kit alternative that doesn’t cost a lot, try the Hamlite LED TV Backlight. It comes in three different lengths to fit all the main TV screen sizes. There are 18 colors to choose from, so you can get the right ambiance to fit your mood.

The RF remote that comes with this backlight is very well-designed. Not only can it work in a 360-degree angle, but it also works up to distances of 60ft. When you want to change the lights, just pick up the remote and set the color and light pattern from where you’re sitting.

4. Nexillumi LED Strip Lights

Nexillumi LED Strip Lights Nexillumi LED Strip Lights Buy Now On Amazon $14.98

Fancy controlling an ambient TV lighting kit with your phone? Then check out the Nexillumi LED Strip Lights. You can control the color from an app and choose from 16 million different colors to get that ambiance just right.

It’s also quick and straightforward to install on the back of your television. The strips use tough 3M adhesive to ensure they go up and stay up. The light strip is easy to bend, so you can comfortably weave the wire around the back of your television.

There is just one length to choose from, but there’s a good reason for that. The bendiness of the wire allows you to bunch up or spread out the wire according to the space you have to work with. This makes the Nexillumi a great one-size-fits-all solution for ambient TV lighting.

5. CPLID USB Powered LED Strip Lights

CPLID USB Powered LED Strip Lights CPLID USB Powered LED Strip Lights Buy Now On Amazon $27.99

If you have difficulty finding TV ambient lighting that fits your screen size, take a look at the CPLID USB Powered LED Strip Lights range. It covers the majority of screen sizes between 24 inches and 70 inches, which makes these strips perfect for every screen size.

Due to its USB power source, the lights can turn on and off with the TV, thus saving energy in the long run. The addition of a remote control makes these strip lights easy to operate.

6. Bason TV LED Backlight

Bason TV LED Backlight Bason TV LED Backlight Buy Now On Amazon $22.99

If you’ve been considering TV ambient lighting for a bedroom screen, you may not like the idea of a brightly-lit wall when you’re trying to sleep. The Bason TV LED Backlight, however, has a few key features that make it the best TV LED backlight for bedroom use.

For one, you can change how bright the lights are via the remote. There are eight different brightness levels for you to try out and see which one is to your liking. When its time for bed, you can use the power button on the remote to shut the lights off.

If you enjoy watching TV while you drift off, you can use the sleep timer feature. This automatically shuts off the lights after 30 minutes, so they don’t interfere with the quality of your sleep.

7. Emotionlite Bias Lighting LED Strip

Emotionlite Bias Lighting LED Strip Emotionlite Bias Lighting LED Strip Buy Now On Amazon $16.97

The Emotionlite bias lighting LED strip backlight is another spectacular ambient light strip for TVs. Like many Ambilight kits, it’s super easy to install. Just stick it to the back of a monitor with 3M adhesive, and plug in the USB port for power.

There’s a wireless remote for changing colors and patterns, and it fits TVs up to 60 inches. Add to this its critical acclaim with customers, and it’s easy to see why Emotionlite’s Ambilight kit is a fantastic addition to any media room.

8. Adalight DIY Ambient Lighting Project Pack

Although many Ambilight kits come ready to install, Adafruit’s Adalight DIY Ambient Lighting Project Pack is perfect for DIY buffs. Whereas many ambient lighting packages are plug and play, Adafruit’s DIY set up makes use of open-source tools.

Additionally, if you plan to go the DIY route, you can opt for Hyperion. It’s a phenomenal means of adding ambient backlighting to your Recalbox retro gaming arcade on a Raspberry Pi. Ultimately, do-it-yourself ambient lighting is a rewarding and feasible project idea.

Making the Most of Your TV

There’s a lot of choice out there if you want to ambient TV lighting to your setup. However, the options we’ve listed are among the best, and a great place to get started.

Once you’re set up, if you want to improve the picture quality of your TV, check out the best HDMI cable for TVs.

Read the full article: The 8 Best TV Ambilight Kits for Pleasing Background Lights


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The 9 Best Free Movie Apps to Watch Movies Online


movie-apps

The age of streaming is upon us. In the move from cinema and cable TV to the internet, a handful of paid movie streaming apps—such as Netflix and Hulu—have become extremely popular.

However, there are a lot of free movie apps that will let you watch and download movies. All for free, and all legally. So, without further ado, here are the best free movie apps available.

1. Tubi TV

Free movie app Tubi TV screenshots

Tubi TV has a catalog of free movies, neatly sorted into categories by genre, like horror, romance, and comedy. You can also browse through featured and most popular movies. As far as the movies go, they’re high quality, and the movie player works smoothly.

As a bonus, all of the films have subtitles available. Logging in will give you the option to add movies to your queue, which is accessible across devices, and even on the web version of Tubi TV. You also get an option for screencasting.

Download: Tubi TV on Android | iOS | Roku | Xbox One | PlayStation 4 | Amazon Kindle Fire (Free)

2. Popcornflix

Free movie app Popcornflix screenshots

Popcornflix is a free movie app that offers a great collection of movies. The app presents you with a wall of free movies, sorted by categories, with the new arrivals shown right on top.

Popcornflix also has exclusive content, called Popcornflix Originals. The movies are of good quality, and streaming works smoothly. The movie player can be a tad overwhelming but is feature-rich and smooth. Popcornflix will also let you stream TV series for free.

Download: Popcornflix on Android | iOS | Roku | Xbox One | PlayStation 4Amazon Kindle Fire (Free)

3. Yidio

Free movie app Yidio screenshots

Yidio is a very convenient source for you to find movies. This free movie app comes with a twist: most of its free movies are not on the app itself. Yidio will point you to a lot of other free movie apps, which you can use to watch movies online for free.

The catalog is gigantic, given that Yidio aggregates content from a lot of other free movie apps. The only issue is that there are quite a lot of paid movies and subscription movie apps listed. However, Yidio lets you manage movies very efficiently, which means that with some tweaking, you can find thousands of free movies.

Download: Yidio on Android | iOS | Amazon Kindle Fire (Free, subscription available)

4. Sony Crackle

Free movie app Sony Crackle screenshots

Sony Pictures is a big name in the film industry, and when it comes to watching free movies online, Sony Crackle lives up to its reputation. Sony Crackle has one of the best collection of free movies out there, with a mix of old classics and new hit movies.

The movie player works smoothly and is easy to use. The free movies are ad-supported, so you have to watch a few ads. However, the ads are not too intrusive and seem like a fair price to pay for the kind of content Sony Crackle provides. Crackle also lets you watch TV shows online for free.

Download: Sony Crackle on Android | iOS | Roku | Xbox One | Windows | PlayStation 4 | Amazon Kindle Fire (Free)

Sony Crackle also has a website, which is among our picks for the best free movie streaming sites.

5. SnagFilms

Free movie app Snagfilms screenshots

SnagFilms is a great free movie app for indie movies and documentaries. The catalog consists of a great selection of critically acclaimed independent movies. The movie player is simple, and most of the free movies are of a high quality.

Like most free movie apps, SnagFilms is ad-supported. However, the ads are not too intrusive or frequent. SnagFilms’ catalog focuses on classics and indie films, so don’t expect the latest releases.

Download: SnagFilms on Android | iOSRoku | Xbox One/Windows | PlayStation 4 | Amazon Kindle Fire (Free)

6. Pluto TV

Free movie app Pluto TV screenshots

Pluto TV is one of the most feature-rich free movie apps on this list. It has a simple user interface, despite packing in so many features. When you open the app you’re greeted with Pluto’s free TV channels, with a dedicated tab for free movies and TV shows.

There are also live channels on which you can watch free movies as they play, and a range of other free TV channels with a variety of other content. The movie player is nice and clean, with subtitles available for most free movies. You can sign in to customize Pluto TV to your needs.

Download: Pluto TV on Android | iOS | Roku | Windows/Mac | PlayStation 4 | Amazon Kindle Fire (Free)

7. Vudu

Free movie app Vudu screenshots

Vudu (what is Vudu and how does it work?) has a great collection of ad-supported free movies. The catalog is one of the biggest for any free movie app, and new movies are added regularly. You can choose to watch free movies in your preferred choice of quality.

Vudu lets you browse its catalog immediately, but you have to sign in order to watch movies. While Vudu has a focus on their rentals, you can select the “Free” tab to see the collection of free movies. The free movies are easy to spot otherwise, as well, having the “Free with Ads” label on them.

Download: Vudu on Android | iOS | Roku | Xbox One/Windows | PlayStation 3 | PlayStation 4 (Free)

8. FilmRise

FilmRise offers a free movie and TV app experience that lets you jump in right away with limited ad interruption. Like most movie apps, you can scroll through a category-heavy homescreen at launch. If you want to explore another way, the browse button allows you to filter between movies, TV, and recently added titles directly.

The search feature also offers an in-built trending list, so you can see what others are watching. While browsing, you can also select any title and add it to a watchlist for later. The only downside is that its catalog is mostly filled with older movies, with the occasional newer title thrown into the mix.

Download: FilmRise on Android | iOS | Roku | Amazon Kindle Fire | Xbox One/Windows (Free)

9. Plex

Plex is a free movie app that works on almost any media device. If you own it, you can use Plex on it. On top of offering free movies and TV, you can also stream web shows, news, and podcasts.

The only obvious downside to Plex comes in the mandatory account linking before you can start streaming. Plex offers a very basic search engine, so you need to try different titles to see what you like. To help encourage exploration, this free movie app also remembers where you left off on multiple titles, so you can easily continue watching.

Download: Plex on Android | iOS | Roku | Amazon Kindle Fire | Playstation 4| Xbox One (Free, subscription available)

Some Free Movie Apps Are Region Limited

It’s important to remember that when it comes to movies, copyright is a big concern. This means that the apps in this list are available in a limited number of countries.

If one of these free movie apps is not available in your country, you might want to consider using a VPN, rather than sideloading apps from unreliable sources.

On the other hand, if you would rather download a movie rather than streaming it, check out our guide detailing how to legally download movies for offline viewing.

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The 7 Best Coding Apps for Kids to Learn Programming


best-coding-apps-kids

Young children learn languages better. While older brains may be more efficient, younger brains are increasingly malleable. Like spoken languages, it’s an excellent idea for kids to foray into programming languages.

But just as old and young brains differ in retention, so too do learning methods. Kids coding apps offer many opportunities to teach children programming. It’s a fun, controlled environment.

Rather than send children to a coding boot camp, check out these best coding apps for kids to learn programming.

1. Kodable

Kodable’s tagline reads “programming for kids, made with love.” Its easy lessons target kindergarten to fifth graders. While the K-3 curriculum is mostly foundational, fourth and fifth grade learning shifts to a focused set of topics. Kodable adheres to programming standards which teach JavaScript. Since JavaScript is an excellent language for beginners, the fundamentals Kodable enforces foster fantastic programming skills.

Plus, progression through lessons remains fun. Games arrive as a set of challenges like navigating a maze. But Kodable doesn’t keep programming concepts too simple. Rather, Kodable even includes notions including looping and branching.

Largely Kodable presents if/then decisions to initially present the concept of programming. Moreover, Kodable makes learning JavaScript fun by using gamification. Overall, Kodable is a solid entry-level means for kids to learn programming.

Why it’s great: Kodable can be accessed via the web or an iPhone app and introduces basic programming concepts like looping and branching.

Download: Kodable for iOS ($6.99/month, seven day free trial)

2. Daisy the Dinosaur

Fact: dinosaurs are awesome. Similarly, Daisy the Dinosaur is one of the best coding apps for kids, with mini-games to teach children programming basics.

For instance, a loop-deloop challenge encourages kids to use word commands to make Daisy perform various moves. But there’s a catch: you’re limited to using the spin command once. A hint suggests nesting the spin command inside the repeat five command.

Daisy the Dinosaur isn’t just one of the best coding apps for kids to learn programming because there’s a dinosaur. Although the dino protagonist certainly helps, it’s more the spectacular focus on coding and its challenges.

Furthermore, Daisy the Dinosaur doesn’t seem tech oriented. On the surface it’s a simple word and puzzle solving game. While Daisy the Dinosaur might be a bit short, it’s free and fundamentally sound.

Why it’s great: Daisy the Dinosaur is free, simple, offers fundamental concepts dressed as puzzles, and appeals even to non-techie kids.

Download: Daisy the Dinosaur (Free)

3. Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar

The Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar by Fisher-Price offers a unique bonus: an app and optional offline toy. It’s aimed at younger children, ages three to six.

While it’s an excellent idea to start kids off with hands-on tech and programming edification, too much screen time yields detrimental results. Therefore, the Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar app and its corresponding toy work in conjunction.

With the app (which doesn’t require the toy) kids solve puzzles—basic computer programming and coding concepts.

However, some of the directions might be slightly challenging for smaller kids, so it’s best if an adult supervises.

Why it’s great: There’s a corresponding physical toy in addition to the standalone app. Plus, music and effects can be disabled for a distraction-free experience.

Download: Thing and Learn Coda-a-Pillar (Free)

4.Tynker

Tynker is a solid app, giving children the chance to “tinker” with and get hands on with programming for kids.

Like many apps for kids to learn programming, Tynker infuses coding with excitement. As a platform, it boasts a smattering of choices. Kids can code robots and drones, mod Minecraft, build apps and games, or explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

Children begin with code using visual blocks before starting with Python and JavaScript. Tynker starts with visual blocks before moving up to actual code, so there’s a clear learning path.

A comprehensive environment with levels of increasing advancement makes Tynker one of the best mediums for kids to learn programming.

Why it’s great: It’s free and offers paid tiers and mobile apps for iOS. Tynker allows kids to make neat projects and grows as kids do.

Download: Tynker apps for iOS (Free with in-app purchases)

5. Nancy Drew: Codes & Clues—Mystery Coding Game

Nancy Drew: Codes & Clues—Mystery Coding Game presents learning with games, and a subtle STEM theme with its protagonist.

The premise is simple yet effective. There’s a narrative about a tech fair and a mystery to solve. Along the way, kids drag and drop visual code blocks into their proper places. Certain mini games involve selecting costumes, and kids will find this a superb entry-level coding app for STEM development.

Because of its balanced gameplay, Nancy Drew is one of the best coding apps for kids to learn programming.

Why it’s great: Intuitive, entertain gameplay and STEM themes. Want your little ones to grab an appreciation for science and technology? Check out the best STEM toys for toddlers.

Download: Nancy Drew: Codes & Clues iOS | Android | Amazon Fire (Free with in-app purchases)

6. Algorithm City: Coding Game

Employing cute cube animals to teach basic coding concepts, Algorithm City introduces command sequencing, functions, and loops. A level-based game approach is employed, with the player guiding a character to collect gold.

In all, 51 levels are available across four chapters, split as follows:

  • Educational Chapter has six very basic levels.
  • Easy Chapter covers 15 levels, teaching coding basics.
  • Normal Chapter across 15 levels teaches loops by using functions.
  • Hard Chapter has 15 levels and teaches functions.

With simple interface, easy controls, and a choice of player character, Algorithm City teaches children procedural programming. Progression is smooth, with difficulty increased incrementally, although the game can be completed in 90 minutes of solid play.

Download: Algorithm City: Coding Game (Android)

7. ScratchJr

Finally, what many consider to be the best coding app for kids: ScratchJr. This youth-oriented variant of the main Scratch development tool is widely used in schools and is popular with children. There’s a good chance your little ones have already used this tool.

As explained on the ScratchJr website, this app is aimed at children aged five to seven years. A simple user interface is based around a stage, programming area, and blocks palette, alongside editing tools.

The result of collaboration Tufts University’s DevTech Research Group, the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, and the Playful Invention Company, ScratchJr is accompanied by the Official ScratchJr Book and coding cards. You’ll find plenty of tutorials online, too.

Download: ScratchJr for Android | iOS | Amazon | ChromeOS

The Best Coding Apps for Kids to Learn Programming

Although programming might sound incredibly advanced, it’s an excellent idea to get kids started early. These coding apps for kids provide a spectacular opportunity for kids to learn programming.

Reckon your children are getting a bit bored with programming apps? Now might be the time to change the mood and point them to some coding games for kids.

As your kids grow older, you may even want to introduce them to these awesome coding games for learning programming.

Read the full article: The 7 Best Coding Apps for Kids to Learn Programming


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A Guide to Every Angry Birds Game Ever Released


angry-birds-guide

It all began in 2009 with some unhappy birds and some nasty pigs. The Angry Birds game series from Rovio Entertainment remains popular to this day. The birds have traveled, the pigs have evolved, and the fun has never stopped for fans of the Angry Birds franchise.

If you are an Angry Birds enthusiast and are wondering just how many games there are or which ones you missed, this article will help fill the gaps in your knowledge. We list every Angry Birds game ever released, including the entries in the main series and spin-offs.

Angry Birds (2009)

angry birds original

The game that started it all, Angry Birds, is still available for those of you who have never played. The birds and pigs have come a long way since this original was released. But, if you want to see how it all began, this is your game.

Using your handy sling shot and aiming skills, you pull back to fling the birds and take out the piggies. You can knock down their structures or land a direct pig hit. Each bird has special abilities for attacking the structures, so use them to their advantages.

Red is the angriest bird, Chuck flies through wood, Bomb is perfect for blowing up metal, Matilda drops explosive eggs, and The Blues (Jim, Jake, and Jay) shatter glass. In later games, you will also meet Terence, who looks like an enormous version of Red, and Stella, who breaks things with bubbles.

Download: Angry Birds for Android (Free)

Angry Birds Seasons (2010)

Next in the franchise came Angry Birds Seasons. With the same bird-flinging, pig-eliminating action, this game brings seasonal themes. You still try to pass the level, score big, and earn stars, but do so in a different environment.

With each change of the season or holiday that arrives, so do new themes and levels. What started as simple spring, summer, and Halloween soon expanded into back-to-school, basketball, and Hollywood themes.

Download: Angry Birds Seasons for Android (Free)

Angry Birds Rio (2011)

To spice it up, the birds head to a new location in Angry Birds Rio. This game came along with the animated movie Rio and its follow-up Rio 2. And this next in the series brings boss battles as a new game feature.

The feel of the game and the look of the birds are both different from the first two games. Plus, your enemies are monkeys instead of pigs, but gameplay is basically the same and Angry Birds Rio has neat graphics.

Download: Angry Birds Rio for Android (Free)

Angry Birds Friends (2012)

angry birds friends

For the same fun and gameplay, but with a twist of competition, play Angry Birds Friends. In regular tournaments, you play against your Facebook friends to see who can score the highest. As long as you land in the top three when the tournament ends, you win coins. Then, use those goodies to buy helpful power-ups.

You can also earn extra coins for ranking in leagues and send in-game gifts to your pals. Each tournament has six levels and most last for about a week. Although, some shorter tournaments will pop up now and then to mix things up.

Even though Angry Birds Friends has been around for years now, the game is still widely popular. And, as someone who plays daily, this is a definite favorite in the series for me.

Download: Angry Birds Friends for Android | iOS (Free)

Angry Birds Space (2012)

angry birds space

For a real challenge, Angry Birds Space takes the series out of this world. What’s different about this bird-flinger, aside from taking place in outer space, is gravity and lack thereof. If you’re an expert at the first few games, you will be in for a surprise with this one.

Pigs are floating through the galaxy and asteroids are everywhere. While there’s obviously no gravity when floating about space, you will experience it in certain spots. Tip: try to use those asteroids to your advantage to take out the pigs.

Download: Angry Birds Space for Android (Free)

Angry Birds Star Wars (2012)

Angry Birds Star Wars is obviously another space-themed adventure, but with characters from the hit Star Wars movies. You begin your journey on Luke Skywalker’s home planet Tatooine, and make your way to Hoth and beyond.

The birds have different skills in this game and are equipped with weapons you will recognize from the movie. To complete the theme, you can enjoy the theatrical music and cool effects. For Star Wars fans who love Angry Birds, this is a dream game.

Download: Angry Birds Star Wars for Android (Free)

Angry Birds Star Wars II (2013)

angry birds star wars ii

Both good games and good movies often have follow-ups. If you like Angry Birds Star Wars, then continue the saga in Angry Birds Star Wars II. The unique part about this game is that you can play as a pig for the first time. Successfully play through 17 bird levels, unlock the pork side, and join the pig force.

Angry Birds Star Wars II brings characters like Yoda, Anakin, Mace, and Jango Fett. You can also swap characters as you play. With two sides to every story, this cool take on the game series and the movie is fun for fans of both.

Download: Angry Birds Star Wars II for Android (Free)

Angry Birds Go! (2013)

angry birds go

Rovio Entertainment decided in 2013 that it was time to take the birds to the track. Angry Birds Go! is completely unlike the previous games because it is a kart racer, not an arcade puzzle. You race through Piggy Island collecting coins, unlocking rewards, and upgrading your ride.

The game also offers local multiplayer mode and tournaments to join. If you love the Angry Birds theme and characters then you might like Angry Birds Go!. But if you dislike racing games, then this is not the follow-up for you.

Download: Angry Birds Go! for Android (Free)

Angry Birds Epic (2014)

As the first role-playing game (RPG) in the series, Angry Birds Epic gives you a new way to take down the pigs. Travel from sunny beaches to snowy mountains as you fight your enemies. You’ll have to collect powerful weapons and use some magic to defeat your foes and the big boss pigs.

Angry Birds Epic lets you compete with others, join events, and fly to the top of the leaderboard (hopefully). If you want a taste of how Rovio Entertainment spins Angry Birds into an RPG, check out Angry Birds Epic.

Download: Angry Birds Epic for Android (Free)

Angry Birds Transformers (2014)

Maybe Transformers is more your speed than Star Wars. If that’s the case, Angry Birds Transformers will take you on a cool, 3D adventure. With Red as Optimus Prime and the rest of the clan joining him, it’s up to you to help the Autobirds save Piggly Island. Get ready to defeat the EggBots by joining forces with the Deceptihogs.

Upgrade your transformers with awesome weapons and slick skills. And then, team up with friends for some real fun. Angry Birds Transformers is a side-scrolling, action-packed shooter. But is it more than meets the eye? Give it a play and find out.

Download: Angry Birds Transformers for Android | iOS (Free)

Angry Birds 2 (2015)

If you were wondering if an official sequel to the original would appear on this list, the answer is yes. Angry Birds 2 takes your favorite birds to the next level. This one has the same concept and similar gameplay, but really shows you how far the series has changed.

The first major difference is that Angry Birds 2 has multi-stage levels. This makes for interesting and challenging gameplay. Next—and this is one of the greatest features—you can choose your bird. That’s right, you are no longer stuck with the line-up you see. Pick the best bird for the job to go first, second, and so on.

Along with these awesome features, you can enjoy defeating the big bosses in battles, competing against other players in the Arena, and casting wicked spells for powerful effects. Check out our full review of Angry Birds 2 for more.

Download: Angry Birds 2 for Android | iOS (Free)

Angry Birds Blast! (2016)

The most unique game of the bunch is Angry Birds Blast!. It’s a match-three puzzle with boosts, power-ups, daily challenges, and special events. Make matches next to pigs to knock them out, pop bubbles, and free birds from their nests.

This level-based challenge takes strategy and patience to meet the goals. You can connect to Facebook to see how well your friends do and complete quests for nifty game rewards. If you are a match-three puzzle player who also enjoys Angry Birds, you will like Angry Birds Blast!.

Download: Angry Birds Blast! for Android | iOS (Free)

Angry Birds Evolution (2017)

One of the newer games to the group is Angry Birds Evolution. This game is similar to Angry Birds Action! with its role-playing gameplay. Starring the characters from The Angry Birds Movie, it’s a battle to the end.

Assemble your team, compete against others, and join weekly events to earn great rewards. If you enjoy role-playing battle games and love the birds, then prepare to take out the pigs before they take end you in this latest adventure.

Download: Angry Birds Evolution for Android | iOS (Free)

Angry Birds Match 3 (2017)

Angry Birds Match 3 is perfect if you enjoy the match-three genre, love the cute little hatchlings, and cannot get enough of those angry feathered fliers.

Match items like popsicles, beach balls, and jellies. And, connect more than three to summon the powerful birds who can take out rows and columns or blast away tiles. With over 1,000 levels, boosts to help your game, and thought-provoking puzzles, Angry Birds Match 3 might just be your ideal match.

Download: Angry Birds Match 3 for Android | iOS (Free)

Angry Birds Dream Blast (2019)

With content from The Angry Birds Movie 2, take out those bubbles with your favorite characters in Angry Birds Dream Blast.

You’ll pop groups of same-colored bubbles as you solve the challenging puzzles in this pick-up-and-play game. Try to pop large groups of bubbles and you’ll get special powers courtesy of those cute and colorful Angry Birds friends.

Download: Angry Birds Dream Blast for Android | iOS (Free)

Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs (2019)

Join your feathered pals to save the stolen eggs in the modern augmented reality adventure Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs.

With over 40 levels, you’ll see the characters and game come to life in your living room. Using AR, you’ll move around structures, figure out angles, look for hidden surprises, and take on the piggies in your own space. If you enjoy augmented reality challenges, you’ll enjoy Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs.

Download: Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs for Android | iOS (Free)

Discontinued Games

Not all Angry Birds games proved popular. After short stints, these games were discontinued:

  • Angry Birds Fight!: 2015 – 2017
  • Angry Birds Action!: 2016 – 2017

All of the Angry Birds Spin-Offs to Play

Several other Angry Birds games have seen a release as well. They’re not part of the mainline series, but offer even more action if you’re looking for something a bit different.

  • Bad Piggies (2012): Build contraptions and take the pigs to safety in this puzzle challenge.
  • Angry Birds Trilogy (2012): The console trilogy of Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, and Angry Birds Rio. You can still buy it for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii.
  • Angry Birds Stella (2014): Originally titled Angry Birds Stella POP!, the game was later changed to Angry Birds POP! (below).
  • Angry Birds POP! (2015): Match three or more in this colorful bubble shooter.
  • Angry Birds Champions (2018): Player versus player with monetary prizes.
  • Angry Birds for Messenger (2018): Angry Birds 2 gameplay in Facebook Messenger.
  • Angry Birds POP Blast (2019): Sequel to Angry Birds POP!, match-three where you play as bird and pig at once.
  • Angry Birds Explore (2019): Spin-off of Angry Birds Action! with minigames.
  • The Angry Birds Movie 2 VR: Under Pressure (2019): Console puzzle adventure based on the movie.

Angry Birds Keep Flying

For over a decade, Angry Birds has been entertaining both adults and kids. From games to movies, the fanbase remains intact and loyal, and the Angry Birds keep on flying!

However, as popular as Angry Birds remains, there are newer games also worth playing. With that in mind, check out these trendy mobile games.

Read the full article: A Guide to Every Angry Birds Game Ever Released


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