Google's "Chromecast" now in the Philippines

Here's good news for those planning on upgrading their home entertainment system: Google's "Chromecast" is now available in the country.

Essentially a type of digital media player, "Chromecast" is a dongle-type gadget that can be plugged to the HDMI port of a compatible television set - designed to access online-hosted content via Wi-Fi Access Points or via local network connections.

When connected to an HDMI-compatible TV, a "Chromecast" dongle can be used to stream videos and/or download digital content like movies, TV shows or music. It can also be used to wirelessly "broadcast" the screen of compatible Android-driven gadgets, or mirror Google Chrome web browsing sessions on compatible personal computers.

Available via Globe retailers, "Chromecast" is discussed in more detail at Google Philippines' official blog.

"AutoMate - Car Dashboard" now officially released on Google Play

BitSpice finally rolled out Version 1.0 of its "AutoMate - Car Dashboard" app last week, officially ending the mobile suite's "beta" or testing phase.

Touted as an app that makes "common services available to you from your device while driving," "AutoMate" is geared to help owners of Android smartphones and tablets do a variety of tasks while driving - like getting directions for specific locations, search for places of interest, issue voice commands for sending messages, making or picking up calls, receive weather updates and more.

Compatible with Android devices running on Android 4.1 or higher, "AutoMate" can also be used as a media player remote control, apart from functioning as a driving companion suite for Android devices.

"Final Fantasy IX" for mobiles to roll out in 2016

Square Enix revealed last week that it is bringing the iconic "Final Fantasy IX" to select mobile and desktop platforms this year.

Originally released in 2000, "Final Fantasy IX" holds a distinction in being one of the best titles of the "Final Fantasy" series - the last one released for the first gen PlayStation game console.

The trailer of the "Final Fantasy IX" update doesn't specify when it will be available, but it does show in-game cut-scenes that feature the characters "Zidane," "Garnet," "Adelbert Steiner" and the black mage "Vivi," among others.

The trailer reveals that the "Final Fantasy IX" re-release will feature new graphics and visual elements, a new battle interface and a mobile-friendly input-control system. More information on the "Final Fantasy IX" re-release is available on Square Enix's official YouTube channel.