Google took me to new heights
Google’s experience was all about the Play Store, which has been undergoing some interesting changes. There was a fairly long line and a huge Ferris wheel outside the convention center. The experience was to promote the Marvel Contest of Champions game, which is available now on the Play Store. While waiting in line, attendees could play the game at stations set up with Android phones, choosing a character to fight and hopefully win against multiple characters on a quest map.
After that, you wait in line a bit longer to take photos with cardboard cutouts of some Marvel characters before hopping onto the Ferris wheel. With the hot San Diego sun beaming over me, I was, fortunately, able to enter the much faster VIP line with a Hero Pass, available to Play Points users with Silver status or higher.
Samsung brings Game of Thrones to life
The space was appropriately decorated like a scene out of “Game of Thrones,” including a chair where you could sit and have your photo taken. Samsung had tables where you could sit and play the game using various devices, including foldable phones like what I assume was the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
After playing the game a bit and waiting in line, I filled out a form asking about Android phones, Galaxy devices, and the latest Galaxy AI features. Samsung seemed to be gauging interest in its new phones and features, with one final question inquiring about price (the new Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 had their prices increased by 0).
After signing up on a Galaxy tablet, I tried my hand at a claw machine where I could win Funko Pop figurines. I also did not get a prize, but an emcee was also picking people in line to answer questions about Samsung devices (“What are the latest Samsung devices called?”), offering more chances to win prizes.
