How to watch Google Play videos on your iOS device 

Apple has iTunes, Google has Play, and never the twain shall meet, right? Especially when it comes to sharing videos between the two platforms.
Surprise, surprise: If you've purchased a movie or TV show from the Google Play store, it's actually possible to view it on your iOS device -- no jailbreaking or other hoop-jumping required. Here's how:

(Credit: Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET) 

 

Step 1: Install the YouTube app on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.
Step 2: Run the app and sign into your YouTube account (which is the same as your Google/Gmail account).
Step 3: Tap the menu button in the top-left corner, or simply swipe to the right to reveal the menu.

Step 4: Scroll down until you see Purchases, then tap it.

All your Google Play video purchases are accessible in the YouTube app for iOS. 

Step 5: You should see all your Google Play movies and TV shows. Tap the one you want to watch!
Surprisingly easy, no? Now for the bad news: There's no opposite arrangement -- no way to view iTunes purchases on your Google device. But it's good to know you have another outlet for buying videos. And Google Play often offers freebies and discounts iTunes doesn't. (Recently, for example, the store gave away digital copies of the Will Ferrell vehicle "Elf," and for a limited time you can get free pilot episodes for a variety of TV series, including "The Newsroom," "Veep," "True Blood," and "The Blacklist."
Now, even if you don't own an Android-powered smartphone or tablet, you can watch those and other items on your iOS device. Not too shabby!

by Rick Broida