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PHYND Beta Launches on Samsung Gaming Hub in the U.S., Bringing Free Smart TV Gaming to Millions

Samsung Smart TVs customers can instantly play console-quality games – no console, download, or subscription required

STAMFORD, CT — May 18, 2026 — PHYND, the first fully free game streaming platform for TVs, today announced the beta launch of its service on Samsung Gaming Hub in the United States, unlocking on-demand access to a growing catalog of premier titles—at no cost to players. Available directly on Samsung Smart TVs, PHYND removes traditional barriers to gaming with a seamless, controller-ready experience that begins in seconds; no console, download, or subscription required.

The beta launch marks the first step in PHYND’s broader rollout strategy as the company continues expanding its game catalog, platform partnerships, and player experience ahead of wider availability.

With this launch, PHYND introduces a new model for how games are discovered, distributed, and played—creating clear value for consumers, while opening new revenue opportunities for developers and consumer reach for brands and marketers.

“PHYND was built to make gaming as easy and accessible as watching TV,” said André Swanston, Founder & CEO of PHYND. “Launching in beta on Samsung Gaming Hub, allows us to begin bringing free gaming to millions of players while continuing to refine and expand the experience alongside our partners and community. At the same time, we’re creating a powerful new pathway for developers and publishers to connect with millions of players and monetize their games.”

At launch, PHYND features a curated lineup of standout titles from global studios and publishers like Microids, Fishing Cactus, Tate Multimedia, 34 Big Things, Plug In Digital, with new games added on a rolling basis. Highlights include:

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

The Smurfs: Dreams

Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury

Garfield Kart 2 — All You Can Drift

Survivor: Castaway Island

Inspector Gadget: MAD Time Party

Kao the Kangaroo

Marsupilami: Hoobadventure

Redout 2

Yono and the Celestial Elephants

Together, these titles span a range of genres including narrative adventures, arcade racers, platformers, puzzle games, and arcades—highlighting PHYND’s commitment to bringing top-tier diversified gameplay to smart TVs.

“We welcome PHYND and its innovative approach to free game streaming to millions of Samsung Smart TV users across the U.S.,” said Isaac Sundsted, Director of Gaming Strategy & Business Development at Samsung. “Samsung Gaming Hub was built to make discovering and playing games seamless, and PHYND’s launch further expands the experience with even more great content players can instantly access at no additional cost.”

PHYND beta is now available on Samsung Gaming Hub on Samsung Smart TV models from 2022 and newer in the United States—no console, download, or subscription required. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for PHYND to appear in the launch bar, search, and Gaming Hub on some Samsung TVs. Players can also sign up at phynd.games to join the waitlist and be notified about expanded availability and upcoming features and titles.

PHYND to Bring Free Cloud Gaming to Amazon Fire TV Devices and Fire Tablets

Post author By Andres Gallego
Post date May 6, 2026

PHYND to Bring Free Cloud Gaming to Amazon Fire TV Devices and Fire Tablets

Expanding Access and Convenience for Avid and Casual Gamers Alike through PHYND’s cloud-gaming services

PHYND, the most anticipated free, ad-supported smart TV cloud-gaming service, today announced its app will be available across Fire TV devices and Fire tablets. This marks PHYND’s first cross-device initiative, enabling players to enjoy high-quality, subscription-free gaming on multiple screens—whether they are at home or on the go.

PHYND transforms smart TVs and compatible devices into instant gaming hubs, providing a seamless experience for both avid gamers and casual players. Users will be able to play a curated library of top-tier AAA and indie titles without consoles, downloads, or subscriptions, using their remote, smartphone, or gamepad.

“PHYND was built on the belief that gaming should be accessible, fun, and effortless for everyone,” said André Swanston, Founder & CEO of PHYND. “Amazon helped bring that vision to life in a new, cross-device way—giving millions of players the freedom to play anywhere, on multiple devices, without barriers.”

PHYND also delivers a developer-friendly monetization model. Our ad-supported service aligns with the economics of game studios and publishers: the more a game is played, the more creators earn. Developers can reach a larger, more engaged audience through non-intrusive advertising and sponsorships, fostering sustainable growth in the cloud gaming space.

Cloud gaming revenue is projected to reach $12 billion by 2026, and PHYND is positioned to expand that space by redefining how games are discovered, played, and monetized across multiple devices.

PHYND will be available on compatible Amazon devices in beta this summer.

Marshawn Lynch “Gets PHȲND” Ahead of the Big Game, Tackles Video Gaming’s Gatekeepers

Post author By Andres Gallego
Post date February 6, 2026

Marshawn Lynch “Gets PHȲND” Ahead of the Big Game, Tackles Video Gaming’s Gatekeepers

New campaign promotes PHȲND’s free gaming experience on Smart TVs

Stamford, CT — February 6, 2026 – PHȲND, the free cloud gaming platform that makes high-quality games instantly accessible on Smart TVs, has partnered with cultural icon and investor Marshawn Lynch to launch a bold, no-nonsense campaign ahead of the NFL’s Big Game. Channeling Lynch’s famously candid press room persona, the campaign is an open invitation to gamers of all types to get PHYND: “No console. No cost. No BS.”

Titled “Gaming Without the BS”, the campaign kicks off the weekend of February 7 on Sinclair Broadcasting stations in more than 60 markets and will soon run across streaming inventory on Samsung and LG smart TVs, as well as on digital and social platforms. Created in collaboration with award-winning agency Quirk Creative, the campaign blends humor, cultural relevance, and a powerful product truth: gaming shouldn’t come with barriers. In a world where console and PC gamers are expected to shell out hundreds for hardware and subscriptions and casual gamers have few big-screen options, PHȲND offers subscription-free streaming of games on the smart TVs people already own.

“I’ve always done things a little different and PHȲND’s on that same type of time,” said Marshawn Lynch. “No console. No downloads. No monthly subscriptions. Just turn on the tv and you’re in the game. No waiting. No wallets. None of that other BS, ya feel me. That’s how I get down.”

Launching with social teasers and a hero spot built around Lynch’s unmistakable presence, the campaign uses well-known barriers to gaming to spotlight a seamless, ad-supported way to play. As a driving force behind the Seattle Seahawks’ lone Super Bowl win to date in 2014, Lynch knows what it means to break through barriers—and now he’s bringing that same energy to PHȲND. Through animated game characters and a clever twist on a famous Lynch moment, PHȲND invites everyone—casual players, diehards, and first-timers—to discover what it means to game without the gatekeepers.

“At PHȲND, we believe gaming should be as accessible as turning on your TV,” said André Swanston, Founder and CEO of PHȲND. “The economics of gaming are broken – players spend more but somehow games studios make less. This campaign is our way of saying the future of gaming is on your screen.”

PHȲND is riding a wave of momentum, including an oversubscribed $10M seed round and breakthrough partnerships with TV manufacturers, like Samsung and LG, and ad tech firms, like Magnite. With this campaign, PHȲND turns its attention to consumers, seeking to engage sports fans and everyone who loves to play – especially those underserved by gaming consoles and subscription platforms.

“PHȲND’s console-free, smart TV platform is a bit of a middle finger to the gatekeepers of gaming and we wanted the campaign to carry that same contrarian spirit. Marshawn Lynch was the perfect partner: a seasoned gamer, a comedic powerhouse, and a cultural icon whose legendary press moments gave us the perfect creative hook,” said Emily Draper, Creative Director, Quirk Creative. And with animated characters that reflect the full spectrum of today’s gamers, we hope people see themselves in PHȲND, because when the barriers fall away, everyone can play, connect, and sometimes, win.”

PHȲND will launch first on Samsung TVs in early 2026, with LG TVs close behind and plans to announce more device partnerships throughout the year. By removing the financial and technical hurdles that have long limited gaming access, PHȲND is redefining what it means to play, turning every living room into a launchpad for fun, connection, and discovery. Sign up for early access at phynd.games and experience gaming without the BS.

PHȲND Joins Forces with LG to Bring Free Cloud Gaming to Millions via Gaming Portal in 2026

Post author By Andres Gallego
Post date January 28, 2026

PHȲND Joins Forces with LG to Bring Free Cloud Gaming to Millions via Gaming Portal in 2026

Empowering developers to distribute and monetize their games across 240 million LG Smart TVs

Stamford, CT — January 29 – PHȲND, the most anticipated free, ad-supported Smart TV cloud gaming platform, announced today that it is bringing its groundbreaking platform to LG’s Gaming Portal in 2026. Millions of LG Smart TV users around the world will soon gain instant access to high-quality games that are truly subscription free to play—no time limits and no trial periods—marking a major leap forward in accessible entertainment.

Building on its recent industry achievements, PHȲND is reshaping the gaming landscape by seamlessly integrating a curated library of top-tier AAA and indie titles, including PHȲND exclusives, directly into LG’s ecosystem. Consumers will be able to access and play instantly using their remote control, smartphone, or gamepad—no consoles or downloads required. PHȲND’s Smart TV native experience and LG’s state-of-the-art displays deliver stunning visuals and low latency on the biggest screen in the home.

“PHȲND was built on the belief that gaming should be simple, seamless, and available to everyone,” said André Swanston, Founder & CEO of PHȲND. “Our partnership with LG brings that mission to life on a massive scale, giving players instant access to incredible games while providing developers, brands, and advertisers a powerful new channel to reach audiences worldwide.”

The collaboration also introduces a more transparent and developer-friendly business model. Unlike the complex revenue structures of legacy cloud gaming platforms, PHȲND’s ad-supported system is directly aligned with the economics of studios and publishers—the more a game is played, the more its creators earn. Developers can generate revenue through non-intrusive, audience-based advertising while reaching a larger and more engaged player base, fostering long-term sustainability across the ecosystem.

Cloud gaming revenue is projected to reach $12 billion by 2026, and PHȲND—in partnership with LG—is poised to drive that growth by redefining how games are discovered, played, and monetized on Smart TVs and connected devices.

PHȲND will be publicly available in beta in the U.S. in early 2026, with additional global markets to follow throughout the year. More details on the launch will be shared soon as the two companies prepare to reshape the future of entertainment together.

Key takeaways from CES 2026

Post author By Andres Gallego
Post date January 20, 2026

Key Takeaways from CES: Why Advertising Is Finally Warming Up to Gaming on Smart TVs

By Melody Yazdanyar | VP Business Development

CES once again put the spotlight on how advertisers think about the living room. From CSpace to the show floor, conversations across agencies, brands, platforms, and OEMs signaled a noticeable shift: smart TVs are no longer treated as a “lean-back streaming device”—they’re becoming an attention surface for interactive content, including games. Below are three takeaways that stood out to the PHYND team as we look ahead to how gaming will shape the next phase of TV monetization.

1. Brand and Agency Leaders Are Newly Bullish on Smart TV Advertising—Especially in Gaming

A decade ago, the idea of layering ad experiences onto smart TVs raised concerns about saturation and UX fatigue. That sentiment has shifted. Conversations across adtech, agencies, and brands at CES pointed to a collective confidence in the medium. The main reason: the market is realizing that saturation isn’t the threat—stale content is. With gaming emerging as one of the most dynamic, interactive content formats on the TV, advertisers see fresh surface area rather than clutter.

2. “Content is King” Is Fueling the Smart TV Moment

Streaming solved distribution, but not differentiation. The renewed bullishness around smart TV experiences is rooted in content—and gaming now commands a meaningful share of attention on the largest screen in the home. Gaming’s built-in interactivity aligns naturally with modern ad models, giving brands more creative levers than passive video alone. CES made it clear that content quality—not just device penetration—is what determines whether ad-supported ecosystems thrive.

3. Advertisers Want High-Engagement Viewership—and Gaming Delivers It

CSpace at CES was the strongest it’s been since before the pandemic, and the energy from advertisers reflected a shift in where they believe attention is headed. Traditional TV is passive; gaming (like live sports) is active. That distinction matters. Brands are increasingly optimizing for audiences who are leaned-in, not leaned-back. Gaming presents a highly engaged, measurable, and contextually rich environment—exactly what brands want as they rethink how to reach next-gen consumers.

Conclusion

CES made one thing clear: the living room remains one of the most valuable canvases in media, and gaming is expanding what’s possible on that screen. As advertisers look beyond passive impressions and toward active attention, gaming on smart TVs represents both a new format and a new economic model. It’s early, but the ecosystem signals at CES suggest that brands, platforms, and TV manufacturers are aligned in seeing this opportunity grow.

Free Games, Smarter Ads: Magnite and PHȲND Redefine Gaming on Smart TVs

Post author By Andres Gallego
Post date January 5, 2026

Free Games, Smarter Ads: Magnite and PHȲND Redefine Gaming on Smart TVs

Players get unlimited, subscription-free gaming—brands get smarter, more engaging ways to connect with them across Smart TVs

Stamford, CT — [January 6, 2026] – PHȲND, the global cloud gaming platform making high-quality games instantly accessible on Smart TVs, today announced Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising company, as its ad tech monetization launch partner. Leveraging Magnite’s SpringServe ad server and programmatic capabilities, the collaboration will unlock both direct and programmatic advertising across PHȲND’s extensive library of top-tier games, opening a new channel for brands to connect with engaged players in the living room.

This partnership introduces programmatic advertising at scale to a console-quality gaming environment on Smart TVs. Through Magnite’s technology, advertisers will be able to reach audiences seamlessly across different Smart TV manufacturers and a wide variety of game genres—from action and sports to casual and family games—all delivered seamlessly through PHȲND’s ad-supported model.

“PHȲND was built to expand the definition of gaming by removing friction for players and unlocking new possibilities for developers and brands,” said André Swanston, Co-Founder & CEO of PHȲND. “With Magnite as our ad tech launch partner, we’re bringing both direct and programmatic advertising into cloud gaming for the first time at scale. This creates meaningful value for players through free games, while enabling advertisers to precisely target audiences in an environment that’s brand-safe and truly engaging.”

By making PHȲND’s growing catalog of games available with Magnite’s programmatic infrastructure, advertisers will gain access to diverse, brand-safe inventory across leading Smart TVs. Campaigns can be tailored by demographics, interests, and play behavior—optimizing spend while enhancing the player experience with non-intrusive formats, while also supporting developers with sustainable revenue streams.

“PHȲND brings together the excitement of gaming and the accessibility of smart TVs to deliver an innovative experience for both consumers and advertisers, and we’re proud to support this effort,” said Sean Buckley, President, Revenue at Magnite. “Our deep omnichannel experience across both streaming TV and gaming makes us uniquely positioned to help PHȲND efficiently monetize their premium content.”

Key Takeaways from Adweek NY 2025

Post author By Andres Gallego
Post date October 15, 2025

Key Takeaways from Adweek NY 2025

By Melody Yazdanyar | VP Business Development

Advertising Week has long been a hub for marketers exploring the future of media—but this year, gaming took center stage in a way we’ve never seen before. For the first time, the event hosted a dedicated Gaming Summit, and it was impossible to ignore the energy in the room. Industry leaders, brands, and agencies gathered to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping how games connect with audiences. Here are three key takeaways from the summit that highlight why gaming is no longer an optional element of the media mix —it’s essential.

1. Gaming officially took center stage at Advertising Week

For the first time ever, Advertising Week hosted a dedicated Gaming Summit — and the response was overwhelming. Attendees packed the room for a full afternoon of panels and presentations followed by a buzzing happy hour proved that gaming is no longer a side conversation — it’s a core pillar of modern media. The level of engagement signaled a clear shift: advertisers are ready to take gaming seriously as a mainstream channel for storytelling and brand connection.

2. Brands and agencies are actively seeking new, untapped audiences through gaming.

The summit brought together marketers, media buyers, and gaming leaders all looking to reach consumers who are increasingly hard to find through traditional channels. What stood out most was the curiosity — not just about esports or hardware, but about accessible, ad-supported experiences like PHȲND that make gaming frictionless and inclusive. The appetite is there for scalable ways to connect with gamers without the barriers of consoles, downloads, or subscriptions.

3. Ad-supported gaming is emerging as the next frontier in connected TV.

Discussions repeatedly tied back to where gaming meets streaming — on smart TVs, in the living room, and supported by ads. For PHȲND, this momentum reinforces our belief that free, instant-play gaming experiences represent the next major growth area for advertisers seeking high-quality engagement on the biggest screen in the home. The energy and excitement in the room confirmed it: gaming has become a must-have line item in the modern media plan.

Conclusion

Adweek NY 2025 made one thing clear: gaming isn’t just an emerging channel—it’s a mainstream opportunity that brands can’t afford to overlook. As the lines between gaming, streaming, and advertising continue to blur, platforms like PHȲND are uniquely positioned to help marketers reach audiences at scale, seamlessly, and with measurable impact. If the buzz at this year’s summit is any indication, the future of media is gaming-first—and the time to act is now.

Why Xbox’s Free, Ad-Supported Cloud Gaming Tests Are a Half Measure

Post author By Andres Gallego
Post date October 8, 2025

Why Xbox’s Free, Ad-Supported Cloud Gaming Tests Are a Step Forward—But Still a Half Measure

By André Swanston | CEO of PHYND Gaming

Microsoft’s new tests of a free, ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming tier are an important signal: the company sees that price—and access—are holding gaming back. Letting players stream games after watching a short ad is a smart acknowledgment that advertising can subsidize accessibility.

But the current implementation still feels more like an experiment than a revolution. Reports suggest this “free” version comes with one-hour session caps, limited total playtime, and—critically—device restrictions. For now, access appears confined to PCs, Xbox consoles, and browsers, with no clear path for smart TVs or mobile devices. That’s not breaking barriers—it’s just rearranging them.

So it’s fair to ask: is this really the future of open gaming, or just a precursor to a cheaper, ad-injected subscription tier meant to upsell existing players? Does it expand the gaming audience—or simply monetize the same one differently? 

At PHYND, we believe the real breakthrough won’t come from time limits, device locks, or subscription funnels. It’ll come from a truly frictionless experience—no boxes, no fees, no barriers—where anyone with a Smart TV can instantly play. That’s how we grow the total gaming audience, not just the bottom line. As this is advertising week — its also important to realize that’s how brands become seen as an authentic value add to the consumer and their gaming experience. 

Takeaways from gamescom 2025

Post author By Andres Gallego
Post date August 27, 2025

Key Takeaways from Gamescom 2025

Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany was a milestone moment for PHȲND as we announced our global collaboration with Samsung Gaming Hub, bringing our instant-play platform to millions of Smart TVs worldwide. The announcement came during the largest Gamescom ever, with more than 357,000 people in attendance, underscoring just how much energy and attention the industry is attracting right now. While our news was the highlight of the week, the event also surfaced bigger industry shifts that speak directly to our mission. From cloud gaming adoption to the rising cost of user acquisition and the role of AI across devices, here are three insights that stood out:

1. Cloud Gaming Is Winning on Conversion

Samsung Gaming Hub’s presentation at Gamescom highlighted just how powerful cloud gaming has become. Ads for cloud-based titles deliver 10x higher play rates than ads for traditional downloadable games, with half of users who click actually playing. Gaming Hub is also setting a standard with attribution tools that let publishers see exactly how campaigns translate into players. This kind of rapid, measurable engagement is exactly why PHȲND exists—to remove barriers and connect players with games instantly.

2. Rising UA Costs Are Reshaping Growth Strategies

With user acquisition costs up 60% over the last three years, publishers are rethinking their growth playbooks. Old models of pouring more money into ads aren’t sustainable, especially as efficiency becomes as important as scale. PHȲND offers a better way, driving discovery on the devices consumers use to access games and minimizing time-to-play. And because PHȲND is free, cost is no longer a barrier to adoption.

3. AI Is Powering Mobile and Smart TV Gaming

AI isn’t just transforming mobile—it’s also becoming central to the Smart TV gaming experience. On mobile, AI is driving personalized recommendations, adaptive gameplay, and smarter in-game economies. On Smart TVs, AI is enabling content discovery, voice navigation, and contextual recommendations that make finding and playing games easier than ever. For players, that makes games more accessible and intuitive; for publishers, it’s a powerful tool to improve discovery and retention. As Smart TVs become a primary gaming device, PHȲND is built to harness these AI-driven experiences to connect players with the right games instantly.

Conclusion

This year’s Gamescom underscored how quickly the rules of growth in gaming are changing. User-acquisition economics are demanding more efficient models, and cloud gaming is proving its ability to boost conversion rates. AI is transforming both mobile and Smart TV experiences. These trends validate PHȲND’s vision: a platform built for instant access, smarter discovery, and sustainable growth. Together with Samsung Gaming Hub, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this next chapter in gaming.

PHȲND to Deliver the Future of Big-Screen Gaming on Samsung Gaming Hub

Post author By Andres Gallego
Post date August 19, 2025

PHȲND to Deliver the Future of Big-Screen Gaming on Samsung Gaming Hub—No Console, No Subscription Required

PHȲND’s free, cloud-based gaming platform to be available on millions of Samsung Smart TVs worldwide

Stamford, CT – August 19, 2025 – PHȲND, a free, ad-supported cloud gaming service built for Smart TVs, today announced a global distribution collaboration with Samsung, bringing its subscription-free gaming experience to millions of Samsung Smart TVs via the Samsung Gaming Hub. The partnership marks a major milestone in PHȲND’s mission to democratize access to high-quality gaming content globally while creating new revenue streams for the gaming industry. The announcement was made at GamesCom 2025 on August 19th.

Launching first in the United States, PHȲND will offer instant access to a curated library of top-tier games without the need for consoles, downloads, or subscriptions. Players of all levels will be able to enjoy games using their TV remote, smartphone, or gamepad, making gaming more accessible than ever before. Game developers and publishers will have new monetization opportunities through non-intrusive, audience-based advertising and sponsorships – a critical revenue stream across video and audio that has eluded the gaming industry across the large screen.

“PHȲND was built on the belief that amazing games should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford a console or subscription,” said Andre Swanston, CEO and Co-Founder of PHȲND. “Our partnership with Samsung allows us to bring that vision to life on one of the world’s most popular Smart TV platforms. Together, we’re unlocking a new era of gaming—turning every compatible Smart TV into a fully-functional gaming device, making living room play free, frictionless, and fun.”

Powered by Tizen, the Samsung Gaming Hub is an all-in-one game streaming discovery platform bridging hardware and software for a better player experience. The Samsung Gaming Hub is the new home for gaming and entertainment that gives players easy access to enhance their experience. No storage limits, no downloads, no console or PC required.

This partnership plants PHȲND at the center of two fast-growing categories: cloud gaming and Smart TV advertising. With over one billion smart TVs shipped globally in the last five years, the market potential is massive—and largely untapped. PHȲND makes playing games on smart TVs as easy as choosing a program to stream, while unlocking big-screen gaming advertising opportunities for brands and game companies.

PHȲND will be publicly available in beta in the U.S. later this year, with additional global markets to follow in 2026. As PHȲND gears up for launch, the company is opening a limited beta round to give early users a first look at the platform’s console-free, subscription-free gaming experience. Interested consumers can join the waitlist at www.phynd.games or directly from their Samsung TVs later this year for a chance to be among the first to play.