Material

Flo is back, and Andy is eagerly anticipating his Pixel 6 Pro pre-order. The Pixel 6 reviews are in, and it's positive across the board. Then, we'll talk about an Android tablet comeback. And, would you buy a Sony smartphone with mirrorless capabilities built-in?

Flo is out this week, so it's an Andy solo show. He's here to report on the trifecta of events we warned you about last week! So spooky! Andy reveals to us what his Halloween costume is, then confesses to pre-ordering the Google Pixel 6 Pro. He explains why he chose it over Apple's iPhone 13 Pro.

Next week will be a flurry of tech announcements, including the long-awaited and much-revealed Pixel 6 event. Will Google announce something else alongside the sixth-generation smartphone? We'll also discuss why Google has decided to stop making its iOS apps look so much like Android. And then, why are so many Waymo self-driving cars in San Francisco getting stuck at the same dead-end street? (Spoiler: We still haven't figured it out.)

Last week's episode of Material is Very Late. But we're here, and we've got a ton to say on yesterday's Google news. We'll recap everything we already know about the Pixel 6 through leaks. We'll also discuss why Android 12 isn't technically out yet, even though it is, and why it's not _that_ big of a deal that Windows 11 will run Android apps. Then we'll explain how not to needle the battery.

Google took the week to show off the new visual abilities of its search engine using its Multitask Unified Model (or MUM). YouTube has finally staked a claim against anti-vaxxers, just as it's facing a possible ban in Russia. And, we bet you can't guess what the most searched term is on Bing.

A major week for Android announcements! Microsoft is making another bet on the platform with the Surface Duo 2. Google pushed through a wave of new features to Android phones everywhere, including some that were previously Pixel-only. And we'll tell you what happens when Google drones trespass on raven territory.

Flo is not comfortable with the idea of Andy going back to the iPhone 13, so Andy tries to reassure her. We talk about Apple, anyway, because the event got us thinking about what we're missing from Android in the tablet realm. We also talk about Google resurrecting the Nexus brand to give the Pixel 6 its official hurrah. And then, a tip for folks curious on how the new Google Assistant routines work with alarms.

Andy likes his battery-powered Nest Doorbell, and Flo is still falling asleep with the Buds in her ears. Google ships the final Android 12 beta, though we're left waiting for the all-but-revealed Pixel 6. Reuters gives us some news from Google's AI ethics panel. And what does it really mean when Google says it will replenish more water than it uses?

Flo falls asleep with her Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 in her ears and Andy prepares for The Great Network Rethink to accommodate his new battery-powered Nest Doorbell. We'll explain why the US Department of Justice remains hot on Google's tails and why Microsoft is cutting Chrome OS's access to its Android-based Office apps. And finally, how is a crow beating a cow's butt in sports? Well, corvids are pretty smart, you know.

Waymo's self-driving fleet is coming to San Francisco, and Flo wants a ride. We attempt to figure out why Google dismantled its Health division and why Samsung smartphones are still burning up on airplanes.

It's all about spilling the tea this week on Google's anti-competitive practices. After some catchup, Andy and Flo work through this week's Pixel 5a reviews before tackling the myriad of reveals resulting from court documents made public in Epic Games' case against Google.

After a bit of catchup, we pummel you with a lumpy helping of Samsung news. It was a big week! Samsung announced new folding phones, new buds, and a new smartwatch that runs the first _new_ version of Wear OS By Samsung and Google Too.

Flo's finally figured out her computer situation (it's not a Chromebook), and Andy runs out of money to burn. The Pixel 6 got announced this week, but we still only know so little. We run through the numbers of Alphabet's earnings call and where all their money goes, then talk about the new Nest security devices coming through. We also wax poetic on Google's "Switch to Android" app for iPhone users.

Poor Mona found herself sucked into the YouTube algorithm before the family vacation, and Andy takes a daycation of his own. We go through Google's "About This Result" feature, plus another feature that instantly deletes the last 15 minutes of your search history. Then, another entry into the Google Graveyard, but not before many emojis get a makeover. And finally, a few cutesy Olympic-themed games that are better than the real thing.

Flo's SIM woes continue unabated, and Andy realizes the stronghold that Chrome has on his life. We talk about the latest Google executive to leave after publishing an offensive manifesto and then liven it up with the good news about a Big Ass Chromebook. Andy will fanboy a bit over the latest Android-powered Micro Four Thirds camera, Flo will rejoice over Verizon saying "yes" to RCS, and we pull a little from the Pixel 6 rumor mill.

Andy and Flo continue their epic saga from this week's All About Android. Then, Flo airs her frustrations with life and how a SIM card made her cry. Andy joins in with frustrations of his own, and then we dive into Google's trouble with France. We also mull through the Google Games Developer Summit's announcements and the rumors and leaks surrounding the next batch of Android smartphones. We managed to get to OnePlus's benchmark fiasco, too, and Andy summarizes the BBC's interview with Sundar Pichai.

Flo relays her experience with a fork, and Andy rummages through his phones, only to discover several ticking time bombs. We're reporting on too much bad news this week, from Google's latest diversity report, to why three dozen district attorneys are suing the company. We'll end on a silly note, wherein Flo and Andy fantasize about what they would have done with a Surface Duo.

Andy and Flo love to digress into a conversation about their favorite foods and this week's episode is no different. We talk about the magic that makes Windows 11 run Android apps natively and why Microsoft and Google have agreed to start suing each other again. We're giddy over more carriers adopting RCS, and we wonder if Chrome OS will ever become an ample gaming platform. We end on a happy, helpful note with Google's helpful portal for people dealing with food insecurity.

What did the New York Times reveal about Sundar Pichai this week? Where did Google's messaging strategy lose its way? And why did Massachusetts wait so long to implement COVID tracing? We'll answer all these questions. Plus, Flo shares her experience with the Android 12 Beta, and Andy explains how he ended up on a film set with Kevin Bacon.

Andy fixes his Google Home Max stereo speaker setup, and Flo wonders if Fuschia will fix her casting problems. We work out the deal with Google's physical store in New York City, and we'll tell you how to report online slander. We'll also talk about Google's new MIAP dataset, and Andy and Flo try to determine how much they're worth as journalists online.

Android 12 Beta 2 is out, and Flo wants her Material Theming now! Andy continues to justify purchasing his new iPad by researching if anyone's figured out the "chain link fence" removal feature Google promised us many moons ago. We talk about Stadia's arrival on Chromecast devices this month and a new Apple feature that benefits us all. We also talk about how Google is changing its ad business to comply with French regulators and why the folding Pixel phone might actually be a thing. Before we go, Andy tells us about a new Instagram fad: Samsung cosplayers.

Happy Pride month! We're talking about what Google is doing to celebrate and what it can do to be a better ally to its LGBTQ+ employees. Andy loves his new iPad so much he can't stop talking about it. And Flo comes to terms with what it really means to "choose" Google. We also go through the latest reviews of the Pixel Buds A-series.

Google I/O may be over, but the hangover remains. Andy and Flo discuss some of the darker sides of last week's keynote announcements, particularly those related to artificial intelligence. But we also cover the exciting new Pixel 6 rumors. Plus, stayed tuned for a little Google Photos PSA, as unlimited uploads will end on June 1.

It's Google I/O week, and though it was all virtual this year, oh-my-God is there still so much to talk about! We discuss all that Google revealed at the opening keynote and gush over the new and totally customizable Material You.

Things have really slowed down to a snail's pace, so Flo is playing games with the Razer Kishi controller for Android. We pretend to be Hollywood gossip columnists relating the latest saga between YouTube TV and Roku and then speculate on what's happening at Google I/O next week. And fans of _The Office_ are going to love Google Search's latest easter egg.

Andy starts us off by getting into the YouTube of it all. The Google I/O schedule is up, and we're intrigued. We talk about Google's new Google TV-like home screen for Walmart's Onn tablets and why Roku and YouTube are still feuding. Then, how we're feeling about Google's multiyear partnership with the WNBA.

Flo switched to the Pixel 5, and Andy's Pixelbook revived in time to beg him not to buy the new iPad Pro. Google had a great quarter, and we're gonna tell you all about it. Plus, it turns out that COVID-19 contact tracing on Android wasn't so private after all. And why YouTube TV on Roku might be nearing its end of days.

How can we not? We talk about Apple's announcements this week from an Android user's perspective. Plus, why Google FLoC isn't flying high, and the sad dystopia of Google Maps' emergency alerts. Note that there's a serious content warning for this episode as we discuss gun violence toward the end.

Flo got the ginormous OnePlus Watch, and Andy's Pixelbook keyboard has gone kaput. We chat about Android's continued troubles with unified messages, how ad-blockers kept us from getting the show out this week, and why the Google Earth Timelapse feature is an important one to share with others.

Despite the flurry of news this week, Andy and Flo find some time for a subjective point of view. We walk you through Google's win at the Supreme Court and what a Pixel-perfect system-on-a-chip looks like. We attempt a bit of hype for the all-virtual Google I/O 2021, the dates of which were announced this week. Then, say goodbye to LG as we walk through our favorite phones. And hear how Andy is doing with the Nest Hub's built-in sleep tracking capabilities. Don't forget to sign up for the Material Studies Bookclub by becoming a member! 👇

We're still pumping the good vibes this week. Andy reminds us there are some real treasure troves available to stream on YouTube, and Flo wants to know if you have any questions about the OnePlus 9 or OnePlus 9 Pro that you'd like answered? Then we tell the tale of how Google simultaneously discovered and shut down a nine-month hacking operation. We also dissect a new privacy feature coming to Android, YouTube's experimentation with hiding how many people "disliked" a video, and why Google Maps' eco-friendly route offerings won't prevent climate change.

It's been 300 episodes of the Material podcast! We have cake! We have commemorative Oreos! And we have a rundown of our favorite tombstones in the Google Graveyard. We'll give you a bit of the week's news, too, plus what you get when you do a Google search for the number "300."

Flo is freaking out over signing her kid up for a Google account, while Andy is completely locked out of his. We gush over the shiny new gadget announcements this week, including the second-generation Nest Hub and the affordable Samsung Galaxy A52. We also discuss why Google is in trouble for its Incognito Mode and how YouTube creators are getting more control over copyright infringement.

Andy and Flo take a walk down memory lane to celebrate 10 years of Chromebooks. We recap the dawn of the cloud-based machines, and we'll clue you in on the new features Google announced to mark the anniversary. We also cover a not-so-celebratory news report out of NBC News. Plus, Google is the most trusted company, though _not_ when it comes to self-driving cars. Remember, you can send us an email at [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]) with your comments and concerns. Or, tell us what you'd love to see from our 300th episode in a few weeks!

This week's episode is a reminder that it's our data in exchange for all those perks we get for free on the internet. We talk about Google's attempted "privacy-first" initiative and what to expect from the latest Pixel feature drop. Then we lighten things up a bit with some future-facing device rumors. And, we're still answering your emails from years ago.

This week, we point you to all the people doing the talking: from newly fired ethical AI researcher Margaret Mitchell to the remaining Googlers on the team waving back in solidarity with their departed colleagues. We tell you why California ended its COVID-19 testing partnership with Verily and why "Hey Google" isn't working on your WearOS smartwatch. And we're still catching up on long ago listener feedback.

A little bit of astrology to start us off for this episode, along with why Andy gave up on Wear OS and bought a FitBit. We talk about Google's new deal with News Corp in Australia and the US and what the enthusiast community has unearthed about the upcoming Android 12. Plus, a quick update on Fuschia OS.

Andy's buying little outfits for his Nest Minis, and this is one of the last times we'll ever bring up Google Play Music. After the ad, we discuss Google's latest earnings report to investors and where all that money is going. And, Flo gets flustered over Android 12's blush aesthetic. It is times like these when a respiratory monitor built into your smartphone is a good idea.

Flo's Chromecast with Google TV gets stuck in a boot loop, and Andy wonders whether his investment in a Stadia controller will ever pay off. Then, why two Google engineers resigned over the firing of AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru.

What's Google up to this week? The company faces a standoff Down Under and refuses to validate conspiracy theories through its employee-contributed PAC. We also bid adieu to Google's Project Loon and its VR painting app, Tilt Brush.

Andy and Flo lament about internet caps and other things out of their control. We discuss why Google is investigating another one of its top AI ethicists and how ex-Google engineer, Anthony Levandowski, got off scot-free for spilling trade-secrets. We opine on the future of Wear OS now that the Fitbit acquisition is finalized.

Why did Google Maps bother showing us our stats from the year prior? Doesn't it know we want to leave it behind? Andy tells us why he's flirting with Stadia, just as LG announces it's bundling the cloud gaming platform with its TVs. We discuss why Google is pausing political advertising for the month and whether there were any worthy announcements from this year's virtual CES. Then briefly, a bit on the Assistant's new Guest Mode.

The first episode of 2021 is all about doing out with the old and in with the new. Flo starts us off with why she's putting the Chromecast with Google TV on all the screens. Then, we'll discuss Google and YouTube's responses to this week's attempted insurrection at Capitol Hill and get into the details of the Alphabet Workers Union. Plus, one mad genius's successful attempt at running all major operating systems on a Pixelbook, and we take a look at the Google Home's new scheduling features.

Flo and Andy share the highs and lows of their pandemic Christmas holiday. We'll then talk about the biggest Google search trends of 2020 and what it revealed about this hell year. Plus, what's in store for Google in 2021.

It's a holiday week, but Google is still doing some kerfuffling. Andy and Flo sandwich the news between two slices of holiday cheer, plus some good news about the Nexus 7—yes, _that_ Nexus 7. And don't worry, kids: Santa is still delivering presents this year, and you can track his journey through the Google Assistant! Happy holidays, friends. Thank you for being here.

Andy tries to plant his own koala in the Christmas tree but to no avail, and the Google Home Max is officially dunzo. We'll tell you why you couldn't read your Gmail this week and how Google plans to breathe new life into expired PCs and Macs. Before we sign off, Andy regales us with a bit of operatic knowledge.

Flo is back from taking her Project Baseline COVID test, and she'll tell us all about it. Then, it's all about Dr. Timnit Gebru. We'll tell you who she is, why she was fired from Google Brain, and what's transpired in the days since. We'll also talk about why you want ethics in artificial intelligence and what Google's losing with her sudden departure. And don't worry, we'll cleanse the palate with a cute Christmas critter from Down Under.

Flo is out sick, but Andy is still on it. The week's top stories include Andy's Black Friday finds and the span of Google's major labor troubles. Everything from why the National Labor Relations Board is going after Google to why it might have fired well-known AI ethicist Timnit Gebru. Andy also loses his mind over a DeepMind AI breakthrough, then cleanses your palate by asking Google for some holiday cheer.

Andy and Flo are here for your holiday weekend to tell you what's on sale and what's worth buying now that warehouses everywhere are clearing out stock. We also discuss Google separating emojis from the system update cycle and why The Go-Gos are worth a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Google has lots of little updates for us this week from Google Pay, Google Fit, Google Chrome, and even Google cast, with the company confirming Nest Audio and Chromecast with Google TV integration is on the horizon. Admittedly, we're also a little bummed that YouTube won't be releasing a "YouTube Rewind" video for 2020.