
Material
568 episodes — Page 8 of 12
Ep 217217: Who's Zoomin' Who?
After a bit of catch up on and even more flexing of their shared pop culture knowledge, Andy and Flo get to the bottom of why they're not yet considered Gympie-Gympie Bush influencers in Google's podcasting search engineer. Then, the two laments over Apple users' demonization of the green bubble, before expanding on why Google has made so many changes to its privacy policies in the last year. Before we close off the episode, a bit on Google's Go strategy, and why YouTube considers videos of fighting robots to be animal cruelty.
Ep 216216: Ignorance is Bliss
Andy and Flo share bits of their personal pop culture knowledge before diving into September's _Wired_ cover story on "the misery inside Google." We'll also chat about Russia's annoyance with YouTube inciting protest, Android Q's final beta, and the Pixel 4 spotted in the wild by a teen tech blogger. We'll end this week's show with a bit on the "Google for Doodle" contest winner, Arantza Peña Popo, and the beautiful piece she designed in honor of her mother.
Ep 215215: No Bixby At All
Flo asked for permission before hijacking the beginning of the show for her beloved _90210_, so let her have this. Andy and Flo discuss the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 launch event and why the U.S. Congress penned a sternly-worded letter to Google's Sundar Pichai. We'll also look at why Google would consider an all-you-can-play app buffet, and we'll try out Google's podcast search feature.
Ep 214214: Just Speculating
After some catch-up, Flo and Andy dive into the Google-leaked details of the Pixel 4. We'll discuss what the future holds for technology like Project Soli, which will come baked into the phone, and whether we'll be waving at our smart displays any time soon. We'll also touch upon the Chrome 76 loophole that made it difficult for you to get free content (pay journalists!), and we'll end on another bit of sweet Google Baby News.
Ep 213213: In Honor of Baby Google
Flo and Andy go down various rabbit holes this week and discover plenty of new crevices in which to burrow along the way. After the first break, we'll walk you through Google's week of lawsuit roulette. Then, we'll check out Google's new lightweight photo gallery app called Gallery Go. We'll also test whether either of our Assistants has received the update that makes them less chatty. We'll end the show with the exciting arrival of Baby Google, who was recently born in Indonesia.
Ep 212212: Onward!
This week, we're light on the catch-up and heavy on the information dump. Andy and Flo discuss the impact of Google Walkout organizer, Meredith Whittaker's, departure from the company. We'll also explain what recently transpired between Google and the U.S. Congress, and how the company is attempting to fight "stalkerware" apps.
Ep 211211: Fresh Fruit Out of Season
It's summer sale time! This week, Andy and Flo run you through some of the better deals in the Google Store, including a massive discount on the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. After the first break, we'll dive into the 1,000 Android apps taking your data despite permission blocks. Then, we'll discuss the Twitter thread by Google Photos product lead David Lieb asking for feedback on the service, and why your IP68-rated phone isn't water resistant.
Ep 210210: Independence Day
It's a holiday in the US, but we still managed to find something to discuss. Andy and Flo start with some excellent deals (nothing screams "independence!" like flash sales). After the break, we'll talk about Google's version of Apple's AirDrop (oh please, oh please!) and the new developer site for those interested in playing with Fuschia. We'll also chat about some new features coming to Google Docs, and how Google is helping turn "robots.txt" into a truly open standard.
Ep 209209: Drop Dead Weight
After a minor bit of catchup, Andy and Flo dive into why Google told employees that protesting YouTube alongside the company's official San Francisco Pride float is a big no-no. We'll also discuss why Google is saying _au revoir_ to making tablets, and why we agree with Bill Gates.
Ep 208208: That Was Genius
Flo is working on adopting a new hobby this summer, and Andy tells us how he missed out on that Android-based netbook. After the break, we discuss why Google's $1 billion investment in housing for the Bay Area isn't entirely altruism, and how the company got caught stealing lyrics from Genius. We also talk about how indexing video is the next essential step for search, and how fun it could be to make a game with Google's drag-and-drop Game Builder.
Ep 207207: Bespoke Passwords Are Not Cute
Andy is about to make a terrible purchasing decision, and he's proclaiming it all on this week's podcast. After the break, Andy and Flo discuss why Google is accused of "killing the news," and why usernames and passwords aren't all that effective at keeping you safe. Then, we'll dive into the latest Pixel 4 rumors (is it a rumor if Google confirms it?).
Ep 206206: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Flo relays her experience with the Lenovo Smart Clock, and Andy discovers the Pixel 1 is _just a little bit_ waterproof. After the break, we discuss how YouTube is tackling hate. Then, Andy tells us why he's excited for Stadia.
Ep 205205: Unbridled Capitalism
Andy and Flo get real this week, first about the agony of managing a personal music library on Android, then about the new Google Lens features that are rolling out. After the ad, we'll break down the reports of "sweatshop-like working conditions" for linguists working on the Google Assistant, and why Google allowing abortion clinics to advertise will help save lives. We'll also discuss Google's "OneChrome" project, and whether we like the newly revamped Google Travel page.
Ep 204204: Everything is Related
Flo and Andy start you off this week with lots of laptop talk and a case for why progressive web apps are the next big thing you haven't thought about in a while. After the break, the two dissect the unnerving political theater of the U.S. versus Huawei spectacle. And, what happens when Google and Facebook are told to quit it with the _faux_ news.
Ep 203203: Apples and Oranges
This week, Andy and Flo talk about the news that hit once Google I/O was all packed up and shipped out. After the break, we'll talk about the real reason there's Fuschia and how Google shattered our dreams of Chromebooks running Windows apps. We'll also talk about what's changing with your Nest account, and what to do if your first-generation Pixel is part of the most recent class action lawsuit.
Ep 202202: What's Next From Google?
This week's podcast goes off the rails a bit—and that was even before a bird relieved itself all over Flo's Chromebook. Andy and Flo talk all the essential Google I/O announcements, from the main themes of the keynote to the new hardware launched this week. And don't worry, Flo's audio gets better after the break.
Ep 201201: May Day
This week, Andy and Flo talk about Google's new Wear OS widgets and Flo's latest purchases. In the spirit of May Day, we also discuss the growing discontent of some Google workers, including the organizers of #GoogleWalkout. Then after the second break, we get hyped for Google I/O.
Ep 200200: 200th Episode Spectacular
There's no hiding it. We've been doing this podcast for 200 episodes, and we're celebrating! This week, we have old friends (and former co-hosts) joining us for the celebration. Yasmine Evjen and Russell Ivanovic are back to update us on their fabulous lives and talk a little shop.
Ep 199199: So Many New Toys
Whether it's Flo showing Andy her new gadgets, or Samsung launching its folding phone, we're talking about it. This week, we'll run through the Google-adjacent foldable phone fad to catch a glimpse at what's coming down the Android pipeline. Then, we'll marvel at the utility of Google Maps, talk about Google's new kiss cam, and end off with a little hype for Google I/O.
Ep 198198: Google is a Hardware Company
This week. Flo and Andy muse about all the ways that Google has transformed itself into a major hardware player. We talk about the midrange Pixel 3 rumblings, what analysts are saying about who is buying Pixel phones, and Google's next batch of Chrome OS devices.
Ep 197197: No Wingnuts
Flo details the death of her Pixel 3, while Andy takes us down memory lane with an excerpt from his Google+ archives. After the first break, we'll talk about the latest Bloomberg piece detailing how YouTube discouraged its employees from reporting toxic videos. On the flip side, the company has committed to giving its contractor workers better pay and benefits over the next several years. We'll also discuss the hateful politics of Google's new AI board member and then end on a soft note with John Legend in our living rooms.
Ep 196196: Quote Unquote
Flo's out of town this week, but there's still plenty happening at and around Google. We'll discuss the new EU directive, which will change the way we use the internet and probably embolden copyright trolls. We'll also take a look at Google's Lookout app and how it works, and we'll wag our fingers at Google for downgrading Pinterest pages in its search engine.
Ep 195195: YouTube's Big Problem
In preparation for the forthcoming 200th episode, Andy and Flo offer their favorite cake freezing tips before Flo offers up an update on her Galaxy Watch Active. After the break, a somber discussion about last week's Christchurch attacks and how YouTube's disaster team acted to stop the propagation of hateful messaging. We'll also discuss what's next for Google in gaming, and how it's very much all related to YouTube's streaming trajectory. This is one very YouTube-packed episode.
Ep 194194: You've Been Sherlocked
Andy helps Flo work out some feelings, and the two hosts agree that Google Home Minis have propagated like furry little tribbles. After the break, a full breakdown of Senator Elizabeth Warren's proposal to break up Google and the rest of Silicon Valley, followed by a walkthrough of what's new in the Android Q Beta. And then, we'll end with a quick tribute to Pi and Emma Haruka Iwao, a Google employee from Japan who successfully calculated the number to a record 31 trillion digits.
Ep 193193: Generational Differences
*This week's podcast deals with some very mature themes, so take heed.* There's a ton of nostalgia in this week's episode, from Andy and Flo discussing how their online lives differed when they were tykes, to how they each hold on to a lifetime of media files with the help of their respective Plex servers. After the first break, gear up for a serious discussion about YouTube's content problem, what the company is doing to combat predatory commenters, and why we should be louder about our discontent over the platform's failure to properly curate child-friendly content. Then, we'll end on a discussion about some of the latest Google headlines.
Ep 192192: The Fold Report
Andy starts us out this week drunk (not really, it's a joke), and Flo can't wait to tell you about her new Android TV box. After the first break, plenty of talk about the foldable phones shown off at Mobile World Congress and what they mean for Android smartphones going forward. We also chat about the non-foldable stuff showed off in Barcelona, and we briefly touch on the one second that Apple Music was available in the Google Home app (yep!).
Ep 191191: Doing the Deed
Samsung isn't exactly Google, but we're going deep into the Galaxy S10 launch details this week. We're talking about the phones, the accessories, and the impact all these things will have on Android's bottom line. And so the entire podcast isn't about Samsung, we briefly touch upon YouTube's new three-strikes policy, after the second and why we'd love virtual desktops on Chrome OS after the second break.
Ep 190190: Happy Palentine's Day
Flo's hosting this week, so there is lots of talk of reality television in the first half hour of this show (IT'S RELATED!). We're also hereby declaring the regressive holiday this podcast posts on as "Palentine's Day." It's a day to celebrate your friends and your podcast co-hosts. After the break, we'll discuss whether companies like Google are responsible for government apps that violate human rights (it's the world we're living in folks), and why the company's augmented reality tricks are probably the future of marketing.
Ep 189189: Ban-anated
How do you reconcile using a service that's so helpful and simultaneously so invasive? We don't know, but we pondered about it. After the break, we talk about how Google (and Facebook) recently ruffled Apple's tailfeathers and the utility behind Google's new Accessibility apps.
Ep 188188: It's Google's Internet, We're All Just Living In It
The theme this week is Google's influence on the internet. From YouTube algorithms to server backends, you won't believe how much Google has embedded into your life—and how much you can't do without it. After the second break, Flo and Andy also discuss what Bloomberg's been reporting about Google's labor practices.
Ep 187187: Sensor Fatigue
Before you dive in this week, we'd like to give you a content warning about sad things happening to kitties at the beginning of this episode. After that, Andy talks about his hacked-together Nest temperature sensor and Flo wonder if there's a Wear OS smartwatch out there fit for her wrist. After the break, the two discuss Google tossing $45 million toward Fossil, how much it's going to annoy you when it restricts ad blocking in the next version of Chrome, and what XDA Developers have found in a leaked build of Android Q.
Ep 186186: Nothing Gold Can Stay
Andy is excited about the Wear OS watches floating around right now, while Flo wishes they'd be smaller and last a little longer. After the break, the two hosts discuss bad apps in the Play Store, say goodbye to the Chromecast Audio, and geek out over the relative coolness of a 3D-printed brain for your smart speaker.
Ep 185185: Who is CES for?
CES 2019 is all anybody can talk about. But before Andy and Flo get into it, this week's show starts with a bit of catchup on Flo's first Google support experience. Then, Andy leaves us all with an essential anecdote about why you should probably turn off your phone. After the first break, the two discuss everything from the new Google Assistant Connect platform to all the new stuff announced this week with the Google Assistant built into it.
Ep 184184: Robots Without Emotion
Flo and Andy are back for the first episode of the new year with a look at how Google's Project Soli will change the way we use devices. The two also discuss what Fuschia holds in store for the future of Android. Then, after the second ad break, why people in Arizona are attacking Google's self-driving cars.
Ep 183183: A Year Without Android
Time to play a game! Below are the instructions. Follow along to learn how to play, then [tweet us](http://www.twitter.com/materialpodcast) or [email us](mailto:[email protected]) your choices and we'll feature them in our first episode of 2019. > You have to GIVE UP one of these Google things and not use it in 2019. Which do you choose to give up? You’ll get it back after a year. * Android * Google Assistant (includes smart devices but you can keep your Android phone, Chromebook, etc. if you disable Assistant) * Chrome and ChromeOS * All Google-branded hardware (you can keep your Samsung Android phone, HP Chromebook, etc.) * Google Search > Same group, but this time you can only KEEP one for 2019. * (And remember, “Google-branded hardware” would necessarily exclude “Android”; you’re keeping Pixelbook, Google Home (as a multiroom Chromecast speaker system), Google Clips (ha!) BUT you’re still cut off from Android, Assistant, ChromeOS...you’re only keeping ONE of the five)
Ep 182182: Internal Struggles
Enjoy this deliciously late taping of the Material podcast! This week, Andy and Flo are talking holiday things and the inevitability of Windows apps on Chrome OS. After the break, Andy and Flo discuss the internal blowback on Google's Project Dragonfly, and why Google contractors don't get discounted t-shirts.
Ep 181181: Mr. Pichai Goes to Washington
Andy starts us off this week with tales about an affordable Android TV set-top box, as well as links to visit when we're feeling a little nostalgic for sunsetted Google products. Then, Andy and Flo discuss Google's visit to Capitol Hill.
Ep 180180: Fuschia
For the seventh consecutive week, Flo and Andy babble on about the virtues of using Chrome OS. But will Andy ever leave his MacBook behind and become _all_ about that Chromebook life? After the break, the two discuss Google's holiday treats, and some of its unfortunate patent tricks. And then, a look at why Google's contract workers are rallying for fair treatment.
Ep 179179: For Real
Andy and Flo spill the beans on what they spent all their hard-earned cash on over the Black Friday "holiday." After the break, Andy walks us through Project Fi's new offerings, as well as some of its caveats. Andy and Flo also discuss the latest crop of Pixel Slate reviews that have hit the web, and why Google employees are petitioning for their employer to drop Project Dragonfly.
Ep 178178: Don't Buy What You Don't Need
Happy Eating Turkey week! Flo and Andy recorded a little earlier than usual to help you get your Black Friday shopping done. Flo and Andy also remind you that you don't _have_ to buy anything you don't need or don't want. But if you do end up buying something, this would certainly be the weekend to do it, as prices are slashed on a variety of Google products.
Ep 177177: Your Data is Your Personal Data
Flo can't believe how out of touch she's becoming with things these days, and Andy reminds us that the Internet is nothing more than a series of tubes that can break at any time. After the ad break, Flo and Andy talk about Google's ventures into the world of health tech, and then the two lament about the fact that neither of them has tried out the Pixel's Night Sight feature just yet.
Ep 176176: Donut in the Fridge
Flo is happy that Andy is learning the Chromebook, and that they can both explore the platform in tandem. Andy catches us up on America's election, including some cheekiness from Google's camp. Then, an update on the #GoogleWalkout, followed by what's new from Google and Samsung's respective developer summits after the break.
Ep 175175: Unfortunately
Flo is exceptionally excited about Andy's foray into full-time Chromebook living. Andy wishes it were better with Skype. After the ad, Andy and Flo hunker down for a more serious exploration of the allegations against Andy Rubin, and whether Silicon Valley will ever have its #MeToo moment.
Ep 174174: A Worthy Transaction
Flo starts us off this week by bragging about her new wares (the Google Home Hub and the Pixel 3). Andy reminds us all of the legacy of Mister Rogers and asks that you please leave him out of your advertising. The two also discuss the fraudsters who scammed millions of dollars from advertisers through Android apps and then catch up a bit on the headlines, including some good news for Android updates.
Ep 173173: In Protest of the Notch
Andy has access to Project Stream, and Flo has a suggestion for a voice-activated trashcan. Andy shares some of his nostalgic findings from the web, and the two discuss the relative _hangover_ of the prior week's Google event. Flo also regales us with stories about running Windows apps on a Chromebook, and Andy reminds us that the internet is still very finicky.
Ep 172172: So Much Google
This week, it's really all about Google. Andy and Flo break down all the important tidbits of the Big Google Week, and then some.
Ep 171171: The Gospel of Chrome
This week, there's stuff to talk about, but it's mostly Andy and Flo music over how much the Chrome OS platform has matured in the last year. After a quick update, and a bit of existential exploration on life outside the Google bubble, the two talk about what's in store for the October 9 event and whether Project Stream will make first-person shooter aficionados out of us after all.
Ep 170170: Look Out For Your Data
We take a walk down memory lane as we recall the very first retail Android device, the T-Mobile G1. We also discuss a search event that Google held earlier in the week, though we're not feelin' the new search engine improvements. Then, we'll explain why Google and its competitors are rallying around for more lenient privacy laws, and what it means to have a separate "Chinese internet". (Not great, Bob!)
Ep 169169: Italian Chef Kiss
This week, on your favorite podcast alternatively titled _Friends Using Google Products and Then Talking About It_, Andy and Flo talk about why Chrome OS is worth the money now more than ever. The duo also talk about the superiority of the Pixel 2's camera over the iPhone XS (Insert Nelson _ha-ha!_ sound effect here), and why we should all be paying attention to what Google is trying to achieve with Dragonfly, the search engine it's developing for China.
Ep 168168: Bulbousness
Flo and Andy officially bid adieu to their favorite Aussie, but not before regaling you with all the reasons you'd want a [Relay FM membership](http://relay.fm/membership). The two also discuss this week's Apple announcements and what that means for Google users and fans, as well as the perils of misinformation.