Material

Warning: This episode has seriously too many mentions of Celine Dion's hit song (a hit for too long, if you asked some of us), "My Heart Will Go On." At least Andy and Flo can both agree that Celine is unrivaled in talent. The two also agree that Google Fit still has some kinks to work out before it's the end-all, be-all health-and-wellness app for Android users. Andy and Flo also discuss the Chrome and Google's respective anniversaries, since that's likely the reason neither Sundar Pichai nor Sergey Brin showed up to a significant hearing before the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Perhaps they partied too hard. We'll also talk a little bit about Samsung because it's always trying to do something.

Flo starts us off this week with her existential woes, as Andy does his best to keep her calm with similar tales of digital archiving. The duo also talks about what they miss from the new Google Fit before diving into the main topic of this week's podcast: Google's new (old) habit of tracking your location history, even after you've told it not to.

This week, Flo and Andy are breaking down what's causing all the commotion among Google employees. We'll also catch up on some general news, like the revamped Google Fit app, the faux Pixel 3 XL, and Google Shortwave.

It is most certainly a slice of pie this week as Andy and Flo recap their time with Android 9. Flo also shouts out the Pixelbook for being a reliable workhouse, and the two continue to loudly ponder whether Google has a fighting chance in the wearables market.

This week, Android P is officially Android Pie, but not until Flo and Andy discuss the weather—as they have in every single episode since summer began. Man, it's a hot one! The duo also discusses the Galaxy Note 9, and whether it's a really impressive feat in the midst of Google's AI-first trajectory.

Andy and Flo have plenty to say this week about the Google Assistant and how it works on the Lenovo Smart Display, Google's plan to bring its search engine to China, and the new standards on how many notches can exist on a single Android device. The world is indeed changing, but we're here to help you navigate it all.

We're posting the podcast a little later this week because Flo was too busy enjoying her new Lenovo Smart Display. Andy and Flo start off this week with a discussion on what's next for the Google Assistant and what's great about having it on a screen. Also, Andy needs some help using his Philips Hue bulbs, Flo is jealous of David Pogue, and the two are still not fully ready for the arrival of Android P.

Andy and Flo start off this week's podcast festivities by sharing ideas about how they can both better serve their respective communities. The duo also discusses WearOS's long-term viability, Google's $5 Billion anti-trust fine from the EU, and a few new things that the Google Assistant can do.

We're not feeling vengeful right now, but we are feeling rambly. Flo has some gripes to get out of at the beginning of the episode, while Andy shows off a trick he figured out for exporting his Google Play Music playlists. The two also discuss the exciting concept behind the TicWatch Pro, regulating tech companies that track users, and Vanity Fair's feature article on the _uncensored_ history of Google.

We are posting a day late this week, but it's just in time to catch you headed into the weekend! Let Andy and Flo start you off with a rousing discussion of silly, Internet-connected things. The duo also discusses the Google Home outage that took place before the holiday (and subsequent apology), Google's picks for Android Excellence Apps (including one from a very well-known host-on-hiatus), and whether it's even necessary for you to freak out over the latest Gmail-reads-it-all hoopla. (Hint: Nah.)

Andy and Flo have finally figured out how to use Android Messages on the web. And they're better off for it. The duo talk tips, how to converse with your Google Home like it's a _real person_, and the latest Google Maps update. There's also some talk on the Nvidia Shield and how it's still a formidable Android TV player, as well as all those Google Duplex stories that have been rolling out this week across the web. How do you watch TV at home? [Tweet us!](https://twitter.com/materialpodcast?lang=en)

Like in _Waiting for Godot_, does it ever feel like you're just waiting for Google to figure out its app trajectory? We can't even get Android Messages for the web to work. Andy and Flo spend the better part of this week wishing and waiting for Google to settle on what's next.

Andy and Flo wish they were playing outside, enjoying the new late afternoon sun. Instead, they're on this week's show, wondering aloud if there were ever a more precocious time than the one we're in now, where AI can be programmed to do nearly everything for us. The pair also discusses the latest soccer—er, _football_ app controversy, and whether they'd ever feel comfortable riding around town in a self-driving Waymo vehicle (only if it's air-conditioned).

We didn't ask for Google Photos to make us a movie out of screenshots, but it did it anyway! This week, Andy and Flo espouse the benefits of Chrome OS and the weirdness of YouTube Music. There's also ample discussion about where Google Lens is most useful in real life, why the egg is missing from Android's salad emoji, and whether we'll see smart displays go on sale this summer.

Andy and Flo start off this week wondering what attracts them to certain robot voices, and how that will inform their choices with the Google Home's latest voices update. The duo then delves into AN EARTHQUAKE and a bit of leftover discussion on Google's Pentagon contracts before musing over Essential's future as an Android player. And for those of you who can't stop, won't stop talking to the Google Home, there's good news about how well the smart speakers are selling.

This week, Andy and Flo are left wondering whether a new music service from Google really means that it's figured out what to do with its music apps. The two discuss YouTube Music and its impact on Google's future as a music provider. And is porn next? Probably not, but it's a way to segue to a warning that there's a little talk of porn on this week's episode for those of you with little ones listening in.

The common thread this week is Google Duplex, and we're not just talking about what it can do. We're musing about its effectiveness and how it will exist alongside the ordinary world (whatever that means in this day and age). Andy and Flo also discuss the newly dubbed Google One service and how it will affect their freelance lives (it won't, and that's the point), before venturing into a more serious discussion about Google's decision to provide AI to a military pilot program. It's a juicy one this week, folks. Strap in.

This week is a crazy week, which is why you're seeing us a day later than usual! Russell joins Andy and Flo once more before heading to space to recap the Google I/O 2018 keynote. The three comrades discuss everything from Google Duplex's human-like intonations to their shared disappointment over still not being able to remove fences from photos through Google Photos.

This week, Russell has a very important announcement—you won't want to miss this! (Seriously. And you can send him your congratulations [here](http://www.twitter.com/rustyshelf).) The trio then delves into a very riveting discussion about what life will be like for Google users after Google I/O.

Andy is on assignment in an undisclosed location. Flo needs help, but Russell is very tired (and also, TBH, kinda dumb). Google launches 25 new apps that all do the same thing. Also lots of amazing smart home tips from the one and only, Smart Home Master Ion.

Flo sets off alarm bells. Andy can't get no satisfaction from Google Play Music. Russell unearths more youths from our listener hordes. Also Chrome muting autoplay videos, Pixelbook getting dual boot, Google maps gets street smarts and NIGHTWATCH. The coolest damn code name of the coolest damn team in the world.

Flo's back and she wants to know what the kids like these days. Russell never left but he still has no idea about the youths. Andy's always been hip to the beat so he has no issues staying woke. The team answers listeners email, talks Google I/O, gets up in your 1000 thread count Google Sheet Macros and covers a few rumours to boot. All this and more on your 12th favourite podcast! We're not #1, but damn do we try hard to get into the top 10.

It's a more sombre episode this week as we talk about the tragic news from YouTube. It gets a little less sombre when we cover Google's AI chief leaving for Apple and then we just get straight up crazy and talk about the Nexus DESIRE. You know you want it.

Back from the Apple event, Andy has plenty to say about the company's education initiatives and how they stack up to Google's Chromebooks. Flo and Russell also join the conversation by dialing up the millennial nostalgia references. Later on the in show, the trio discusses Google's latest cultural dilemmas, as well as which smartwatches they'd rather wear instead of Wear OS.

Andy succumbs to the neighbour headache inducing awesomeness that is the Google Home Maaaaaaax. Russell admits to spending way too long on RPG characters. Flo changes all the Assistants to be men so she can control their tiny minds. Will the stink of Facebook's trouble spread to Google? Will police start harvesting all your Google location data? Do we have a right to be forgotten? I tell you what it risked getting really deep until we jumped to talking about Instant Games Augmented Reality Anatomy. All this and more on your *second favourite podcast on the Interwebz. *second meaning first. First favourite just sounded awkward.

While Andy is on assignment Flo and Russell take the time to catch up and take over the entire show. Flo explains to Russell what all this fan dangled Routines stuff actually means that Google has launched. Russell sees things in the Wear OS logo. We also read our first, and hopefully last, joke email from a listener.

It's another Blum-filled show so you know what to expect. Andy has his cake and eats it too. Flo wishes Clipz could do more with the amazing source material she's providing it. Russell torments people in his house with automation. Also we run down Android P(otatoe) and introduce some fine arts into your lives.

Nevermind that Flo finally has her Google Clips—what's going on in Barcelona? Andy, Flo, and Russell break down the announcements at MWC 2018 and weigh in on whether the show is still about smartphones (or is it about _assistants_?) Russell then educates us on Google's cross-platform app framework called Flutter, and whether it has a future with developers.

Flo starts off this week with a diatribe on why YouTube TV and the Google Home Max are worth the money. Then, your three intrepid co-hosts delve into a discussion on whether the Galaxy S9 is still worth the hype in a post-Pixel world. There's also a little talk about what's new with permissions in Android P.

If you're feeling alone, just ask your Pixel 2 to always listen to you. Speaking of which, Andy, Flo, & Russell discuss the _last_ Pixel's dismal sales numbers, though they collectively agree that's not Google's end game. The gang also talk about what's coming in Android P and whether Android Wear has a future. Oh, and don't forget to try Chrome's new ad blocker and let us know what you think.

This little Andy gets free audio books. This little Flo gets none. This little Russell goes omfgwhycan'tyoushiptoaustraliagoogle all the way home. We also pretend to be smart and cover Google's Hi-Larious Earnings Report joke. Nest comes back to the nest, smart speakers and Universal Stylusesii.

Your first, second, and not-least hosts start off this week by discussing the ever-lasting usefulness of the NVIDIA Shield. The trio also discusses Apple's stiff reins on iMessages (we just want to talk to our friends!), and whether the Google Clips camera might be a hit. And this is all just in the first half-hour of the show! Tune in to hear the rest.

In this week's episode, Andy, Flo, and Russell get into the spirit of Google I/O, despite it being four months away. The trio also reflects on the changing norms of content consumption, all the while wondering where Google and its products fit into the picture.

What is Flo like after eight straight days at the biggest consumer electronics trade show? Find out in this week's episode. Andy also regales us with tales of Google's greatest helper apps, while Russell gets a bit off his chest about some of the ways the Google Home and Google WiFi have been naughty the past few weeks. All this and more Google-y goodness once you start listening!

Flo braves the exciting and daunting world of CES, so in her absence Andy tries to play music while Russell ponders his next phone choice. We also talk about Google taking over CES and the curious case of the community bike. All this and more in this weeks action packed Material Podcast!

We're back in a brand new year with a brand new show! Did Andy and Russell survive their moves? What did Flo get for xmas that will blow all our collective minds? We talk about some new things like smart speaker sales and Google's new AI voice. Also some old things like Google still not paying people fairly.

It's the last episode of the year! Listen in as Andy, Flo, & Russell wax poetic about the meaning of the holidays. Then, they try to Google "Why 2017." The results are polarizing. Andy also graces us with a little sing-a-long at the end! Happy new year!

In the penultimate show of the year, the gang waxes poetic about holiday Google Doodles and why Russia and Germany were omitted from the festive fun. Andy, Flo, and Russell also pay homage to one of their favorite free Google services: Google Maps.

Android 8.1 drops stickers all over the Material crew and they positively go giddy over them. Andy plays with Star Wars action figures while waiting for pancakes. Russell befriends a Storm Trooper. Flo plays some pranks. We also discuss Android 8.1, Google's Annual Year in Search Lists, Appsperiments (ERMAGHERD THAT NAME) and the Google home MAAAAAAAAAAAAAX. MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAX. That is all.

Russell and Flo meet at an undisclosed location with undisclosed parties. Wait who are we kidding they disclose ALL under the dual screen lights of the Axon M. Andy explores the curious world of penguins in the workplace. Also Android 8.1 ships, Amazon and Google start a playground war and Google does it again with their crazy, wonderful Doodles.

With Russell out on another vision quest, Andy and Flo get down to business. They explore how much personal data is too much to hand over to Google. They also touch upon Andy Rubin's leave from Essential, experimental AI that can detect snoops, and whether we'll ever recover after the Great Cheeseburger Emoji debacle of 2017.

Flo finally gets Jelly. Andy is all about dem, dem sales, no retail. Russell is seriously confused about which holiday Americans celebrate more. Also Google has been watching you like a hawk, which people took as well as you'd expect. All this and more in a week where Americans are apparently saying thanks for stuff and eating large, rather tasteless birds...now ain't that a thing,

Andy is away on a secret assignment. Flo visits a playground. Russell updates the Essentials. We also talk more about Chromebooks, Google cracking down on assistive features and everyone's favourite headphones the Pixel Buds. I feel like there's an Air Bud joke in here somewhere but I just haven't been able to find it. Apologies dear listenerd, apologies.

With all the grim news permeating the airwaves these days, your three intrepid hosts start out this week's episode looking for glee in Google Photos (Search for "happy" to see what we mean). We're also talking about Google and Facebook's near-monopoly in online advertising, as well as some fun [Google Experiments](http://experiments.withgoogle.com) you can try in your off time.

Russell finally gets ALL THE PIXELS. Andy is building his own 3D World. Flo has flashbacks to old school phones. We also talk about Google's involvement in government, fun 3D models and whether or not there's a bit of Slav in all of us.

Russell has an announcement about the Great Pixel Race. Flo has all the Pixels. Andy has none. Despite taking a brief detour into International Date Formats the crew discuss colour management, screen issues and all things Pixel 2 this week.

Andy and Flo are solo this week, with Russell out on a vision quest. The two start this week chatting about Star Wars, then delve into how refreshing the foldable ZTE Axon M is, even with so many letters in its name. There's also plenty of musing over Google's burrito delivery service undergoing testing Down Under, as well as plenty of grumbling about how noisy drones are when you're just trying to get some sleep!

Russell wishes Google were more present Down Under. Andy finds out the Pixel Buds contain a wire. Flo is still jelly of Andy's Jelly Phone. And no, Google did not buy Apple. Wondering what the heck we're talking about? It's all in this week's episode of Material!

So apparently Google announced some stuff...who knew?! The team assembles in Material HQ to discuss. During a heated debate a mysterious visitor drops in to throw down a challenge. Could the Great Pixel Race of 2017 be on again?!

Russell gets an Essential Phone. Andy gets a Jelly Phone. Flo just gets very jelly. This brings on a discussion about what it means to be a premium Android phone vs a mid range or lower tier phone. Happy 19th Birthday Google.