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Material

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Material is a weekly discussion about the Google and Android universe. Your intrepid hosts try to answer the question, “What holds up the digital world?” The answer, so far, is that it’s Google all the way down. Hosted by Andy Ihnatko and Florence Ion.

Episodes

358: Do No Direct Harm

Flo is slumping at her desk and would like to stop. Andy wants to understand why the middle brother from _The Brady Bunch_ has a furniture line. We'll talk a bit about what's ahead at Google I/O 2022 before we get into why the company fired another AI researcher. Then, a PSA on setting up Google's counter-doxxing features and what happens when the search engine doesn't protect you from slurs. We end with some interesting new features coming to Google's smart displays. Andy will also walk us thro...

May 05, 20221 hr 15 minEp. 358

358: Do No Direct Harm

Flo is slumping at her desk and would like to stop. Andy wants to understand why the middle brother from _The Brady Bunch_ has a furniture line. We'll talk a bit about what's ahead at Google I/O 2022 before we get into why the company fired another AI researcher. Then, a PSA on setting up Google's counter-doxxing features and what happens when the search engine doesn't protect you from slurs. We end with some interesting new features coming to Google's smart displays. Andy will also walk us thro...

May 05, 20221 hr 15 minEp. 358

357: Pixel Watch Walks Into A Bar

This week, we're talking all about the leaked Pixel Watch: what to expect, what we think from the photos that have surfaced, and whether we believe it will make a significant change to Android's wearables market share. (Hint: we don't.) Then, we'll chat about the Android 13 beta and what's new so far and look at what's interesting on the recently released Google I/O schedule.

Apr 30, 20221 hr 21 minEp. 357

357: Pixel Watch Walks Into A Bar

This week, we're talking all about the leaked Pixel Watch: what to expect, what we think from the photos that have surfaced, and whether we believe it will make a significant change to Android's wearables market share. (Hint: we don't.) Then, we'll chat about the Android 13 beta and what's new so far and look at what's interesting on the recently released Google I/O schedule.

Apr 30, 20221 hr 21 minEp. 357

356: America’s Funniest Drone Videos

This week, we're recording our reactions to the first Google Wing delivery drone videos sprouting up all over TikTok. Then, we'll tell you all about how Google and Samsung are making it easier to fix your own smartphone. Google Wallet has also somehow found itself resurrected. And if you're a Google One subscriber, you might have a free Titan 2FA key waiting for you.

Apr 21, 20221 hr 11 minEp. 356

356: America’s Funniest Drone Videos

This week, we're recording our reactions to the first Google Wing delivery drone videos sprouting up all over TikTok. Then, we'll tell you all about how Google and Samsung are making it easier to fix your own smartphone. Google Wallet has also somehow found itself resurrected. And if you're a Google One subscriber, you might have a free Titan 2FA key waiting for you.

Apr 21, 20221 hr 11 minEp. 356

355: The Future, Soon

This week, Andy offers a solo lecture outside in the quad to explain last week's Thomas Lewis and John McHenry duel (spoiler alert: it was dudes being dudes). Then, everything is broken, at least when it comes to Android and Chrome's security issues. Andy also touches on Google's future idea of ambient computing in your home, plus some news on Google's Switch to Android app and the latest changes to YouTube Music. Andy ends by offering a glimpse into his music-listening setup.

Apr 16, 20221 hr 21 minEp. 355

355: The Future, Soon

This week, Andy offers a solo lecture outside in the quad to explain last week's Thomas Lewis and John McHenry duel (spoiler alert: it was dudes being dudes). Then, everything is broken, at least when it comes to Android and Chrome's security issues. Andy also touches on Google's future idea of ambient computing in your home, plus some news on Google's Switch to Android app and the latest changes to YouTube Music. Andy ends by offering a glimpse into his music-listening setup.

Apr 16, 20221 hr 21 minEp. 355

354: A Really Big Duel

It's a light week, and it's kind of nice. Andy and Flo catch up on personal matters before diving into why the next generation of the Nest Hub will look radically different from previous ones. Then, Alphabet's Wing is making its debut in Dallas, and we've got our own ideas of how that's going to play out. We'll also get into you might see fewer apps in your Play Store searches going forward, and how Google Workspace is correcting your bad takes.

Apr 08, 20221 hr 10 minEp. 354

354: A Really Big Duel

It's a light week, and it's kind of nice. Andy and Flo catch up on personal matters before diving into why the next generation of the Nest Hub will look radically different from previous ones. Then, Alphabet's Wing is making its debut in Dallas, and we've got our own ideas of how that's going to play out. We'll also get into you might see fewer apps in your Play Store searches going forward, and how Google Workspace is correcting your bad takes.

Apr 08, 20221 hr 10 minEp. 354

353: Keepin' It Weird

Flo's been playing with all the new Android phones lately, and Andy's got an update on the dance studio across the street. We're celebrating the 100th release of the Chrome browser since Google didn't think to celebrate its milestone. Then, Google is working on fixing Apple's AirTag mess. We'll also check in with Google's latest AI learning models, BERT and MUM.

Apr 01, 20221 hr 15 minEp. 353

353: Keepin' It Weird

Flo's been playing with all the new Android phones lately, and Andy's got an update on the dance studio across the street. We're celebrating the 100th release of the Chrome browser since Google didn't think to celebrate its milestone. Then, Google is working on fixing Apple's AirTag mess. We'll also check in with Google's latest AI learning models, BERT and MUM.

Apr 01, 20221 hr 15 minEp. 353

352: Everything Is Awful

This week, we're keeping it real. Google finally settled with the four engineers it fired for organizing, but not before the Department of Justice found it withholding documents by claiming attorney-client privilege. We'll also regale you with an unfortunate tale of how Google-owned Looker's workers unknowingly trained their replacements. Then, some good news: the Google statues are staying after all.

Mar 24, 20221 hr 13 minEp. 352

352: Everything Is Awful

This week, we're keeping it real. Google finally settled with the four engineers it fired for organizing, but not before the Department of Justice found it withholding documents by claiming attorney-client privilege. We'll also regale you with an unfortunate tale of how Google-owned Looker's workers unknowingly trained their replacements. Then, some good news: the Google statues are staying after all.

Mar 24, 20221 hr 13 minEp. 352

351: Devoid Of The Google Doodle

Good news, everyone. We're already on Android 13 Developer Preview 2, and Andy and Flo have the details on what's new. And since we recorded on St. Patrick's Day, we regale you with a bit of timely Google news related to the green-tinged holiday, like why there was no Google Doodle this week. Google also announced when it's hosting its developer's conference this week, and it debuted its official Formula 1 racing gear.

Mar 18, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 351

351: Devoid Of The Google Doodle

Good news, everyone. We're already on Android 13 Developer Preview 2, and Andy and Flo have the details on what's new. And since we recorded on St. Patrick's Day, we regale you with a bit of timely Google news related to the green-tinged holiday, like why there was no Google Doodle this week. Google also announced when it's hosting its developer's conference this week, and it debuted its official Formula 1 racing gear.

Mar 18, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 351

350: Speed Trap

What did Andy use his $10 Google Store credit on, and why does Flo have so many boxes of Girl Scout Cookies? This week, we're running through what Google's response has been to the Ukraine crisis and why Google's Chrome benchmarks on Apple's computers aren't long for this world. Then, we work through our FOMO as we realize Google passed out loaded fries at its booth during this year's MWC. Now we're majorly craving _pomme frites_.

Mar 11, 20221 hr 7 minEp. 350

350: Speed Trap

What did Andy use his $10 Google Store credit on, and why does Flo have so many boxes of Girl Scout Cookies? This week, we're running through what Google's response has been to the Ukraine crisis and why Google's Chrome benchmarks on Apple's computers aren't long for this world. Then, we work through our FOMO as we realize Google passed out loaded fries at its booth during this year's MWC. Now we're majorly craving _pomme frites_.

Mar 11, 20221 hr 7 minEp. 350

349: Celebrate Your Nerd

It's a weird week. Flo's on strike from work, and Andy is not feeling the new Google Assistant voice. This week's pod is also a little intense as we discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine, but we do our best to explain what we think Google's role should be in times of crisis. Then, why Google is asking its workforce to come back into the office three days a week. And for folks like Andy holding out for the much-ballyhooed Pixel Watch, some hopeful leaks.

Mar 04, 20221 hr 22 minEp. 349

349: Celebrate Your Nerd

It's a weird week. Flo's on strike from work, and Andy is not feeling the new Google Assistant voice. This week's pod is also a little intense as we discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine, but we do our best to explain what we think Google's role should be in times of crisis. Then, why Google is asking its workforce to come back into the office three days a week. And for folks like Andy holding out for the much-ballyhooed Pixel Watch, some hopeful leaks.

Mar 04, 20221 hr 22 minEp. 349

348: Cursed Search

Flo and Andy muse over how much TV they watch and why it makes no sense that shows and movies stream where they do. Then, Andy gives us an update on ChromeOS Flex. We'll go in-depth on all three of the new Samsung flagship phones and dunk on why conspiracy theorists use DuckDuckGo for their cursed searches. And does anyone know where we can get the cool lamp that only Google employees can buy?

Feb 26, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 348

348: Cursed Search

Flo and Andy muse over how much TV they watch and why it makes no sense that shows and movies stream where they do. Then, Andy gives us an update on ChromeOS Flex. We'll go in-depth on all three of the new Samsung flagship phones and dunk on why conspiracy theorists use DuckDuckGo for their cursed searches. And does anyone know where we can get the cool lamp that only Google employees can buy?

Feb 26, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 348

347: Flex It Out

It's Andy's turn to bring his love of the _Amazing Race_ to the podcast and why it's making him crave souvlaki. Then, your hosts explain why Google is attempting to overhaul how it advertises on Android. We'll also walk you through what the Android 13 Developer Preview is like and whether ChromeOS Flex is worth the trouble to revive that old laptop in the corner.

Feb 18, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 347

347: Flex It Out

It's Andy's turn to bring his love of the _Amazing Race_ to the podcast and why it's making him crave souvlaki. Then, your hosts explain why Google is attempting to overhaul how it advertises on Android. We'll also walk you through what the Android 13 Developer Preview is like and whether ChromeOS Flex is worth the trouble to revive that old laptop in the corner.

Feb 18, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 347

346: The Note Is Dead; Long Live The Note

Flo burned her tongue so bad, but that won't stop her from talking about her time with the Galaxy S22 Ultra. But before we get to Samsung's big week, Andy joins in Flo's griping about network TV. We also talk about the rest of the Galaxy S22 lineup and Samsung's new tablets and leave you with news of a neat Chrome feature.

Feb 11, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 346

346: The Note Is Dead; Long Live The Note

Flo burned her tongue so bad, but that won't stop her from talking about her time with the Galaxy S22 Ultra. But before we get to Samsung's big week, Andy joins in Flo's griping about network TV. We also talk about the rest of the Galaxy S22 lineup and Samsung's new tablets and leave you with news of a neat Chrome feature.

Feb 11, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 346

345: Remember Android Tablets?

Andy is modding his smart lock, and Flo thinks that's kinda cool! This week, we're talking all about why Google should have taken advantage of the Joe Rogan/Spotify scandal by playing up YouTube Music's capabilities. Then, does Google want consumers to think of Android tablets as something positive all of a sudden? A few job postings on LinkedIn sure seem to indicate it. We'll also go through Google's Q4 2022 earnings and where it's spending all its money.

Feb 05, 20221 hr 4 minEp. 345

345: Remember Android Tablets?

Andy is modding his smart lock, and Flo thinks that's kinda cool! This week, we're talking all about why Google should have taken advantage of the Joe Rogan/Spotify scandal by playing up YouTube Music's capabilities. Then, does Google want consumers to think of Android tablets as something positive all of a sudden? A few job postings on LinkedIn sure seem to indicate it. We'll also go through Google's Q4 2022 earnings and where it's spending all its money.

Feb 05, 20221 hr 4 minEp. 345

344: The Smart Way

It's hard changing routines, and this week Flo is reckoning with how much she's enjoying making the switch to Fire TV after so many years with Google. We'll talk about Google's brave withdrawal of FLoC and why Topics is only slightly better, and we'll introduce you to Google's new executive VP in charge of technology and society. Then, we've got rumors! A ton of them! What is Google announcing this spring? Plenty of new gadget-y things! We'll talk about the AR glasses, the folding Pixel, the bud...

Jan 28, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 344

344: The Smart Way

It's hard changing routines, and this week Flo is reckoning with how much she's enjoying making the switch to Fire TV after so many years with Google. We'll talk about Google's brave withdrawal of FLoC and why Topics is only slightly better, and we'll introduce you to Google's new executive VP in charge of technology and society. Then, we've got rumors! A ton of them! What is Google announcing this spring? Plenty of new gadget-y things! We'll talk about the AR glasses, the folding Pixel, the bud...

Jan 28, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 344