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Material
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.
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Episodes
350: Speed Trap 11.03.2022 1:06:42
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'...
349: Celebrate Your Nerd 04.03.2022 1:21:35
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...
348: Cursed Search 26.02.2022 1:08:58
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?
347: Flex It Out 18.02.2022 1:08:58
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.
346: The Note Is Dead; Long Live The Note 11.02.2022 1:09:03
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.
345: Remember Android Tablets? 05.02.2022 1:03:55
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 Goog...
344: The Smart Way 28.01.2022 1:08:31
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 thi...
343: Thank You For Being A Friend 21.01.2022 57:38
This week, Andy and Flo brace themselves for the return of Google Glass, as rumored through this week's reveal of Project Iris. We talk about YouTube scaling back on original content and why it's struggling to cater to creators. We also touch upon some of the changes coming to Google Pay, and we remember Betty White as Google intended: with roses raining down over a banner splayed across your sear...
342: Podcastable Pain 14.01.2022 1:00:13
This week's Nvidia Shield update has Flo wondering if it's time to upgrade her Chromecast with Google TV. Andy has finally achieved "Watch Later" Playlist Zero, and it's just as cathartic as Inbox Zero. Then, you know things are getting interesting when Android's SVP is subtweeting Apple in a public forum. Why is the head of Android speaking candidly about messaging apps? We also discuss MKBHD's r...
341: Counting On 08.01.2022 1:07:05
Google announces more compatibility with its Fast Pair technology and more integrations with Android Auto. Then, the ITC found Google guilting of violating patents filed by Sonos. What does that mean for your Nest devices at home? We'll also discuss why a lawsuit claims Google paid off Apple to stay out of its business and why DuckDuckGo's CEO claims Google is abusing its control of Chrome extensi...
340: A Googley Look Back 31.12.2021 1:12:38
It's that weird week before Christmas and New Year's, so Andy and Flo are taking some time for reflection. We'll look back at the ways Google won us over in 2021. The Pixel 6, its revamped security cameras, and its attempt at reviving Wear OS were all extremely valiant efforts. We'll also take stock of some of Google's follies throughout the year, both internally and externally, before paying our...
339: It's A Wonderful Phone 24.12.2021 58:39
We're taking it easy this week. Andy's honeymoon with the Pixel 6 Pro is nearing its end, and Flo finally got herself a Christmas tree. We'll talk about the PIxel 5a's defeat over the iPhone 13 Pro, why it's not what you think, and why TikTok is beating out Google for traffic. Then we'll get really into the holiday spirit with Google's Santa Village and all the games you can play before diving int...
338: Keep Your Phone in Your Pocket 17.12.2021 1:16:05
Flo and Andy are making their best impressions of the Christmas spirit. They wonder if Google Glass is coming back and why everyone is racing to put Android apps on Windows PCs. They applaud Google for its strict vaccination policy for its employees and chat about how Apple's latest Android app helps keep AirTag users safe. Then, it's time to bid farewell to the 21-year-old Google Toolbar.
337: Hawkeye The Pixel Guy 10.12.2021 1:18:21
Andy indulges in opera while Flo is out on assignment this week. Andy beautifully explains what he enjoyed about _Eurydice_ and _Tosca_ during his trip to the Met and how his Pixel helped him navigate around New York City. Then, why are 200 newspapers suing Google for harming their advertising business? And have Roku and YouTube finally settled their beef? Andy will also walk you through why Micro...
336: Is “Don’t Be Evil” Legally Binding? 03.12.2021 1:05:21
Andy and Flo start this week adlibbing and wondering when blatant fan service is too much. Then, Andy explains why the motto "Don't Be Evil" could be legally binding for a handful of former Googlers. We'll also discuss Google's foray into crime prediction algorithms, which is as dubious as it sounds. But we'll end on a sweeter note, debating the actual color of Android's green bubble on iMessages.
335: Quite Credible 25.11.2021 1:17:31
Andy and Flo are using Google Duo to chat this week, and it's working out quite nicely! We talk about our Thanksgiving plans and the guise behind Andy's pies. Then, we're finally bringing you the Pixel 6 discourse you've been waiting for, followed by a few ripe nuggets from the rumor mill.
334: On The Back Foot 20.11.2021 1:09:29
Flo finally got the Pixel 6, and Andy manifests for the Chromecast with Google TV to be a little more like the Nvidia Shield. Then, we chat about some of the latest follies around the Pixel 6 and what users are bringing up in the forums, including the phone's lackluster fast-charging performance and under-display fingerprint scanning issues. **Content warning for the second half of our podcast**:...
333: The Passion Of The Pixel 13.11.2021 1:19:32
It's a cozy end to the week. Andy has store credit, and Flo is waiting on a new phone. We discuss why Pixel 6 users are unhappy with the fingerprint sensor and manifest Google to add face unlock. Then, a bit on Google's new accessibility feature for people with speech impairments and why it isn't updating the Pixelbook in 2022.
332: Andy Takes Manhattan 04.11.2021 1:19:21
The saga you've been waiting for is finally here: the tale of Andy's Boba Mett. Andy also has the Pixel 6 Pro in hand. Though he's not quite ready to talk about it just yet, he's got plenty to say about his visit to the Google Store in New York City. Then, we'll end on some hard news on Google's newest contract with the Pentagon. And why we're excited to hear about what's next from the FTC's newes...
331: The Hamster Wheel Of Life 29.10.2021 1:15:11
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?
330: Andy's Pixel Journey 23.10.2021 1:14:37
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.
329: It Comes In Threes 16.10.2021 1:10:58
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? (Spo...
328: It Happens 12.10.2021 1:07:22
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.
327: Where the Rubber Meets the Road 01.10.2021 59:26
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.
326: When Birds Attack 25.09.2021 1:07:20
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.
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