Material
728 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★ - 80 ratingsMaterial 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
360: Blame It On The Watch
May 20, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 71.1 MBWe're blaming our delay this week on smartwatches. Andy walks us through how he tried to get the Kardashians out of his algorithm before we get into the leftovers of Google I/O. We'll also talk about this week's rumors about the Pixel Watch's custom silicon and why Andy is compelled to buy the Pixel Buds Pro.
359: What Isn't Google Releasing This Year?
May 13, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 75.3 MBWell, what else is there to talk about this week? It's Google's annual developer conference, and we're running through all the significant bits of news. Andy and Flo have plenty to say about everything, from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel tablet. Plus, what's new in your Google software.
358: Do No Direct Harm
May 05, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 69 MBFlo 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 t...
357: Pixel Watch Walks Into A Bar
April 30, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBThis 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.
356: America’s Funniest Drone Videos
April 21, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBThis 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.
355: The Future, Soon
April 16, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBThis 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.
354: A Really Big Duel
April 08, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBIt'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.
353: Keepin' It Weird
April 01, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 68.4 MBFlo'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.
352: Everything Is Awful
March 24, 2022 23:30 - 1 hour - 67 MBThis 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.
351: Devoid Of The Google Doodle
March 18, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MBGood 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.
350: Speed Trap
March 11, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBWhat 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_.
349: Celebrate Your Nerd
March 04, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 74.8 MBIt'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.
348: Cursed Search
February 26, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBFlo 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
February 18, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBIt'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
February 11, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBFlo 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?
February 05, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBAndy 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.
344: The Smart Way
January 28, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 62.8 MBIt'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 ...
343: Thank You For Being A Friend
January 21, 2022 23:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBThis 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 search results.
342: Podcastable Pain
January 14, 2022 01:30 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBThis 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 recent renunciation of the Pixel 6 Pro and end with the latest details on Google's union-busting t...
341: Counting On
January 08, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBGoogle 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 extensions.
340: A Googley Look Back
December 31, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBIt'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 respects to those we have lost to the Google Graveyard.
339: It's A Wonderful Phone
December 24, 2021 02:00 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MBWe'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 into the Pixel-themed Tarot deck. Finally, in tribute to our brethren Down Under, we'll end with hor...
338: Keep Your Phone in Your Pocket
December 17, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBFlo 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
December 10, 2021 20:30 - 1 hour - 71.8 MBAndy 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 Microsoft is behind a bug that breaks an Android device's ability to call emergency services before ...
336: Is “Don’t Be Evil” Legally Binding?
December 03, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBAndy 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
November 25, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 71.1 MBAndy 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
November 20, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 63.7 MBFlo 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**: We talk about the Kyle Rittenhouse trial and the defense's request for a mistrial over a compre...
333: The Passion Of The Pixel
November 13, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 72.9 MBIt'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
November 04, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBThe 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 newest hire.
331: The Hamster Wheel Of Life
October 29, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBFlo 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
October 23, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 68.4 MBFlo 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
October 16, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBNext 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.)
328: It Happens
October 12, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBLast 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
October 01, 2021 00:00 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBGoogle 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
September 25, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBA 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.
325: Tablet Furioso
September 17, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBFlo 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.
324: The Not-Too-Distant Future
September 10, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 61.3 MBAndy 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?
323: Dessert-like
September 03, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBFlo 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.
322: Move Out of the Waymo
August 26, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBWaymo'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.
321: Epic Reveals
August 20, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBIt'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.
320: Freaky Phone
August 13, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBAfter 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.
319: Fees, Fines, Fo, Fum
August 06, 2021 23:45 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBFlo'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.
318: Little Big Moves
July 30, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBPoor 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.
317: Accept the Challenge
July 23, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBFlo'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.
316: Go With God
July 16, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBAndy 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...
315: A Hamster Wheel
July 09, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBFlo 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.
314: Win Some, Lose Some
July 03, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBAndy 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.
313: Six Degrees of Separation
June 25, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBWhat 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.
312: The Fix(es) Is In
June 17, 2021 21:30 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBAndy 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.
311: Amber Is the Color of Your Energy
June 10, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBAndroid 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 w...