Material
732 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 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.
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Episodes
Material 215: No Bixby At All
August 08, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 78.9 MBFlo 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.
215: No Bixby At All
August 08, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 78.9 MBFlo 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.
Material 214: Just Speculating
August 02, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBAfter 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.
214: Just Speculating
August 02, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBAfter 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.
213: In Honor of Baby Google
July 25, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBFlo 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.
Material 213: In Honor of Baby Google
July 25, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBFlo 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.
212: Onward!
July 19, 2019 15:00 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBThis 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.
Material 212: Onward!
July 19, 2019 15:00 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBThis 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.
211: Fresh Fruit Out of Season
July 11, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBIt'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.
Material 211: Fresh Fruit Out of Season
July 11, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBIt'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.
210: Independence Day
July 04, 2019 16:00 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBIt'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.
Material 210: Independence Day
July 04, 2019 16:00 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBIt'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.
209: Drop Dead Weight
June 27, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBAfter 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.
Material 209: Drop Dead Weight
June 27, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBAfter 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.
208: That Was Genius
June 20, 2019 19:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBFlo 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.
Material 208: That Was Genius
June 20, 2019 19:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBFlo 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.
207: Bespoke Passwords Are Not Cute
June 13, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBAndy 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?).
Material 207: Bespoke Passwords Are Not Cute
June 13, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBAndy 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?).
206: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
June 07, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 87.5 MBFlo 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.
Material 206: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
June 07, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 87.5 MBFlo 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.
205: Unbridled Capitalism
May 31, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBAndy 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.
Material 205: Unbridled Capitalism
May 31, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBAndy 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.
204: Everything is Related
May 23, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 66.4 MBFlo 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.
Material 204: Everything is Related
May 23, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 66.4 MBFlo 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.
203: Apples and Oranges
May 17, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBThis 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.
Material 203: Apples and Oranges
May 17, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBThis 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.
202: What's Next From Google?
May 09, 2019 22:00 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBThis 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.
Material 202: What's Next From Google?
May 09, 2019 22:00 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBThis 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.
201: May Day
May 02, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBThis 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.
Material 201: May Day
May 02, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBThis 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.
200: 200th Episode Spectacular
April 26, 2019 00:15 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBThere'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.
Material 200: 200th Episode Spectacular
April 26, 2019 00:15 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBThere'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.
199: So Many New Toys
April 18, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 76.2 MBWhether 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.
Material 199: So Many New Toys
April 18, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 76.2 MBWhether 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.
198: Google is a Hardware Company
April 11, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBThis 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.
Material 198: Google is a Hardware Company
April 11, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBThis 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.
Material 197: No Wingnuts
April 05, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 70.6 MBFlo 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 ...
197: No Wingnuts
April 05, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 70.6 MBFlo 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 ...
196: Quote Unquote
March 28, 2019 17:45 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBFlo'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.
Material 196: Quote Unquote
March 28, 2019 17:45 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBFlo'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.
Material 195: YouTube's Big Problem
March 21, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 75.7 MBIn 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.
195: YouTube's Big Problem
March 21, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 75.7 MBIn 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.
Material 194: You've Been Sherlocked
March 14, 2019 22:00 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBAndy 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.
194: You've Been Sherlocked
March 14, 2019 22:00 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBAndy 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.
193: Generational Differences
March 08, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 64.7 MB*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 d...
Material 193: Generational Differences
March 08, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 64.7 MB*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 d...
192: The Fold Report
February 28, 2019 17:45 - 1 hour - 86 MBAndy 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!).
Material 192: The Fold Report
February 28, 2019 17:45 - 1 hour - 86 MBAndy 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!).
Material 191: Doing the Deed
February 21, 2019 21:15 - 1 hour - 75.3 MBSamsung 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.
191: Doing the Deed
February 21, 2019 21:15 - 1 hour - 75.3 MBSamsung 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.