Material
728 episodes - English - Latest episode: 27 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 163: Let’s Be Glass Half-full People
August 10, 2018 21:00 - 1 hour - 67.1 MBThis 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.
163: Let’s Be Glass Half-full People
August 10, 2018 21:00 - 1 hour - 67.1 MBThis 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.
162: This is Bad, This is Really Bad
August 02, 2018 22:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBAndy 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.
Material 162: This is Bad, This is Really Bad
August 02, 2018 22:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBAndy 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.
161: Dont Forget to Say "Thank You" to your Assistant
July 27, 2018 23:15 - 1 hour - 69.9 MBWe'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.
Material 161: Dont Forget to Say "Thank You" to your Assistant
July 27, 2018 23:15 - 1 hour - 69.9 MBWe'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.
160: Other Bets
July 19, 2018 20:00 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBAndy 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.
Material 160: Other Bets
July 19, 2018 20:00 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBAndy 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.
Material 159: Dark Thoughts of Revenge
July 12, 2018 22:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBWe'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.
159: Dark Thoughts of Revenge
July 12, 2018 22:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBWe'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.
Material 158: Jail with a Capital G
July 06, 2018 19:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBWe 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...
158: Jail with a Capital G
July 06, 2018 19:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBWe 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...
Material 157: Use Your Radio Voice
June 28, 2018 20:45 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBAndy 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...
157: Use Your Radio Voice
June 28, 2018 20:45 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBAndy 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...
156: Waiting for Google
June 21, 2018 21:30 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBLike 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.
Material 156: Waiting for Google
June 21, 2018 21:30 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBLike 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.
Material 155: Everything is an Assistant
June 14, 2018 20:45 - 1 hour - 72.9 MBAndy 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).
155: Everything is an Assistant
June 14, 2018 20:45 - 1 hour - 72.9 MBAndy 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).
Material 154: Hey Google, Make Me a Movie
June 07, 2018 20:30 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBWe 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.
154: Hey Google, Make Me a Movie
June 07, 2018 20:30 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBWe 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.
Material 153: A Server Farm’s Opinion
May 31, 2018 20:30 - 1 hour - 67.2 MBAndy 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.
153: A Server Farm’s Opinion
May 31, 2018 20:30 - 1 hour - 67.2 MBAndy 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.
152: Will YouTube Music Fix Everything?
May 24, 2018 21:30 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBThis 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.
Material 152: Will YouTube Music Fix Everything?
May 24, 2018 21:30 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBThis 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.
151: Material 151
May 17, 2018 21:15 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBThe 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 ...
Material 151: Material 151
May 17, 2018 21:15 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBThe 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 ...
150: Material and chill
May 11, 2018 21:45 - 1 hour - 57 MBThis 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.
Material 150: Material and chill
May 11, 2018 21:45 - 1 hour - 57 MBThis 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.
Material 149: A New Adventure
May 03, 2018 20:00 - 1 hour - 67 MBThis 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.
149: A New Adventure
May 03, 2018 20:00 - 1 hour - 67 MBThis 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.
148: I/O PSA: Slip Slop Slap
April 26, 2018 19:15 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBAndy 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.
Material 148: I/O PSA: Slip Slop Slap
April 26, 2018 19:15 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBAndy 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.
147: Hello, Is It The PoPo You're Looking For?
April 19, 2018 23:00 - 1 hour - 66 MBFlo 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.
Material 147: Hello, Is It The PoPo You're Looking For?
April 19, 2018 23:00 - 1 hour - 66 MBFlo 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.
Material 146: Double Sundar All The Way Across The Sky
April 13, 2018 01:00 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBFlo'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.
146: Double Sundar All The Way Across The Sky
April 13, 2018 01:00 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBFlo'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.
Material 145: There's no AI in Team
April 06, 2018 00:15 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBIt'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.
145: There's no AI in Team
April 06, 2018 00:15 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBIt'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.
144: Pretty, pretty, pretty punchy
March 29, 2018 22:45 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBBack 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.
Material 144: Pretty, pretty, pretty punchy
March 29, 2018 22:45 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBBack 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.
143: Parrot Identification Algorithms
March 22, 2018 22:15 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBAndy 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 A...
Material 143: Parrot Identification Algorithms
March 22, 2018 22:15 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBAndy 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 A...
Material 142: Always Press More Settings
March 15, 2018 22:45 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBWhile 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.
142: Always Press More Settings
March 15, 2018 22:45 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBWhile 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.
141: Notches Will Ruin Everything
March 09, 2018 22:30 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBIt'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.
Material 141: Notches Will Ruin Everything
March 09, 2018 22:30 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBIt'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.
Material 140: The Promises of Mobile World Congress
March 01, 2018 22:00 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBNevermind 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.
140: The Promises of Mobile World Congress
March 01, 2018 22:00 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBNevermind 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.
Material 139: The Superstation
February 22, 2018 23:00 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBFlo 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.
139: The Superstation
February 22, 2018 23:00 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBFlo 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.