Material

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Material episodes

March 11, 2021298: 10 Years of Burner Laptops
Andy and Flo take a walk down memory lane to celebrate 10 years of Chromebooks. We recap the dawn of the cloud-based machines, and we'll clue you in on the new features Google announced to mark the anniversary. We also cover a not-so-celebratory news report out of NBC News. Plus, Google is the most trusted company, though not when it comes to self-driving cars.
Remember, you can send us an email at [email protected] with your comments and concerns. Or, tell us what you'd love to see from our 300th episode in a few weeks!
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code MATERIAL to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2022, and can be used only once.
DeleteMe: Remove your personal info from data brokers. Get 20% off with code MATERIAL.
Links and Show Notes:
Google Blog: Chromebook turns 10
YouTube: Google Chrome OS Open Source Project Announcement
Chromebooks announces new features for 10th birthday
NBC News: Google advised mental health care when workers complained about racism and sexism
ZDNet: Facebook, TikTok least trusted by Americans, Google most trusted, says survey
SEO Clarity: https://www.seoclarity.net/blog/americans-and-trusting-tech
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1 hr 7 min
March 04, 2021297: Look At All These Rumors
This week's episode is a reminder that it's our data in exchange for all those perks we get for free on the internet. We talk about Google's attempted "privacy-first" initiative and what to expect from the latest Pixel feature drop. Then we lighten things up a bit with some future-facing device rumors. And, we're still answering your emails from years ago.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
Links and Show Notes:
The Verge: Google promises it won’t just keep tracking you after replacing cookies
Google Blog: Charting a course towards a more privacy-first web
Google Blog: From the seas, to more ZZZs: Your new Pixel features
Android Authority: Now there's evidence for Samsung developing a Wear OS watch
9to5Google: New Moto Wear OS watch with Snapdragon 4100 appears
IGN: Google Pixel Fold Still in the Works, May Arrive Later This Year
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1 hr 17 min
February 26, 2021296: Let Them Speak Their Own Words
This week, we point you to all the people doing the talking: from newly fired ethical AI researcher Margaret Mitchell to the remaining Googlers on the team waving back in solidarity with their departed colleagues. We tell you why California ended its COVID-19 testing partnership with Verily and why "Hey Google" isn't working on your WearOS smartwatch. And we're still catching up on long ago listener feedback.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code MATERIAL to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2022, and can be used only once.
Mint Mobile: Get your new wireless plan for just $15 a month.
Links and Show Notes:
Axios: Margaret Mitchell fired from Google
Google Blog: AI Marian Croak's vision for responsible AI at Google
Mercury News: California's high-profile relationship with testing partner Verily ends
9to5Google: Wear OS 'Hey Google' support has been broken for months
XDA Developers: Wear OS 2.45 prepares to add screen recording feature
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1 hr 4 min
February 18, 2021295: The New Deal
A little bit of astrology to start us off for this episode, along with why Andy gave up on Wear OS and bought a FitBit. We talk about Google's new deal with News Corp in Australia and the US and what the enthusiast community has unearthed about the upcoming Android 12. Plus, a quick update on Fuschia OS.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code MATERIAL to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2022, and can be used only once.
Links and Show Notes:
Google Podcasts: Land of the Giants
9to5Google: Fitbit smartwatches and trackers are now sold at the Google Store
Press release: News Corp and Google Agree To Global Partnership On News
XDA Developers: Android 12 may introduce many UI changes part of Material "NEXT"
Android 12 may introduce a Reachability-like “One-Handed Mode”
9to5Google: Google Fuchsia OS could run Android & Linux apps 'natively'
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1 hr 3 min
February 12, 2021294: A Puckish Jest
Andy's buying little outfits for his Nest Minis, and this is one of the last times we'll ever bring up Google Play Music. After the ad, we discuss Google's latest earnings report to investors and where all that money is going. And, Flo gets flustered over Android 12's blush aesthetic. It is times like these when a respiratory monitor built into your smartphone is a good idea.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code MATERIAL to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2022, and can be used only once.
Links and Show Notes:
Nest Mini alarm clock stand
Bye-Bye, Google Play Music
MotleyFool: Alphabet Earnings Transcript
XDA Developers: This could be Android 12, Google's next Android OS
Google Blog: Take a pulse on health and wellness with your phone
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1 hr 2 min
February 05, 2021293: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Flo's Chromecast with Google TV gets stuck in a boot loop, and Andy wonders whether his investment in a Stadia controller will ever pay off. Then, why two Google engineers resigned over the firing of AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
Links and Show Notes:
Google Support: New Chromecast with Google TV recently reset itself and now displays an Android Recovery screen
Ars Technica: Google closes Stadia’s dedicated game studios after less than 2 years
Google Blog: Focusing on Stadia's future as a platform, and winding down SG&E
9to5Google: Pixel Slate out of stock on Google Store, likely discontinued
Reuters: Two Google engineers resign over firing of AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru
The Verge: Two Google engineers quit over firing of ethical AI leader Timnit Gebru
Vinesh Kannan on Twitter
CNN: Google CEO discusses Black talent pipeline concerns with HBCU leaders
Real Abril🌈 on Twitter
DoL: Google LLC, US Department of Labor settlement resolves alleged pay, hiring discrimination at California, Washington State locations
Android Police: Chrome 88 rolls out dino-themed QR codes on Android and desktop
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1 hr 16 min
January 29, 2021292: Being Google
What's Google up to this week? The company faces a standoff Down Under and refuses to validate conspiracy theories through its employee-contributed PAC. We also bid adieu to Google's Project Loon and its VR painting app, Tilt Brush.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code MATERIAL to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2022, and can be used only once.
Links and Show Notes:
The Verge: Google threatens to remove its search engine from Australia if new law goes into effect
Axios: Google won't donate to members of Congress who voted against election results
Loon's final flight. Loon's time as an Other Bet is coming…
The Verge: Google’s VR painting app is getting the axe, but it will live on as an open-source project
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1 hr 7 min
January 21, 2021291: Very Superstitious
Andy and Flo lament about internet caps and other things out of their control. We discuss why Google is investigating another one of its top AI ethicists and how ex-Google engineer, Anthony Levandowski, got off scot-free for spilling trade-secrets. We opine on the future of Wear OS now that the Fitbit acquisition is finalized.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Mint Mobile: Get your new wireless plan for just $15 a month
Links and Show Notes:
Axios: Scoop: Google is investigating the actions of another top AI ethicist
MMitchell on Twitter
BBC: Ex-Google engineer among those pardoned by Donald Trump
Google Blog: Devices & Services Google completes Fitbit acquisition
FitBit Blog: Fitbit Joins Google
MarketWatch: Google and Fitbit said ‘I do,’ but the marriage could still be annulled
Klobuchar Statement on Google's Acquisition of Fitbit
Android Central: After just buying Fitbit, Google wants to know how you feel about Wear OS
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1 hr 3 min
January 15, 2021290: Complex Feelings
Why did Google Maps bother showing us our stats from the year prior? Doesn't it know we want to leave it behind? Andy tells us why he's flirting with Stadia, just as LG announces it's bundling the cloud gaming platform with its TVs. We discuss why Google is pausing political advertising for the month and whether there were any worthy announcements from this year's virtual CES. Then briefly, a bit on the Assistant's new Guest Mode.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code MATERIAL to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2022, and can be used only once.
Links and Show Notes:
YouTube suspends Trump's account, barring uploads and comments
YouTubeInsider: Response
Google pausing all political ads following Capitol siege
Wired: Google’s New Union Is Already Addressing Political Issues
LG’s first flexible smartphone, the LG Rollable, is coming “early this year”
Google Blog: Guest Mode: An easy privacy control for your home devices
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1 hr 6 min
January 08, 2021289: And There, Ambitions End
The first episode of 2021 is all about doing out with the old and in with the new. Flo starts us off with why she's putting the Chromecast with Google TV on all the screens. Then, we'll discuss Google and YouTube's responses to this week's attempted insurrection at Capitol Hill and get into the details of the Alphabet Workers Union. Plus, one mad genius's successful attempt at running all major operating systems on a Pixelbook, and we take a look at the Google Home's new scheduling features.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
Links and Show Notes:
Reddit: Chromecast w/ Google TV USB C hub support
Google Docs: Chromecast with Google TV - Compatible Hardware List
Business Insider: Google CEO Sundar Pichai calls Capitol Hill violence the 'antithesis of democracy' in memo to employees
The Verge: YouTube removes Trump video addressing Capitol attack
The Verge: YouTube says it will punish Trump and other channels that continue to spread election lies
TechCrunch: Michelle Obama calls on Silicon Valley to permanently ban Trump and prevent platform abuse by future leaders
NYTimes: Hundreds of Google Employees Unionize, Culminating Years of Activism
NYTimes: Opinion | We're Google Workers. And We're Forming a Union.
Reddit: Pixelbook triple boot: MacOS, Win10, Linux Mint. : PixelBook
Google Developers: Google Home now has Google Assistant scheduling features
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1 hr

About 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…