

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 the way down. Hosted by Andy Ihnatko and Florence Ion.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 31, 2022 • 1h 25min
392: Too Big to Fail
Happy new year! Our last episode of the year features a deep dive into why Google should worry about technology like ChatGPT coming for its money-maker. We'll also discuss whether Google has a responsibility to deplatform apps like TikTok for being extremely bad actors. Plus, the Pixel 7 is named "Phone of the Year" even if the camera lenses seem to combust spontaneously.
Links and Show Notes:
Is this Flo's light?
ChatGPT and Other Chat Bots Are a ‘Code Red’ for Google Search
Google at 'code red' over ChatGPT as teams reassigned to work on competing AI products
TikTok Spied On Forbes Journalists
MKBHD's Smartphone Awards 2022 shows iPhone is losing ground
The Google Pixel 7's rear camera glass spontaneously shatters for some
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Dec 24, 2022 • 1h 16min
391: Christmas Economics
Happy Christmas eve! Andy shares his favorite app for the holiday to take pictures of things you need to last forever. Then, we get into Google's latest "macroeconomic conditions" and why it's a little silly that the Pixel Tablet leaked in its entirety on Facebook Marketplace. We also discuss some of the results of MKBHD's "smartphone camera of the year" poll.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Hover: Make a name for yourself. Get 10% off any domain name.
Links and Show Notes:
Google Photos Scan
Slow fade for Google and Meta's ad dominance
Prototype Google Pixel Tablet and its dock leak on Facebook Marketplace
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Dec 16, 2022 • 1h 18min
390: Inflection Point
Andy and Flo have reunited again after both taking trips out of town. We talk about Google playing it cool around ChatGPT and how Android Auto taught Flo to understand the metric system. We also discuss YouTube's new moderation tactics and two new interactive games from Google.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Hover: Make a name for yourself. Get 10% off any domain name.
Links and Show Notes:
Google execs warn company's reputation could suffer if it moves too fast on AI-chat technology
Google to merge mapping service Waze with maps products teams
YouTube moderation bots will start issuing warnings, 24-hour bans
The Blobs are back and teaming up with Beethoven
Blob Beats
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Dec 9, 2022 • 49min
389: A Simple Tweak, a Familiar Tool
Flo is on vacation, but Andy's holding it down in a special solo show. Surprise, surprise: Google's made some changes to one of its beloved apps, and it might change the way you're used to doing things. Then, Andy takes a peek at Google's online gift shop.
Links and Show Notes:
Google Lens replaces Google Translate's camera mode on Android and iOS
Google Search brings continuous scrolling to desktop
GoogleMerchandiseStore.com
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Dec 2, 2022 • 1h 7min
388: Naughtiness
Andy spent some cash over the holiday, and Flo is still wondering where to spend her Google Store store credit. We'll discuss the $9 million penalty that Google and iHeartRadio have to pay for deceptive Pixel 4 ads, plus the $5 Billion Google will owe Play Store customers if the latest class action suit goes terribly. We'll also lament over how hard it is to move to Mastodon.
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 paid millions to iHeartMedia radio hosts to endorse the Pixel 4 — even though they hadn't used it
FTC, States Sue Google and iHeartMedia for Deceptive Ads Promoting the Pixel 4 Smartphone
Google customers win class-action status in lawsuit over app store prices
Google now has an official Mastodon account, but it's not what you think
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Nov 23, 2022 • 1h 16min
387: Gobble, Gobble
It's our annual listen-to-us-while-cooking episode! Andy and Flo regale what's on the docket this turkey/tofurkey holiday, then count down the most worthy of Google's Black Friday deals. Be sure to listen in if you're shopping!
Links and Show Notes:
Shop Black Friday Deals & Offers on Google Store
Save up to $400 on unlocked Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
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Nov 18, 2022 • 1h 9min
386: Hazmat Playsuit
Andy and Flo wonder what's next in social media. The two friends talk about Google's $400 million location-tracking faux pas, though Apple doesn't have clean hands either. Then, a new beta feature in DuckDuckGo to keep Android apps from tracking your activity.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Hover: Make a name for yourself. Get 10% off any domain name.
Links and Show Notes:
AG Rosenblum Announces Largest AG Consumer Privacy Settlement in U.S. History
Google settles with 40 states over location tracking practices
Google Agrees to $392 Million Privacy Settlement With 40 States
Apple Apps Track You Even With Privacy Protections on
New DuckDuckGo Tool Brings Apple-Style Privacy to Android
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Nov 11, 2022 • 1h 11min
385: According to an Email
YouTube Kids remains questionable, and Andy has found a sincere appreciation for the Nest Hub. We'll discuss how to get your refunds from Google's defunct Stadia cloud gaming platform and what it's like to play PC games on a Chromebook. We also chat about what's next from Fitbit and its plans for a kid-centric device.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Hover: Make a name for yourself. Get 10% off any domain name.
Links and Show Notes:
Here’s How to Get Your Money Back From Google Stadia
With Stadia shutting down, what else can you use the Stadia Controller for?
Red Dead Redemption 2 fan with nearly 6,000 hours on Stadia gets thrown a lifeline by Rockstar
Google Play Android Games Can Now Be Played on Your PC
ChromeOS gets serious about gaming as Steam support enters beta
Google Play Games
Fitbit—now, by Google
Report: Fitbit working on cellular wearable for kids after canceling camera smartwatch
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Nov 9, 2022 • 1h 30min
384: Grey Text
Last week's podcast, today! 'Tis the season for sickness, but we're back in your ears with two episodes this week. First up: Andy does a solo show where he recaps his Nest WiFi Pro experience and notes from Google's AI@ day.
This episode of Material is sponsored by:
Trade: Save Big, Support Small Roasters. Get $30 off your first order.
ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
Links and Show Notes:
10-hour Thriller Dance
Nest Wifi Pro
Google AI@ Day '22
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Oct 28, 2022 • 1h 9min
383: No Defense
This week, Flo wonders why her Google search page is rife with ads, and Andy is excited over his Nest WiFi Pro on the way. The two friends discuss Alphabet's third-quarter earnings call this week. Plus, updates to the Google Home and YouTube apps.
Links and Show Notes:
Alphabet (A shares) (GOOGL) Q3 2022 Earnings Call Transcript
Check out your cameras on the web with Google Home
YouTube Has a Refreshed Look & Feel
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