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This 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 tactics. Links and Show Notes: Multiselect for YouTube Why Apple's iMessage Is Winning: Teens Dread the Green Text Bubble Google Exec Urges Apple to Adopt a Universal Messaging Standard MKBHD's Tweet Google hired union-busting consultants to convince employees “unions suck” Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

Google 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. This episode of Material is sponsored by: Wealthfront: Invest for the long term on your terms. Get your first $5,000 managed for free. Links and Show Notes: Google's Improved Fast Pair Feature Will Make You Feel Like An Apple User It's About to Get Easier to Use Android Auto Wirelessly Google Infringed on Sonos Audio Patents, Trade Court Rules Upcoming Speaker Group changes - Google Nest Community Google is manipulating browser extensions to stifle competitors, DuckDuckGo CEO says Google Paid Apple to Stay Out of the Search Business, Lawsuit Claims Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

It'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. Links and Show Notes: Doodle Champion Island Games Begin! Wing resumes drone deliveries in Canberra after raven attacks forced pause during nesting season Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

We'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 horror. 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: iPhone 13 Pro beaten out by Pixel 5a in blind test In 2021, the Internet went for TikTok, space and beyond Google Santa Tracker Google released a Pixel 6-themed tarot card deck that you can download A 1,300-leg millipede has been found, a new record Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

Flo 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. 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. * Cross Promo: Automators: Automation for the people. Listen now. Links and Show Notes: Google is building a new augmented reality device and operating system Google is bringing Android games to Windows in 2022 Google employees to lose pay if don't comply with vaccination policy Apple releases 'Tracker Detect' Android app to find AirTags Take one last look at Google Toolbar, which is now dead Google Area 120's Museletter turns Docs into newsletters Google's Area 120 launches Qaya, a service offering web storefronts for digital creators Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

Andy 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 routing you through the slew of Pixel Watch rumors—yes, that Pixel Watch that keeps getting un-rumored, then re-rumored. Maybe a Pixel Watch will get Hawkeye to upgrade his Pixel 3. 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. Automators: Automation for the people. Listen now. Links and Show Notes: 200 Newspapers Sue Google, Facebook for Decimating Advertising Roku soars on new deal with Google to keep streaming YouTube Google confirms 'limited' Android bug that prevents emergency calling w/ Microsoft Teams installed, fix coming Google Might Actually Be Making a Pixel Watch for Real Marvel's 'Hawkeye' takes place in the universe where everyone bought a Google Pixel Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

Andy 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. This episode of Material is sponsored by: The Intrazone, by Microsoft SharePoint: Your bi-weekly conversation and interview podcast about SharePoint, OneDrive, and related tech within Microsoft 365. Links and Show Notes: Ex-Google workers sue company, saying it betrayed 'Don't Be Evil' motto UMD, Google Unit Partner on Developing VR Training Platform for Police Google Messages may soon show iMessage reactions as emoji Reddit: Just found a new secret game in the google app, on iPhone! Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

Andy 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. 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 Has Reportedly Canceled Pixel Fold Google Pixel 6a will run on a Tensor chip, but a lesser camera than Pixel 6 Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

Flo 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 compression issue involving their Android devices. (We recorded before the verdict and did not mention details of the trial beyond the compression issue.) Then, why folks are up in arms over YouTube making its dislikes private. We end the podcast with some jovial banter over Google's timely investment Down Under and the Megaspiders that roam within proximity of its future data centers. 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 says it’s improving fingerprint scanner performance with a Pixel 6 update Google details how Pixel 6 Pro charging works, peak draw Rittenhouse defense calls for mistrial because Apple Mail compressed a video YouTube gives dislikes the thumbs-down, hides public counts Google is making its biggest investment ever in Australia 'Megaspider' turned in to Australian zoo Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

It'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. 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 pins slow Pixel 6 fingerprint recognition on 'enhanced security' It Looks Like the Pixel 6 Could Get a Face Unlock Feature After All Pixel 6 and 6 Pro's Face Unlock feature didn't make it to launch, but there's still hope A communication tool for people with speech impairments Project Relate Pixel 6 and Android 12 Make Android More Accessible Don't Expect a New Google Pixelbook Anytime Soon Support Material with a Relay FM Membership