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.

Navigation

Links

Latest Episodes

#261: Is It Political?

June 26th, 2020 · 86 minutes

We discuss why Google is (again) in the antitrust hot seat, and why employees are demanding the company stop doing business with police departments. For our After-Dinner Mint, we'll play around with Google's Pinterest-wannabe, called Keen.

#260: One Giant Mess

June 19th, 2020 · 69 minutes

Andy and Flo discuss "Churchillgate" and why Google hasn't de-platformed prominent far-right publications. We finally get some details on when the Pixel 4a will hit the scene, and we'll get down to the bottom of why your Pixel Buds aren't connecting.

#259: Killjoy McDowner

June 13th, 2020 · 94 minutes

This week, we're diving into the Android 11 Beta. We'll also talk about why YouTube's commitment to amplifying black creators on its network is too little too late, and we'll tell you about Alphabet's pilot program for delivering library books by drone.

#258: Not Quite Business as Usual

June 5th, 2020 · 90 minutes

We discuss why Google postponed the Android 11 Beta event and dissect Google's show of solidarity with Black Lives Matter. Also, why the company might be shifting away from relying on contract workers, and the valid reason for a blush pink TV dongle.

#257: The "Stuff" Chair

May 29th, 2020 · 86 minutes

Andy and Flo throw it all on a chair this week to see what sticks and what falls. We break down WIRED's supersized interview with Sundar Pichai and discuss why YouTube is under fire for deleting comments critical of the Chinese government.

#256: Lacking Certain Conviction

May 21st, 2020 · 86 minutes

Flo goes down a rabbit hole where YouTubers get radicalized, and Andy has a billion-dollar idea for movie studios. We'll talk about why Sundar Pichai said making hardware is hard and run through Android's new Accessibility features in honor of GAAD.

#255: Put Some Paper Over It

May 16th, 2020 · 90 minutes

Andy and Flo dissect why the Pixel phone is losing key members of its team. We'll touch upon the reports that Google is stepping away from varying diversity initiatives and introduce the cast of animals and mitochondria you can hang out with in AR.

#254: To Each Their Own in Quarantine

May 8th, 2020 · 88 minutes

We'll discuss Google's virtual Android 11 beta reveal happening in June, and why Google's quantum computing darling's exit reminds us of the Silicon Valley drama depicted in Alex Garland's Devs.

#253: Wear OS By Google Smartwatch Too

April 30th, 2020 · 95 minutes

Andy and Flo have a lot to get off their chests. We'll discuss the latest reviews of the Pixel Buds and why they probably don't have active noise cancellation.

#252: In Defense of the Bathrobe

April 23rd, 2020 · 85 minutes

We cover a variety of Google news this week, including COVID-related app updates and the merits and privacy implications of the company's rumored debit card.