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Yet again, Flo is out sick this week. But thankfully, we have Andy to hold down the fort and explain why it's been an alarming week for Google. First, there were massive layoffs, with news that resonated through the zeitgeist. And then, the US Department of Justice came down with the antitrust banhammer. What will happen to Google next? This episode of Material is sponsored by: Issuu: Get started with Issuu today for FREE or sign up for an annual premium account and get 50% off Links and Show Notes: Google parent Alphabet is slashing 12,000 jobs: Sundar Pichai emails staff saying he takes ‘full responsibility for the decisions that led us here’ A difficult decision to set us up for the future Google CEO defends job cuts in animated town hall as employees demand clarity on process A major Alphabet investor said the company should cut even more jobs and address 'excessive' pay in the wake of mass layoffs DOJ files second antitrust suit against Google, seeks to break up its ad business Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

Andy and Flo catch up before discussing the not-so-wild rumor that Google is working on its version of Apple's AirTag tracking mechanism. Then, why is Google pushing its work in AI so hard this week? Does the company doth press release too much? We'll also discuss why the Google Podcasts app may not be long for this world--or at least its integration into search results. This episode of Material is sponsored by: Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses. Links and Show Notes: Google reportedly working on 'Grogu' tracker to compete with Apple's AirTags Why we focus on AI (and to what end) 7 ways Google is using AI to help solve society's challenges Google Research, 2022 & Beyond: Language, Vision and Generative Models Google Podcasts disappears from Google Search Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

Your co-hosts pull it together to bring you a super-sized episode about CES 2023. What did Flo see, touch, hear, and feel? A bit too much all at once, as CES is absolute sensory overload. But in the midst of it was some noteworthy news about satellite connectivity coming to Android smartphones, Google's services in the car, and a giant tablet that should reconsider life as a Chromebook. This episode of Material is sponsored by: Issuu: Get started with Issuu today for FREE or sign up for an annual premium account and get 50% off Links and Show Notes: Here's your up-close and personal look at Google's Android experience at CES Android at CES 2023: New cross-device experiences and our approach to better together Android getting Spotify Connect support in media switcher and cross-device switching Google shows how the Pixel Watch can securely keep your smartphone unlocked Android Auto's Makeover Is Now Available for Everyone BMW won't use Google apps when it transitions to Android Automotive next year Qualcomm to Roll Out Satellite Connectivity for Android Devices Later This Year Matter Smart Home Devices Dominated CES This Year Lenovo's ThinkPad Phone, the ThinkPhone, Is Making Me Like Motorola Again Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

Microsoft is coming after Google by infusing Bing with ChatGPT—should Google be concerned? Then, Big Tech had massive layoffs this week while folks were down in Vegas checking out new gadgets. Will that include Google, too? Andy will also walk you through January's Pixel security update. This episode of Material is sponsored by: Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses. ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free. Links and Show Notes: Microsoft's Bing search has big ChatGPT plans Tech Layoffs Continue With Cuts At Salesforce, Amazon And Maybe Even Google Google is rolling out the January security patch to supported Pixel phones Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

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 Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

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 Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

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 Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

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 Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

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 Support Material with a Relay FM Membership

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 Support Material with a Relay FM Membership