Google Episodes

Google news and rumors, daily, with the latest about Pixel, Android, Home, and Chrome OS.
Wed. 03/03 – Google (Sorta) Pivots To Privacy
March 3, 2021

Wed. 03/03 – Google (Sorta) Pivots To Privacy

Google says it’s getting out of the ad tracking game. Kinda. I’ll explain what’s really going on here. Headline wrapup from Microsoft’s Ignite conference includes AR excitement. Brave is launching a privacy search engine. And why Amazon’s app icon redesign reminded people of Hitler’s mustache.Sponsors:PingIdentity.comNewYorker.com/techmeme, promocode: techmemeLinks:Google promises it won’t just keep tracking you after replacing cookies (The Verge)Google to Stop Selling Ads Based on Your Specific Web Browsing (WSJ)Microsoft says China-backed hackers are exploiting Exchange zero-days (TechCrunch)Recovering from the SolarWinds hack could take 18 months (MIT Technology Review)Microsoft launches Power Fx, a new open source low-code language (TechCrunch)Microsoft Mesh feels like the virtual future of Microsoft Teams meetings (The Verge)Brave is launching its own search engine with the help of ex-Cliqz devs and tech (TechCrunch)Amazon shaves app icon mustache that raised eyebrows (The V…
Thu – 02/18 – Facebook Calls Australia’s Bluff; Google Pays Off Murdoch
Feb. 18, 2021

Thu – 02/18 – Facebook Calls Australia’s Bluff; Google Pays Off Murdoch

I’ll do my best to explain this Australia situation with Facebook and Google. SpaceX is our interesting raise today. Nvidia unveils a line of chips just for crypto. Does Apple want to set the standards for 6G? And if remote work is the future, why is Big Tech still building so much office space?Sponsors:Uber.com/techmemeTovala.com/rideLinks:Facebook restricts users, publishers from sharing news content in Australia (AP)Facebook calls Australia's bluff (Platformer)SpaceX Funding Round at $74 Billion Valuation Was Led by Sequoia (Bloomberg)NVIDIA Annoucnes CMP 30HX, 40HX, 50HX and 90HX GPUs For Mining, Cripples Hash Rate Of RTX 3060 (WCCFTech)Apple Hiring Engineers to Develop 6G Wireless (Bloomberg)If Work Is Going Remote, Why Is Big Tech Still Building? (Wired)
Fri. 02/12 – Google Adds Pixel-Exclusive Photo Editing Features To Google Photos
Feb. 12, 2021

Fri. 02/12 – Google Adds Pixel-Exclusive Photo Editing Features To Google Photos

Google adds some photo editing features to Google Photos that maybe points to a larger subscription play. Is Apple’s new AR app for TV+ a sign of things to come? Disney+ numbers are amazing. Apple Watch estimated numbers are impressive. And of course, the weekend longreads suggestions.Sponsors:Oracle.com/goto/rideTinyCapital.comLinks:Google Photos gets new paywalled editing features for Google One subscribers (The Verge)First Apple TV+ AR app launches with ‘For All Mankind’ backstory through mixed reality (9to5Mac)Disney says it now has 94.9 million Disney+ subscribers (CNBC)Apple Watch Is Now Worn on 100 Million Wrists (Above Avalon)Bumble stock closes up 63% after soaring in market debut (CNBC)Weekend Longreads Suggestions:Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT): Beginner's Guide (Decrypt)20 years of orange cones: The history of VLC (Protocol)N.Y.’s Vaccine Websites Weren’t Working. He Built a New One for $50. (NYTimes)Cadillac Super Cruise Review: Better Than Tesla’s Autopilot (MotorTren…
Tue. 02/02 – Ok, But Is Stadia Long For This World?
Feb. 2, 2021

Tue. 02/02 – Ok, But Is Stadia Long For This World?

Google is getting out of the game development business, but is it getting out of the Stadia business or just pivoting to infrastructure? Apple acknowledges that Covid has basically hobbled Face ID. Uber gets into the liquor delivery business. And Amazon’s plans for its HQ2 architecture shows at least somebody in Silicon Valley is not buying the remote work hype.Sponsors:Fundrise.com/techmemeAirMedcareNetwork.com/tech offer code: TECHLinks:Google Stadia Shuts Down Internal Studios, Changing Business Focus (Kotaku)Google now gives you more information about the sites in your search results (TechCrunch)iOS 14.5 will let Apple Watch owners unlock iPhones while wearing a mask (Engadget)Uber buying booze delivery company Drizly for $1.1 billion (Axios)Kuo: 'Apple Car' to use Hyundai's E-GMP platform, GM and PSA partnerships possible (Apple Insider)Robinhood Raises Another $2.4 Billion From Shareholders (WSJ)Amazon Unveils Outdoorsy New HQ2, Renewing Its Commitment to Offices (WSJ)te…
Mon. 02/01 – Google Deadpools The Pixel Slate
Feb. 1, 2021

Mon. 02/01 – Google Deadpools The Pixel Slate

It’s a day ending in -a-y, so that must mean Google discontinued another flagship product. Microsoft reports that its next growth industry is cybersecurity. Ring has basically doubled the amount of police and fire departments that can request access your doorbell videos. And what happened when Elon Musk showed up in Clubhouse last night.Sponsors:SmartAsset.com/techmemeMetalab.coLinks:[Update: Final] Pixel Slate discontinued and removed from Google Store (9to5Google)Apple’s iCloud Passwords extension for Chrome on Windows is now available (9to5Google)Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella: There is ‘a big crisis right now’ for cybersecurity (Yahoo Finance)Facebook Knew Calls for Violence Plagued ‘Groups,’ Now Plans Overhaul (WSJ)US police and fire departments partnering with Amazon’s Ring passes 2,000 (Financial Times)New Linux SUDO flaw lets local users gain root privileges (Bleeping Computer)Augmented Reality Gets Pandemic Boost (WSJ)Elon Musk busts Clubhouse limit (TechCrunch)Recording of…
Fri. 01/22 – Alphabet Sends Loon To The Deadpool
Jan. 22, 2021

Fri. 01/22 – Alphabet Sends Loon To The Deadpool

What does it mean for Alphabet if it’s starting to cut bait on its “moonshots?” Is Google going to cut bait entirely, on the entire country of Australia? More signs that Apple is atoning for their laptop design sins. Looks like we were right, Plaid is very much, no Visa, no cry. And of course, the weekend longreads suggestions.Sponsors:Tovala.com/rideMetalab.comLinks: Alphabet Pops Loon’s Balloons—but Won't Call It a Failure (Wired) Google threatens to shut down search in Australia if digital news code goes ahead (The Guardian) Apple Plans Thinner MacBook Air With Magnetic Charger in Mac Lineup Reboot (Bloomberg) Plaid Shareholders Field Offers at $15 Billion After Merger Collapse (The Information)Weekend Longreads Suggestions: Biden picks Jessica Rosenworcel as acting FCC chief (NBC News) The Inside Story of How the Lowly PDF Played the Longest Game in Tech (Marker) The Moderation War Is Coming to Spotify, Substack, and Clubhouse (OneZero) SAMSUNG GALAXY S21 ULTRA REVIEW: THE…
Mon. 01/04 – Some Google Workers Say Union YES!
Jan. 4, 2021

Mon. 01/04 – Some Google Workers Say Union YES!

Google/Alphabet workers launch an official union drive. We’ve got a date for the Galaxy Unpacked event. Microsoft wants to give Windows a good scrubbing this year. Everyone wants a piece of ShareChat. Gazelle is getting out of the trade-in business. And LG doesn’t want to give up on tv screens you can hide away when not in use.Sponsors:Fundrise.com/techmemeLinkedIn.com/rideLinks: Google, Alphabet employees seek to form a union (TechCrunch) Samsung officially confirms Galaxy S21 event for January 14th (The Verge) Microsoft planning ‘sweeping visual rejuvenation of Windows’ (The Verge) Google and Snap in talks to invest in India's ShareChat (TechCrunch) Trade-in site Gazelle is ending trade-ins (The Verge) Apple will let Amphetamine app stay in the App Store after wrongly telling developer it violated App Store rules (The Verge) This LG display transforms from flat to curved for immersive gaming (The Verge)
Wed. 12/16 – Google’s Stadia Arrives on iOS and iPadOS In Beta
Dec. 16, 2020

Wed. 12/16 – Google’s Stadia Arrives on iOS and iPadOS In Beta

Day three of the SolarWinds hack fallout sees major investors unloading stock at a suspicious time. M1 chip support comes to some major apps. Periscope joins the Deadpool. Bitcoin crosses $20k. An AirPods Max review. And what if you could make a digital platform for board games? Sponsors: OurCrowd.com/ride VistaPrint.com/techmeme Links: Stadia comes to the iPhone and iPad with new iOS beta (The Verge) Investors in breached software firm SolarWinds traded $280 million in stock days before hack wa...
Thu. 11/19 – Google Pay Pivots In An Interesting Way
Nov. 19, 2020

Thu. 11/19 – Google Pay Pivots In An Interesting Way

A major strategy shift for Google Pay might be a big deal. But a minor shift in YouTube monetization is the same old, same old. Apple pays to settle an investigation into iPhone throttling. Affirm files for its IPO. Apple Silicon continues to absolutely wow people, and by the way, the iPhone 12 Pro Max camera is wowing professional photographers. Sponsors: MailmanHQ.com Amazon.com/ridehome Links: Google Pay gets a major redesign with a new emphasis on personal finance (TechCrunch) YouTube will r...
Thu. 11/12 – The Google Photos Free-For-All Is Over
Nov. 12, 2020

Thu. 11/12 – The Google Photos Free-For-All Is Over

Why Google sunsetting the free version of its Photos service has so many people riled up. Apple’s TestFlight update should make beta testing apps easier. Amazon’s Alexa Care Hub should make caring for elderly relatives easier. A “bank on rails” is an interesting raise. And is the HomePod mini worth buying? Sponsors: TinyCapital.com VistaPrint.com/techmeme Links: Google Photos will end its free unlimited storage on June 1st, 2021 (The Verge) Google warns Google Drive users: Use it, or lose your f...
Tue. 10/20 – The DOJ Antitrust Suit Against Google
Oct. 20, 2020

Tue. 10/20 – The DOJ Antitrust Suit Against Google

The Feds have finally thrown the book at Google. But the DOJ has also targeted the infamous Sandworm hackers. Intel sells its NAND memory unit as consolidation in chips continues. Microsoft partners with Elon Musk to take its battle with AWS to space. What product is Google abandoning today? And the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro reviews are here. Which one should you get? NewYorker.com/techmeme Monday.com/ride Links: The DOJ sues Google for monopoly practices – and says there’s more to come (Protocol) Ju...
Fri. 10/16 – You Can Now Hum To Search Music On Google
Oct. 16, 2020

Fri. 10/16 – You Can Now Hum To Search Music On Google

Google now lets you whistle or hum to search, which sounds crazy I know, or crazy cool. Are we due for one more Apple event this year? The FCC wants to kill section 230 but actually can’t. Could you do machine learning with practically no data to learn off of? And of course, the weekend longreads suggestions. Sponsors: NewYorker.com/techmeme TinyCapital.com Links: Google’s new ‘hum to search’ feature can figure out the song that’s stuck in your head (The Verge) Apple might hold another event on ...
Mon. 10/12 – Nest’s New Smart Thermostat Ditches the Rotating Dial
Oct. 12, 2020

Mon. 10/12 – Nest’s New Smart Thermostat Ditches the Rotating Dial

Google’s Nest thermostat is ditching the iconic dial design. Will regulators first ask Google to divest itself of Chrome? A big takedown of a botnet that could have influenced the election. Update on Quibi’s shopping itself around. And why Covid has made Caterpillar hit the gas on robo-construction machines. Sponsors: Masterworks.io , select PODCAST, then promocode: RIDE ForHims.com/tech Links: Google’s Nest announces new smart thermostat with simpler design, lower price (The Verge) Feds may tar...
Tue. 10/06 - G Suite Is No More! (But Don’t Worry)
Oct. 6, 2020

Tue. 10/06 - G Suite Is No More! (But Don’t Worry)

G Suite is no more! But don’t worry. It’s just a name change. Apple is removing non-Apple headphones from its stores. And AT&T is killing DSL. Why that’s a problem for a lot of people. Putting interactive advertising on convenience store coolers is sort of obvious. But why it SHOULD be obvious that an internet connected chastity belt is a bad idea.Sponsors:Monday.com/rideFundrise.com/techmemeLinks: G Suite is now Google Workspace (TechCrunch) Apple Stops Selling Rival Earphones, Speakers Ah...
Wed. 09/30 – The New Pixel Phones, Chromecast and More From Today’s Google Event
Sept. 30, 2020

Wed. 09/30 – The New Pixel Phones, Chromecast and More From Today’s Google Event

All the news from the Google Launch Night. Say hello to Google TV. Say hello to a new Chromecast and the new Nest Audio smartspeaker. Say hello to the Pixel 4a 5G and the new Pixel 5. But is this a new pivot to midmarket for the Pixel line, or is it the end of the road? The grand unification of Facebook apps continues. And Rally is an interesting raise that lets you invest in… baseball cards? Sponsors: Liftoff.to Calm.com/techmeme Metalab.co Links: Here’s what the new Chromecast’s Google TV soft...
Fri. 08/14 – Fortnite Banned! The Epic/Apple/Google Battle Royale
Aug. 14, 2020

Fri. 08/14 – Fortnite Banned! The Epic/Apple/Google Battle Royale

What do you think we’re going to talk about? Apple and Google ban Fortnite. Epic Games turns around and sues Apple and Google for antitrust. Also: Adobe commits to fighting Deepfakes, Streaming is now a quarter of all tv viewing, and, of course, the weekend longreads suggestions. Sponsors: LiftOff.to JoinFightCamp.com/techmeme Links: Fortnite for Android has also been kicked off the Google Play Store (The Verge) Epic is suing Google over Fortnite’s removal from the Google Play Store (The Verge) ...
Tue. 08/11 – Google To Create A Global Android-Powered Earthquake Alert System
Aug. 11, 2020

Tue. 08/11 – Google To Create A Global Android-Powered Earthquake Alert System

Android is becoming a worldwide earthquake detection network. Major legal setback for Uber and Lyft in California. Businesses using Bitcoin as their capital reserve. Parallels Desktop supports Big Sur. Nreal still believes in consumer AR glasses. And we try my deepfake audio experiment. Sponsors: LiftOff.to LinkedIn.com/ride Links: ANDROID IS BECOMING A WORLDWIDE EARTHQUAKE DETECTION NETWORK (The Verge) California Wins Preliminary Injunction Against Uber, Lyft (Bloomberg) MicroStrategy becomes f...
Wed. 07/29 – Big Tech CEO’s Testimony Before Congress
July 29, 2020

Wed. 07/29 – Big Tech CEO’s Testimony Before Congress

A rundown of what the big tech CEO’s told Congress this afternoon. Are Samsung and Google about to get a lot more integrated? The biggest news in the ongoing streaming media transformation of Hollywood. Buying out TikTok is going to be pretty expensive. And Shopify’s earnings blow the roof off the place. Sponsors: Metalab.co MintMobile.com/ride Links: Watch Cook, Bezos, Pichai and Zuckerberg testify in Big Tech antitrust hearing — live updates and analysis (CNBC) Google in Talks to Take Over Mor...
Mon. 07/27 – Googlers May Not Return To The Office Until NEXT July
July 27, 2020

Mon. 07/27 – Googlers May Not Return To The Office Until NEXT July

Google’s offices might remain closed due to Covid for another full year. Australia has sued Google on competition and consumer grounds. Looks like Garmin is being ransomed. A handheld device to replace guide dogs for the blind. And you know Software as a Service, but get ready for Hardware as a Service. Sponsors: Today In Digital Marketing podcast Metalab.co Links: Google to Keep Employees Home Until Summer 2021 Amid Coronavirus Pandemic (WSJ) ACCC takes second swing at Google for allegedly misl...
Wed. 07/01 – YouTube TV Has Recreated The TV Bundle At Essentially The Same Price Point
July 1, 2020

Wed. 07/01 – YouTube TV Has Recreated The TV Bundle At Essentially The Same Price Point

The reckoning for social media ad spend might be hitting critical mass. Spotify gets more affordable for couples. YouTube TV gets more expensive for everyone. Apple IS struggling with iPhone 5G delays, but it SHOULDN’T delay things into 2021. And when will Silicon Valley offices reopen? Not anytime soon, it sounds like. Sponsors: Metalab.co ApolloNeuro.com/ride Links: Facebook frustrates advertisers as boycott over hate speech kicks off (Reuters) Third of top brands likely to suspend social medi...
Fri. 04/24 - Google Battens Down The Hatches
April 24, 2020

Fri. 04/24 - Google Battens Down The Hatches

AT&T’s CEO rides off into the sunset is both a surprise and not a surprise at all. Whole bunch of interesting Google news all at once. More on that iOS zero-day, more data on tech industry hiring and layoffs, and, of course, the weekend longreads suggestions.Sponsors:TinyCapital.comCognitoHQ.comLinks: AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson to step down, COO Stankey to take over (CNBC) Google to cut marketing budgets by as much as half, directors warned of hiring freezes (CNBC) Google ditched tipping f...
Fri. 04/10 – HUGE: Apple and Google Join Forces For Coronavirus Contact Tracing
April 10, 2020

Fri. 04/10 – HUGE: Apple and Google Join Forces For Coronavirus Contact Tracing

Amazon is creating a system to test its own employees for Coronavirus, Google creates a system to help with unemployment claims, one more attempt to keep track of the Google messaging branding mess, more evidence Zuckerberg really is jealous of Instagram, and, of course, the weekend longreads suggestions. Sponsors: Tovala.com/ride Caramba.store Code: Brian50 Links: Apple, Google debut major effort to help people track if they’ve come in contact with coronavirus (Washington Post) Amazon developin...
Wed. 03/25 - Google Podcasts Comes To iOS
March 25, 2020

Wed. 03/25 - Google Podcasts Comes To iOS

How Facebook is coping with Corona, Google Podcasts comes to iOS, ad blocking officially comes to Safari, when Apple thinks it can re-open stores, Singapore open-sources it’s Corona-contact-tracing app, and have your screen time notifications horrified you this week? You’re not alone. Sponsors: Metalab.co Rhone.com/ridehome Promocode: ridehome for 20 percent off Links: Facebook Is ‘Just Trying to Keep the Lights On’ as Traffic Soars in Pandemic (NYTimes) The Coronavirus Revives Facebook as a New...
Mon. 03/16 - What REALLY Happened W/That Google Coronavirus Project?
March 16, 2020

Mon. 03/16 - What REALLY Happened W/That Google Coronavirus Project?

Apple fined by France, the FCC nets a bundle at auction, new Beats earbuds, all the specs for the new Xbox Series X, and how Google got caught by surprise by President Trump’s announcement regarding Coronavirus work. Sponsors: Tinycapital.com TryExpressVPN.com/ride Links: Apple fined a record $1.2 billion by French antitrust authorities (CNBC) FCC’s largest spectrum auction nets $4.47 billion for 5G mmWave bands (VentureBeat) Beats announces $149 Powerbeats with 15 hours of battery life (The Ver...