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Screening Pixel 6 rumors and Chromebooks at 10

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links

• Google Pixel 6 likely to adopt centered hole punch camera, 4K selfie video
• Google Camera 8.2 improves long-press video recording, rolling out to Pixel 5 and more
• Chrome OS 89 is a big update that adds Phone Hub, Tote, screen recording, and more
• Google wants to make Chromebooks of the future more intelligent and connected

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Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also rate us in Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

New Nest Hub with Soli and Pixel 5a rumors

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links

• March Pixel Feature Drop: Underwater photos, Gboard Smart Compose, and more
• Here’s what underwater Pixel 5 photos look like [Gallery]
• Purported ‘Pixel 5a’ renders suggest Google’s next phone is basically the Pixel 4a 5G
• Sources: Google launching a new Nest Hub in 2021 that uses Soli for sleep tracking
• Sources: New Nest Hub looks like the original, Soli sleep tracking tied to Google Fit
• Nest Hub and Smart Display ‘Photo Frame’ loses ‘experimental’ Facebook, Flickr sources
• Google releases three new Nest Hub and Hub Max clocks

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also rate us in Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

Previewing Android 12

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links

• Android 12 design mockup leak reveals radical visual overhaul, first features [Gallery]
• Android 12 working on in-depth theming system that can even recolor apps
• Android 12 set to revamp split screen with ‘App Pairs’
• Android 12 should mark return of ‘Columbus’ double tap gesture for Pixels
• Google updates Android Beta Feedback app ahead of Android 12 Developer Preview

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also rate us in Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Transcription

Kyle [00:00:02] Hello everybody, and welcome to Alphabet Scoop Episode one hundred and twelve the 12th, they're being surprisingly appropriate as you'll learn more in a minute. And I'm joined here with Avner this week. Then Ben will not be joining us as he is a bit under the weather, but feeling better? I haven't watched you jump on into what we can't count on with Android 12.

Leaked Android 12 mockups

Abner [00:00:27] So, yes, on Tuesday, we had a rather unprecedented week of what looks to be Android 12. So before the start of any developer preview, Google shares, of course, they share this stuff with their partners. And apparently one of the documents that highlights the high level changes in Android 12 was Thelo a screenshot and made public. And this gave us what by all by all accounts, is what Android is going to look like. So starting on this, the. Bold screenshot of a new home screen that for the most part, it looks like the pixel launcher on Android, you happened today, but there it is a stark difference in that it is themed. The wallpaper is theming the rest of the system. And one of the reasons we think this week is very much authentic is because just last month we had a our own reporting about such a feature, which Kyle is going to dove into. 

Kyle [00:01:56] Right. 

Android 12 in-depth theming system

Kyle [00:01:56] So we found that Android 12 is going to expand the work that's got started with Android 10, where Android introduced the idea of light theme and dark theme. Android 12 seems to be adding this much deeper, far more colorful theming system where you can choose one of a few preset colors. So don't go thinking you can choose one of a million different colors. It's you got presets, but if you can choose one of a few preset colors or have it be chosen for you based on your wallpaper, and the majority of Android is going to recolor itself to that theme, to the point that even even third party apps, if they so choose, can use that theme. Which is really bold and interesting and it. 

Kyle [00:02:58] It's the. 

Kyle [00:03:00] The cornerstone, really, of all of these screenshots is these leaked mockups is this this color system, it's unavoidable even in the camera app. 

Abner [00:03:11] So one of the examples of that extending into third party applications is in this mock up. Anyway, we see the dock with full apps, the phone app, the clock app and the camera, everything but the Web browser. It matches the wallpaper. And that the background is is the same color that matches these mountains and hills that's in the wallpaper. And everything is just themed around that in a way that you wouldn't associate with Google's usual app icon design. So it's it's it really personalized your phone ad in the way that is really, really in the past a quiet a you install a third party launcher and then get act and then downvote icon packs. But Google is giving its own clock, its own interpretation at. Pretty intensive customization from a rather minimal for a rather minimal amount of work, which in this case appears to just be choosing the wallpaper. I wonder if Google is going to let people how how much theming, what is they basically going to be a giant switch that lets you turn off this theming and use the experience, the like the default theme on and what you have. And I wonder. 

Kyle [00:04:53] Or if that default theme is just going to be white or black, as it were, or essentially the light or the dark is the default. More after these themes are even going to have their own, like, is there a dark sand variant? 

Abner [00:05:11] Yeah, that it really does conflict with the idea. Well, if Google puts in the work, I'm sure they could do a light and dark theme. I think that would be necessary because as much customization as there is in there appears to be, I think some people always want to adopt them. So that might be a prerequisite to all of these themes. So, yeah, these these this screenshot, I think it's somewhat notable that we also there's a I we see a black dot and all these screen shots in the middle of the screen suggests suggesting where the front facing camera is at the top. So I don't know if that's the direction that the pixel phones taking to see it because there is always some close alignment. I wouldn't read too much into it, but maybe it's a hint at where Hadaway is going, but just a thought. So yeah, this design, would you use it. Would you go all out and customize? 

Kyle [00:06:24] And pick the perfect wallpaper to get the perfect theme, if they if if there's a nice dark blue or something along those lines. Yeah, I would probably would probably do it. Something that's not just black. Yeah. Yeah. I think it would look pretty good. Now to sand. Send Miss me with that. What color would you pick. 

Abner [00:06:48] Oh I'll just stick with the thought that you of the usual doc dark palette and black accent color which was why I was asking. Oh yeah. It's, it's familiar but I don't know maybe I'll try a crack at it. It's, I don't know. It all depends on. 

Abner [00:07:06] I guess the preset wallpapers are going to be really important if this works out, because presumably they'll be perfectly themed to what to do the default color packs you were mentioning at the top. But, yeah, it's I think people are going to love this, that there's no doubt that people would enjoy this deeper level of customization, how it works, how it conflicts with third party OEMs, particularly Samsung. 

Abner [00:07:41] That's the question that deserves. That's going to be interesting to see what latitude Google gives the OEM partners. 

Kyle [00:07:51] I mean, it could just be a matter of, OK, they ship a light and they ship a dark and those probably come by default in Android and it just ships and it just works with light and dark and nothing else happens. It seems like a very optional feature, but as long as there is a light and a dark, then the third party apps don't break because they're still matching something. 

Notification shade gets design changes

Abner [00:08:17] So, yeah, so that's the homescreen we get a look at. The second thing is the notification shape. As you swipe down the screen, we see Google blowing the background so that you can't really see the home screen what you can today. 

Abner [00:08:38] But what's more, viatical. 

Abner [00:08:42] Yeah, or a stark departure from and what you have is discovered this, Kyle. It's it's everything is a very curvy. 

Kyle [00:08:52] It's Samsung like almost. It's passed with just rounded corners. It's it's very circular. I, I'm surprised to see it the way that it is it. It's nice, it kind of reminds me of a Google assistant snapshot, but even that isn't that curved. It's still that's modest by comparison to the curves that are on this these Android 12 mockups. 

Abner [00:09:22] So I can. The curves are talking about the for the notifications, and I can live with those maybe over time, but what I'm really is raising my eyebrows is what's happening with the quick something toggles today. You have the option of choosing six tiny circles, whatever you want as quick things. 

Abner [00:09:47] But what if the screenshot turns out to be the final version of a 12? This design mockup, we only have four. 

Abner [00:10:00] For Kos and. 

Abner [00:10:03] That useability is it looks nice, I dare say the simplicity looks much cleaner, less intimidating and all that compared to the car design, but that's those two shortcuts are going to be key for me. Even losing two is ouf. 

Kyle [00:10:25] I see I'm I could I can take it or leave it as far as the the number of them, but what's so interesting to me is the way that they're showing whether something is on or off. Like what what we see here is that something that's on which in the screenshot is Wi-Fi is a circle which is then shaded in it has a light symbol in there, but something that's disabled like airplane mode just next to it is in a rounded square. With a with a lighter tone, it it's interesting to me the not just using color, but also using shape to to indicate whether something is enabled or disabled. I'm part of me wonders if that's an accessibility thing. So that know, a particular theme doesn't necessarily. Obscure to to a particular person, whether or not something is on or off, but that's that's my only guess. 

Abner [00:11:27] If from a design perspective, I don't get why something being on is a circle or why something off is a rounded square. I just get that. But maybe they'll change down the road. 

New conversation widgets

Abner [00:11:46] But yeah, moving on from the design is back on the home screen. We see some widgets, we see some conversation widgets, as they're called, that show messages, missed calls or activity statuses. In this case, we see A, B, C, one for a missed call from friends. We see that at some of these birthday, we see the last message. 

Abner [00:12:17] A person said, and we see this box, this Sujit telling you the last time you chatted with somebody was two weeks ago. In this case, it's that all again, these are really all mock ups because they're all using Facebook Messenger for the reason that you call it would be unexpected if Google prominently advertises those that app Facebook. But we see just the basic idea is that you will be able to put recent interactions with people, as I just remind those, as widgets. And this is a quick extension of that. And what you have in tentpole, where Google wants to make a more people centric OS with Android 11. And the way it's manifest today is as chat heads and as a dedicated conversation section and notifications shade. But this time Google wants to put it on the home screen in a unavoidable way that you'll see your last interaction with people. And I think this is a really drastic elevation of people. I don't know if I would necessarily use this. Just working from the conceptual screenshots. 

Kyle [00:13:41] Yeah, I'm not sure either, because I'm wondering what the what the priority is on on this particular widget or what the customization or what, because it's like if it was just individual friends, that doesn't quite line up because you have somebody's birthday and that same person, you have a message from them from like an hour ago. 

Kyle [00:14:06] So that doesn't line up and. 

Kyle [00:14:11] The Rachel at the top left, the first one shows two weeks ago, yeah, it's not the syndicate that's wild, but it's not something that you've done recently. 

Kyle [00:14:23] It's not a conversation you're going to jump back into. It's something that happened two weeks ago. So I'm not I I'm wondering if they're going to try and use some smarts, like if they're going to use A.I. to try and I don't know. I don't want to speculate too far on that because that gets creepy. But I don't know how this works. 

Kyle [00:14:42] I don't have enough to it seems useful, but it also seems like it could be very useless. 

Abner [00:14:50] Yeah. So this is, again, this this, more than anything, reveals the conceptual ness of what Google is of this mock up as well. So again, they're all using these screenshots of these widgets are being populated theoretically by Facebook Messenger. And Google simply does not have a buy in from Facebook. They don't have a guaranteed buy in to know that Facebook or support that. They must have had intensive negotiations. That's for one thing, for the to the point you are raising about. 

Abner [00:15:28] Google. 

Abner [00:15:30] The point you were amazing about how the how it's oinking, everything. Yeah, it it requires a level of integration between the operating system, knowing who your friends are. So you would tell you have to have a way telephone who is important and then that would have to be synched up with a third party messaging service. It's very complicated. 

Abner [00:15:59] Once if you try to logic it out in the distant final state, the intent is clear. It's getting you to talk with people again, people making a people centric OS. 

Abner [00:16:16] But the application would require all the buy in from third party developers because Google doesn't have their own messaging service while they have all six and the Google phone app. I guess that's something, but I think most people's conversations are happening somewhere else. And third party apps. And if this like right off the bat, I think if this only worked with SMS socks and last phone calls, I don't think most people will use it. 

Kyle [00:16:47] No, absolutely not. There's there would be no reason to. But one thing that comes to mind, how did that this style of integration work on Windows Phone? Because I know that was one of the only good features of Windows Phone. And from what I remember of it, but I don't know how all the connections work the tiles. 

Abner [00:17:09] Yes. So if memory serves Windows Phone, that pretty good integration with Facebook, that it was it was something between being able to sign to Facebook and having your contacts, your contact apps to be populated by a Facebook contacts and some merging going on. If again, if memory serves, that's how they were able to do that. But I know this requires this because Android 12, knowing who your contacts are, and I think given the way we all use multiple apps, I think that requires a deeper synergy that I don't know if Google is able to close to partner on that or Facebook without the pretty high privacy implications or if not that of giving Facebook even more data into Google users, which I don't think Google would necessarily want. 

Kyle [00:18:09] Right, and you can see that they would the goal of this at least, or the the ambition when they were making the mark up is for not only Google messages, which but and Facebook Messenger, but there's also WhatsApp, which I get that that's still Facebook. But the it shows the ambition of it, at least, that it's not just that they want multiple third party app by INS. 

Abner [00:18:36] Mm hmm. They absolutely have to. 

Abner [00:18:39] Yeah. These people widgets. 

Abner [00:18:42] And I see maybe you you put one for your spouse or significant other, but and maybe like your family or one or two friends. But any, any more I think it gets. 

Abner [00:18:55] The accuracy suffers, the overload becomes a bit too much. 

Kyle [00:19:02] OK, but you're that's on the assumption that you get to place people individually. 

Kyle [00:19:12] Well, I'm not sure that that's the case, so this could be like a version of the discover feed, you know, or a concept along those lines, but social oriented or here's a recommendation. We recommend that you chat with Rachel because the last time you chatted with her was two weeks ago. We recommend that you message back. Monica, who messaged you in an hour ago. 

Abner [00:19:37] Yeah, that OK. 

Abner [00:19:40] Again, these are designed mock ups at the piers, the way that Google wants to implement this is with widgets, which makes sense because it's an interesting and an existing convention that exists in Android because otherwise, as it. 

Abner [00:19:59] I think the idea is that they want to achieve fear of making a people Santiago s would require a whole rethink of how Android interacts and works. And I don't. And I don't think they have the. They have the they don't know yet what this is going to be a successful idea so that using widgets that can be easily removed and added as the paradigm to achieve this. But I think anything deeper, if they want to make that a at like the Windows Tight Windows phone tiles, I think that requires a deeper level redesign of the OS and. 

Abner [00:20:44] I don't I don't think that's it from a design perspective, I don't think there's a the user experience is going to change to you from the screenshots that you've seen now, not that fundamental of a level. 

Kyle [00:20:56] Nothing that we've heard or seen points to that fundamental of a redesign. 

Abner [00:21:01] Yeah, it's the design for most people. Yet the world will go a long way because I think when you were discussing this earlier in the week, you mentioned that that and what you have in today is identical to what Android Newgate, the Android nine say. Hi. Hi. Hi. 

Kyle [00:21:24] There. Syntheses there's a decent enough change between Orio and pie. 

Abner [00:21:28] Oh yes. That makes sense to I can see that as well. So yeah it's. 

Abner [00:21:35] It's. 

Abner [00:21:37] It's I would say, and I think most people who it's due for a visual refresh and I think the theming and the colors will go a long way to do that. But I think it's only a temporary solution in terms of what if you really want to rethink how a phone works, you need to redesign the whole OS. And I don't think we're necessarily there yet with Android 12. 

Kyle [00:22:02] I don't necessarily think that Android is ever going to quite get to that point. I don't think they're going to do such a, again, fundamental change. It seems like something that wouldn't jive with Android as a whole. 

New privacy indicators

Abner [00:22:17] Yeah, yeah. So, yeah, that's the focus on people that we're definitely seeing that. So the other thing that Google looks to be very big on this release is privacy, which makes sense since people say they care very much about the privacy implications of modern technology. And the the biggest way Google is addressing this looks to be by having a camera and microphone indicators. So in the top corner, in the top right corner, that it looks like there's going to be a pill that a green pill that shows whenever your camera microphone is active over time, just shrink to a tiny green dot next to your battery icon in this case. And it looks like if you go to quick settings, you'll be able to tap it or somehow access it to get a full message. It says that camera is using the camera camera app, using the camera, rather chat, use the microphone recently. Again, these are just examples with links to open them in settings. And this is something that people have definitely been asking for since Apple introduced an iOS. 

Kyle [00:23:51] It's absolutely necessary. It's just a continued step that they've taken the android's been working on bringing better permissions and better privacy that way for years now. So this is just a it's just another progression. I it it stings a little to see that it's just copying what I did. But at the same time, I did it right. So there shouldn't be anything wrong in copying it. 

Abner [00:24:17] Indeed. Indeed. So, yeah, that should be a very welcome change to people. The other thing we see is a consolidated privacy menu, which takes us to a settings page, which, if this is correct, would bring would be very reminiscent of Samsung's one UI that and before that, of course, iOS in which settings, pages or apps, frankly, they have gigantic Habas announcing the current page on. In this case it says privacy and we have some toggles to disable camera, mute microphone and location again. And you can just just switch on and off. We only have occasion today, but I think something like the ability to disable the camera access in all apps or disable the microphone and all apps, that's, I think, welcome future for people. 

Kyle [00:25:23] Yeah, definitely. Just just to know have some some comfort to know that, OK, no matter it doesn't matter what app it is, doesn't matter if it's a system app, you just you turn off that microphone switch and nothing on your phone is listening for, for the for the paranoid rightfully or wrongfully that's there for you. There was a point in time where I would have loved to have had that. So that's this is this is comforting in a way. 

Abner [00:25:48] Yeah. So that privacy is again, it's something that people say they increasingly care about. So that looks like to be one thing that Google is continually building on from an 11 to 12 and further. So those are the screenshots. So the design mockups we've we've had this week and. Yeah, it's again, it's just visually. 

Abner [00:26:19] Not most people expecting, I guess, let's put it that way. 

Kyle [00:26:23] Yeah, I mean, especially that that pivot to one guy like you like were pointing in the. In the privacy screenshot where you have the header above, which is blank right now, but maybe there will be one, or maybe there won't for simplicity's sake, but the header to. Space it downward, bring it down for. For those who prefer to use their phone with one hand. 

Abner [00:26:49] Yeah, it's I am. 

Abner [00:26:53] That would be us, and if apps if all apps and code should help that, that's like a big indication of Samsung's one UI. 

Abner [00:27:06] So we'll see how far Google takes in mandating that the costs apps. But for now, that's just to design mockups we've seen. 

Revamped split screen with 'App Pairs'

Abner [00:27:17] So another big focus. This is from Kyle reporting again last month. I think the functionality standpoint app pairs is something that you've discovered is in Development Fund or twelve. 

Kyle [00:27:37] Yeah. So we learned that with Android 12, there's this concept being introduced of app pairs, which is supposed to be something of a. An improvement over the existing splitscreen system in Android today, which, while useful, isn't quite up to par four for the new classes of devices like foldable bowls and even the Microsoft Surface duo where you have multiple. Multiple screens are just a large screen, and you just want to be able to quickly open to apps and then maybe switch over to using one app anyway. So what the concept of app pairs, you can open one app and then choose to open another app with it, or even potentially like we've seen on some implementations on Samsung and Microsoft phones open or tap one shortcut to open two apps at the same time. Side by side. But you these once you've pared to APS, they're treated as one kind of activity in the like in your recent APS view. So you could be using, let's say, Chrome and Slack or Chrome and Google Docs side by side and then switch over to another app. 

Kyle [00:29:08] Let's just say a game usually stopped for a man to play a game and then you swap back and your two apps are still right there, how you had them before. 

Kyle [00:29:16] Whereas today with like Android 11. 

Kyle [00:29:20] You can enter splitscreen mode and it just sort of pins one app to the top and then you're using the bottom half of your screen to or the other side of your screen to just. 

Kyle [00:29:33] To to work through a multitude of apps, it's a it's just a different way of thinking about it, that should be interesting to see how it goes. And it's nice to see Google putting effort toward foldable and dual screen devices. 

Abner [00:29:48] Mm hmm. 

Abner [00:29:49] And how often do you how do you multitask? They would splitscreen. 

Kyle [00:29:57] On my own, on my single phone, Everth, on when those few times that I pull out the the log 60 all the time. 

Abner [00:30:08] All the time. OK, OK. Yeah, it's. I honestly, the pip all people want to multitask is the video when they're watching video and being another app and I think the pip, the picture and picture really. 

Abner [00:30:30] Caused everybody to use multiple splitscreen multitasking and or in the days of old. 

Abner [00:30:37] So I'm glad they're doing another take on that. 

Abner [00:30:41] But I assume that the that this is mostly for dual dual screen devices or foldable like flip phone style form factors rather than single screens. And maybe Samsa Sonis excuse me, will appreciate this, given how their phones are so tall. 

Abner [00:31:07] But I guess in the meantime it's, it's, I don't think single average size phone, so let's say of average height will get too much of this. 

Abner [00:31:20] But as you say, you know, the investment for the bulls is much appreciated as this form factor and the spy technology, which is in tablets as well, thinking on it tablets would probably be able to use it quite well. 

Abner [00:31:34] Yes. Tablets, which people definitely have. 

Kyle [00:31:38] Yes, I one everyone owns and uses on a daily basis in Android tablet. Absolutely. Absolutely right. 

Return of 'Columbus' double tap gesture

Abner [00:31:46] So, yeah, another thing that you reported on was that we were on the ballot was hopefully fingers crossed. Android 12 brings back Columbus', which has Columbus. 

Kyle [00:32:00] Columbus is the double tap gesture, a cheeky reference to Zombieland, where one of the rules is to always give a zombie the double tap, basically with the Android 11 developer preview. We uncovered this feature where you could tap twice on the back of your phone just to give a nice little and you activate the assistant or pull down the notification chain or just little pause your music, little things like that. And it was OK. We were excited about what it could be, but at the time it was just kind of OK. And before they did any real iteration on it and improvement's, it just disappeared. And we just figured that was the end of it, but with Android 12, it seems to or we've we've learned that it's going to be making a comeback. And that's exciting indeed. 

Abner [00:33:03] Yeah, it's. So Apple implemented this before Google had the chance to lie to me and I was 14, I believe all the people want an extra button is what do people want the functionality of an extra button on their phones? 

Abner [00:33:24] I. 

Kyle [00:33:27] I've yes, yes, OK. But maybe only on pixels, maybe on pixels, I came from the pixel three and I loved having the active Edge Squeeze gesture and now that I'm on the Pixel five, I can't squeeze my phone anymore to get the assistant. And while I won't get that nice haptic feedback of the squeeze anymore, it giving a double tap to the back of the phone is way easier than reaching my thumb to the bottom left corner and swiping up. So yeah, I could see myself using Klemet. 

Abner [00:34:04] I ask because like the Samsung phones, they have that Bigsby button. Well which is a math degree, not meant to be useful, but I believe so many phones have an excellent system. But the Nokia phones have that assistant button. I mean, maybe people will appreciate it more if they can launch one app. I'm not sure what that one app most people would select, but I'm sure a faction of people would have something they want quick access to all the time. But yeah, I'm somewhat curious. 

Abner [00:34:39] What's what that looks like. What a. What customization assistant is the biggest bet and to what might be the preset of Google sets to launch assistant? But my my some of the my concern is the accuracy of avoiding and popping to the back of your phone, because if assistant launches all the time, that would get annoying some people. 

Kyle [00:35:09] Yeah. So for sure on that front it will be optional. So it's not like, oh, you installed Android 12, now you have double taps. But they also that was also one of the things that we that we were unhappy with in the Android 11 version was that it was all too easy to accident or to like you just set your phone down and it comes up as a double tap and you're like, no, I didn't want the assistant wear now. Or we've learned that the. That there's going to be an adjustability to it, that you can choose to ignore softer taps and have it only have it only registered with a firm double tap. 

Abner [00:35:54] Hmm, yeah, yeah, so, yeah, that's I think that would be a delightful feature when Android 12 comes, if all goes according to plan. 

Android Beta Feedback app gets update

Abner [00:36:08] When speaking of plans, it's February last year. Google, where we stand with you, Evan, the developer preview this month that fast approaching the halfway point of this month. So I guess the smart money is that it's coming soon. We are doing on that team. He saw that the Android based the feedback app was updated last Friday after a few months of no updates. So that's a pretty good indication that Google is setting getting the roadmap out, getting the planning that needed to launch Android 12. So sooner than later seems like a pretty safe bet. 

Kyle [00:36:57] Could be next week. Could be not. 

Abner [00:36:59] Could be next week. Could be March. Who knows? The timing is always fluid on these things. 

Kyle [00:37:06] Yeah, because last year Nina was so early before covid hit. So there's potential that with things could be delayed a little bit this year by comparison to last year. 

Abner [00:37:20] Yeah. And again, it's still a very long time till the September, October. 

Abner [00:37:27] Well, it's usually August or September. The time frame for Google launches these things, but I don't think anybody would be surprised if covid related things delayed. Something as big as the next version of Android. 

Kyle [00:37:46] Tragic, tragic. 

Abner [00:37:48] Indeed, so thank you, everyone, for joining us this week. We record this podcast every Thursday and publish on Friday mornings. You can find this in all your favorite podcasting platforms such as iTunes and Apple podcast, Google podcasts, and Pocket Casse. You can also listen on our site nine to five Google dot com if you wish. Thank you for tuning in, as always, and thank you for joining me. 

Abner [00:38:17] We'll all see you next week. 

Transcribed using Trint

Listed in: Technology

The ghost of Stadia’s past, present, and future

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Google shuts down efforts to publish first-party Stadia games as Jade Raymond departs
• Is Stadia dead? Not quite
• How to export & download your game saves from Google Stadia
• What is the future of Stadia without first-party games?

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also rate us in Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

Alphabet Scoop 110: Galaxy S21 hands-on, everything at CES 2021, and Fitbit

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

Listed in: Technology

Alphabet Scoop 109: Nest Hub w/ Soli coming, new Cams, and our 2021 Made by Google predictions

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Sources: Google launching a new Nest Hub in 2021 that uses Soli for sleep tracking
• New Google device passes through FCC, possibly a Nest Hub with Soli
• The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is officially out of stock
• Google Nest will release a new line of security cameras in 2021
• Leaked Android document points to Google Pixel 5a, foldable Pixel, and more in the pipeline
• Google ‘Pixel 5a’ makes first appearance in AOSP days before Pixel 4a launch

Feedback?

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Alphabet Scoop 108: Stadia gets Cyberpunk 2077, Ubisoft+, and iOS support, Home Max discontinued

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Ubisoft+ arrives on Google Stadia starting today
• Cyberpunk 2077 is now available on Stadia
• How well does Cyberpunk 2077 run on Google Stadia? [Video]
• After bumpy start, Stadia handles demand for Cyberpunk 2077, while PC players wait on patch
• Cyberpunk 2077 finally lets Stadia prove itself as last-gen hardware struggles
• Google closes Stadia’s Cyberpunk 2077 hardware giveaway early due to ‘overwhelming’ demand
• Google Home Max officially discontinued after going out of stock
• Google thoroughly redesigns Assistant Routines with easier set-up/editing & sunrise/sunset triggers
• Google acquires CloudReady OS that turns old PCs into Chromebooks w/ plans to make official offering
• Google is opening Fuchsia OS development to the public
• Google, Qualcomm lay the technical groundwork for 4 years of Android updates

Feedback?

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Listed in: Technology

Alphabet Scoop 107: All about the December Pixel Feature Drop

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon

Links:

• December Pixel Feature Drop: Adaptive Sound, Connectivity, Charging, and better GPS for Pixel 5
• December Pixel Feature Drop: Hands-on with all the new additions [Video]
• Pixel 5 and 4a 5G first to get Android’s ‘spectacularly’ improved GPS accuracy in cities
• Pixel 5 gets ‘Conveyor Belt’ background with Pixel Live Wallpaper update
• Google bringing Barely Blue Pixel 4a to one more country this month
• Google Pixel phones now take screenshots instantly, just like Samsung and iPhone
• [Update: OTA in progress] Google rolling out the final Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL update
• [Update: Rolling back] Carrier Services update seemingly breaks SMS on some Android devices
• [Update: More widely available] Google Messages rolling out end-to-end encryption to beta users
• Google Assistant routines can now be added to your homescreen, rolling out now [U]
• [Update: Rolling out] Apple Music is now available on Google Assistant speakers
• Gboard rolls out updated default theme for beta users w/ new font [U]

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

Alphabet Scoop 106: Snapdragon 888, Pixel 4a 5G review, and more

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 is 2021’s flagship Android processor, 25% better performance [U]
• Pixel 4a 5G review: The price-perfect Pixel [Video]
• 2020 Pixel buyer’s guide: Which is the right Pixel for me? [Video]
• Pixel 4a vs. Pixel 4a 5G: Which is the right affordable Pixel for you? [Video]
• Pixel 4a 5G vs Pixel 5: Which is the right choice for you? [Video]
• Hands-on: Outcasters is a quick, fun, and surprisingly addictive Stadia exclusive
• Journey to the Savage Planet is coming soon to Stadia w/ exclusive content

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

Alphabet Scoop 105: Assistant Driving Mode, new Google Pay, E2EE RCS in Messages, and Stadia’s birthday

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Assistant Driving Mode in Google Maps arrives, but only as ‘early preview’
• Google releases limited edition ‘Barely Blue’ Pixel 4a
• New Google Pay app is now available in early access w/ redesign, rewards, more [Gallery]
• Google Pay launching ‘Plex’ bank accounts with Citi, other partners next year
• Google completes global RCS rollout as Messages starts testing default end-to-end encryption
• Review: One year later, Google Stadia is still a diamond in the rough
• Stadia will be playable on iOS via Safari in the coming ‘weeks’
• Stadia set to expand to ‘more EMEA regions’ later this year

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

Alphabet Scoop 104: Free Stadia Premiere bundles, Google Photos backup changes, more

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• YouTube Premium subscribers in US, UK can claim a free Stadia Premiere Edition bundle [Updated]
• Stadia adds player profile pages w/ share button, game and friend lists
• You can now easily share Stadia screenshots and clips
• Stadia adding support for capturing voice chat during video clips
• Destiny 2 is leaving Stadia Pro after a year of being free to claim
• Destiny 2: Beyond Light is available now on Google Stadia
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is now available on Google Stadia
• Google Photos ending unlimited free backup next year, cites ‘growing demand for storage’
• Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides will count toward storage caps, new auto-delete policies announced
• Pixel 5 and older phones will retain unlimited ‘High quality’ Google Photos backup
• Is Google Photos still worth it without unlimited free storage? [Poll]
• How to export your pictures and videos from Google Photos

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

Alphabet Scoop 103: Living with the Pixel 5 and new Nest Thermostat impressions

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Pixel 5 Review: An exercise in compromise [Video]
• Some early Pixel 5 buyers are seeing a small gap between the display and frame
• Pixel 5 teardown reveals wireless charging cutout, use of clips to attach screen
• Google says Pixel 5 screen and body gap is ‘normal part of the design’
• Google Store running ‘Pixel 5 $5G’ sweepstakes with $5,000 Google Pay prizes
• Google Pixel 4 vs Pixel 5: Worth the upgrade? [Video]
• Google brings HVAC monitoring, early warnings to all Nest Thermostats
• Unused marketing hints at using Nest Audio as ‘home theater sound system’ for Chromecast with Google TV
• Sundar Pichai teases Google’s ‘deeper investments in hardware’ and roadmap next year

Feedback?

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Listed in: Technology

Previewing Google's 'Launch Night In'

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Stephen Hall

Links:

• Google confirms September 30 launch for Pixel 5, Chromecast, new Nest speaker
• Pixel 5 and 4a 5G rumors: Everything we know about the next Google phones [Video]
• [Update: More live ‘5s’ images] Google Pixel 5 leak shows off speckled rear
• Retailer suggests that ‘Sabrina’ dongle could launch as ‘Google Chromecast with Google TV’
• Google’s Android TV-powered Chromecast shown off in new images w/ revised remote layout
• Google Home app reveals ‘Nest Audio’ speaker brand, work on Home/Away Routines, and more
• Nest Audio product images leak in ‘Chalk’ and ‘Charcoal’ [Gallery]

Feedback?

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Listed in: Technology

Android 11 launch, Pixel 5 rumors, and Surface Duo vs Fold 2 vs Razr 5G

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Google launches Android 11, rolling out now to Pixel phones
• Pixel Feature Drop brings AR location sharing in Google Maps Live View
• Android 11 statue can be viewed in AR, complete with a red velvet cake recipe
• Google keeping Android Beta Program open for pre-release Android 11 updates
• Oppo will debut ColorOS 11 based on Android 11 next week, beta released today
• Xiaomi and Realme open limited Android 11 previews
• OxygenOS 11 open beta w/ Android 11 is now available for OnePlus 8 series
• [Update: Supported vehicles] ‘AAWireless’ dongle aims to bring Android Auto Wireless to your car
• Android 11 brings wireless Android Auto to all phones
• Google Pixel 5 leak shows off speckled rear, ‘5s’ possibly distinguishes between 5G models
• Ex-Pixel camera lead Marc Levoy on using the same sensor, working at Google, and what’s next
• Surface Duo review roundup: An expensive multitasking mixed bag
• Moto Razr 5G first impressions roundup: A slightly improved novelty

Feedback?

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Listed in: Technology

Fold 2 & 'Sabrina' Android TV dongle pricing, Stadia games

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 brings better design, Snapdragon 865+, and more for $1,999
• Google’s ‘Sabrina’ Android TV dongle appears at major retailers suggesting $49-$59 price
• Stadia 2.32 adds final prep for messaging, UPlay+, improved recruitment system, more
• Google Stadia for Android TV ditches forced portrait as it optimizes sign-in
• Review: Super Bomberman R Online is a blast and a half… when there’s enough players
• Marvel’s Avengers by Square Enix is now available on Google Stadia

Feedback?

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Listed in: Technology

Living with the Pixel 4a, Pixel 5 leaks, and Fitbit

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Pixel 4a Review: Superb smartphone on a budget, and a formula Google should remember
• Google Pixel 4a comes w/ ‘Eclipse’ live wallpaper that puts battery life front and center
• Future Pixel phones will not include Playground AR stickers, starting with Pixel 4a
• Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 w/ 4,000 mAh battery leak in live image with alleged specs
• Some Pixel 5 specs leak w/ 6-inch, 90Hz display, ultrawide camera, ‘considerably larger’ battery
• First Pixel Buds feature drop adds bass boost, Attention Alerts, and disabling touch controls
• Google Pixel Buds are now available in Just Black, Oh So Orange, and Quite Mint
• Review: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra gets the formula right at the wrong time [Video]
• Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 take Google Assistant beyond Wear OS
• Fitbit Sense debuts w/ ECG, advanced health tracking, Google Assistant for $329
• Fitbit Versa 3 hits the scene w/ Google Assistant, faster charging, speaker, $229
• Where to buy Fitbit Sense, Versa 3, and Inspire 2 and how much they cost

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

Gmail's bold redesign, Pixel 4a, and the Google Store

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Big Gmail redesign with side-by-side Google Docs, Chat, and Meet calling gets early reveal
• Gmail is Google’s new ‘home for work’ following big Rooms upgrade, currently G Suite only
• Official Google Pixel 4a render appears on the Google Store ahead of launch
• Google Store kicking off month-long ‘Daily Special’ deals series tomorrow
• Today’s Google Store ‘Daily Special’ is $50 off Nest Hello/Hub bundle [U]
• Google launches 2nd-gen Pixel Buds in 9 countries, colors arriving next month
• Are you buying Google Pixel Buds now that they’re in your country? [Poll]

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

Understanding Pixel 4a, 4a 5G, and Pixel 5... and a Nest speaker

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• ‘Pixel 4a (5G)’ and ‘Pixel 5’ are the other two Google phones for 2020
• Pixel 4a, 4a 5G, and Pixel 5 explained: Making sense of Google’s 2020 smartphone lineup
• Google releases Android 11 Beta 2 with ‘Platform Stability’ for Pixel phones
• Here’s everything new in Android 11 Beta 2 [Gallery]
• Android 11 Beta 2 introduces a wildly different, non-Material ripple effect
• Google’s upcoming Nest speaker pictured in the flesh w/ new design [Gallery]
• ‘Works with Hey Google’: A slight tonal shift for Google Assistant branding
• Google shows fleshed-out Nest Thermostat controls, settings directly in Google Home app
• Google bringing Home/Away triggers to Assistant Routines with ‘presence detection’

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

Listed in: Technology

New Wear OS chip, North by Google, and YouTube TV

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Qualcomm announces Snapdragon Wear 4100, first Wear OS watch shipping this year
• What’s the worst part of Wear OS? [Poll]
• Google acquires North as Focals 2.0 smart glasses canceled
• Google raises YouTube TV subscription to $64.99 per month for all members
• Opinion: YouTube TV has nearly doubled its price since launch, and I’m tired of it
• [Update: Official] Pixel 3a is now ‘out of stock’ on the US Google Store
• Chrome OS preparing Steam gaming support, starting with 10th Gen Intel Chromebooks
• Lens readying Google Camera-like UI redesign with offline translation, ‘Homework’ filter [Gallery]
• Google working to integrate West Coast earthquake alerts into Android via Play Services

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVt1VGAqpSA

Listed in: Technology

iOS 14's Android features, Google Photos redesign, and North acquisition?

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• With iOS 14, Apple embraces smartphone UX decisions Google made a decade ago
• Hey Google, it’s long-past time for Android Auto to support custom wallpapers
• Google Photos for Android, iOS gets memories-focused redesign, map view
• Google Photos changes logo w/ ‘simplified’ pinwheel
• Alphabet reportedly buying North after ‘minuscule’ Focals smart glasses sales
• Nest Hub Max, Smart Displays now support Google Duo and Meet group calls
• Google Meet adding blurred/custom backgrounds, Q&A, polling, more
• Google working on clipboard manager for Chrome OS

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsvA-RqHDVA

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New Nest speaker, Made by Google 2020, and Meet

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Source: Google to launch ‘prince,’ a new standard Nest-branded smart speaker
• Fitbit app reveals work on Google Assistant support, presumably for Versa 2
• Stadia Premiere Edition now $99 after dropping three-month Pro trial
• Google and Nest Wifi update will improve network performance on slow connections
• Gmail for Android & iOS adding dedicated Google Meet tab, but it can disabled

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEwjFVuJSBM

Listed in: Technology

Android 11 Beta, fixes for Pixel Buds, and Stadia

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Google launches Android 11 Beta with focus on ‘People, Controls, and Privacy’
• Here’s everything new in Android 11 Beta 1 [Gallery]
• Have you installed the Android 11 Beta? [Poll]
• Google Pay doesn’t work with Android 11 Beta 1
• What do you think of Android 11’s new media player controls? [Poll]
• Google surveys 2nd-generation Pixel Buds owners about issues
• [Update: Specifics] Google working on ‘Bluetooth stability and connectivity’ fixes for Pixel Buds
• [Update: Rolling out] Pixel Buds firmware 296 update will fix static ‘hissing’ issue
• One month later, Google’s Pixel Buds are both a source of joy and frustration
• Google brings experimental Stadia support to all Android phones, mobile touch controls
• Google Stadia now officially supports OnePlus 5, 6, and 7 series smartphones
• Google Stadia adds fine-tuned, per-device resolution controls
• Google gives everyone who’s ever used Stadia a $10 coupon for any game
• Google Stadia now works on Android TV… at least with a hacky workaround [Video]
• An early version of Ubisoft’s Gods & Monsters was briefly playable on Stadia
• Opinion: Sony’s PlayStation 5 event showed what Google Stadia is missing most
• Destiny 2: Beyond Light is Google Stadia’s first item available for pre-order
• Cyberpunk 2077 will still arrive late on Google Stadia despite larger delay

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://youtu.be/j8A1mk224AA

Listed in: Technology

YouTube Music migration, Google Pixel politics, and Pixel 4a

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Ahead of shutdown, Google starts Play Music to YouTube Music transition
• Google Podcasts can import all your Play Music podcast subscriptions
• Google opens sign-ups for new Nest Aware subscription plans
• Google permanently discounts Nest Hub to $89.99 and Nest Cam Indoor to $129.99
• Nest Aware: What you need to know about Google’s new smart home subscription
• Google Home app redesigns ‘Home settings’ with Material Theme, better organization
• Report: Google loses chief Pixel camera engineer amid internal Pixel 4 criticism
• Pixel 4a launch possibly delayed to next month, according to German carrier
• Latest Google Pixel 4a leak puts the device through performance, battery tests
• Google Pixel 4a's probable wallpapers leak complete w/ hole-punch gimmicks

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://youtu.be/qCqY97QMncE

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Pixel Buds Q&A, everything new with Stadia, Google Meet

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Google launches truly wireless Pixel Buds for $179, available now
• Pixel Buds Review Roundup: Android’s AirPods have arrived w/ smarts, good sound
• Pixel Buds won’t charge on Google’s Pixel Stand… unless they’re upside down
• Google working on ‘attention alerts’ for Pixel Buds that detect crying, barking
• Comment: Pixel Buds might not be perfect for everyone, but neither are any other pair
• Here’s everything announced during the April 2020 Stadia Connect
• Google adds three Stadia Pro games for May 2020
• PUBG is available on Google Stadia today and free with Pro subscription
• Google Stadia adds EA titles starting w/ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order this year
• Get Packed launches on Google Stadia today w/ online, local multiplayer, $20
• Destiny 2 on Google Stadia saw 400% higher player count when Stadia’s free trial launched
• Stadia Controller can now capture screenshots and clips on Android
• Google Meet is now free for everyone w/ no time limits or premium account needed
• Comment: Now that it’s free, Google Meet needs to copy Zoom’s account-less participation

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://youtu.be/FUHJpF9znlc

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Pixel 4a details, Google Meet/Chat, and some Made by Google rumors

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Exclusive: ‘Pixel 4a’ is Google’s new mid-ranger w/ 5.8-inch display, SD 730
• Alleged Google Pixel 4a retail box leaks hinting at an imminent launch date
• Latest Google Pixel 4a leak allegedly confirms $399 price tag, ‘new’ Assistant
• Sketchy Pixel 4a XL parts leak on eBay, suggesting dual camera on scrapped larger model
• [Update: Orders cancelled] Google Pixel Buds 2 release date might be as soon as late April/early May
• [Update: Google confirms] Don’t be surprised when ‘Hangouts Meet’ becomes ‘Google Meet’
• Google trademarks ‘Google Meet’ and ‘Google Chat,’ support page backs change
• Google significantly expands Stadia with free tier, two months of Stadia Pro for all
• PSA: Google Stadia’s free accounts might be in limited numbers at first, so act quick
• Google Stadia free tier: How to sign up, features explained
• Google Podcasts arrives on iOS as Android redesign goes official
• Google Doodle series will thank coronavirus helpers over the next two weeks

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY9gAgYPK5U

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New Chromecast Ultra, Pixel 4a + 5, and Verily's COVID-19 site

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• All North American Googlers advised to work from home due to coronavirus
• Google extends its remote work coronavirus advisory to Europe, Africa, and Middle East
• Google building limited coronavirus ‘triage’ website to aid US testing [Updated]
• Google developing ‘nationwide’ coronavirus information website with US government
• Google sister company Verily details coronavirus testing pilot, launching Monday in California
• [Update: Paused] Verily launches COVID-19 screener and testing website for SF Bay Area
• Google delays, but expands scope of coronavirus information website
• Google sends out ‘Help stop coronavirus’ tips in prominent PSA push
• Exclusive: Google plans new Chromecast Ultra based on Android TV (w/ remote!)
• Google Store, Pixel support warn of longer wait times due to coronavirus
• Google tells devs to expect longer app review times in light of coronavirus
• YouTube relying on automated video reviews in light of coronavirus, warns of removal uptick
• Google increasing automation, prioritizing workflows to account for coronavirus impact
• Google Duo creator says today is the biggest for video conferencing in history
• Google pauses upcoming Chrome and Chrome OS releases
• Google delays already-digital Cloud Next ’20 conference due to coronavirus
• Sketchy Google Pixel 4a leak shows off hole-punch display, fabric case [Gallery]
• Here’s the smudgy, shade-less back of a Google Pixel 4a prototype
• Pixel 4a leaks in first hands-on video confirming Snapdragon 730, 6GB RAM, more [Video]
• Latest Google Pixel 4a leak allegedly confirms $399 price tag, ‘new’ Assistant
• Google Pixel 4a leak confirms faster storage and 6GB of RAM
• Google Camera 7.4 points to telephoto for Pixel 4a, 4K 60fps video recording
• Pixel 5: Google Camera app strongly suggests it won’t be a ‘flagship’ phone

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYeP1ahjHZ0

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I/O 2020 and the coronavirus, March Pixel Feature Drop

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Report: A Google employee has tested positive for the coronavirus
• 8,000 Googlers in Dublin working from home tomorrow after possible coronavirus case
• Google cancels ‘physical’ I/O 2020 due to coronavirus concerns
• Google cancels in-person Cloud Next ’20 for ‘Digital Connect’ conference due to coronavirus
• Google, Stadia planning ‘digital’ dev summit after GDC’s coronavirus postponement
• Google making premium Hangouts Meet free for G Suite to help combat coronavirus
• Alphabet’s DeepMind hopes to aid researchers with AI insight into COVID-19 virus structure
• Google Play hides search results for ‘coronavirus’ Android apps
• Play Store suggests apps to ‘stay informed’ about coronavirus as search still disabled
• YouTube will turn off ads on videos talking about coronavirus
• [Update: Removed] Google Pixel Buds (2020) get wireless charging certification ahead of release
• Samsung blames ‘dismal’ initial Galaxy S20 sales on coronavirus fears
• Google’s March Pixel Feature Drop adds Cards & Passes, Motion Sense play/pause, more
• Pixel 4 March update fixes face unlock bug, improves camera, and much more
• Google Pay to support adding flight boarding passes w/ screenshot, only on Pixel
• Google Pixel’s ‘Now Playing’ feature will no longer show songs you’re casting
• Google Pixel devices can pin apps to Android’s share menu w/ March security update
• What are you most excited for from the latest Pixel Feature Drop? [Poll]

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRkdLe_TcIU

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Alphabet Scoop 085: Turning it up to (Android) 11

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Google launches Android 11 Developer Preview ahead of schedule for Pixel phones
• ‘Columbus’ gives Pixels double-tap gesture for Assistant and more
• Media controls may move out of notification shade [Video]
• You can now check what codecs your Bluetooth headphones support
• Android 11’s new ‘Gabeldorsche’ Bluetooth stack was given its name for a great reason
• Pixel Launcher preps ‘smart hotseat,’ Back Gesture tutorial
• ‘Notification history’ prepares a much needed revamp of the log
• Google prepares more tweaks for Android’s gesture navigation
• You can now pin up to 4 apps to the share menu
• ‘Battery Share’ hints at Pixel 5 w/ reverse wireless charging, ‘redfin’
• New developer option shows your display’s current refresh rate
• Your Bluetooth headphones won’t disconnect in Airplane Mode on Android 11
• Google prepares scrolling screenshots w/ revamped UI [Video]
• Pixel 4 gets new Motion Sense gesture and better touch sensitivity on Android 11
• Screen recorder arrives w/ Quick Settings toggle
• Google Play to review all Android apps requesting background location access
• Notifications add ‘dedicated conversations section’ for message apps

Feedback?

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https://youtu.be/Le_KZpZThuU

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Galaxy Z Flip, S20 line, and Unpacked 2020

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip debuts w/ less expensive ‘flip phone’ design
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip thoughts: Foldables might just matter
• Galaxy Z Flip Hands-on: Samsung’s most exciting foldable is almost ready [Video]
• Samsung airs Galaxy Z Flip ad during the Oscars, two days before its announcement
• Galaxy Z Flip tidbits: Flex Mode coming to more devices, Hideaway Hinge, more
• Samsung Galaxy S20 series goes official w/ Snapdragon 865, no headphone jack, $999
• Hands-on: Galaxy S20 promises Samsung’s overdue camera revamp for a price [Video]
• Samsung partners with Google to integrate Duo calling into Galaxy S20, more
• Samsung Galaxy S10 series gets a permanent price cut, now starting at $599
• Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus deliver upgraded battery life for a higher price tag
• Samsung says Galaxy users are waiting longer to upgrade their phones
• The Galaxy Home Mini will come as pre-order gift w/ S20, but only in South Korea

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhBa8ISej_Y

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YouTube Music cloud library, declining Google hardware sales

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Sources: Internal YouTube Music gains music library upload as Play Music transition nears
• ‘Made by Google’ is a 'multibillion-dollar revenue business,' but Q4 2019 hardware sales see decline
• Alphabet reports Q4 2019 revenue of $46.07 billion, $15B/year YouTube ad revenue
• YouTube Music/Premium has 20 million paid subscribers, 2M for YouTube TV
• Google Maps gets new public transit features, 'Live View' to expand this year
• Google Maps gets redesigned mobile app, brand new logo on 15th birthday
• Google Photos trialing monthly subscription to get your best pictures auto-printed

Feedback?

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https://youtu.be/AjdCTTv3YjM

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Living with Stadia and what's coming in 2020

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Thursday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Stadia planning 120 games in 2020, shares 3-month features roadmap
• Stadia 'going to get better' as Gylt developer hints at 'super cool' upcoming features
• Google already testing Stadia on non-Pixel Android phones
• Google sends out January Stadia update newsletter with 'Stadia cheer' ringtone
• What’s coming next to Google Stadia: Feature parity and the promise of cloud gaming

• Here's every game we know is coming to Google Stadia in 2020
• Stadia games: 'Cyberpunk 2077' delayed until September
• Stadia games: Marvel's Avengers gets delayed as Doom: Eternal gets a new trailer
• Stadia’s ‘Semantic ML’ tool can help create ‘believable’ character and in-game AIs
• Stadia Games and Entertainment hires first concept artist

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax3PRzpng38

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Recapping Google, Assistant, and Chrome OS at CES 2020

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Wednesday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Thursday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon

Links:

• Assistant will soon let you schedule smart home commands
• Smart Displays adding sticky notes and speed dial card
• Google previews ‘read this page’ Assistant TTS command on Android
• Google’s CES 2020 booth gives a hands-on Assistant ‘journey’ with some snark
• Review: Google slides into CES 2020 with a must-do attraction
• 9to5Google Best of CES 2020 Awards
• Hands on: Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook stole my heart in a matter of minutes [Video]
• Hands on: Wear OS kicks off 2020 w/ Skagen Falster 3 and other Fossil refreshes
• Hands on: Belkin’s Soundform Elite gives a Google Assistant speaker dual-purpose
• Hands on: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet finally gives Chrome OS the tablet it needs
• Hands on: Lenovo’s Smart Frame is begging to show off your Google Photos library
• Lenovo Flex 5 is one of the first Chromebooks with Intel’s 10th-Gen processors
• Lenovo Smart Tab M10 delivers Google Assistant’s Ambient Mode for $189
• Hands on: OnePlus Concept One lays the groundwork for a useful feature [Gallery]
• TicPods 2 go official w/ smaller case, USB-C, motion controls, starts at $99
• TiVo Stream 4K brings Android TV and live television together for as little as $50
• TCL 10 series brings quad-cameras, 5G, and slim bezels to the US for under $500
• ASUS reveals Chromebook Flip C436 w/ 10th-gen Intel i7 and NVMe storage

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAyzVuO_v1s

Listed in: Technology

First Pixel 4a rumors, Pixel 4 sales, and a Fuchsia tablet?

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Wednesday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Thursday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Google Pixel gets first ‘Feature Drop’ w/ Auto-Call Screen, Portrait Blur, better memory management
• Pixel 4 December security patch OTA starts rolling out
• All Google Pixels will apparently get Automatic Call Screen ‘in the coming weeks’
• Pixel’s improved memory management may expand to other phones w/ future Android versions
• Comment: Pixel ‘Feature Drops’ are great for everyone, but slow rollouts ruin the fun
• Pixel’s Call Screen now saves audio from calls, automatic settings roll out
• Stadia Holiday Pop-ups: Taking game streaming to the streets [Gallery]
• Stadia players immediately access Destiny 2 update, as some consoles fail to install
• Google apps for Glass Explorer Edition will be killed in 2020 after final update

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUcSPTbewDc

Listed in: Technology

Snapdragon 865, Sundar Pichai, and Pixel updates

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Wednesday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Thursday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Qualcomm unveils new Snapdragon 865, Snapdragon 765 chipsets to bring 5G to all
• Snapdragon 865 will be first SoC to support on-phone ID card APIs in Android R
• Qualcomm unveils new ‘3D Sonic Max’ fingerprint sensor that’s… a lot bigger
• Motorola announces plan to re-enter the premium smartphone space
• Xiaomi, Oppo, Motorola, HMD confirm devices built on 5G-ready Snapdragon 865
• Breaking: Larry Page, Sergey Brin name Sundar Pichai CEO of Alphabet
• [Update: Final patch] Google stops updating the original Pixel and Pixel XL
• December security patch rolling out to Google Pixel, factory images & OTAs live
• December Pixel 4 update coming next week w/ fixes for display flickering, Bluetooth, more
• Android 10 gestures for other launchers, Pixel Themes come to older Google phones
• PSA: December update for Pixel 3, 3a causing crashing issue w/ Pixel Launcher

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEN_N7mDe98

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Stadia launch, gameplay, and Founder's Edition

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Wednesday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Thursday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Google launches Stadia, an ambitious streaming service that could change gaming
• Google Stadia first impressions: It works!
• Google is blatantly lying about the quality of Stadia’s games, and that’s not okay
• Opinion: Google needs to allay Stadia concerns — its botched launch does the opposite
• Stadia Founders invite codes not arriving as promised, Google working on a solution
• Some Stadia Founders Edition pre-orders are being put on hold and cancelled
• Google Stadia adds 10 more games to launch lineup, reveals second Pro title
• Some Chromecast Ultra units are overheating and shutting down while playing Stadia [U]
• PSA: You won’t lose your Stadia Pro discounted purchases when you unsubscribe
• Google Stadia Review Roundup: Impressive tech that you should probably wait for
• Comment: Google Stadia won’t matter for a year
• Google Store lists ‘CLAW’ Pixel holder for Stadia Controller, ‘coming soon’
• Google’s ‘CLAW’ accessory can damage the Stadia Controller when you put it on
• Microsoft xCloud plans 2020 launch, preview adds 50 games to embarrass Stadia
• Microsoft xCloud hands-on: Almost Xbox gaming on the go [Video]

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If7QIqHeaUI

Listed in: Technology

Schiller on Chromebooks, RCS rollout, Stadia news

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Apple’s Phil Schiller takes shots at Chromebooks, says kids are ‘not going to succeed’
• Google announces Stadia’s launch day game lineup and what’s coming in 2019
• Google shows off Stadia interface on Android/iOS and televisions [Gallery]
• Stadia AMA confirms Assistant features, Chromecast Ultra firmware requirement, more
• Google teases ‘Claw’ phone clip to attach Stadia Controllers and Pixels
• Google ‘aiming to release’ new Stadia features weekly, including achievements
• Stadia Founders names must be alphanumeric, can be changed later
• A Google Stadia team member will personally deliver a Founder’s kit on launch day
• Google ‘Cache’ to partner with banks to offer checking accounts
• Motorola revives the Razr as an Android Foldable, $1,500 Verizon exclusive

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA-dlPhSu8E

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Google buys Fitbit, Pixel 4 followup, RCS fiasco

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Review: Subtlety makes and breaks the Pixel 4’s new Google Assistant
• Google Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4 comparison: Should you upgrade?
• Pixel 4 camera white-balance algorithm can cause stark color differences by mistake
• [Update: Official explanation] Google Pixel 4 drops from 90Hz refresh rate when you lower the brightness
• Google Pixel 4 disables 90Hz display for these four apps, including Google Maps
• [Update: Google responds] Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile join forces to bring RCS to Android in 2020
• Google Messages trick enables RCS on any Android phone and carrier
• Google parent Alphabet has reportedly made an offer to acquire Fitbit
• ‘Snapdragon Wear 3300’ for Wear OS may bring 5 years of performance improvements
• Xiaomi Mi Watch shows off Snapdragon Wear 3100, UI for China in latest teasers
• Xiaomi shows off design and specs for its Wear OS smartwatch in more teaser images
• The Moto 360 is being re-released for 2019 w/ new internals, familiar design

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA_M5FiaVYk

Listed in: Technology

Pixel 4, Pixelbook Go, Nest Mini, Nest Wifi, and Pixel Buds

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

Google Pixel 4

• Google announces Pixel 4 & 4 XL w/ Soli chip, Face unlock, and 90Hz displays
• Pixel 4 hands-on: Quickly maturing into one of the best smartphones [Video]
• Google Store trade-in offers a measly $295 to Pixel 3 owners upgrading to Pixel 4
• Google Pixel 4 drops from 90Hz refresh rate when you lower the brightness
• Pixel 4’s 90Hz Smooth Display will work in more conditions with coming update
• Google Pixel 4 supports fast wireless charging on third-party chargers
• Pixel 4’s face unlock feature is only supported by 5 Android apps so far
• Google confirms ‘eyes open’ setting for Pixel 4 face unlock in future update, offers workaround
• [Update: Working on fix] Pixel 4 requires gesture navigation, no G Suite accounts for new Google Assistant
• Google defends lack of 4K 60FPS on Pixel 4 as ‘majority of users stick with 1080p’

Pixelbook Go

• Google announces the Pixelbook Go in Just Black and Not Pink, starting at $649
• Google Pixelbook Go hands-on: The best ‘mid-range’ Chromebook, hands down [Video]

Nest Mini

• Google announces Nest Mini with better sound & wall mount, still $49
• Google Nest Mini hands-on: Barely new in all the best ways [Video]
• Nest Aware now uses a flat pricing structure, includes all your devices for $6
• Google announces Home Feed, a new AI security feed for your Nest devices

Nest Wifi

• Google unveils Nest Wifi Router and ‘Point’ with built-in Assistant speaker

Google Stadia

• Google Stadia officially launching November 19
• Google sells out of Stadia Founder’s Edition in all 14 launch countries
• Stadia Controller will not work wirelessly with Pixels and desktops at launch
• Google Stadia adds Pixel 2 and Pixel 4 support, joining Pixel 3/3a
• Stadia Controller’s wireless play coming to more devices ‘soon after launch’

Google Pixel Buds

• Google announces new Pixel Buds w/ $179 price-tag, up to 24 hour battery, more
• Pixel Buds hands-on: Google just (probably) won the headphone war [Video]
• Google’s original Pixel Buds are dead to make way for the new version

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRKIFalwNZ4

Listed in: Technology

Alphabet Scoop 073: Excessive Pixel 4 leakage, Pixel Buds 2, Surface Duo

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Microsoft unveils dual-screen ‘Surface Duo’ phone running Android
• Exclusive: Here’s the ‘new Google Assistant’ on Pixel 4 [Video]
• Exclusive: Pixel 4 Motion Sense demo shows how each gesture will work [Video]
• Exclusive: Google and Pokemon built a Soli demo game for Pixel 4 [Video]
• Exclusive: Official Pixel 4 camera samples show astrophotography, selfies, more [Gallery]
• Exclusive: Here’s ‘Face Unlock’ in action on Google Pixel 4 [Video]
• Here are a bunch of songs that have something to do with the Pixel 4
• Exclusive: Latest Pixel 4 spec sheets reveal ‘Pixel Neural Core,’ no buds in the box
• Exclusive: Google Pixel 4 camera will bring ‘Dual Exposure Camera Controls’, here’s how it works
• Google’s ‘Recorder’ app from Pixel 4 has audio transcription and search [Download]
• Pixel 4 demo units are already going on sale from shady sellers for $1,200
• First official Google Pixel 4 render leaks with bold wallpaper
• Google to launch ‘Personal Safety’ app w/ car crash detection for Pixel phones [Gallery]
• Here’s everything we know Motion Sense on Google Pixel 4 can do at launch
• Hands-on with the Google Pixel 4’s new customizable live wallpapers [Video]
• Source: Google plans to announce ‘Pixel Buds 2’ soon
• Levi’s announces four new Trucker jackets w/ 2nd gen Google Jacquard tech

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIyLA6cRwTY

Listed in: Technology

Pixelbook Go, even more Pixel 4 leaks, and more

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Exclusive: Google’s next laptop is ‘Pixelbook Go’ w/ 13.3-inch 4K display
• Google Pixelbook vs. Pixelbook Go: Will it be worth the upgrade?
• Pixel 4 XL hands-on details ‘Face unlock,’ back finish, more [Gallery]
• Irish retailer leaks Pixel 4 & 4 XL colors and unreliable prices, Nest Mini
• Comment: You can’t take those Pixel 4 price leaks at face value
• Pixel 4 colors will be Just Black, Clearly White, and… ‘Oh So Orange’
• Another Pixel 4 hands-on looks at next-gen Google Assistant, Ambient EQ, more
• What we still don’t know about the Google Pixel 4
• Exclusive: Here’s a preview of the new live wallpapers coming to the Google Pixel 4
• Pixel Launcher will support a homescreen gesture to access notifications on Pixel 4
• Exclusive: Here’s the new ‘Recorder’ app from the Google Pixel 4 [Video]
• Exclusive: Hands-on with Google’s new theming app from the Pixel 4 [Video]
• Pixel 4 will likely include live wallpapers from all past Pixel phones
• Motion Sense on Google Pixel 4 will work with these 9 media apps at launch
• Google Wallpapers getting Material Theme redesign, dark mode with Pixel 4
• Here’s the list of all 38 countries Pixel 4’s Motion Sense will work in

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEQlqzzIgys

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Nest Wifi w/ Assistant, Pixel Watch canned, third Pixel 4?

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Comment: Actually I think Google Pixel 4 has leaked enough now, thanks
• Early Pixel 4 camera comparison shows Google’s video recording still needs work
• New leak pits Pixel 4 XL and iPhone XS Max cameras against each other [Video]
• Is the iPhone 11 Pro’s camera better than Pixel 3? You be the judge [Gallery]
• Google Camera 7.0 from Pixel 4 leaks with clean, fullscreen UI [Gallery]
• Google Camera 7.0 preps Motion Blur, AR Photobooth, and Audio Zoom [APK Insight]
• Google Camera 7.0 modded to preview Pixel 4’s Night Sight astrophotography
• Analysis: Could ‘needlefish’ be a third Google Pixel 4 phone for 2019?
• Here are a bunch of other Pixel 4 pictures that corroborate previous leaks
• Google Pixel 4 event ad in Times Square officially shows off coral/orange color
• Made by Google 2019: Here’s everything we expect for the Pixel 4 event so far
• Pixel 4 announcement set for October 15 at Made by Google 2019
• Google Store teaser copy excludes mention of Pixelbook, Watch for 10/15 event
• Exclusive: Google plans ‘Nest Wifi’ w/ new design, Assistant speakers built-in
• More images surface of likely Google Pixelbook 2, ‘Atlas,’ showing bezels [Gallery]
• Google Pixelbook 2 arrives at FCC for a second time, suggesting forthcoming launch

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZVV-5PU_qE

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Pixel 4 leaks go nuclear, Apple announcements, Nest Mini

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Comment: Fewer leaks and far less hype — is that bad news for Google Pixel 4?
• Exclusive: New Pixel 4 camera features include ‘Motion Mode’ and improved Night Sight
• Another Google Pixel 4 leak confirms 6 GB RAM, 8x zoom, new camera UI
• Source: Google Assistant on Pixel 4 can take over calls while you’re on hold
• [Update: Full rear image + front] Google Pixel 4 colors leak, including coral-like hue
• Official-looking Pixel 4 promo video confirms gestures, Astrophotography mode, more
• Comment: Pixel will bring some major moves for Google software
• Black and ‘panda’ white Pixel 4 XLs compared in latest leak [Gallery]
• ‘Coral’ Pixel 4 leaks in hands-on video showing us new color up close [Video]
• Another Pixel 4 XL leak corroborates display size, Snapdragon 855
• Pixel 4’s ‘Motion Sense’ settings, features shown off in latest leak w/ more pics
• Pixel 4 leak reveals some Face Unlock details, corroborates 90 Hz display
• Pixel 4 bears all in 4K hands-on: new Camera app, ‘Screen attention’ feature, more [Video]
• First Pixel 4 camera samples, sensor details leak in another video [Gallery]
• Comment: This is Google’s year to target iPhone upgraders with Pixel 4

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbtZPE5O4pY

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Android 10 launch, Google Pixel 4 leaks, Jacquard backpack

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Google launches Android 10, rolling out now to all Pixel phones
• Hands-on with 50+ new changes and features in Android 10 [Video]
• Hands-on with the Android 10 Nonogram Easter Egg [Video]
• Gmail for Android, Google Assistant, Maps dark mode teased on Android 10 site
• Google unveils official Android 10 statue in Mountain View
• Google gives Android TV, Android Auto, and Android One new logos
• Android’s new logo starts appearing on Google Pixel and OnePlus boot screens
• [Update: Nope, just Soli] Four mystery Google Pixel phones hit the FCC w/ hints at 5G
• Android 10 code find corroborates that Pixel 4 will have 90Hz display
• White Google Pixel 4 possibly spotted for first time in sketchy video
• Leaked Google Pixel 4 video offers a hands-on look at every angle

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1B7dQMc3IE

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Nest Mini, Android gets a new name and logo, Google Stadia

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Google announces dessert-less ‘Android 10’ and revamped brand
• Google explains how Android’s new brand is built for a new decade and busy future
• Here’s why Google is dropping dessert names with ‘Android 10’
• Exclusive: Google plans second-gen ‘Nest Mini’ w/ built-in wall mount, better sound, aux jack
• Comment: ‘Nest Mini’ looks like the Chromecast Audio replacement I’ve been waiting for
• Here’s all 7 games announced during the second Stadia Connect
• ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ confirmed for Google Stadia
• First glimpse at Google Stadia UI spotted at Gamescom, here’s what it probably means
• Google says Stadia Founder’s Edition ‘almost sold out’ in some countries

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wTUcvD8JUk

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Q&A - Pixel 4, Pixel Watch, Pixelbook 2, and more

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSAyRIqS2xk

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Pixel 4 full specs leak, Android Q Beta 4, Note10 and more

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Exclusive: Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL will have 90Hz ‘Smooth Display’, 6GB of RAM, more
• Google releases final Android Q preview with Beta 6, adds back gesture sensitivity
• Here’s everything new in Android Q Beta 6 [Gallery]
• Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 starts at $279, offers LTE, ‘digital’ rotating bezel
• Fossil’s latest Wear OS watches have 1GB RAM, smart battery modes, Snapdragon Wear 3100

Feedback?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY13vMgD0s4

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Pixel 4 Soli and Motion Sense, Android Auto redesign

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Official Pixel 4 teaser confirms and details face unlock, Soli, display bezels [Video]
• [Update: Privacy details] Google is gathering face data for Pixel 4 in the streets for $5
• Opinion: Pixel 4’s ‘massive bezel’ is more than justified by the amount of tech inside
• Benchmarks surface for ‘Atlas,’ revealing possible Pixelbook 2 specs
• Pixel 3a helped Google increase Pixel sales by over 2x last quarter
• New Android Auto rollout officially starts today, available to all in ‘coming weeks’
• Android Auto’s redesign makes meaningful changes at the expense of smarts [Video]
• Nvidia rolling out Android Pie to Shield TV with Upgrade 8.0
• [Update: Remote, dongle] Nvidia Shield TV w/ Android TV pops up at FCC with an updated chipset
• Google ADT-3 Android TV developer hardware tipped for late 2019 release
• Samsung ‘ready to launch’ Galaxy Fold this September, details fixes
• Samsung’s Galaxy Fold won’t be carried by T-Mobile upon re-release
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is a high-end Android tablet w/ Snapdragon 855 for $649

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl4v_14K6-8

Listed in: Technology

Made by Google, Assistant improvements, and Gallery Go

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• Google buying the face data of people in the streets for $5, probably for Pixel 4
• Latest Pixel 4 leaks show off smaller phone, screen protectors w/ large cutout
• [Update: Confirmed fake] This Google Pixel 4 front ‘leak’ is just a decent photoshop job
• Google Store discounts Pixel Slate by $100 and includes free keyboard
• New Google device passes through FCC, possibly Pixelbook successor ‘Atlas’
• Google Nest Hub Max will be available starting September 9
• Google replacing verbal Assistant replies when turning off lights with Home, Nest Hub
• Google Assistant tests sending texts directly from the Android lockscreen
• Google readies ‘custom’ Assistant volume for Smart Displays, Home speakers
• Google Assistant Updates feed adds ‘Resume your podcast’ card
• How to use Google Assistant on a Samsung Galaxy Watch
• Google launches Gallery Go, a lightweight Photos app that works offline
• Google Photos has over 1 billion users just 4 years after it first launched

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp9h7Rrc4PA

Listed in: Technology

Android feature phones, Stadia AMA, and Pixel 4

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Kyle Bradshaw

Links:

• This could be our first look at an Android-powered feature phone from Nokia
• ‘Stadia Pro is not Netflix for Games,’ and other tidbits from Stadia AMA
• Stadia Controller will support Bluetooth audio, but not at launch
• Exclusive: Google Pixel 4 and its distinctive camera bump spotted in public again
• Potential Made by Google Chromebook ‘Atlas’ appears again in new image
• Fuchsia adds official Snapdragon 835 support, same chip as in Google Pixel 2
• Google launches Fuchsia.dev to teach developers about Fuchsia OS [Gallery]
• Android Q bringing Google Translate to Recents view in Pixel Launcher [Video]
• Here’s an early look at Google Assistant ‘Ambient Mode’ [Gallery]
• Gboard 8.5 preps Assistant integration, adds dark theme for settings, kills GIF camera [APK Insight]

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR3tQyNEKZc

Listed in: Technology

Android Q Beta 5, Pixel 4 renders, and TicWatch Pro 4G

New episodes of Alphabet Scoop are recorded every Thursday afternoon at 4-5 PM ET and published on Friday mornings. Subscribe to our podcast in Google Play or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available.

Hosts:

• Abner Li
• Ben Schoon

Links:

• Here’s everything new in Android Q Beta 5 [Gallery]
• Android Q Beta 5: ‘Gesture Navigation’ continues to improve w/ more fluid animations
• Android Q Beta 5: Here’s how ‘peeking’ in app navigation drawers works
• Pixel 4 XL renders reveal big forehead, small chin, tri-camera setup [Gallery]
• Hands-on: TicWatch Pro 4G is the best performing Wear OS watch you can actually afford
• Qualcomm readying new Snapdragon Wear ‘429’ chip w/ more efficient design for Wear OS
• JBL Link Bar w/ Android TV is now available for purchase at $399
• Galaxy Note 10 renders show off gradient color variant in our best look yet
• YouTube for Fire TV, Amazon Prime Video for Chromecast and Android TV coming today
• Google updates Stadia FAQ with Controller, multiplayer, & ordering details, addresses VR
• It’s okay for Google to kill your favorite features — in fact, they must

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

http://youtu.be/OgRGsz1-M3E

Listed in: Technology

Alphabet Scoop 061: Android Q leak / Pixel 4, Google Camera, and Pixelbook 2 rumors

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Unreleased Android Q build leaks customizable ‘Back Sensitivity’ gesture setting
• Pixel’s Night Sight moving to main Google Camera UI, more [Gallery]
• Google Camera 6.3 preps ‘McFly mode,’ selfie tips, and Pixel 4 support [APK Insight]
• Google Camera app hints that Google Pixel 4 could have a 16MP telephoto lens
• Download Google Camera 6.3 with quick access to Night Sight
• Android Q Beta 5 will tweak gesture nav w/ ‘peeking’ app navigation drawers
• Google working on ‘Fast Share,’ Android Beam replacement and AirDrop competitor [Gallery]
• US Commerce Department: Huawei is still blacklisted as part of Entity List
• Report: Samsung has completed the Galaxy Fold redesign to fix hinge, display issues
• Exclusive: Hands-on w/ ‘touchless’ Chrome for Android feature phones (Bonus: Dino Runner!) [Gallery]

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lhrwjTfVLA

Listed in: Technology

Q&A w/ Stephen & Abner

Hosts:

• Stephen Hall
• Abner Li

Links:

• Google Store suggests ‘Nest Home’ rebrand for Google Home [Update]
• Old Nest logo replaced by Google Sans text on Nest Cam streams
• Report: Microsoft’s next dual-screen Surface may be able to run Android apps
• Hangouts on Air livestreaming on YouTube ‘going away’ later this year
• Comment: The agony and ecstasy of using YouTube Music in 2019

Feedback?

Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com. You can also soon rate us in Google Play, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Pocket Casts to help more people discover the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHIHfXpCnnY

Listed in: Technology