Alphabet Scoop

Previewing Android 12

This week 9to5Google's Abner Li, Ben Schoon, and Kyle Bradshaw discuss the shut down of first-party games for Stadia and the impact this might have on the future of the platform. Alphabet Scoop is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and through our dedicated RSS feed. 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.

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

This week we recap everything announced by Samsung today at the Galaxy S21 event from the trio of phones to new earbuds and a tracker. We then highlight the top things announced at an otherwise quiet CES 2021. Alphabet Scoop is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and through our dedicated RSS feed. 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: Galaxy S21 unboxing and first impressions: No charger, but a whole lot of phone [Video] Samsung Galaxy S21 series goes official w/ Snapdragon 888, S Pen, $200 price drop Galaxy Buds Pro can cancel out or amplify ambient noise, switch between devices for $199 Samsung ditches microSD card support on all Galaxy S21 models Samsung is bringing SmartThings to Android Auto Samsung Galaxy SmartTag works like a Tile tracker, available from $29 Google Messages is ‘native’ on Samsung Galaxy S21 as Discover is default feed Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 goes Ryzen with gaming-centric keyboard Acer Chromebook Spin 514 launches next month with AMD Ryzen, starts at $479 Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 cuts costs w/ $549 starting price, mid-range specs TCL adopts Google TV in 2021 models starting in the United States Sony embraces the new Google TV interface on 2021 ‘Bravia XR’ lineup TCL and Alcatel launching trio of Android tablets, including one w/ color E Ink competitor Google completes acquisition of Fitbit, reiterates privacy promises Fitbit says Google deal won’t affect third-party services Google Store marks Fitbit acquisition closing with prominent banner message 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. 

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

This week we talk about our report of a new Nest Hub that will feature Soli-powered sleep tracking, as well as the upcoming line of Nest security cameras. We then preview and make predictions about what we want to see in the Made by Google 2021 roadmap. Alphabet Scoop is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and through our dedicated RSS feed. 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? 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.

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

This week we talk about Stadia’s trio of big launches from Cyberpunk 2077 to Ubisoft+ and iOS support. We then say goodbye to the Google Home Max, but end on a happier note with some major developments for Android, Fuchsia, and CloudReady OS. Alphabet Scoop is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and through our dedicated RSS feed. 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? 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/ivgChxjoTFs 

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

This week we talk all about the December Pixel Feature Drop and the slew of features that it brought to the Pixel 5. We then touch on the intersection of Android and Google Assistant, as well as some messaging issues that users are facing. Alphabet Scoop is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and through our dedicated RSS feed. 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.

Alphabet Scoop 107: All about the December Pixel Feature Drop

This week we talk about Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 chip that will power next year’s flagship devices. We then check in on the Pixel 4a 5G and why it’s the surprise of this year’s lineup before closing on what’s new with Stadia.  Alphabet Scoop is available Google Podcasts, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, and through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players. preload="none" 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQuiCzwYFGw 

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

This week saw Google announce an absolute flood of news from Assistant Driving Mode and end-to-end encryption for RCS in Messages finally happening to a brand new Google Pay. We then talk about everything the Stadia team announced for the streaming service’s one-year anniversary. Alphabet Scoop is available Google Podcasts, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, and through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players. preload="none" 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkD5I7pfy7Y 

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

This week, we talk about Google giving away free Stadia Premiere Edition kits to YouTube Premium subscribers. We then swing to the other end of the spectrum and dive into Google Photos no longer offering unlimited High quality backups. Alphabet Scoop is available Google Podcasts, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, and through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players. 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. https://youtu.be/G2dVxUDCsPE 

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

This week, we have extended Pixel 5 thoughts from the team and take a crack at the screen-body gap that Google says is normal. We then have impressions on the new Nest Thermostat, and then wrap up on other hardware happenings. Alphabet Scoop is available Google Podcasts, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, and through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players. 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? 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/PBdXnWDjzms 

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

This week, we preview the Made by Google 2020 event -- AKA “Launch Night In” -- taking place at the end of September. We recap the Pixel 5, 4a 5G, Nest Audio, and the Google Chromecast with Google TV. Alphabet Scoop is available Google Podcasts, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, and through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players. 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? 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=8iuHDxnyIts 

Previewing Google's 'Launch Night In'

This week we talk about the stable launch of Android 11 and everything around the release, as well as the latest Pixel 5 rumors. We end by discussing the merits/downsides of the Microsoft Surface Duo, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, and Motorola Razr 5G. Alphabet Scoop is available Google Podcasts, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, and through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players. 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? 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/3spz3bpyf6k 

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

This week we talk about one confirmed and one leaked price: Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 and the ‘Sabrina’ Android TV dongle, respectively. We also take a look at what features are coming next to Stadia and new games. Alphabet Scoop is available Google Podcasts, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, and through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players. 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? 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/VndtXILT3DU 

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

This week we share our extended Pixel 4a thoughts, and preview what the Pixel 5 is going to offer. We then take another look at the Pixel Buds, which just received its first update, while closing on Samsung and everything Fitbit announced. Alphabet Scoop is available on Google Play, Google Podcasts, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, and through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players. 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. https://youtu.be/XQRCo6PE1o0 

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

This week we take a deep dive into Google's bold plans for making Gmail the new "home for work." In centralizing G Suite into one app, the company risks overcrowding, but it could gain a proper Slack competitor in the process. We also have a brief discussion about everything the Google Store is doing (sales) and leaking (Pixel 4a). Alphabet Scoop is available on Google Play, Google Podcasts, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, and through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players. 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U6uRJsKuJw 

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

Alphabet Scoop is a weekly podcast from the 9to5Google team, bringing you the latest in Google news and our commentary every week.

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Alphabet Scoop

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