Skip to main content

Podcast

See All Stories

Pixelated 119: 50 days later, it’s still a phone

Welcome to Pixelated episode 119. This week, Ben Schoon fills in for Damien as we discuss our first Pixel 11a leak and the first 50 days of the flagship Pixel 11 series. We also dive into our thoughts on Amazon’s new $80 button-equipped Kindle case, and Abner’s love of remotes.

Enjoy the show? You can listen to our weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro for just $5 per month, or about $1 per episode.

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 046: Frictionmaxxing

Welcome to episode 46 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will is joined by Allison Johnson to discuss her experience with Meta’s new agentic AI chatbot Muse, and whether agents are really prepared to save their users time. Plus some thoughts on the iPhone 18 Pro’s variable aperture, Allison’s hands-on impressions of the iPhone Duo, and much more.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Subscribe to 9to5Google Pro for exclusive bonus content, podcast episodes, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 118: Googlebook begins

Welcome to Pixelated episode 118. This week, Damien and Abner share their hands-on impressions of Google’s new laptop lineup with Will. What’s it like to use an Android-powered laptop? How different is the Googlebook platform from ChromeOS? And what steps does Google need to take post-launch to give it as strong of a chance at succeeding as possible? All those questions and more and more as the Android ecosystem grows even larger.

Enjoy the show? You can listen to our weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro for just $5 per month, or about $1 per episode.

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 045: If everything’s important, nothing’s important

Welcome to episode 45 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will is joined by Daniel Bader as they sit down with Kevin Michaluk (aka Crackberry Kevin) and Jeff Gadway from Clicks to discuss the upcoming launch of the Clicks Communicator. They discuss launching a first-gen smartphone during the RAM crisis, what it’s like to return to physical keyboards, and how you build a product that avoids becoming a jack of all trades, master of none.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Subscribe to 9to5Google Pro for exclusive bonus content, podcast episodes, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 117: Googlebook Eve

Welcome to Pixelated episode 117. This week, Damien and Will discuss Android 17 QPR1 and the upcoming launch of Android on laptops.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro for just $5 per month.

Sponsored by Bitwarden: Pixelated listeners can get started with Bitwarden’s free individual plan by clicking this link, and check out the Open Source Security Summit. Thanks to Bitwarden for sponsoring!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 044: Duo’s and don’ts

Welcome to episode 44 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will is joined by Android Authority’s Stephen Radochia to discuss what Android brands should and shouldn’t take away from Apple’s first entry into the foldable market.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Subscribe to 9to5Google Pro for exclusive bonus content, podcast episodes, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 116: How dynamic is this Duo?

Welcome to Pixelated episode 116. This week, we’re talking about Apple’s entry into the foldable market. What does the iPhone Duo take from Android foldables, where does it look to improve on efforts from the likes of Samsung and Google, and what can those brands learn from Apple for their next-gen hardware?

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro for just $5 per month.

Sponsored by Bitwarden: Pixelated listeners can get started with Bitwarden’s free individual plan by clicking this link, and check out the Open Source Security Summit on September 17th. Thanks to Bitwarden for sponsoring!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 043: Your repairable future

Welcome to episode 43 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will is joined by 9to5’s Daniel Bader for an interview with Fairphone’s CTO Chandler Hatton. The trio discusses the brand-new Fairphone Gen 6+, the company’s first official US launch, the appetite for repairable devices amid the growing RAM crunch, and much more.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Subscribe to 9to5Google Pro for exclusive bonus content, podcast episodes, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 115: All wallets are designed badly

Welcome to Pixelated episode 115. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will dig through Google’s latest Android Drop and discuss their most-wanted feature additions for Android.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro for just $5 per month.

Sponsored by Bitwarden: Pixelated listeners can get started with Bitwarden’s free individual plan by clicking this link, and check out the Open Source Security Summit on September 17th. Thanks to Bitwarden for sponsoring!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 114: Who watches the Pixel Watch?

Welcome to Pixelated episode 114. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will discuss the Pixel Watch 5 as they look towards the present and future of Google’s wearable efforts.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro for just $5 per month.

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 042: A genderless Pixel experience

Welcome to episode 42 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Damien Wilde joins Will as they continue to break down what’s good — and not so good — about Google’s latest phones. Come for the Snapdragon-Tensor debate, stay for a sweaty analogy that compares the Pixel 11 series to various Halloween sequels.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Subscribe to 9to5Google Pro for exclusive bonus content, podcast episodes, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 113: Made You (Camera) Look

Welcome to Pixelated episode 113. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will dive into their thoughts and reviews of the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 041: A vision of Pixels to come

Welcome to episode 41 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Ben Schoon joins Will to discuss the future of Pixel, as Google’s Pixel 11 attempts to bridge the gap between always-accessible AI assistant and a more minimalist, digital wellbeing-friendly experience. They also dig into the world of AI ads, posters, and more, and wonder whether they’re doing far more harm than good to the people who choose to monetize them.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Subscribe to 9to5Google Pro for exclusive bonus content, podcast episodes, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 112: Mid by Google

Welcome to Pixelated episode 112. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will share their early impressions of the Pixel 11 series, offer a full breakdown of the actual Made by Google event, and share some big picture thoughts on the future of Pixel hardware inspired by this HiLight ad.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 111: Primetime prep for Made By Google

Welcome to Pixelated episode 111. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will preview what to expect at next week’s official unveiling of the Pixel 11 series, including final rumors, leaks, expectations, and some very wrong guesses on who the host might be.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 110: Android’s past, present, and future

Welcome to Pixelated episode 110. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will lean into a news lull ahead of the Pixel 11’s launch to zoom out to take a look at the state of Android. They tackle what Google and others are doing right, what there’s room to improve on, and and what we can expect from the future of our favorite platform.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 040: Finding digital peace with Light Phone

Welcome to episode 40 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will is joined by Kai Tang and Joe Hollier of Light to discuss the recent announcement of the Light Flip, the urge to disconnect from your smartphone, and finding the right balance between being offline without being inconvenienced.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Subscribe to 9to5Google Pro for exclusive bonus content, podcast episodes, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 109: Unpacking Unpacked

Welcome to Pixelated episode 109. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will dive into everything Samsung announced at this week’s Galaxy Unpacked, the legacy of the original Pixel Fold, and whether flip phones have a future ahead of them.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 039: Digital landscaping

Welcome to episode 39 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will is joined by Chris Wedel of Gadgets & Gravel to discuss the modern internet landscape, finding moments of peace around technology, and the ever-evolving world of robo-lawnmowers.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Subscribe to 9to5Google Pro for exclusive bonus content, podcast episodes, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 108: Rerun of a rerun

Welcome to Pixelated episode 108. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will briefly dive into Google and Epic’s decision to wrap up their legal battle without a settlement in place, leaving the door open for third-party app stores to live inside Google Play. They also discuss the ever-leaking Pixel 11, including some new Pixel Glow insights and Google’s latest obsession with the color green.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro bonus episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 107: A Made by Google grumble

Welcome to episode 107 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will dive headfirst into some Pixel speculation following the official announcement of this year’s Made by Google. From phones to smartwatches to pondering what might surprise us, it’s shaping up to be an interesting event.

Enjoy the episode? You can listen to our brand new weekly members-only Pixelated Pro episode by signing up for 9to5Google Pro!

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 038: Niagara Launcher, ten years in

Welcome to episode 38 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will is joined by Peter Huber of Niagara Launcher to discuss the origins of Niagara, what it’s like maintaining a launcher in 2026, their partnership with the upcoming Clicks Communicator and so much more.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Subscribe to 9to5Google Pro for exclusive bonus content, podcast episodes, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Pixelated 106: Smart speakers and rest days (with Jonah Becker and Taylor Helgren of Google)

Welcome to episode 106 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien talks Abner and Will through his first impressions of Google’s latest Home Speaker, a reboot of sorts of the company’s smart speaker lineup. After the break, we’re joined by Jonah Becker and Taylor Helgren of Google to discuss the launch of the Fitbit Air and Google Health.

Sponsored by Bitwarden: Pixelated listeners can get started with Bitwarden’s free individual plan by clicking this link. Thanks to Bitwarden for sponsoring the podcast.

Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close

The Sideload 037: Specs for your Specs

Welcome to episode 37 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will is joined by Andrew Romero to discuss the ongoing rise of smart glasses, what brands are nailing the basics, and what to expect from Google’s entry into the market later this year. Plus, live-ish reactions to the Steam Machine’s pricing.

Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 76% on a two-year subscription alongside four extra months for absolutely free by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.

Subscribe

Expand Expanding Close