Michael Brown

As 2024 draws to a close, you might have missed the news – unless you were living under a rock – that Google found itself on the wrong side of an antitrust ruling. A court recently took issue with the tech giant’s search distribution contracts, essentially saying they stifle competition. While Google plans to appeal the decision, it’s also playing the game by proposing remedies to address the court’s concerns.

In essence, the court found that Google’s agreements with browser and device makers to feature its search engine as the default option were anti-competitive. Google, naturally, disagrees, arguing its dominance stems from building a superior product and making savvy business decisions.

Now, before you picture Google being carved up like a Thanksgiving turkey, let me tell you about their proposed remedies. They’re actually quite interesting.

The Gist of Google’s Proposal

• Browsers get more freedom: Companies like Apple and Mozilla can still make deals with Google Search, but they’ll have more flexibility. They can set different default search engines for different platforms (like iPhones versus iPads) and browsing modes. Plus, they can change their default search provider at least every 12 months.

• Android gets unbundled: Device makers will have more flexibility in preloading multiple search engines and Google apps. This means you might see more variety on your Android home screen, and competitors like Microsoft get a fairer shot at placement.

• Oversight without overreach: Google proposes a system to ensure compliance with the court’s order, but without giving the government excessive control over your online experience.

My Two Cents

Frankly, these seem like reasonable proposals. It’s like Google is saying, “Okay, we hear you, but let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater.” They acknowledge the need for a more level playing field while still protecting their hard-earned innovations.

The idea of platform-specific search defaults is particularly intriguing. Imagine your iPhone defaulting to DuckDuckGo for privacy, while your iPad sticks with Google for its familiar interface. This kind of flexibility could empower users and foster competition.

Unbundling search from other Google apps on Android is also a smart move. It addresses a key complaint from competitors while giving users more choice.

Of course, the devil is in the details. We’ll have to see how these proposals play out in practice. But at first glance, Google seems to be striking a balance between addressing antitrust concerns and preserving its ability to innovate.

While Google’s proposals sound good on paper, I’ll be watching closely to see how they impact consumers in the real world. Will we truly see more choice and competition in the search market? Or will Google find clever ways to maintain its dominance? Only time will tell.

Disclaimer: This blog post reflects my personal opinions and should not be taken as legal or financial advice.

Another year has flown by, and it’s time for my annual tradition of gazing into the future to make some tech predictions for 2025. Some are bold, some are not-so-bold, but they’re all guaranteed to spark some interesting conversations.

1. Apple Intelligence Finally Arrives (and It’s Actually Good)

Remember that Apple Intelligence thing they teased at WWDC? Yeah, it’s finally here, and it’s not the dumpster fire some folks predicted. Think of it as Siri on steroids, but without the constant need to apologize for not understanding you. It can actually write your emails, schedule your appointments, and even order your groceries.

2. Threads: From Zero to Hero

Remember when everyone was all over Clubhouse? Yeah, me neither. But Threads, Meta’s answer to Twitter, is actually gaining some serious traction. I’m predicting it’ll hit 500 million monthly active users in 2025, proving that people still crave a place to share their thoughts in 280 characters or less (or, you know, long rambling threads).

3. Google’s Pixel 10: The MKBHD Smartphone of the Year

Google’s been quietly chipping away at the smartphone market, and I think 2025 will be their year. The Pixel 10 will be the phone to beat, with its killer camera, clean software, and AI-powered features that actually work. I’m predicting it will be so good, it’ll snag the coveted MKBHD Smartphone of the Year award.

4. Meta Ray-Bans: The AI Gadget You Actually Want to Wear

Remember Google Glass? Yeah, let’s not go there. But Meta’s Ray-Bans are actually a pretty cool (and stylish) way to experience augmented reality. I’m predicting they’ll get a major update in 2025, making them the must-have AI gadget for everyone who wants to look cool and stay connected.

5. ChatGPT: The AI That Everyone’s Talking To

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been making waves, and I think it’s only going to get bigger in 2025. I’m predicting it’ll hit 500 million monthly active users, as people use it for everything from writing poems to coding websites (and maybe even having a few existential conversations with a robot 

6. Apple vs. DOJ: The Case That Goes Nowhere

Remember that whole Apple vs. DOJ antitrust case? Yeah, I’m predicting it’ll fizzle out in 2025. Both sides will realize they have better things to do, like Apple designing new iPhones and the DOJ chasing after… well, someone else.

7. Apple Vision Pro Flops, But Don’t Worry, They Have a Plan B

The Apple Vision Pro is a technological marvel, no doubt. But let’s face it, that price tag is going to keep it out of reach for most people. I’m predicting that sales will be sluggish, and Apple will start teasing a more affordable, lightweight headset that looks a lot like… you guessed it, Meta’s Ray-Bans.

8. Drupal Shoots for the Stars (and Lands Among Them)

Remember Drupal? That open-source content management system that powers millions of websites? Well, get ready for a Drupal renaissance. With the launch of “Drupal Starshot,” the platform will become more accessible and user-friendly than ever before. This means we’ll see a resurgence of Drupal not just among expert developers, but also among junior developers and even those who prefer a low-code approach. Watch out, WordPress, Drupal’s coming for you!

9. Messaging Platforms Finally Start Playing Nice (Sort Of)

Tired of juggling a dozen different messaging apps? You’re not alone. In 2025, I predict we’ll finally see some movement towards interoperability between messaging platforms. Google, Meta, Telegram, and others will start showcasing how their services can work together, making it easier to chat with friends and family no matter what app they’re using. Don’t expect a completely seamless experience just yet, but it’s a step in the right direction. 

10. Google AI Agents: Jarvis, Is That You? (And Can I Call You Jeeves?)

Google’s been quietly working on some seriously impressive AI agents, and I think 2025 will be the year they finally unleash them on the world. Imagine interacting with your devices and services in a completely natural way, like you’re talking to Jarvis from Iron Man. “Hey Google, make me a reservation at that new fusion restaurant downtown,” or “Hey Google, write a blog post about my 2025 tech predictions.” (Wait a minute…)

But here’s the kicker: Google will finally let you personalize the “hot word” that triggers these AI agents. Tired of saying “Hey Google”? No problem. Call it Jarvis, Jeeves, Alfred, or whatever your digital heart desires. These AI agents will be so smart and intuitive, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the future – and you can customize it to your liking.

So there you have it, folks. My 2025 tech predictions. What are yours? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let’s see 

who has the best foresight!

Great news for those making the switch from iPhone to Pixel! Google has just made it easier than ever to keep your precious memories. Paul Dunlop, the product lead for Android Onboarding and Android Settings at Google, recently announced that Burst Photos now transfer seamlessly when switching from iOS to Pixel.

View on Threads

Previously, when transferring data from an iPhone to a Pixel using Android Switch, Burst Photos were not included. This meant that users would lose the ability to select the best shot from a burst sequence after making the switch.

With this update, all of your Burst Photos will be transferred over, whether you’re using a cable or Wi-Fi. This means you can rest assured that you’ll have access to your full set of burst photos, even after making the switch to Pixel.

Note: This feature is currently only available for Pixel devices. It is unclear if or when it will be rolled out to other Android devices.

Marques Brownlee's 10th annual Smartphone Awards are out, and while some categories went the usual way (iPhone for camera, Samsung for "big"), there were some interesting wins this year. As a Pixel 9 Pro user myself, I was especially hyped to see Google finally getting some serious recognition.

Here's the rundown:

•  Best Big Phone: Samsung Galaxy s24 Ultra (no surprise there)

•  Best Small Phone: iPhone 16 (again, expected)

•  Best Camera: iPhone 16 Pro (sigh... Apple still holds this one)

•  Best Value: Nothing Phone 2A (good to see some disruptors!)

•  Best Battery: Red Magic 10 Pro (gaming phones FTW!)

•  Best Design: Huawei Mate Xt (that fold is sleek)

•  Best Foldable: Pixel 9 Pro Fold! (YES!)

•  Most Improved: Pixel 9 Pro Fold! (DOUBLE YES!)

•  Bust of the Year: Asus Zenphone 11 Ultra (ouch)

•  MVP Phone of the Year: Samsung Galaxy s24 Ultra (Samsung takes it again)

While I'm a bit bummed the Pixel didn't snag the overall MVP, those Foldable wins are HUGE. I've been rocking the Pixel 9 Pro for months now, and it's the best phone I've ever used. The camera is fantastic (even if not "the best"), the battery lasts forever, and the software is smooth as butter. Marques himself uses the 9 Pro XL as his daily driver, which says something.

If you're looking for a phone that does it all, with a killer foldable option, Google's finally stepped up to the plate. Check out the full video for Marques' in-depth thoughts, but consider this your TL;DR: Pixel's a contender now, folks.