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Google's Santa Monica Store: A Step Forward, But Is It Enough?
Google’s latest retail venture lands in sunny Santa Monica, California, with an official launch date of March 7th, as reported by 9to5Google:
“As teased at the end of Made by Google 2024 in August, a Google Store is coming to Santa Monica and will open Friday, March 7. This is Google’s sixth retail location and will be the second in California after Mountain View. It’s located at 1460 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401 and will open on Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m. PT."
While this is the closest Google Store to me since moving from the East Coast, it’s still a hefty 300+ miles away. This makes me wonder: Where’s Google’s ambition? Back in 2001, Apple boldly declared plans to open 50 stores in a single year. Apple proudly trumpeted this achievement in a newsroom press release:
“CUPERTINO, California—November 25, 2002—Apple® opened its 49th and 50th retail stores in the U.S. this weekend, with new store locations in Denver, Colorado and Emeryville, California. The Company now has stores in 24 states in the U.S., with a retail location within 15 miles of 85 million people, about one third of the U.S. population.” - Apple Newsroom
“We’re thrilled to have reached our 2002 goal of 50 retail stores in the U.S. in time for the holiday shopping season,” said Ron Johnson, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “Our stores are a great place to shop for hot holiday gifts like iMacs and iPods.”
Six stores in four states in nearly five years? This sluggish pace suggests a stark contrast to Steve Jobs’s retail vision back in 2001. Jobs understood that retail was about more than transactions; it was about education and experience. He envisioned Apple stores as hubs for learning about computers, the internet, and Apple’s ecosystem. Google has the same opportunity.
Google Stores could be dynamic spaces for exploring ChromeOS, the power of AI, and the breadth of Google’s offerings. In today’s tech landscape, Google is uniquely positioned to lead in this space. Why, then, the hesitant rollout of just six stores in under five years?
Google's Pixels are Apple's TVs
“Google treats its entire Pixel portfolio like Apple treats Apple TV hardware. They make the best parts of it available on other platforms, greatly reducing the perceived value of their own hardware. Why switch to a Pixel when almost all of Google’s apps are available on iOS? Why switch to an Apple TV box when the TV app and iTunes Store are built into your “smart” TV?”
This is something I’ve understood for as long as owning a Google Nexus. I’ve always wondered how Google approaches hardware development, especially given their lack of the kind of exclusive ecosystem that Apple cultivates. Even other Android OEMs have some unique features. That just wasn’t Google’s culture in building its products. Google is synonymous with software, encompassing products like Search, YouTube, Gmail, and Android. We’re nearing the 10th generation of the Google Pixel. Hiroshi Lockheimer’s prediction that “eight years from now we’ll be talking about Oct 4, 2016” has already passed. October 4th, the release date of the original Google Pixel, was what many, including myself, assumed he was referencing. However, it’s now 2025, nearly ten years later, and Google’s Pixel has only achieved a 4% market share, according to Counterpoint Research. However, it still feels like gaining market share in their hardware isn’t Google’s main goal. News broke from 9to5Mac analyst Aaron Perris that Google’s Gemini AI is coming to iOS next to Siri in a future update. Echoing Gruber’s analogy, this demonstrates Google making its key Pixel features available on other platforms.
I think Google needs to better articulate the value proposition of the Pixel to its existing customers, let alone attract new customers in carrier stores. Perhaps a renewed focus on hardware exclusivity, or a clearer articulation of Pixel-specific benefits, is needed.
Google Pixel 8a Review: A Year Later
"Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?" - Yoda, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
Having followed Google’s Pixel line since its inception in 2016, from the original Pixel to the latest Pixel 9 Pro (and even the Pixel Fold), I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Google’s contributions to the smartphone market. My experience with iPhones (6, 6s, X, Xs, and 12) has further broadened my perspective. However, it’s the budget Android segment, a significant portion of global smartphone sales, that truly captivates me. The Pixel 8a, initially released at $499 but now available for $300-$400 a year later, offers amazing value: a device promising six more years of feature updates.
The Pixel 8a immediately feels comfortable in hand. It’s easy to handle, not prone to slipping, and not overly heavy or clunky. While it lacks the premium feel of my Pixel 9 Pro, it possesses a reassuring solidity. It’s like a familiar, comforting tool. The matte back feels surprisingly sturdy, almost like a warm porcelain countertop. The buttons offer a satisfying “click,” though they betray the phone’s budget origins slightly, lacking the springy resistance of a higher-end device. Even after a year of use, the click persists. Crucially, one-handed use is a breeze, even for my (slightly above average) sized hands; reaching all four corners of the screen is effortless. It’s not a “mini” phone, but it disappears comfortably into a back pocket, sometimes even flipping around due to its manageable size.
The feel of a phone is paramount, as smartphones are deeply personal devices that perform a multitude of general and specialized tasks throughout our day. They need to feel approachable, relatable, and human – an extension of ourselves, not an interruption. The Pixel 8a achieves this beautifully, particularly with its matte finish and flat display. There’s no awkwardness in holding it; the curvature simply settles into your hand. Unlike some flagship phones that scream “luxury item,” the 8a feels like a tool – one you appreciate more when you consciously focus on its thoughtful design.
I particularly appreciate the rounded edges, reminiscent of a perfectly smooth doorknob. The camera bar, while subtle, is a minor point of contention. It creates a slight disruption, particularly when the phone is in a case (even official Google cases), unlike the more integrated camera module of the Pixel 9 Pro. But the color options – especially the Bay and Aloe (though my wife prefers the Porcelain of our review unit) – are absolutely delightful. My main design quibble is the bezels. While not overly large, they are noticeable. I prefer a more minimalist approach, though I understand the need for some bezel.
The Pixel “a” series, following the pattern of the 3a after the 3, the 4a after the 4, and so on, continues with the 8a. It borrows heavily from the Pixel 8, with some compromises in camera hardware, display, and (in previous years) wireless charging. However, the line between the “a” series and the mainline Pixels is blurring, especially with price fluctuations. The 8a’s $499 launch price often overlaps with discounted Pixel 8 prices, sometimes making the 8a seem redundant. The Pixel 8a is, at its core, a budget-friendly Pixel 8. It retains the flagship-level software experience – the AI smarts, the Google Photos magic – but packages it in more affordable hardware.
In real-world use, the differences between the 8a, the 8, and even my 9 Pro are subtle but noticeable. Performance-wise, both share the Tensor G3 chip, so general usage feels snappy. However, the reduced RAM in the 8a becomes noticeable during processing-intensive tasks like Magic Editor edits, which take slightly longer. The camera compromises are most apparent in ultrawide (.5x) shots, where the 8a’s limitations become clear. While not a “camera hero,” Google’s AI processing delivers surprisingly good results, even compared to the 9 Pro’s wide-angle lens.
The display is excellent for its price. While it struggles in direct sunlight, it’s bright enough for most conditions. And the 120Hz refresh rate is a welcome addition, making the transition from my 9 Pro far less jarring than it could have been. Battery life is adequate. I found myself reaching for a charger sooner than usual, though my use of Pixel Stands mitigates this. The “Limit to 80%” battery optimization feature is a welcome addition for long-term battery health.
The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable. While not as instantaneous as the ultrasonic sensor on the 9 Pro, it’s perfectly adequate for everyday use. And the software? This is where the 8a truly shines. A year after its release, Pixel Feature Drops continue to enhance the experience, bringing features typically reserved for the premium Pro models. With seven years of software support guaranteed, the 8a is a long-term investment.
The 8a comes in 128GB and 256GB storage options. I chose the 128GB version, relying on my 2TB Google One cloud storage and Google Photos. The display size is a sweet spot for me. It’s not too small to be considered “mini,” nor so large that I need my Pixel Tablet. It fits comfortably in my hand and pocket. My wife, coming from an iPhone 13 Mini, finds it a significant upgrade in size and usability. The size and design make taking photos and videos easy. It’s simple to pull the phone out of a pocket. However, the bezels, while not a major issue overall, become slightly distracting when composing shots with specific framing in mind. The 8a’s pricing is a bit confusing. Its $499 launch price often overlapped with discounted Pixel 8 prices, making the choice less clear. This underscores the need for potential buyers to compare prices and features between the 8a and the 8 (or consider waiting for the 9a). I helped my parents purchase their Pixel 8a phones, and they absolutely love them, capturing surprisingly good photos (even of a heron on their deck!) without needing to be photography experts or spend a fortune. This exemplifies the 8a’s target audience: users who appreciate a good camera and a smooth Android experience without breaking the bank.
The main trade-offs with the 8a compared to the Pixel 8 are the camera sensor size (affecting light capture and detail), the RAM (impacting AI processing speed), and the more visible bezels. If these aren’t deal-breakers, and the Pixel 8 isn’t cheaper, the 8a is an excellent choice. The ideal Pixel 8a user wants a smooth, reliable Android experience with a great camera for the price, and values long-term software support. They might be upgrading from an older phone, seeking the best mid-range value, or prefer a smaller, more manageable device.
I recommend the Pixel 8a, especially given its continued software support, future feature drops, solid battery life, and affordable prices on platforms like Swappa. Even a year later, the software remains snappy, demonstrating Google’s commitment to the “a” series. I’m confident the Pixel 8a will age well, thanks to Google’s seven-year update commitment and features like Battery Optimization. It’s a phone that surpasses expectations for its size and price, delivering a surprisingly premium experience in a comfortable package.
Disclosure: I am a member of the Google Pixel Superfans community, which is an invitation-only program for Pixel enthusiasts. As a Superfan, I sometimes receive early access to information or products, and I may attend exclusive events. However, I was not compensated for this review, and the opinions expressed here are entirely my own. I did [or did not] receive a review unit of the Pixel 8a.
I thought you might like this great deal from Google Store’s Referral Program. Use code REF-UHEQJ35YXIX9HQRXK0LZS66 at checkout! More details on the program can be found here: store.google.com/ideas/pix…
Google Opens One of it's Largest Offices in Bengaluru
Google normally opens retail stores near it’s offices. With rumors spreading that Google is opening it’s first international retail store in India, Google has officially announced the opening of one of it’s largest offices globally:
Anand Rangarajan, Vice President, Google Deepmind
Sunil Rao, Vice President, Global Delivery, Google Cloud India
“India has always played the role of a strategic nerve centre in the tech discourse—this is evident in the thriving startup and app ecosystems, the digital public infrastructure that’s transforming life for hundreds of millions of Indians, and the depth and diversity of Indian creators.
For two decades, we have been proud to play a role in facilitating this transformation further—through AI-powered flood forecasting, specialized AI models to catch tuberculosis early, and helping millions of people join the formal economy with Google Pay, to name just a few examples.
Increasingly, we have been building from India, for the world.
Today, we are excited to share another major milestone in our ongoing commitment to India, with the inauguration of Ananta—one of Google’s largest offices globally.”
Google usually announces a new retail store at one of their hardware announcements. With the Pixel 9a coming soon, I wouldn’t be surprised if Google announces the new India store with it.
Google to Open First Physical Stores in India
Google counts India as a key growth market, where it has committed to investing $10 billion. It currently has only five physical stores, all in the United States, which sell its products such as Pixel phones, watches and earbuds.
It is aiming to mirror a retail approach that helped Apple Inc, opens new tab rake in billions of dollars in the last two decades by showcasing its own products. Apple has 500 plus stores worldwide.
Google is in advanced stages of finalising locations in or around the capital of New Delhi, and the financial capital Mumbai, said three sources, who declined to be named as the process is confidential.
Google’s decision to open physical stores in India signals its ambition to increase its market share in the country. While specific sales figures for India are not readily available, Google’s current market share in the premium smartphone segment is estimated to be around 5% as of 2024. This represents a significant jump from the approximately 1% share it held in 2023.
This move into physical retail could be a game-changer for Google in India, allowing the company to showcase its products directly to consumers and build a stronger brand presence. It remains to be seen whether Google can replicate the success of Apple’s retail strategy, but the company’s investment in India suggests it is serious about making a mark in this rapidly growing market.
"Princess and the Frog" Magic with the Pixel 8 Pro
My cousin’s sweet sixteen photoshoot was a special project, and I wanted to capture her unique spirit and personality. Inspired by “The Princess and the Frog,” we explored whimsical poses and angles throughout Old Town Occoquan.
To achieve the desired effect, I relied heavily on the Pixel 8 Pro’s versatile camera system. To highlight her expressions, I opted for the natural bokeh achieved through the phone’s zoom capabilities (1x and 5-10x), avoiding the artificial look of Portrait mode. The Peaking feature was essential for precise manual focus on her face, ensuring sharp details amidst the whimsical movements.
Beyond focus, capturing the right mood and lighting was crucial. Using the Pro-mode controls, I adjusted shadows and brightness to highlight her features without compromising her natural complexion. The magic continued in post-processing with Google Photos.
The Magic Editor effortlessly removed distracting elements like trash cans and light posts, while a touch of vignette added a final touch of mystique, drawing attention to her captivating expressions..
This photoshoot was more than just a technical exercise; it was a chance to connect with my cousin and celebrate her transition into womanhood. You can read more about the experience and what it meant to me on my personal blog.
Google's SafetyCore: Your Phone's New AI Bouncer (with a Side of Truth)
So there has been a lot of online chatter about Google’s newly released app called Android System SafetyCore that’s being downloaded on a lot Android devices. Mostly Android 9+ devices. And there’s been a lot of misinformation about it so I figured I’d provide more correct information on the web about it. In short, it’s like having a bouncer for your phone. You can read the entire blog post from Google about it on their Security Blog, but I’ll try to explain in less detail. In short, Google lists the following new protections:
- Enhances detection protects you from package delivery and job scams.
- Intelligent warnings alert you about potentially dangerous links.
- Controls to turn off messages from unknown international senders.
- Sensitive Content Warnings give you control over seeing and sending images that may contain nudity.
- More confirmation about who you’re messaging.
So this bouncer uses AI to spot shady stuff like spam, scams, malware, and even those NSFW pics (yikes!) in your messages and apps. The best part? It does all this without snitching to Google or anyone else. Think of it like a super-smart security guard who can spot trouble without calling the cops. By not snitching to Google or anyone else or calling the cops, it’s not sending your information to anyone. ANYONE.
Now, some people have been mistakenly thinking, “Isn’t this like that client-side scanning thing Apple tried to pull?” Nah, not even close. That was all about scanning your pics and reporting potentially illegal stuff, which was a major privacy no-no.
Android’s SafetyCore is different. It keeps everything on your phone and doesn’t share anything with anyone. It’s more like Apple’s Communication Safety feature in iMessage, which warns kids about sensitive content but doesn’t share anything with Apple.
Unfortunately, like I said, there’s been some misinformation floating around about SafetyCore, with some folks calling it “spyware.” But that’s simply not true. As the privacy-focused folks at GrapheneOS put it:
The app doesn’t provide client-side scanning used to report things to Google or anyone else. It provides on-device machine learning models usable by applications to classify content as being spam, scams, malware, etc. This allows apps to check content locally without sharing it with a service and mark it with warnings for users.
The GrapheneOS team are experts in this field, and they clearly state that SafetyCore doesn’t share your data. So, you can rest assured that your privacy is protected.
The GrapheneOS team does wish Google would make the whole thing open source, which would increase transparency and trust. I agree with this too, but here’s the thing: apps have been able to do this AI security stuff for a while now, but they usually send your data to their servers. SafetyCore keeps everything local, which is a big win for privacy.
Okay, so circling back to that “not snitching to the cops” part: SafetyCore isn’t about reporting illegal stuff to the authorities. It’s simply about giving your phone the ability to spot potentially harmful stuff and give you a heads up. Remember that and take that how you will.
So, there you have it! The TL;DR is Google’s Android System SafetyCore seems like a pretty sweet deal for boosting your phone’s security and privacy. Don’t let the misinformation scare you away from a potentially useful tool. It’ll be interesting to see how it evolves and how other apps start using it.
Down Memorable Tech Lane
Jason Howell had David Piece, from The Verge, on his podcast today to chat about memorable tech. It got me wondering what was my most memorable tech.
I couldn’t think of a single one that I’d call memorable. Yea, I’ve had some great smartphone experiences, but those are still fresh. After going through my mental Rolodex – even typing that makes me feel old – I was able to remember the Dell Inspiron e1405, my first personal laptop that I got for college in 2006. I loved it so much. The large (at the time) screen, sleek design, media controls on the front, and full Windows XP. …Just to refresh my memory of it, I had to look up the specs. It’s funny how these numbers can bring back a flood of memories. Check out what this machine was packing back in 2006:
- Intel Core Duo T2300 CPU (1.66GHz)
- 14.1" WXGA LCD (1280x800) Display
- 1GB DDR2 SDRAM
- Intel GMA950 integrated graphics
- 100GB 5400rpm SATA hard drive
- Windows XP Media Center Edition
- 10/100 BaseT Ethernet
- Combo CD-RW/DVD-ROM optical drive
- 802.11b/g wireless card
- 85WHr 9-cell Lithium-Ion battery
This isn’t my exact laptop. I pulled this image from Ars Technica. I’m still digging around to see if I can find it. Once I find it, I’ll definitely update this post. Either way, I have fond memories with this laptop. Not only was it my first personal computer, but it was the computer I took my first Computer Science courses at University of Mary Washington. The memories of being frustrated trying to set up Putty SSH client on this machine as a freshmen came rushing back as soon as I saw thought about this laptop. It ran smoothly, I just didn’t know what I was doing then. When I should have been studying, I used this laptop as a gaming laptop, before I knew about gaming laptops. It was my first forray into MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) with The Matrix Online. Easily one of my favorite games I’ve ever played. I could go on and on about that game, but it was also my first experience with having an online community. From the forums, the chatrooms, and even podcasts. It was just an amazingly nerdy time. Just allow me to nerd out for a moment.
Back to the laptop. If I remember correctly, I held onto this machine until 2011. Towards the end of my relationship with this lovely machine, I replaced the hard drive after years of heavy use. I installed Ubuntu OS, and even purchased a new battery from eBay to try to salvage it. After a couple of months of troubleshooting driver issues, the motherboard officially called it quits and made it’s way tech heaven. It pushed through so much. Burning CDs, LimeWire, Skype Video calls, coding projects, online exams, etc…
Now I know how Jason Howell feels when he talks about his Commodore 64. If you can, check out his podcast and this conversation with David Pierce. It will definitely get you thinking about your old fond memories of technology.
What was your most memorable piece of tech?
Apple Might Be Bringing Ads to Apple Maps
So, word on the street is that Apple might be bringing ads to Apple Maps, according to Mark Gurman over at Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter.
This has, shall we say, ruffled some feathers. Think of it – just like on Google Maps, businesses could potentially pay to get their spots bumped up in search results or highlighted on the map itself.
Gurman also mentioned that there’s no set timeline, and they haven’t even started the engineering work yet.
Now, the internet, being the internet, has opinions.
"The Price of Friendship", a short story
I’ve added a new “Web” category for this tech blog and I want to use this category as a place for images, someone else’s blog or creative writing, across the web that I enjoyed that revolve around tech. Today, it’s a short story. With that said, a friend of mine uploaded what could potentially be a creative series (I hope), but so far this short story is amazingly well written. I’ve never known him for being a creative writer, but for this to be his first, I was thoroughly impressed. The scene setting is so good. Just read this small excerpt and be amazed:
“I attempt to reconnect to Quinn’s model, but I only receive an error message: “MODEL UNAVAILABLE. Contact DataHive™ support to speak with a Neurogenic AI specialist.” No, thanks. This doesn’t seem like a “turn it off and on again” type of situation. I remove my headset and sit in silence for what feels like only a few minutes, just staring off into space, a million thoughts and possibilities running through my head. When I snap out of it, I realize I have been sitting there for an hour."
That’s only a small piece of it, but it’s so good. I recommend you read it. @jcrabapple@dmv.community, if you’re reading this. You better turn this into a series, bro! 😁