The Price of Late Refinement: How Android's Early Hardware Struggles Still Impact the Ecosystem

I had a good conversation with Ankit Gupta on Threads where he brought up something interesting:

One of the major issues Android faced early on while trying to compete with iPhone/iOS was build quality of Android phones. After a few years, Google finally decided to step up and partnered with some OEMs to manufacture their Nexus phones; even bought Motorola. Overall, I would argue that Google is still paying the price of not having good hardware manufacturers for Android at the get go. The conversation started here but was really led by Google potentially doing the same thing with their self-driving technology with Waymo and not partnering with the right partners or better yet making their own car like Tesla and Rivian.

Google’s initial approach with Android seems to stem from a lack of hardware experience at a time when hardware was the primary focus. Google represents the progression and evolution of Microsoft’s focus on software. However, in today’s information age, if Google had focused on hardware earlier and failed, would their brand recognition and hardware be stronger today? I think so. Nevertheless, I’m unsure if Android would have achieved its current scale with numerous OEMs if Google had solely controlled everything and prioritized its own hardware.

It’s obviously a game of what-ifs, but maybe in an alternative universe, Google started the Pixel line before even the inception of Nexus. Which would not only help with the brand recognition in the long run, but would cause Steve Jobs to really pop a blood vessel.

YouTube is Adding Veo 2 to Shorts

Dina Berrada, Director of Product, Generative AI Creation, at YouTube:

Today, Dream Screen is getting another major upgrade with the integration of Google DeepMind’s newest video generation model, Veo 2, making it more powerful than ever. And we’re also now launching a new capability powered by Veo 2: generating standalone video clips that you can add to any of your Shorts.

Together with Dream Screen, Veo 2 generates state-of-the-art, high-quality videos in a wide range of subjects and styles that better match your vision. Plus, we’ve also made improvements so Dream Screen now generates videos faster than before. Veo 2 understands real-world physics and human movement better, making its output more detailed and realistic. You can even specify a style, lens, or cinematic effect, making Dream Screen an easy and fun way to express yourself.

I see this as an evolution to creativity coming down to a commodity. Adding CGI used to require an entire team and countless hours of getting the physics right. Now you can do it with just your phone and a little imagination.

Breaking Out of Basic

I’m Finally Embracing Colorful Tech

For years, I’ve been a creature of habit when it comes to my tech. Black phone, black watch, maybe a black case if I was feeling wild. It’s not that I dislike black – it’s classic, sleek, and goes with everything. But lately, I’ve been feeling…bored. Like my tech accessories are starting to look as dull as my winter wardrobe.

Two hands are holding a black and a white Google Pixel phone on a white countertop.

Then, something happened. I was hanging out with my friend Rob, and we were admiring his white Pixel 9 Pro. Side-by-side with my black one, it looked so fresh and modern! Suddenly, I had a pang of phone envy. Unfortunately, I’m locked into my Verizon plan, so a spontaneous phone swap was out of the question. But it got me thinking…why do I always choose black?

I realized it’s partly about convenience. Black matches everything, so I never have to worry about clashing colors. But it’s also about playing it safe. Choosing a colorful phone feels like a commitment, like I’m stuck with that color forever. What if I get tired of it? What if it doesn’t match my outfits? But you know what? I’m ready to take a risk. I’m tired of blending in with the crowd. I want my tech to reflect my personality, my mood, my vibe. And that means embracing color!

I’m starting small. I’m thinking of getting a few different watch bands in fun colors. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference! I can swap them out depending on my mood, or even match them to what I’m wearing. Maybe a bright green band for days I need a little extra energy, or a cool blue one for when I want to feel calm and focused. And speaking of outfits, I realized I already incorporate color into my wardrobe for special occasions. If I’m going to a Suns game, I’ll piece together some orange. If I’m cheering on the Lakers, it’s all about the purple and gold. So why not do the same with my tech? A yellow phone case to match a purple shirt? A lime green watch band to complement my Suns gear? It’s all about having fun and expressing myself!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Michael, you’re still rocking a black phone!” And you’re right. I’ve still got payments to make on my Pixel 9 Pro. But that doesn’t mean I can’t start planning for the future. I’m already eyeing those new Samsung Galaxy colors, and the next time I upgrade my Pixel, I’m definitely going for something outside of black or white.

In the meantime, I’ll be experimenting with colorful cases. It’s the perfect way to dip my toes into the world of color without taking the plunge. Who knows, maybe I’ll even get a white one, like Rob’s!

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Good, Great, ...Meh?

When I think of “Ultra,” I assume it’s the top-tier product in a series. I expect a premium price and a premium experience. This reminds me of the Chromecast Ultra. Despite being 5x less than the price of the S25 Ultra, the upgraded tier from the regular $35 Chromecast gives an idea of what that “Ultra” separation brings: more features, higher quality, etc.

Allison Johnson’s review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for The Verge paints a disappointing picture, further defining the “Ultra” space:

“The S24 Ultra downgraded the 10x zoom to a 5x, which is just okay at 10x, despite Samsung’s claims it’s just as good. The S25 Ultra downgrades the smart stylus into a dumb one without Bluetooth connectivity and air control features. I wouldn’t have a problem with that if those things had been sacrificed for some other compelling feature. But I can’t see what’s been added, and at $1,299, this is one of the most expensive phones you can buy that doesn’t fold in half. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a damn good phone. But I think at that price, it’s fair to ask for just a little more.”

You should read the entire review. It suggests to me that Samsung, like Apple, has reached its current peak in smartphone hardware, and Google isn’t far behind as its design language has matured. We’re looking at peak smartphone design now. So much so that Samsung is now removing features that a small minority of people used. Perhaps this is related to potential tariffs, but that’s a topic for another discussion.

A friend who originally pre-ordered the S25 Ultra, coming from the S24 Ultra, has had an entertaining journey. Because there isn’t an immediate difference between the two, he went back and forth with his purchase, taking his followers along for the ride.

A person expresses opinions about the Samsung S24 Ultra, suggesting possible improvements and sharing personal expectations.

A user comments on Twitter about canceling their preorder for the S25U, citing discomfort with its design and feeling it is cheaper compared to the S24U.

A person shares their decision to re-preorder the S25 Ultra after considering it further, planning to use it for a few days with the option to return it if unsatisfied.

A person is holding a Samsung smartphone in front of a plant, with a caption about the phone’s color and design.

A smartphone and a smartwatch with a colorful display are placed on a light surface.

As Rob put it, “Could they (Samsung) have done a little more this year? Maybe a little.” I think so too. However, with all the software, hardware, and AI features that come with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it truly represents peak smartphone design, especially for the standard smartphone design. The real innovation in hardware comes with the Fold and Flip devices, something Samsung, Google, and OnePlus are pursuing while continuing to optimize and polish their standard form factor phones.

Google Clarifies Some Changes They Made With Calendar

Many people online, myself included, were initially upset about the perceived removal of Black History Month and other culturally relevant days from Google Calendar. It seemed to some like this change reflected a broader societal shift away from diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, that wasn’t the case.

Here’s what Google had to say about the change:

“Some years ago, the Calendar team started manually adding a broader set of moments in a wide number of countries around the world — things like cultural celebrations, teachers days and many more. We got feedback that many other events and countries were missing, and it just wasn’t feasible to put hundreds of moments in everyone’s calendars — so in mid-2024 we made the decision to simplify and show only public holidays and national observances from timeanddate.com. Contrary to some of the comments on social media, this was not something we did just this year.

Some important things to note:

Showing public holidays and national observances, rather than a broader set of moments, is consistent with other major online calendar providers. Google Calendar is also customizable, so users can more easily add important moments to their calendar.

As a company, we continue to celebrate and promote a variety of cultural moments across our products, visible to people everywhere — as you saw in the last few weeks with Black History Month and Lunar New Year.”

I admit, I was duped by these headlines that caused my frustration.

The Verge, specifically, was the first headline and article I read on the subject and I was infuriated. The Verge even made sure to make Google’s clarification on the change as far under the fold and away from the reader’s eyes as possible. The Verge’s article emphasized the negative aspects of the change. Though I don’t like it and Google is still doing things I’m not 100% okay with, it’s stuff like this that happens that frustrates me with The Verge sometimes. Ultimately, as a reader, I need to do a better job at not letting headlines get the best of me.

Apple TV app on Android is just an Apple TV+ app

Right off the bat, the app requires an Apple ID for login, consistent with Apple’s approach to most of their other apps, including their Apple Music approach on Android. While Apple will likely cite “privacy” as the reason 🙄

A significant drawback is the absence of previously purchased Apple TV movies and shows within the app. This feels like a missed opportunity, perhaps intentionally left as an incentive for users to remain within Apple’s ecosystem, even with Apple TV Plus now available on Android.

The “About this app” section on the Apps Play Store page says the following:

Watch exclusive shows and movies on Apple TV+ and stream live sports With the Apple TV app, you can:

  • Watch exclusive, award-winning Apple Originals shows and movies on the streaming service Apple TV+. Enjoy thrilling dramas like Presumed Innocent and Bad Sisters, epic sci-fi like Silo and Severance, heartwarming comedies like Ted Lasso and Shrinking, and can’t-miss blockbusters like Wolfs and The Gorge. New releases every week, always ad-free.

  • Also included with your Apple TV+ subscription is Friday Night Baseball, featuring two live MLB games every week throughout the regular season.

  • Stream live soccer matches on MLS Season Pass, giving you access to the entire MLS regular season-including every time Lionel Messi takes the pitch-and each playoff and Leagues Cup clash, all with no blackouts.

  • Access the Apple TV app everywhere-it’s on your favorite Apple and Android devices, streaming platforms, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.

The Apple TV app makes watching TV easier:

  • Continue Watching helps you pick up where you left off seamlessly across all your devices.

  • Add movies and shows to Watchlist to keep track of everything you want to watch later.

  • Stream it all over Wi-Fi or with a cellular connection, or download to watch offline. The availability of Apple TV features, Apple TV channels

Despite the limitation of not being able to access your library of movies and TV shows in the app, the app is generally well-designed. Even if it utilizes Apple’s iOS design language rather than Material UI/UX. I’m not surprised by that.

On Android, the interface feels intuitive. Overall, I guess it’s fine app. One big glaring issue is that it doesn’t support casting. Just about every movie and TV streaming app supports Cast. So that’s stupid.

Google Unifies Android Development for XR, Enabling Camera Access

Google is doing the right thing by bringing all of the Android development features from phones to Android XR, and one big question developers had was about using the pass-through cameras on Android XR headsets. It appears they are, based on an recent email exchange that a VR developer, Skarred Ghost had with a Google spokesperson, confirming that Android XR developers will have access to camera functionalities. The spokesperson clarified that developers can utilize existing camera frames with user permission, similar to any other Android app. Specifically, developers can request access to the world-facing (rear) camera stream using camera_id=0 and the selfie-camera (front) stream using camera_id=1 through standard Android Camera APIs (Camera2 and CameraX). Access to the world-facing camera requires standard camera permissions, just like on phones. For the selfie-camera, developers receive an image stream of the user’s avatar, generated by avatar provider apps/services based on user tracking data from inward-facing cameras. The spokesperson emphasized that Android developers can use the same camera management classes (like CameraX) on Android XR headsets as they do on phones, enabling functionalities like grabbing frames and videos, saving media, and running machine learning analysis.

This shows that Google and the Android team have not only learned from their time and experience with Android handsets, TVs, and wearables, but they have also created an ecosystem of developable tools that will allow developers to create one app for all platforms instead of separate apps for each platform. This is a significant advantage, creating a great experience for developers across many different platforms, especially when they utilize Jetpack libraries for a cohesive UI experience across Android hardware.

This move by Google signals a bright future for Android XR development. The unification of the platform, coupled with camera access, empowers developers and paves the way for a new generation of immersive experiences.

Let The Countdown Begin: Google I/O 2025

Google I/O, the annual developer conference, is set to take place at Shoreline on May 20-21st! Registration is currently open, and tickets are being distributed in phases. I’ve already secured my badge for my fifth I/O event!

A logo for Google I/O 2025 featuring colorful geometric shapes on a blue background.

While the event schedule typically isn’t released until a couple of weeks prior, I expect this year’s I/O to be heavily focused on AI, offering developers new tools to improve their native and web applications. Last year, Gemini was unveiled piece by piece, showcasing its capabilities across Android, ChromeOS, and the Web.

Android XR will likely have a more prominent role this year, especially after the recent unveiling of its software and hardware at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event. I’m particularly excited about Project Astra and the UI/UX for the Android XR glasses, which were teased earlier this year.

The Pixel will undoubtedly take center stage. The Pixel 9a should be released by then, and we might even get a sneak peek at the Pixel 10 series. There have also been rumors about Android making its way to laptops, given that the ChromeOS and Android teams are now under the same Platform and Services department.

As you can see, there’s a lot to look forward to at Google I/O. AI will continue to be a central theme, and I’m eager to see what innovations are unveiled.

A smartphone screen displays a countdown for the Google I/O event with options to update a Google Developer profile.

AI's Promise: Insights from the AI Summit in Paris

We’re at a fascinating moment with Artificial Intelligence. It feels like everyone’s talking about it, some with excitement, others with a bit of trepidation. It reminds me of something Pharrell Williams said at the recent AI Summit in Paris:

“The internet in the ’90s…people were genuinely worried.”

Three people are seated on stage, engaged in a panel discussion, with one person speaking into a microphone.

He’s right. By doing a little research and seeing how people viewed the internet back then, I’ve gotten a good understanding of just how worried many were. Some marveled at the instant access to information, while others worried about its impact. It’s funny, isn’t it? Fast forward to today, and it’s hard to imagine life without it. We’re at a similar inflection point with AI, and honestly, I think that’s what makes events like the AI Summit in Paris so important. They bring together people from all over the world—researchers, tech companies, everyday consumers—and spark a global conversation about what AI can achieve. This isn’t about robots taking over; it’s about AI becoming a powerful partner, accelerating human ingenuity and ushering in a new era of innovation. And this vision was echoed by Sundar Pichai, who emphasized the incredible potential of AI to address some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

I think one of the biggest hurdles AI faces is perception. We’ve all seen the movies—the iRobot antagonist, the Matrix scenarios—and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking AI is inherently malicious, destined to take our jobs and turn us into batteries. But like most things in life, there’s a good side to this. Just like any tool, AI can be used for good or bad. And at the AI Summit, we saw so many examples of the good it can do.

AI isn’t a sudden invention; it’s the next logical step in our technological evolution. Just as we moved from basic computing to the internet, and then to mobile, AI is now poised to become ubiquitous. Imagine a “universal AI assistant” – seamlessly integrated into your Android phone, your Google Workspace, your smart home, and beyond. This is the vision behind concepts like “Project Astra”: AI that understands context, anticipates needs, and assists you across all aspects of your life. It’s not just a feature; it’s a fundamental shift in how we interact with technology.

AI’s real magic? It’s all about collaboration. And science is where we’re seeing some truly mind-blowing breakthroughs. Consider AlphaFold, a super-smart AI from DeepMind, that can predict how proteins are shaped with incredible accuracy. Proteins are like the building blocks of life, and knowing their shape is key to understanding diseases and developing new treatments. Researchers estimate that AlphaFold has saved years of research time, not just days or weeks. Over a million researchers worldwide have used AlphaFold, accessing over 200 million protein structure predictions, accelerating research in areas from drug discovery to combating antibiotic resistance. Building on this success, Isomorphic Labs is using machine learning to revolutionize drug design, potentially shortening development timelines and creating more effective treatments. And we’re just scratching the surface. The next big thing on the horizon? It’s called Quantum Computing. Imagine regular computers as light bulbs—they can be on or off. Quantum computers are more like lasers—they can be on, off, and a whole bunch of other states in between. This gives them the potential to solve problems that are impossible for today’s computers. Breakthroughs like Google’s Willow quantum chip, with its improved coherence and control, promise to unlock computational power previously unimaginable. Collaborative efforts, like those with Servier in France, are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, exploring how quantum AI can solve complex problems in materials science, chemistry, and beyond.

AI isn’t just changing science; it’s changing the world around us, one innovation at a time. Waymo has already logged millions of passenger trips, proving that self-driving cars aren’t just a futuristic dream—they’re a present-day reality. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about increasing road safety and accessibility. With 110 new languages added, Google Translate is tearing down communication barriers and building bridges of understanding across cultures. Imagine the impact on education, business, and personal connections. AI is also revolutionizing healthcare, from assisting in cancer research to improving diabetic retinopathy screening (which helps doctors detect eye diseases caused by diabetes). Partnerships like the one with Institute Curry, and work in India and Thailand, are leading to earlier diagnoses, more personalized treatments, and ultimately, better patient outcomes. AI-powered flood forecasts now cover 80 countries, and wildfire mapping provides crucial real-time information, helping communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters. These tools are saving lives and protecting livelihoods. I was particularly struck by the stories shared at the AI Summit, like the one about Max using Gemini to learn about his son’s rare disease. It really brings home how AI can empower individuals and make a profound difference in people’s lives. It’s stories like these that make the potential of AI so incredibly exciting.

“We are at the dawn of a golden age of innovation," - Sundar Pichai

A person is speaking at a podium during the Summit of the Future” event with a backdrop showing a cityscape and a presentation slide.

Let’s be real: AI is powerful, and with great power comes great responsibility. Worries about bias, job displacement, and ethical implications are legitimate and must be addressed head-on. But just as we developed safeguards for other transformative technologies, we can – and must – do the same for AI. Responsible AI development is paramount. This means prioritizing fairness, transparency, and accountability. It means embedding ethical considerations into the very design of AI systems. Human oversight is crucial; AI should be a tool that augments human capabilities, not replaces them. Plus, we need to create an environment where innovation can thrive. This requires significant investment in infrastructure, like the billions Google is spending on data centers and AI development. It also means investing in people. Programs like “Grow with Google” and the Global AI Opportunity Fund, which have trained millions of people in digital skills, are essential to ensure that everyone can benefit from the AI revolution. We also need to be clear about AI’s limitations. AI models can sometimes be inaccurate, they are vulnerable to misuse, and the computational power they require can have significant energy implications. We need to be honest about these challenges, take them seriously, and find ways to tackle them head-on. AI should be democratized, meaning access and benefits should be widely shared.

Governments have a strategic role to play in shaping the future of AI. We need aligned policy across countries, striking a delicate balance between mitigating risks and fostering innovation. Overly restrictive regulations could stifle progress, while a laissez-faire approach could lead to unintended consequences. The goal should be to create an environment where AI can flourish responsibly, benefiting all of humanity.

“AI is a profound technology, and it’s important that we develop it responsibly," - Sundar Pichai.

Sundar Pichai, at the AI Summit, spoke eloquently about the “once-in-a-generation opportunity” that AI presents. We are at the dawn of a “golden age of innovation,” and the potential benefits are immense. But we can’t afford to be complacent. Other nations are investing heavily in AI, and we risk falling behind if we don’t act decisively. Just like how people feared search engines would replace libraries in the ’90s (and they didn’t—they just made information more accessible), I believe AI will augment, not replace, human capabilities.

Imagine a future where AI empowers us to not just solve, but vanquish the world’s most pressing challenges – from climate change to disease, once and for all. Imagine a future where personalized education, accessible healthcare, and sustainable energy are available to all. This isn’t just sci-fi anymore; it’s a future within our reach, if we embrace the collaborative potential of human ingenuity and artificial intelligence.

#YouTube Is The New Television

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan’s recent blog post, “Our Big Bets for 2025," isn’t just a corporate update; it’s a super interesting peek into where online video and entertainment are headed. It’s pretty clear that YouTube isn’t just along for the ride; they’re trying to steer the whole darn thing. Let’s break down what these “big bets” tell us about YouTube’s plans and how they might affect, well, everyone.

Mohan’s claim that “YouTube is the epicenter of culture” is spot on, right? From viral dances to breaking news, YouTube’s fingerprints are all over what we watch, share, and talk about. It’s become a massive cultural force, and I’m excited to see how they double down on this in the future. Imagine even cooler tools for spotting and boosting new trends, giving creators an even bigger stage to connect with their fans.

The “YouTubers are the new Hollywood startups” thing is a perfect example of how YouTube’s empowered creators. It’s not just a hobby anymore; making YouTube videos is a real career, with creators building serious businesses and influencing millions of people. YouTube getting this and supporting its creators is key. More tools, resources, and ways to make money will only help this growth, creating a dynamic community of talent and innovation.

The “YouTube is the new television” narrative has been around for a while, but Mohan’s emphasis shows just how much things have changed. With smart TVs everywhere, YouTube’s a major player in our living rooms, going head-to-head with traditional TV. This changes everything, from ads and content to how we even define “television.” And speaking of the living room, let’s not forget YouTube Primetime! Even though their own original shows might have missed the mark, offering live sports like NBA and WNBA games, plus other premium content, makes YouTube a one-stop shop for entertainment. Smart move.

The focus on AI is probably the most interesting “big bet." AI’s already a big part of YouTube’s algorithms and how things work, but the future possibilities are mind-blowing. Think AI-powered video editing, automatic captions and translations making videos more accessible, and even AI-generated content (with some safety nets, hopefully). The potential is huge, and it could totally change how we make and watch videos. Beyond the headlines, the blog post has some cool stats. YouTube’s dominance in podcasts, for example, is surprising but also makes sense. More podcast integration could be a game-changer for creators and listeners. And with more people watching YouTube on their TVs, YouTube’s focus on connected TVs and better streaming is a smart move.

Looking ahead, YouTube’s 2025 vision is ambitious and optimistic. They’re not just keeping up with change; they’re trying to lead the way. By betting on creators, tech, and their role as a cultural hub, YouTube’s setting itself up for a big future in media and entertainment. It’s going to be fun to watch what happens next. And hey, even the comments section is a whole lot better than it used to be, right? (Okay, maybe not always.)