Michael Brown

Google Voice didn’t receive a single consumer-facing feature update in 2024 and that should tell you something. From 9to5Google’s newsletter:

“However, it does mean that consumers should be clear-eyed when it comes to feature requests. What Google Voice users want is RCS and the current enterprise state means that is less of a priority. Voice as a “Business Phone System” very much caters to phone calls rather than messaging, with features like supported desk phones, call forwarding, and ring groups."

I’ve been telling everyone that I know that use Voice for personal reasons (2 people), to pack your bags and go elsewhere, even if that means getting an iPhone, because they aren’t the target audience and most likely won’t get any feature updates like RCS. I hear a lot of people online use Google Voice manage using multiple different smartphones without needing to swap eSIM or SIMs, but that is an incredibly niche group and not the intended target audience or use case for Voice. Its unfortunate, but it’s the harsh truth. 

I’d rather be wrong than right, but it’s long overdue to bite the bullet.

Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, recently rallied the troops for a major push in 2025, emphasizing the “high stakes” and the need to “move faster." He’s not wrong. The tech landscape is shifting under our feet, and Google, despite its dominance, can’t afford to stand still. While 2024 may have been the year OpenAI stole the spotlight with ChatGPT, I believe 2025 will be the year Google truly flexes its AI muscles.

Pichai is laser-focused on Gemini, Google’s answer to ChatGPT and the foundation for a whole new generation of AI-powered products. He sees the Gemini app, which provides access to Google’s chatbot and other AI tools, as the company’s next big hit, aiming for half a billion users.

Now, Google might not have been first to the generative AI party, but they have something OpenAI doesn’t: scale. Think about it:

• Ubiquitous Presence: Google’s AI can reach users across a vast ecosystem—Android phones, Chromebooks, the web, and even the upcoming Android XR platform. This kind of reach dwarfs anything OpenAI can currently muster.

• Synergistic Powerhouse: Google’s recent internal reorganization, bringing its hardware efforts and Gemini under one roof, combined with its strategic partnership with Samsung, creates a formidable force for AI innovation and deployment.

Google knows what it takes to build products with mass appeal. They’ve done it with Search, Gmail, Maps, and Android. And with Gemini, they’re poised to do it again, bringing powerful AI experiences to the masses in a way that OpenAI, for all its innovation, simply can’t match.

Of course, there are challenges. Regulators are circling, competition is fierce, and the pace of AI development is relentless. But Google has the resources, the talent, and the determination to come out on top. 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Google, and I, for one, am excited to see what they deliver.

The Pixel Fold, Google's ambitious entry into the foldable phone arena, is finally here, and has received glowing reviews into its second iteration. But while the hardware is impressive, the foldable market itself remains a niche. Year-over-year growth is sluggish, and consumers seem hesitant to embrace this new form factor. That's why I say this: Google should pump the brakes on a Pixel 10 Pro Fold in 2025.

Yes, you heard me right. Instead of rushing out a new model next year, Google should focus on refining the software experience for the existing Pixel Fold. With a promised 7 years of updates, there's ample opportunity to polish the Fold's software, optimize apps for the unique form factor, and truly deliver on the promise of foldable productivity and entertainment.

This isn't about abandoning the Fold. It's about strategic timing. As Android Authority reported last year:

"Pushing into 2025, our source says Google is looking at several choices for its Pixel roadmap. The success or failure of its 2023 and 2024 plans will influence this decision... Finally, the fate of any Pixel Fold successors in 2025 is still dependent on its market reception."

Google has options. A "wait-and-see" approach allows them to assess the market, perfect the Fold's software, and deliver a truly compelling successor when the time is right. Perhaps a Pixel 11 Pro Fold in 2026, packed with meaningful advancements and responding to clear consumer demand, would be a more prudent move.

Now, I know what you're thinking: Won't this signal a lack of commitment to the foldable market? Not if Google plays its cards right. They need to be transparent, explaining their strategy and emphasizing their long-term vision for the Pixel Fold. This isn't a retreat; it's a calculated pause to ensure the next Fold is a home run.

In the fast-paced world of tech, sometimes slowing down is the smartest way to get ahead. This isn't Google's first foldable, and learning from past experiences is crucial. By giving the Pixel Fold room to breathe, Google can address existing shortcomings, observe the evolving market, and build anticipation for a truly refined successor. Think of it as a chef perfecting a complex recipe; the first attempt might be good, but with careful refinement, the final dish can be truly exceptional.

Wired recently published an article revisiting the “three biggest flops of 2024,” and, somewhat surprisingly, the Apple Vision Pro made the list. While I respect Wired’s perspective, I disagree with their assessment. I believe the Apple Vision Pro is not a flop, but rather a bold step into the future of mixed reality.

Senior Commerce Editor Julian Chokkattu highlights some valid points in his section on the Vision Pro: 

“I am writing this story on the Apple Vision Pro. I like using it for work more so than entertainment, though I did watch The Weeknd’s Open Hearts, an interactive music experience where I was face-to-face with the musician as he was being hauled away in an ambulance through various Inception-esque environments. The visual quality of the film is impressive and it feels immersive to watch—you can see beads of sweat on his face—but there are also moments when the camera changes to sweeping views that look too grainy and pixelated. Apple has released several immersive experiences like this throughout 2024, including a film called Submerged.

Technically, I’m using the Vision Pro in Mac Virtual Display mode. I have it wirelessly connected to Apple’s new Mac Mini, which brings your computer’s screen into a spatial environment, allowing you to place other visionOS apps around it. This mode now gives you options for your Mac’s screen size: Standard, Wide, and Ultrawide. I’m using the latter and have two browser windows open side by side, plus Slack off to the left, and I’m using Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad. It’s great.

It’s hard not to leave the Vision Pro experience without feeling impressed each time, though I wish this darn battery cable was a little longer. (It slid off my desk while I was wearing the headset, but I thankfully caught the pack before it pulled the wire.) But with Google and Samsung’s recent announcement of Android XR, we can expect similar mixed-reality headsets on the way in 2025, and I have a hard time believing most of them will cost as much as the Vision Pro. That’s ultimately the main problem with Apple’s big 2024 release: It’s too far out of reach for almost everyone."

Think back to the original iPhone. It was expensive, had limited functionality compared to today’s standards, and yet, it revolutionized the mobile phone industry. The Apple Vision Pro could very well do the same for mixed reality.

In 10 years, I predict the Apple Vision Pro will still be a niche product, but it will have paved the way for more affordable and accessible Apple headsets. Google and Samsung’s Android XR headsets will likely be strong competitors, offering aggressive pricing and impressive hardware. But Apple’s focus on user experience and tight integration with its ecosystem will continue to set it apart.

The Apple Vision Pro is not a flop; it’s a glimpse into the future of computing. It’s a future where our digital and physical worlds seamlessly blend, creating new possibilities for work, entertainment, and communication. And while it may be out of reach for most consumers today, its impact will be felt for years to come.

In the fall of 2019, Google unveiled the Pixelbook Go, a Chromebook aimed at those who wanted a premium, lightweight device without the premium price tag of its predecessor, the Pixelbook. I, however, didn't join the Go bandwagon until two years later, snagging a "like new" i5 model with 16GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD for a cool $700 on Swappa. A steal, considering its original $999 MSRP.

Why a Chromebook in 2021, you ask? Well, dear reader, while my employer generously provides a work laptop, I yearned for a personal machine for those coffee shop jaunts and casual browsing sessions. Something fast, secure, and delightfully simple. Having spent my early career hawking Chromebooks in the aisles of Best Buy, I knew this was the answer.

Speaking of software, one of the biggest draws for me was the maturing of Linux on ChromeOS.

And the Pixelbook Go hasn't disappointed. This isn't your average Chromebook, mind you. The keyboard is a dream – responsive and whisper-quiet, perfect for hammering out emails or tackling a blog post (like this one!). The 1080p webcam is a welcome upgrade from the grainy cameras of yore, making me look presentable in Google Meet calls. Plus, with Google's commitment to ten years of software updates (a recent extension from the initial seven), this machine is built for the long haul.

But it hasn't been all sunshine and roses. As I began to delve deeper into the world of ChromeOS and its surprisingly robust "organized workspace" features, the 13.3-inch screen started to feel a tad cramped. Juggling multiple terminal windows, server configurations, and IDEs for my coding projects became a spatial challenge.

Speaking of software, one of the biggest draws for me was the maturing of Linux on ChromeOS. No longer a clunky afterthought, it's now a fully integrated environment, allowing me to run my favorite Linux applications alongside my ChromeOS workflow. This, combined with the impressive performance of the i5 processor, makes the Pixelbook Go a surprisingly capable machine for developers and tinkerers. 

My wife, charmed by the Go's portability and sleek design, even decided to join the club. We snagged her the "Not Pink" i5 model with 8GB of RAM – more than enough for her needs. 

Looking ahead, I'm curious to see how Google's Chromebook strategy evolves. Rumors are swirling about Android laptops becoming the future. If these rumors bear fruit, I might be tempted to upgrade sooner than my planned 2027 refresh. But for now, the Pixelbook Go remains my trusty companion, a testament to Google's vision of a simple, secure, and (mostly) satisfying computing experience.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of Androids danced in their heads.

A new OnePlus phone, with its sleek, speedy frame,

Or a Samsung Galaxy, with its bright, vibrant flame.

Mama with her Pixel, a tablet so grand,

And Dad with his earbuds, in his own little land.

Even Grandpa, with his new AR glasses, so cool,

Exploring the world, breaking every rule.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a lustre of midday to objects below.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the housetop the coursers they flew,

With a sleigh full of Androids, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof,

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of gadgets he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples—how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly

That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

Filling the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

In a move that surprised absolutely no one, Apple has made it clear they have no intention of entering the search engine arena. While the prospect of an Apple-branded search experience might pique the curiosity of tech enthusiasts, a closer look reveals this is a shrewd decision that aligns perfectly with Apple’s core business strategy.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, recently filed a declaration, reported by Reuters, with a U.S. federal court outlining the company’s rationale. Cue’s arguments are compelling, painting a picture of a project fraught with challenges and misaligned with Apple’s strengths, stating the following:

The development of a search engine would cost Apple “billions of dollars” and “take many years,” and this would divert investment money and employees away from “other growth areas” that the company is focused on.

The search business is “rapidly evolving” due to artificial intelligence, so it would be “economically risky” for Apple to create a search engine.

In order to create a “viable” search engine business, Apple would be required to “sell targeted advertising,” which is “not a core business” for the company and would go against its “longstanding privacy commitments."

Apple does not have enough “specialized professionals” and “operational infrastructure” needed to build and run a successful search engine business.

But here’s the kicker: Apple doesn’t need to build a search engine. Their lucrative partnership with Google, where Google pays a hefty sum to remain the default search engine on Apple devices, is a cash cow. This arrangement provides Apple with a steady stream of revenue without the headaches and risks associated with building and running their own search engine.

In essence, Apple has recognized that sometimes the best strategy is to double down on your strengths and forge strategic partnerships. By focusing on what they do best – creating beautiful, user-friendly devices and cultivating a loyal customer base – Apple can reap the rewards of the search market without getting their hands dirty.

This decision underscores Apple’s pragmatic approach to business. They understand that not every battle is worth fighting, and sometimes the most profitable path lies in collaboration, not competition. And with Google effectively bankrolling a significant portion of their business, it’s a strategy that seems to be paying off handsomely.

As we stand at the cusp of yet another technological shift, a sense of measured anticipation hangs in the air. The landscape, once dominated by rapid-fire innovation, feels strangely still. The once-revolutionary smartphone, now ubiquitous and indispensable, seems to have plateaued in its evolution. The explosive growth of software breakthroughs like cloud computing and social networks has matured into a steady, albeit less dramatic, upward trajectory.

This subtle transition period offers a moment for reflection, a chance to ponder the dynamics that drive innovation within the tech titans that shape our digital world. A recent conversation on "The Diary of a CEO" with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt offered a particularly insightful lens through which to examine these dynamics, specifically regarding the intricate dance between focus and expansion within large organizations.

Schmidt's tenure at Google coincided with a period of unprecedented growth and diversification. The company, emboldened by its dominance in search, ventured into a dizzying array of domains. The prevailing belief, as Schmidt articulated, was that Google, with its formidable infrastructure and vast reach, could conquer any market it chose to enter. This ambition, while understandable, presented a fundamental challenge: the tension between pursuing every opportunity and maintaining a laser-like focus on core strengths.

The rise of YouTube, which ultimately outmaneuvered Google's own video platform, served as a stark reminder of the agility and focused drive that smaller, nimbler startups possess. Large corporations, burdened by their own complexity, often struggle to pivot with the same speed and decisiveness.

Schmidt reflected on the age-old business school adage of streamlining product lines and focusing on a singular area of expertise. The example of Intel divesting itself of the ARM architecture, a decision that inadvertently sidelined them from the mobile revolution, underscored the potential pitfalls of oversimplification.

So, how does a company navigate this labyrinthine path between focused execution and expansive vision? Schmidt offered a compelling framework: envision the future. Project forward five years, he suggested, and map out the anticipated landscape. Take AI, for instance. How many players will be in the field? What will be the defining characteristics of the dominant companies? What platforms will reign supreme?

By meticulously constructing this future scenario, one can then work backward, identifying the strategic decisions and investments necessary to secure a position of strength within that evolving ecosystem. This "future-back" approach allows for a nuanced form of focus, one that doesn't blindly adhere to current product lines but instead anticipates and adapts to the inevitable shifts that lie ahead. It's about being selective and strategic in expansion to stay ahead of the curve. This is exactly what Google was doing while Eric Schmidt was there. The company wanted to be at the forefront of AI and was using that exact technique, which has led to Google being a major player in the AI space.

The tech world is in a perpetual state of flux. The challenge for industry leaders is not simply to react to these changes but to anticipate them, to shape the future rather than be shaped by it. Schmidt's insights remind us that true innovation requires a delicate balance between ambitious vision and strategic focus, guided by a clear-eyed understanding of the road ahead. It requires leaders to ask the right questions today, to secure their place in the tomorrows to come.

Head over to "The Diary of a CEO" and experience this insightful conversation for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

My wife and I recently streamed "The Six Triple Eight" on Netflix, and we were both profoundly moved by this incredible film. It tells the true story of 855 Black women in the Army Corps who bravely joined the war effort during World War II. Facing a daunting backlog of mail that stretched back three years, these women confronted discrimination and the harsh realities of war-torn Europe.

Against all odds, they sorted over 17 million pieces of mail, delivering messages of hope and connection to soldiers and families back home. And they did it all ahead of schedule. "The Six Triple Eight" is a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and often-unsung contributions of Black women during wartime. It's a must-watch.

Sometimes the best discoveries happen by accident

I've always liked messing around with new tech - finding little tricks and shortcuts is half the fun. My latest obsession is the Google Pixel Tablet. I loved the magnetic charging dock, and it got me thinking… would the tablet stick to other metal surfaces?

Turns out, it does! I slapped it on my stainless steel fridge and it stuck like glue. No fancy accessories or adhesives needed, just good old-fashioned magnets.

Who knew?

This little discovery has turned my kitchen into a high-tech command center. Kind of reminded me of the Pixel C. The Pixel Tablet is perfect for pulling up multiview to watch my Commanders, managing our homes shopping list, quickly controlling the home smart devices, and keeping the conversation going in the kitchen while on Google Meet. It's like having an extra-large smart display that I can move wherever I want.

The Pixel Tablet starts at $499, and Google's been running some decent deals lately. I snagged mine with a $50 discount and a free case. If you're looking for a tablet that's both fun and functional, the Pixel Tablet is definitely worth checking out.