Michael Brown

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.

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.

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!

I was recently reminded of the perception that people with Android phones are seen as stubborn and non-conforming when someone asked me why I don’t have an iPhone. This happened during an in-person conversation when I used my Pixel to reply to a text. The person simply asked why I didn’t have an iPhone, and I replied that I prefer the phone I have. It seemed so unfamiliar to them. This experience echoed as I watched the Lakers game, noticing the sea of iPhones in the stands. It made me think about how the “blue bubble” of iMessage has become such a status symbol, even though I’ve found my Android integrates perfectly with all the services I use daily.

I remember when I first switched to Android because of its customization options. I love being able to personalize my home screen with widgets and icon packs that reflect my style. It’s not about being different; it’s about having a phone that truly feels like mine. And the variety! There are so many different Android phones available, each with its own strengths. I chose my Pixel because of its camera and its smooth performance, but someone else might prefer a phone with a longer battery life or a larger screen. The point is, there’s an Android phone out there for everyone.

But in the past five years, my preference for Pixel has solidified even further because of its seamless integration with cutting-edge AI. Platforms like Gemini and Perplexity, which are revolutionizing how we interact with technology, work so much better within the Android ecosystem, especially on Pixel devices. It’s not just about the customization anymore; it’s about having access to these powerful tools that enhance productivity and provide a truly intelligent mobile experience. This level of AI integration is a game-changer, and it’s something I wouldn’t want to sacrifice.

Interestingly enough, I almost switched to an iPhone myself this year. When I saw the announcements at WWDC and Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, I was intrigued. I was almost ready to jump ship when the iPhone 16 came out. However, after the initial excitement subsided, I realized that Apple Intelligence wasn’t quite the finished product it was presented as. It seemed like Apple was, and frankly still is, quite behind the competition in the AI space. Almost a year later, and while they’ve made some progress, Apple Intelligence still lags behind platforms like Gemini on Google Pixel and other Android devices. This solidified my decision to stay with Android.

It’s funny how we’ve come to equate iPhones with “normalcy.” Apple’s marketing has been incredibly effective, creating this image of the iPhone as the must-have device. But I think it’s important to challenge that idea. Choosing Android isn’t about being stubborn; it’s about making an informed decision based on my needs and preferences. It’s about appreciating the open-source nature of the Android ecosystem, which gives me more control over my device and access to a wider range of apps and these powerful AI platforms. And honestly, I’ve never felt like I’m missing out on anything. In fact, I often find myself appreciating the unique features and capabilities of my Android phone, especially its superior AI integration.

What about you? What made you choose your current phone? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the “iPhone norm” and why you prefer your device.

Three things I love about the Super Bowl, like many others: the game, the halftime performance, and the ads. This year, my excitement peaked with the halftime performance, followed by the game, and then the ads. If you follow me on Mastodon and BlueSky, you’ll see that about 90% of my posts focused on Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance, with 5% dedicated to the ads and the remaining 5% to the game. Congratulations, Eagles!

I was particularly interested in seeing how others received Google’s “Dream Job” commercial, which I absolutely loved. I’d rate it a “B+,” and I’ll explain why after sharing what others had to say. Here’s the commercial:

Yahoo Sports also gave the ad a “B” grade. Here’s what they had to say about it:

Google using straight-up emotional terrorism to sell phones now, showing a young girl embracing her father as both a child and as a college student. Wicked, but effective.

I get it, but the point is to be effective and it really is. NPR didn’t dish out a grade, but they did a much better job explaining the complexity Google accomplished with this ad.

Typically, an AI, which sounds like a real person coaching you through a hypothetical job interview, might give off serious vibes like HAL 9000 (the killer computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey). But Google’s ad features a father talking about his work experience to the Gemini Live AI chatbot — “I show up every day, no matter what” — while imagery reveals he’s talking about raising his daughter. It adds up to an emotive, touching spot that emphasizes how people can use technology to perform better, rather than depicting a giant corporation offering software that encourages you to depend on them more as every year passes — seeing AI less as a job killer and more like a job search enabler. Hmmm.

The New York Times had this to say about Google’s ad:

The national ad for Google’s Gemini personal assistant is likely to be the most slickly handsome production in the field. If the use of Capra-esque family moments to humanize an A.I.-generated voice that coaches a dad for a job interview completely creeps you out, however, feel free to move this to the bottom of the list.

Oddly enough, NYT’s writer wasn’t too fond for Google’s approach to humanize A.I., but they also named OpenAI’s ChatGPT Ad the best ad of the night. Which to some regard, I understand that OpenAI is the leading maker of all things AI. ChatGPT is the Google Search of AI.

Over on Threads, quite a few people had emotional reactions to Google’s ad. I think this is what Google was going for.

View on Threads

Chris Carley, despite being a Google Pixel customer, is consistently critical of Google. Therefore, his use of the phrase ‘did me dirty’ isn’t unexpected. I admire his dedication to critiquing Google products—a balance I try to maintain in my own feedback. See his post below.

View on Threads

The commercial was generally well-received, and I was impressed. It successfully captured a human and relatable tone, demonstrating Gemini’s practical applications on the Pixel. The subtle approach to Pixel promotion aligns with Android’s focus on user choice (within its own ecosystem). While the ad masterfully evoked human emotion, the sales message felt slightly less developed, which kept it from an ‘A’ grade. Strategically, Google may have prioritized associating human emotion with the brand over direct sales. Perhaps a relatable celebrity could have further amplified this emotional connection. Regardless, I found it highly enjoyable.

Now go rewatch Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance.