Android Central Podcast
The Android podcast for everyone. A weekly show about Android, Google, and the best of mobile technology.

We're sneaking in one final podcast before the end of the year, and before we head to Las Vegas for CES. That means it's time to announce your Readers' Choice awards for 2015 — the best of the best as decided by you fine folks! 

(Oh, and we just might talk Star Wars a little bit.)

Thanks for a great 2015, everyone. See ya'll in the new year.

And thanks to this week's sponsor:

  • Casper Mattresses: Save $50 on any purchase on a surprisingly comfortable mattress by using coupon code AC.
Direct download: acpc268.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:52am EDT

We've got the curious Pixel C tablet in our hot little hands, and it's time to climb all over this not-so-little wonder. Plus the guys get grilled on their top picks of 2015, and we answer more of your questions live on air. 

Thanks to this week's sponsors:

  • Canary: Smart home security in a single device. (Use promo code android for free shipping.)
  • Braintree: A single payments API for developers.
Direct download: acpc267.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:20pm EDT

Our first Android History Project podcast (you can listen to it here) was such a hit, we decided to do another. And instead of listening to us gab for an hour we wrangled three top Android developers and have the honor of hearing their history of Android.

Huge thanks to Koushik Dutta (Vysor, ClockworkMod), Chris Lacy (Action Launcher) and Joe Braidwood (SwiftKey) for taking a few minutes out of their day to chat with us. 

And be sure to check out our entire Android History Project at HistoryOfAndroid.com.

Thanks to this week's sponsors!

  • Braintree: A single, simple payments integration for developers.
  • Canary: A complete home security system in a single device. Use promo code android.
Direct download: acpc266.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

265: 21st Century Virtual Boy

We're back for another live show this week. We'll discuss Android Central's ZOMG shocking revelation from earlier in the week, we've got everything you need to know about Samsung's new Gear VR virtual reality system, and we've got a backlog of really good voicemails to get through. 

 

Thanks to this week's sponsors!

  • Canary: Start protecting your home today for just $199. Use promo code android.
  • Braintree: A simple payments SDK solution for developers. 
  • Harry's: Great holiday shaving sets starting at $15. Use promo code AC.
Direct download: acpc265.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:19pm EDT

We're taking this entire holiday podcast to talk about our History of Android project, an eight-part series that takes a look back at Android's meager beginnings through its rise to total world domination from some of the folks who actually made it happen.

Read the entire series at HistoryOfAndroid.com.

Thanks to this week's sponsors:

  • Thursday Boot Company: Durable, sophisticated and versatile boots, perfect for work or play.
  • Canary: A complete home security system in a single package. Use promo code ANDROID.
Direct download: acpc264.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

263: Encry8%#@5Nq2

This is going to get weird. Google's doing a major revamp of Google+, the LG Watch Urbane 2 has been canceled, and Jerry is going to re-enact the first Thanksgiving in iambic pentameter. Plus, we take a look at all the encryption talk in the news lately, and we answer more of your questions live on air.

Thanks to this week's sponsors!

  • Braintree: A single, simple mobile payments API.
  • Thursday Boots: Durable, sophisticated and versatile boots, perfect for work and play.
  • TransferWise: International money transfers made easy.
Direct download: acpc263.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:08pm EDT

We have got a LOT to catch up on this week! Phil's back from his time with Huawei in China. We've got new Android Wear with Marshmallow. We've got even MORE thoughts on the Nexus 6P and the BlackBerry Priv. And we've got a lot of your questions and voicemails to catch up on.

Thanks to this week's sponsors!

Direct download: acpc262.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:06pm EDT

Russell and Jerry are joined by Bla1ze from CrackBerry, Richard from everywhere and the one and only Kevin Michaluk to talk everything BlackBerry Priv. It's new, it's exciting and just may be what BlackBerry needs to turn things around. We talk keyboards, software and hubs — then we tackle your questions from the live Q&A.

Thanks to this week's sponsors!

  • Red Hat: See what managed open-source enterprise software can do for you.
  • Harry's: Save $5 on your first order with coupon code AC.
  • Braintree: The easiest way to add payments to your app
Direct download: acpc261.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:21pm EDT

Whoa, nelly. This week we've got our first look at Samsung's freaking 18-inch family-sized tablet. Plus we've reviewed the LG V10 and HTC One A9 — and we'll tell you what you need to know about this Chrome merging with Android thing.

And perhaps more important is that we answer our backlog of voicemails and quite possibly save a budding marriage in the process. Or scuttle it. One of those things might or might not have happened.

Thanks to this week's sponsors!

Red Hat: See what managed open-source enterprise software can do for you.

TransferWise: Get your first international money transfer free (up to $500).

Direct download: acpc260.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:51pm EDT

With some of us at the Big Android BBQ in Texas and others of us knee-deep in devices, we've brought on our pal JR Raphael to help hold down the fort this week. On tap we've got more time with the new Nexus phones, the new HTC One A9, and we hit the Q&A hard and heavy. (Voicemails will return next week!) 

Direct download: acpc259.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:12pm EDT

We've finally pushed out a Material Design update to our app, and to celebrate we've brought Google Developer Expert Mike Wolfson on the podcast to talk about what it's like to revamp an app the way we've done here. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a coder, you'll want to check this out. (And then go download our updated app!)

And then we catch up on some stellar voicemails and dive head-first into the Q&A. Enjoy!

Direct download: acpc258.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:58pm EDT

Android 6.0 is now available on Nexus devices, and we've been getting deep inside the release builds to see what's what. And that means fun with runtime permissions! It also means fun with doze, and other fun things. So if you've got questions about what to expect in Android 6.0, you don't want to miss this podcast.

Plus, we've got some more great voicemails to answer. 

And if you haven't entered our Opera Max contest yet, you've got until Oct. 13 to do so. Click here to enter!

Direct download: acpc257.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:14pm EDT

Strap in, folks. We're going way long this week as we wrap up our trip to the West Coast for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and a couple new Chromecasts. Then we head east to New York City for the LG V10 and Watch Urbane LTE. Plus we've got the Samsung Gear S2 in hand, and we answer more of your questions live.

This podcast is a BIG one. So full of awesomeness, we can hardly believe it. Consider yourselves warned!

Direct download: acpc256.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:49pm EDT

We're on the cusp of having a couple new Nexus phones, possibly a new Chromecast and maybe even some sort of surprise up Google's sleeve. So let's preview what's coming up at the Sept. 29 event! Plus we weigh in on the Moto X Pure Edition, and we answer a slew of your questions live.

And as a bonus this week we've got our interview with the Nextbit leads, along with Aaron from IDEEAA. It's a must-listen!

Direct download: acpc255.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:54pm EDT

We're back with a super extended podcast — more than 90 minutes! — with some hot new hardware. If you're interested in the new Moto X or the Huawei Watch, we've got you covered. Plus, a preview of our Hauawei Mate S review, and we enlist your help in fixing what ails us about Android. And we answer more of your questions live!

Thanks to this week's sponsors!

  • Braintree: Check out their mobile payments SDK.
  • FanDuel: Paying out more than $75 million in fantasy football winnings each week! (Sign up with code ANDROID!)
  • Red Hat: See what open-source enterprise software can do for your business.
  • Lynda.com: More than 3,000 profesional video courses to learn from. 
Direct download: acpc254.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

We're back from Berlin and the IFA conference, just in time for the rollout of Android Pay, the greatest Apple event EVER, and a HUGE backlog of your questions longing to be answered! Can Russell and Phil hold down the fort while everyone else recovers? Only the Shadow knows!

 

Thanks to this week's sponsors:

  • Braintree: A simple payments solution for developers to weave into their apps.
  • Redhat: See what open-source enterprise software can do for you.
  • Fanduel.com: The best week-to-week Fantasy Football around, with more than $75 million in winnings every week! Use code ANDROID when you sign up.
Direct download: acpc253.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:40pm EDT

We're coming at you live from the IFA 2015 conference in Berlin, Germany, where we've got the latest on the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch, the Sony Xperia Z5 family, plus new products from ASUS, Alcatel, Lenovo and more! 

Danke fürs Zuhören!

And thanks to this week's sponsors!

  • Lynda.com: Learn from some of the best professionals online.
  • Fanduel.com: Use code ANDROID to get up to a $200 match. Hurry! Open to the first 50 people who use it!
  • Harry's.com: Shave smarter today. Use coupon code AC to save $5 off your first purchase.
Direct download: acpc252.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00pm EDT

Is it really possible to fend of a rampaging horde of smartphone nerds with a simple stylus? Is Samsung's latest next big thing doomed because of the missteps of absent-minded users? And what is a Wileyfox, anyway? Answers to these burning questions — and a whole lot more — on this week's Android Central Podcast!

Direct download: acpc251.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:52pm EDT

It's a milestone podcast! Well, insofar as it's one more since last week. We've got CrackBerry.com editor-in-chief Chris Parsons with us to talk the latest on the BlackBerry Venice leaks. Plus we dive deep into Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the new Android Wear update, what's wrong with the Galaxy Note 5 (ZOMG!) — and we answer more of your questions live!

Direct download: acpc250.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:38pm EDT

We're back from the Samsung events in New York and London, so we'll wrap up everything Galaxy Note 5 and GS6 edge+. And Samsung Pay. And that weird keyboard thing. Plus we've got the OnePlus 2 in our hot little hands, we'll check in on the latest with the Stagefright saga, and we answer more of your questions live!

Direct download: acpc249.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:20pm EDT

The sky is falling! Or is it? We're going to have to dive back into the world of malware and security and see if this is really the beginning of the end for Android — or if folks are just a little more aware of it this week.

Plus, we're catching up on voicemails (for real this week!) and answering more of your questions live.

Direct download: acpc248.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:50pm EDT

How much can we cram into one 60-minute podcast? How about some serious Android security scares — we'll tell you exactly how much you need to worry about this Stagefright thing. And how about our first look at the new OnePlus 2 — spoiler: You'll have to settle a little. And we've got our hands on the new Moto G, and we've taken a look at the Moto X Style (Pure Edition) — it's big!

Plus we answer a whole bunch of your questions live without a net! You don't want to miss this one, folks.

Thanks to this week's sponsors!

  • Canary: Home security gets smart.
  • Red Hat: See what supported open-source software can do.
Direct download: acpc247.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:58pm EDT

This is a must-listen for you nerd parents out there! We're shaking things up a bit this week as Russell and Jerry continue the discussion about virtual reality, bringing in "techie pediatrician" Dr. Joe Cohen of Austin, Texas, to help answer some burning questions about VR and our children. Is it safe? How much is too much? And what's the right age to let a child try VR?

Thanks to this week's sponsors!

  • Canary.com: A new kind of connected home security.
  • Red Hat: See what managed open source software can do for you.
Direct download: acpc246.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:52am EDT

This week we dive deep into the Matrix and discuss the state of virtual reality and Android, and where things stand going forward. And that includes Russell's interview and Google Cardboard demo with the one and only Bill Nye The Science Guy!

Plus: Motorola and OnePlus have launches on the horizon, and we answer more of your questions live! 

Direct download: acpc245.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:19pm EDT

On this week's podcast: We've got new rumors of a Huawei Nexus, and the M Developer Preview gets an update. Plus, we'll answer more of your questions live, and we've got a few reader voicemails on tap.

Direct download: acpc244.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:20pm EDT

On this week's podcast: We talk tablets, and how we're finally ready to recommend the Nexus 9. Plus BlackBerry's prepping an Android slider (really?!?!?!) — and we answer your questions live on air.

Direct download: acpc243.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:54pm EDT

Here we go again! Coming up on this week's show: We're taking a look at some unlocked phones that'll work in North America — and that you won't be ashamed to use. Plus, we watch people do some really dumb things with their phone's battery, see what's up with streaming music and how Taylor Swift can save us all, and we'll answer your questions live on air!

Direct download: acpc242.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:19pm EDT

Coming up on this week's show — we break down the Great Samsung Keyboard Exploit Of 2015 That You Probably Don't Really Need To Worry About, check in on Jerry's time with the, erm, Pebble Time, weigh in on the awfully named Dell Venue 10 7000 Series, and we answer more of your questions live on air!

Direct download: acpc241.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:12pm EDT

240: Private Ayes

On this week's podcast: We dive into Apple's "privacy" campaign and discuss if it's really that much better (or different) than Google and Android. Plus we've reviewed a $9,000 smartphone, have some new hardware in-house, and we answer your questions live on air!

If you want to get in on the action, send an email — or record a question using your voice, or someone else's voice — and send it to podcast at androidcentral dawt com!

Direct download: acpc240.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:41pm EDT

Now that we've digested Google I/O and Computex, it's time to take another look at the new Google Photos and what it means for our privacy and our love for things long since past. Plus we catch up on the latest with Android M, Andrew walks us through NVIDIA Shield TV, Phil breaks things, and we answer more of your questions live on air.

Thanks to this week's sponsors

  • Visit RedHat.com to see how open source can work for you.
  • Harrys.com: Save $5 on your first order with coupon code AC.
  • Take this survey to help us out and earn the chance to win a $100 gift card.
Direct download: acpc239.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:09pm EDT

Google I/O 2015 recap!

Android M Developer Preview

Google Photos

NVIDIA Shield and Android TV

Direct download: acpc238.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:27am EDT

The time has arrived. Or, rather, it'll arrive May 28-29. In San Francisco. For that is when the 2015 edition of the Google I/O developer conference is upon us. Or, rather, we're upon it. And so in this week's podcast we preview the things that shall come in the week hence. Or the things we think we'll see. Maybe. Hopefully.

If you at all care about Google and Chrome and Android and the Internet of Stuff/Things/Whatever, you don't want to skip this podcast.

And be sure to check out all our Google I/O coverage here!

Direct download: acpc237.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:17pm EDT

This week on the Greatest Android Podcast in the World™: Samsung goes all Iron Man on the GS6 edge, the GS6 Active appears, Microsoft's Hyperlapse hits Android in beta, Verizon buys AOL — and we'll answer more of your questions live!

Direct download: acpc236.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:51pm EDT

We're back at it this week with the latest on the Android 5.1.1 rollouts, more details on Google's Project Fi, continued thoughts on the LG G4, and we'll answer more of your questions live on air!

Direct download: acpc235.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:27pm EDT

We've got a ton going on today, starting with anything and everything about the new LG G4, fresh off its unveiling in New York City. We're very much linking this phone, folks, and we'll walk you through why.

Plus, the LG Watch Urbane is shipping with its new version of Android Wear, and we'll answer more of your questions live, on air.

Direct download: acpc234.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:59pm EDT

On today's podcast: Google serves up a double dose of T-Mobile and Sprint service with its new Project Fi. Plus, the LG Watch Urbane and LG G4 smartphone are nigh, and Alex is going to lose his stuff on Sony. Again.

Plus, we answer more of your questions live!

Direct download: acpc233.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:33pm EDT

We're back with some new hardware this week after the London launch event for the Huawei P8. Plus, the latest on the upcoming LG G4 after another flurry of leaks and official teasers, more on the Samsung Galaxy S6, and we'll answer even more of your questions live on air!

And, yes, MOAR STAR WARS!

Direct download: acpc232.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:13pm EDT

It's pretty crazy out there today. The Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 are in stores, and folks have tons of questions. We'll see what we can answer. (And, yes, we'll touch on this "new" M9 software update that is and isn't new.) Plus, we're buying Star Wars. Again. Only this time on Google Play.

Get the rest of our shows at http://phon.es/acshow

 

Direct download: acpc231.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:56pm EDT

Our journey through the new crop of Android phones — specifically the Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 — continues today, now that devices are shipping. Plus, you can now (relatively) easily run Android apps in Chrome thanks to ARC Welder, we're about to unleash Jerry and Russell on Washington, D.C., for the Big Android Meat and Greet, and we'll answer more of your questions live!

And our thanks to this week's sponsors:

  • Thinkful: Get one-on-one help to create your first Android app.
  • iRoam: Save up to 90% on international voice, text and data.
Direct download: acpc230.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:14pm EDT

If you've got questions about the latest major Android releases — that'd be the Galaxy S6 and GS6 edge, and the HTC One M9 — we're going to have answers for you on this show. Plus, Aaron Kasten joins us to talk about the Big Android Meat and Greet. And we'll be answering more of your questions live!

Direct download: acpc229.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:10pm EDT

Strap in, folks. This week is gonna be fun. Perhaps most exciting is that Android Auto has been released — and we're taking it for a test drive! If you've got questions, we'll have some answers.

Plus, Peter Chou is out as HTC's CEO — we'll talk about what that means as we get ready for the release of the HTC One M9. And, yes, we'll talk a tad about the damned Snapdragon 810. Is it hype? Or overheating? 

Plus, more on the Galaxy S6, and we answer more of your questions live!

Also: Enter our Huawei Friendly User Testing Contest at androidcentral.com/huawei.

This week's sponsor

Direct download: acpc228.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:04pm EDT

It's Friday the 13th, which for some folks is a day of doom and gloom. But we have so many days like that we figured with turn things on their head and break down the latest with the release of Android 5.1 Lollipop, rap a bit about the new devices we've still got coming our way, Russell nerds out on some 3D printing — and, yes, we'll devote precisely 270 seconds to the damned Apple Watch.

OK, maybe a little more than that. Enjoy!

This week's sponsor

  • Igloo Software: Get a free trial of an intranet that your employees will actually want to use.
Direct download: acpc227.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:56pm EDT

We're back from Mobile World Congress! So let's talk more about Mobile World Congress! Specifically we'll get takes on the Galaxy S6, HTC One M9, the HTC Vive virtual reality stuff, and tons more — from the guys back and home who weren't bogged down in the mix. This should be a fun perspective!

This week's sponsors

Direct download: acpc226.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:18pm EDT

We're coming at you live this week — and, yes, earlier than usual — from Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Spain! We're fresh off the announcements (and some serious hands-on time) with the all-new Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, the HTC One M9, and more! Join us!

Direct download: acpc225.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:24am EDT

Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay are going to be game-changers for many of us. But that doesn't mean we don't still have questions. So we brought in analyst (and engineer and former PR rep for a major manufacturer) Sam Abuelsamid for a fascinating discussion about what's going to change for us in the cockpit. Of our 2005 Honda Civic.

You can find more on the auto industry from Sam at Navigant Research, on Google+ and at his personal blog.

And in the second part of this two-parter, Phil has some hard questions for iMore.com's Rene Ritchie as the Apple Watch gets closer to its debut, and epsecially as we've started to get more and better looking options from Android Wear.

Direct download: acpc224.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

We're back with our last live recording before we head off to Mobile World Congress. On tap: We'll see if this Lenovo "Superfish" means anything for us on Android. We'll get Alex's initial thoughts on the LG G Flex 2. And we'll definitely preview what to expect from MWC in just one more short week.

And someone sings some Chris Isaak. 

Direct download: acpc223.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:58pm EDT

Come in from the cold and spend an hour with us as we wrap up the week that was in Android, including more Samsung devices getting Lollipop (for better or worse, judging by our inbox), Xiaomi's San Francisco meetup, Google "only" selling 750,000 Android Wear devices in the first six months, and we answer more of your questions live.

Direct download: acpc222.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:16pm EDT

This is the one in which Phil accidentally invites the entire world to be on the podcast. We also talk about the Amazon Echo, all the Android 5.0 Lollipop updates we're finally starting to see, and we answer a bunch of your questions live. You're not going to want to miss this one. 

Direct download: acpc221.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:52pm EDT

This week we discuss what it does (and especially what it  doesn't mean) for Microsoft to have invested in Cyanogen, more folks have gotten Android 5.0 Lollipop on the HTC One M8, we've got new pictures of what the upcoming M9 might look like, we've got a Samsung Tizen phone in house, we wrap up our Nest series and launch into Android antivirus stuff — and we answer more of your questions live, without a net.

Direct download: acpc220.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:56pm EDT

Welcome back to the Greatest Android Podcast in the World! Coming up today we'll have the latest on these supposed HTC One M9 leaks, the Google MVNO rumor that refuses to die, a little site-specific inside baseball, and we answer your questions live on air!

Direct download: acpc219.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:48pm EDT

We're rested and recovered after a successful CES 2015 in Las Vegas. On tap for this week's podcast: HTC is first out the gate for Mobile World Congress teasing, we get to the bottom of this WebView security non-scandal, and we answer your questions live on air. Join us!

Our thanks to this week's sponsors

  • Lynda.com: Get a free 10-day trial of more than 3,000 professional produced courses. Learn something new in 2015!
  • Harrys.com: Shave smarter, and for a fraction of the cost of your current setup. Use coupon code AC to save $5 off your first month.
Direct download: acpc218.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:08pm EDT

We're coming at you this like live from the Mobile Nations/GeekBeat/Purch stage in South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Which we mentioned because that's why it's crazy and loud and awesome and really just a heck of a lot of fun this week.

We wrap up the best of what we've seen here at CES 2015, brining along Phil, Alex, Andrew, Myriam Joire and Russell Holly.

For our complete CES coverage, hit up this monster live page!

Direct download: acpc217.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:50pm EDT

We've arrived at our first show of a new year. So it's a good time to take a quick look back at the best of 2014 — and what we really think is important might surprise you — and look ahead to 2015, including CES in Las Vegas.

For all of our CES coverage, visit AndroidCentral.com/ces2015.

Direct download: acpc216.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:23pm EDT

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