I'm taking a break this episode from prepared content and to get caught up on a long list of addendum items. I'll be back next week with a look at...well, you will just have to listen to find out. Show Notes: https://www.stevencombs.com/0049 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelpowerpodcast/messageSupport this p…

In this episode, I talk about a new addition to my Pixel powered devices, the Pixel Buds 2. Are these the ear buds I am looking for? Almost, but you'll have to listen to understand what I mean. I know, I know. It's been awhile and I make formal apologies during the introduction. Thanks for continuing to subscribe! I missed the show and the listener…

In this episode I share my favorite Crostini (Linux) application manager; [Flatpak](https://www.flatpak.org). Flatpak makes the installation and management of current versions of Linux applications easy. I also take some extra time for an updated Addendum and say thanks to a few listeners. Show Notes at: https://www.pixelpowerpodcast.com/0047 More …

There are thousands of applications available on the Chrome Web and Google Play stores. There are also thousands of applications available as a web page or service. What if you combined the two? Well, then you would have a progressive web application, or PWA. In this episode, we take a look at the best PWAs for Chrome OS and Android (since they wor…

It been some time since my last podcast episode and a lot has changed. In this episode I take time to catch up on what's been going on since episode 0044. Can anyone say COVID-19? I talk about how things have changed in my Pixel-powered world, how Pixel devices are used in my virtual office, and then send out a call to each of you to share your exp…

This is part three of a three-part series on the use of the free service IFTTT to automate actions on an Android phone, Google Assistant, or G Suite applications. In this episode we learn to use IFTTT with G Suite applications, Calendar, Drive, Docs and Sheets. In the Addendum, I have lots of great updates as well as a few tips to make your Pixel-p…

This is part two of a three-part series on the use of the free service IFTTT to automate actions on the Pixel Phone, Google Assistant, or G Suite applications. In this episode we learn to use IFTTT with the Google Assistant available on our phones, tablets, and hubs. In the Addendum, I drop hints about a new Lenovo Smart Tab Android tablet complete…

This is part one of a three-part series on the use of the free service IFTTT to automate actions on the Pixel Phone, Google Assistant, or G Suite. In this episode we begin using IFTTT with our Pixel or Android phones. If you really want to up your Pixel-powered game, learn how to create IFTTT applets to automate functions on your phone. Show notes …

It's a new year and a new Pixel Power Podcast. What's new? For one, I set a timer for 20 minutes and do my best to stick to it. Get it? 20 for 2020? There's also a new web site for the podcast at the original URL: https://www.pixelpowerpodcast.com. The new look comes from the website's move from Google Sites to GitHub pages. The design is minimal b…

[2019-12-18] It’s the last episode of the year before I head off for a holiday hiatus and I’ve got some news for the new year. No main topic this episode, but an extended addendum. Think of it as a stocking full of Google goodies! Show notes available at: https://sites.google.com/view/pixelpowerpodcast/episodes/0040 --- Send in a voice message: htt…

[2019-11-25] In the second and last part Turkey Day edition of the two-part series, I spend less time than normal talking about extensions and utilities you can install that power up your Chrome OS keyboard ninja skills. In the addendum, we ramp up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Happy Thanksgiving to all my United States listeners! 🦃 Show…

[2019-11-11] In the first of this two part series, we learn how to master our Pixelbook/Slate and Chrome OS keyboard. Adding these keyboard shortcut keystrokes to your typing repertoire will allow you to become productive and save you time doing tasks over and over. Keep that hand off that mouse and trackpad and start using these shortcuts today! S…

Subscribe today and check out the web site at: https://www.pixelpowerpodcast.com--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelpowerpodcast/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelpowerpodcast/support

[2019-10-28] It's Halloween and in this episode I share my new Treat (or is that Trick?); the new Pixel 4 XL (I don't have a Pixel 4, so I can't comment on that scary battery life controversy). Afterward, I have a whole lot to share in the Addendum segment including my new nickname, the deal I received on my Pixel 4 XL, and another Pixel related pu…

In this recording, and just in time for your commute home, I share my ramblings and musings from today's (2019-10-15) Made by Google 2019 event. As a reminder, ad hoc episodes don't include show notes, aren't prepared, and receive minimal editing. In this ad hoc episode, I reference notes I made in the Pixel Power Podcast subreddit. Those are avail…

[2019-08-25] The Android keyboard is the most important user interface for your Pixel phone and your productivity. In this episode I talk about the default Pixel keyboard, Gboard. After listening you will learn all the tips, tricks, and settings that will help you get the most out of typing on the Google Pixel. Afterward in the Addendum, I make a f…

[2019-09-22] The sixth and final in my six-part series of My Favs episodes. In this episode, I share my favorite Android apps for the Pixel Phone. These are the applications I have installed on my Pixel Phone. Since this episode could be a "snoozer", I keep it lively and share tips and tricks for each app. In the Addendum, I share a first for me as…

[2019-09-08] The fifth and penultimate in a six-part series of episodes I'm calling, My Favs. In this episode, I share my favorite Chrome browser extensions. These are the extensions installed and synced across all my Chrome browser devices but a few of them really add to your Pixelbook, Slate or Chrome OS device experience. In the Addendum I answe…

[2019-08-25] The fourth in a six-part series of episodes I'm calling, My Favs. In this episode, I share my favorite flags for the Chrome OS. Before that, I share the difference between flags on Chrome for Android and Chrome OS. In the Addendum, I’ve FINALLY experienced the new Android Auto, sadly, not by using my Pixel 3 XL. Show notes available at…

[2019-08-11] I take a half-time break in the six-part series of "My Favs" to share my thoughts on the Google Pixel Slate (m3). Regular listeners know I use a Google Pixelbook (i5) almost daily; however, for the past three weeks, I've used a new Pixel Slate exclusively. In this short episode, I share my thoughts. No addendum this week, but that segm…

[2019-08-04] The third in a six-part series of episodes I'm calling, My Favs. In this episode, I share my favorite flags for the Chrome browser on Android. Before that, I share what flags are and how they can add features to the browser, speed up functions, and completely break the browser. I end the show sharing how my pixel-powered life has made …

[2019-07-21] The second in a six-part series of episodes I'm calling, My Favs. In this episode, I share my favorite Android Apps for Chrome OS. These are the Android apps that better their web counterpart or fill in holes where there are no web alternatives. The episode concludes with the Addendum segment where I continue to pull my hair our (what …

[2019-07-07] The first in a new six-part series of episodes I'm calling, My Favs. In the first episode of this six part series, I share my favorite Chrome OS applications. These are apps that are the first to be installed (or restored) on my Pixelbook (and Chromebook). Because I install these apps on my Pixelbook, they follow me around on Chrome br…

[Episode Date: 2019-06-16] This week I take a look at the latest version of Android Q beta with release 4. What works, what doesn’t and should you install are the questions I answer. In the Addendum, I share some new things I learned while using my Google mini, Pixelbook, and my new 3D printer. Show notes available at: https://www.pixelpowerpodcast…

[Episode Date: 2019-06-09] The previous four episodes of the podcast focused on Linux on Chrome OS with our Pixelbooks. Not to be outdone, the Pixel phone gets a Terminal via an app called Termux. Learn all about using Termux and how having a Terminal on our phone is not only geeky, but can be useful as well. In this week’s addendum, I spend some t…

Short programming update and teaser for the next episode. Recorded using the Anchor.fm application on my Pixel Phone.Visit https://anchor.fm/pixelpowerpodcast/message and click the “Start recording now” button to leave me a voice message. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelpowerpodcast/messageSupport this podc…

[Episode Date: 2019-05-27] I finish up my four part series on Chrome OS with an introduction to basic Terminal commands every Chrome OS user should know. I then share some fun commands and you even learn how to watch a famous sci-fi film in the Terminal! This show is full of terminal-fu. I end we a few thoughts in the Addendum segment and I’ll also…

[Episode Date: 2019-05-19] In the first two episodes of the four-part series, we learned how to get started with Linux on Chrome OS. In this episode I share how to access files and hardware devices in the VM as well as how to make those pesky applications visible on the high resolution Pixelbook screens. There’s also show format changes based on li…

[Episode Date: 2019-05-07] I'm on the road this week and had some time to pull over and share the announcements from Google I/O 2019. More sharing than telling, this ad hoc episode was recorded in a noisy hotel room with the portable recording gear. We will return to our "Linux on Chrome OS" series (and a decent recording studio) next week. I hope …

[Episode Date: 2019-04-29] In the last episode, I explained how to activate Linux (Beta) on your Pixelbook or Chromebook. Now it's time to install Linux applications. I share my Linux applications recommendations and also talk about current application limitations. The show wraps up with the latest Google related news of the week. Show notes availa…

[Episode Date: 2019-04-22] You own a Pixelbook or Chrome OS device. Did you know you are running a Linux kernel based operating system? Why not open up Chrome OS so you can load actual Linux applications and increase your productivity. No, we won’t use some hack. In this episode, I show you how to use the new Chrome OS Linux (Beta) virtual machine.…

[Episode Date: 2019-04-15] Promised way back in episode 0001, I finally share my thoughts on the use of Google Sites and how you can create a free online presence. As always, I share some interesting items from the past week in the Addendum segment and then end of the show with the latest Google related news and at the beginning of the show I opine…

[Episode Date: 2019-04-08] In this episode I share how to relax with your Pixelbook, or any other convertible Chromebook, and use the device in one of four unique configurations: laptop, tent, stand or tablet. I then explore Chrome OS’s unique tablet mode functions and teach you a few things you may not have known. The episode wraps with a look at …

For this episode, I've scoured the web looking for what's new in the beta release of Android Q, the next OS coming soon to Pixel Phones (and possibly Pixelbooks). And for this week’s “The Addendum”, I discovered a few useful tips I just had to share and ponder if anyone at Google actually listens to this podcast. Best guest? Of course not. And let’…

[Episode Date: 2019-03-17] In this episode, I end my three-part series on getting things done (GTD) by sharing my favorite task and project management application; Todoist. I share a complete look at the application on multiple devices, and throughout the episode, I share tips on how to get the most out of this productivity powerhouse. As always, I…

[Episode Date: 2019-03-10] In part two, of a three-part series on getting things done (GTD), I have a conversation with Kevin Micke, creator of GTaskD; a new web front end for Google Tasks. Before our conversation though, I share a few observations and tips in the Addendum segment and end the show with the latest Pixel-related news. A special Pixel…

[Episode Date: 2019-03-23] You hear it everywhere you go; “Getting things done!” In this episode, I discuss the readily available, and free, tools: Google Tasks and Google Keep, and how you can use these apps to organize your personal and professional life. I begin the episode by sharing my getting things done (GTD) process and then I end with the …

I'm on the road this week and took some time to use the mobile recording equipment to crank out an episode of observations and news. Hear me talk about my travel experiences with my old Nexus 6 (complete with Google Fi SIM card). Listen as I ramble and complain about the recording setup. Enjoy as I share a whole host of other observations and news …

In Episode 0013 (2019-02-17), I discuss tools (Kami, Xodo, and the built-in PDF viewer) to help you manage, organize, edit and annotate PDF files on your Pixel devices. During the show, I also clear up some episode numbering confusion, give a few shout-outs and talk about my new social media strategy chaos. --- Send in a voice message: https://podc…

In this ad hoc, or quick tip episode (less than two minutes long), I share a Google Duo feature that arrived just in time for Valentine's Day. There will be no show notes for this or other ad hoc episodes. Visit the podcast page to get caught up on all past episodes. https://www.pixelpowerpodcast.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.…

In Episode 0012 (2019-02-03), a double-sized edition, I take a look at some alternative remote control devices for Android TV and then share the latest news – and there is a ton! I also include a hearty welcome to a few founding members to our Google Group, thank a colleague and begin a new podcast feature, The Addendum. Be sure to check out the sh…

In Episode 0011 (2019-01-27) we learn how to take our analog notes (paper that is) and easily convert them to digital using our Pixel devices. We can then store, search and share the text information from those notes electronically. At the end of the show, I take a look at some news and why Google Fi users need to start planning for the future of m…

In Episode 0010 (2019-01-20) I return to our Google Keep series. In the first episode of the series, episode 0008, I focused on the basics of Google Keep. In this episode, you will learn how to integrate Google Keep data into Google Docs and use advanced features. I do this by sharing my podcast preparation workflow. Lastly, I share the latest news…

In Episode 0009 (2019-01-13) we take a short detour from our two-part Google Keep series and look a week full of Google-related news. The Consumer Electronics Show was last week and not only was there a host of Google-assisted products released, but Google also released some significant enhancements to their services. I run down the very long list.…

In Episode 0008 (2019-01-06) I take a look at the basics of Google Keep. Use Google Keep to, well, keep all your notes organized and accessible. This is part one of a two-part series. There is a lot to unpack and for this particular episode, you are likely to find the show notes invaluable. Be sure to check out the show notes where you can find a c…

Episode 0007 (2018-12-30) seems like the perfect opportunity to focus on gadgets and to learn what Santa left under the Christmas tree in 2018. Be sure to check out the show notes at http://www.pixelpowerpodcast.com/episodes/0007 where you can find an outline of the show as well as links. Share with your friends and remember to post those reviews! …

Just in time for Santa’s big ride. Last minute tips and deals! Be sure to check out the show notes at http://www.pixelpowerpodcast.com/episodes/0006 where you can find all the links you need. Share with your friends and remember to post those reviews! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelpowerpodcast/messageSupp…

Steven is on the road again. In this ad-hoc episode he shares his use of Google Pixel and Google Assistant to guide him on his travels.Ad-Hoc notes at:http://www.pixelpowerpodcast.com/episodes/0005--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pixelpowerpodcast/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh…

It’s Christmas time in the Google city! Steven fires up the yule log and then sends a holiday shout-out to his first 10 or so listeners. He then rolls into a whole litany of ideas to make the Christmas merrier using Google apps, services, and assistant. Changing the format, Steven moves news and updates to the end of the podcast.Show notes: http://…

Steven had a very Google day. Learn about his Nest Doorbell install and his experience purchasing 12 Google Home minis for $9.00 a peice! He'll then roll into the latest Google update and end with a discussion about why Project Fi, now Google Fi, is a his recommended mobile phone carrier!Be sure to connect at:http://www.pixelpowerpodcast.comsteven@…