Tech News Weekly 379: Google Unveils Midrange Pixel 9A

Release Date: March 20, 2025 | Hosts: Micah Sargent & Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

1. iRobot’s Roomba: A Struggling Giant in the Robot Vacuum Market ([02:30] - [16:54])

Overview: Jennifer Pattison Tuohy delves into the tumultuous state of iRobot, the company behind the iconic Roomba. After a failed acquisition attempt by Amazon due to EU regulatory concerns, iRobot has faced declining revenues and increased competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers like Roborock and Ecovacs.

Key Points:

• New Product Launch Amidst Crisis: iRobot launched eight new robot vacuums, a significant increase from their usual lineup, aiming to revitalize the brand. However, this announcement was swiftly followed by dire financial reports indicating the company is on the brink of bankruptcy unless these new products succeed or another buyout occurs.

  "Unless these roombas, these new roombas are a huge success or someone buys us within the year, we will no longer be operating." — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([06:45])

• Market Shift: Roborock has overtaken iRobot in global sales for the first time, eroding iRobot’s once dominant market share.

  “Roborock, which is one of the other big manufacturers based in China for the first time overtook iRobot in global sales and shipping.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([06:30])

• Lack of Innovation: The new Roomba models lack significant innovations, appearing more as imitators rather than pioneers, which disappoints Tuohy given iRobot’s legacy of inventing key features like the auto-empty bin and the robot mop.

  “They do feel a lot like copycat bots and not really innovative.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([07:00])

• Future Prospects: Discussions revolve around the likelihood of another robot vacuum company, potentially a Chinese firm like Ecovacs, acquiring iRobot. Tuohy remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that iRobot’s existing infrastructure and brand value might attract a strategic buyer.

  “They'll either get bought or this will work and they'll be able to survive. I think the first option is more likely.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([15:10])

2. Amazon Echo’s Voice Recording Policy Changes ([19:18] - [29:41])

Overview: The conversation shifts to Amazon Echo devices and recent changes in how voice recordings are handled. Amazon has altered the privacy settings, removing the option to prevent voice recordings from being sent to the cloud on specific Echo models.

Key Points:

• Policy Update: As of March 28, Amazon has disabled the feature that allowed users to stop voice recordings from being sent to the cloud on the Echo Dot (4th gen), Echo Show 15 (1st gen), and Echo Show 10. Now, voice recordings are automatically sent to the cloud but can be set to delete immediately after processing.

  “As of March 28, Amazon has said this feature has just been turned off and if you opted in, it is now going to send your voice recordings to the cloud automatically.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([20:13])

• Privacy Implications: While the actual voice isn't stored—only transcripts—the automatic processing in the cloud raises privacy concerns among users who preferred not to have their verbal interactions stored.

  “Once you put things out there on the Internet or connect things to the Internet, there is a vulnerability there that you always have to be aware of.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([25:52])

• Alternatives and Trust: Tuohy suggests that users uncomfortable with these changes might consider discontinuing the use of those specific Echo devices. However, she emphasizes that as long as the devices are operational, Amazon will continue to support them, albeit without the option to keep voice recordings private.

  “If you have an Echo device and you trust Amazon, then you. That's part of the trust.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([25:52])

• Future of Local Processing: Despite the removal of voice recording privacy options, Tuohy clarifies that local processing for smart home commands remains unaffected, maintaining functionality for connected devices like Zigbee, Thread, and Matter.

  “It's very confusing and complicated... everything is going to the cloud, which it was before, as you mentioned via transcript.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([23:22])

3. Pebble OS Smartwatches: A Nostalgic Comeback ([29:41] - [47:36])

Overview: Micah Sargent introduces the resurgence of Pebble OS smartwatches, following Google’s open-sourcing of Pebble OS. Eric Majakovsky, a Pebble creator, revealed plans to reintroduce the smartwatch to the market, sparking excitement among longtime fans.

Key Points:

• Product Announcement: Core Devices has announced two new Pebble smartwatches—the Core 2 Duo with a black and white E-Ink display, and the Core Time 2 featuring a 64-color E-Ink display. Both models boast features like a 30-day battery life, IPX8 water resistance, step and sleep tracking, and the open-source Pebble OS for customization.

  “The Core 2 Duo has a black and white E Ink screen... The Core Time 2 has a 64 color E Ink Ink screen.” — Micah Sargent ([35:22])

• Community and Compatibility: Jennifer expresses enthusiasm for the Pebble's return, especially among Android users, highlighting the open-source nature of Pebble OS which allows for extensive tinkering and customization.

  “I love the idea of the smartwatch and I did get myself an Apple Watch pretty much shortly after they launched.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([35:32])

• Technical Enhancements: The new Pebble models include advancements such as touchscreens, color displays, and better integration capabilities with smart home systems like Home Assistant, enhancing their appeal over competitors like the Apple Watch.

  “It has the largest battery of a Pixel to date, 5100 milliamp hour battery.” — Jason Howell ([55:30])

• User Experience: Tuohy shares her nostalgic connection to Pebble and acknowledges its potential, especially for Android users, though she remains loyal to her Apple Watch for its deeper integration and user experience.

  “I love how all we're talking about in this episode is tech that's been around for a while.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([35:28])

• Future Integrations: The discussion touched on potential integrations with smart home platforms, such as Home Assistant’s local voice control, and the possibilities of combining Pebble’s features with advanced smart home functionalities.

  “Home Assistant Voice Preview edition... it's totally local, and you can connect it to supported AI models.” — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy ([41:40])

4. Google Pixel 9A: Insights from Android Faithful’s Jason Howell ([49:52] - [69:16])

Overview: In an exclusive interview, Jason Howell from Android Faithful discusses Google's latest midrange offering, the Pixel 9A. The conversation covers the device's specifications, design changes, market positioning, and concerns regarding recent delays and company restructurings.

Key Points:

• Device Specifications: The Pixel 9A features the same Tensor G4 chip as its premium counterparts, a 5100mAh battery—the largest in a Pixel to date—and a dual-camera setup with a 48MP primary and 13MP ultra-wide lens. Notably, the Pixel 9A supports wireless charging and offers seven years of security updates.

  “The Pixel has the largest battery of a Pixel to date, 5100 milliamp hour battery.” — Jason Howell ([55:40])

• Design Evolution: The Pixel 9A introduces a sleeker design with a less protruding camera module, moving away from the traditional camera bump to a more integrated, pill-shaped camera setup.

  “This is the first of the kind of current signature era that Google is in where it doesn't protrude anymore.” — Jason Howell ([58:39])

  “You’re going to perform relatively closely to each other... It's not going to do everything really well.” — Jason Howell ([53:09])

• Market Positioning: Howell highlights Google’s strategy in the midrange market, maintaining feature parity while making strategic sacrifices to offer a balanced device that appeals to budget-conscious consumers without compromising on essential functionalities.

  “Google has done a really good job of understanding that their mid range devices need to do certain things pretty darn well.” — Jason Howell ([63:22])

• Shipping Delays and Concerns: A significant portion of the discussion revolves around unexpected delays in the Pixel 9A’s shipment, initially slated for immediate pre-order post-announcement but subsequently postponed to April without clear explanations. Howell voices concerns about potential underlying issues, referencing past controversies like the Pixel 4a’s battery problems.

  “They are delaying the shipment until sometime in April. No firm date. You can't even preorder it yet. That's a little fishy.” — Jason Howell ([63:41])

  “When they did that, they found their battery longevity dropped 53%... that was a fire issue.” — Micah Sargent referencing past issues ([63:41])

• Future of Pixel Hardware: Despite recent setbacks and rumors of potential restructuring within Google's Pixel hardware team, Howell remains cautiously optimistic about Pixel's longevity, emphasizing Google's commitment to security updates but expressing nervousness over the company's transparency and resource allocation.

  “I don't see any issues in the long term with Google holding its promise on the seven year update. But then again, I didn't foresee the 4A battery thing.” — Jason Howell ([67:11])

• Audience Takeaway: The Pixel 9A is positioned as a compelling option for those seeking a reliable, feature-rich smartphone without the premium price tag. However, potential buyers should be aware of the current uncertainties surrounding its release and Google's hardware division.

  “Pebble OS is open source means that, yes, that's great. You can modify it, you can change it. And I think that's very exciting.” — Micah Sargent ([36:41])

Concluding Remarks

Micah and Jennifer wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of staying informed about technological advancements and privacy implications. They encourage listeners to engage with the latest innovations while being mindful of the trade-offs between convenience and privacy.

Notable Quotes

1. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy on iRobot’s New Roombas:

   “They are just like every other robot vacuum out there. They don't have anything notable, anything particularly exciting.” ([07:00])

2. Jennifer on Amazon Echo’s Privacy Settings Removal:

   “If you have an Echo device and you trust Amazon, then you. That's part of the trust.” ([25:52])

3. Jason Howell on Pixel 9A’s Battery:

   “The Pixel has the largest battery of a Pixel to date, 5100 milliamp hour battery.” ([55:40])

4. Jason Howell Expressing Concerns Over Pixel 9A Delays:

   “It's a little suspicious... The timing is just like it's not.” ([66:12])

Further Resources

• Jennifer Pattison Tuohy: TheVerge.com
• Jason Howell: AndroidFaithful.com | YouTube: Jason Howell

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions from Tech News Weekly Episode 379, providing insights into the struggles of iRobot, privacy changes in Amazon Echo devices, the nostalgic comeback of Pebble OS smartwatches, and an in-depth look at Google's Pixel 9A. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode offers valuable perspectives on enduring and emerging technologies in the market.