Op-ed Archives - PiunikaWeb

Could Comet meet the same fate as OpenAI's Atlas?

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how OpenAI’s Atlas browser looked like it had been quietly pushed aside. The biggest giveaway for me was that the release...

Jul 20, 2026 2 Min Read

Google

Google is crushing independent sites like ours, and acts like nothing is happening

We were doing okay at PiunikaWeb before mid-2023. Then Google rolled out massive algorithm changes, including the Helpful Content Update, and traffic just fell off a cliff. No, this...

May 10, 2026 10 Min Read

Android

From magic to mess: Why is Google letting Magic Eraser rot?

When Google unveiled the Pixel 6 series back in 2021, Magic Eraser wasn’t just a feature. It was the feature. It was the centerpiece of every commercial, a...

Feb 18, 2026 3 Min Read

News

I refuse to let privacy paranoia stop me from using ChatGPT Health

Here’s something that’ll probably get me ratioed (or cussed in the comments): I’m genuinely excited about ChatGPT Health, and I plan to feed it...

Jan 08, 2026 2 Min Read

Google

The Nothing Phone (3) launch makes the Pixel 10 more exciting

Yesterday’s launch of the Nothing Phone (3) was supposed to shake up the premium smartphone market. After all the hype and anticipation, I found myself surprisingly underwhelmed by...

Jul 02, 2025 4 Min Read

Google

Pixel 9’s ‘free’ Gemini Live isn’t generous — it’s a blueprint for locking features behind paywalls

Google recently announced some neat upgrades for Gemini Live, its conversational AI. With the April update, you’ll be able to show Gemini things through your camera or share...

Apr 08, 2025 2 Min Read

Android

Will Google ever address the delayed notification issue on Pixel phones?

I’ve been using two Google Pixel phones — the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7a — for several months, and I love the clean software, the camera, and the updates...

Feb 17, 2025 3 Min Read

Google

Google needs to step up its camera game on the Pixel 10

Once upon a time, Google’s Pixel phones were synonymous with top-tier photography. They redefined what smartphone cameras could do, turning average users into near-professional photographers. But as...

Jan 02, 2025 2 Min Read

Android

Opinion: I wanted a Pixelbook, but Google gave up instead

I feel you. That familiar flicker of excitement you get when you stumble upon that one piece of tech destined to make your life better…only to have it vanish...

Apr 25, 2024 5 Min Read

Google

Opinion: Google Podcasts' rocky migration to YouTube Music is reminiscent of the transition from Google Play Music

Remember the Great Google Play Music Migration when we all collectively groaned about switching to YouTube Music? It felt like losing a reliable old friend, replaced by a glitchy new...

Apr 10, 2024 3 Min Read

Android

Google Pixel needs a ‘Software update’ category for all-in-one system updates like iPhone

Let’s talk frustration. As a loyal Google Pixel user, I shouldn’t have to feel like I’m on a frantic scavenger hunt every time my...

Apr 08, 2024 3 Min Read

Android

Here's my experience using Circle to Search on the Pixel 8

As a tech enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the latest Pixel 8, eager to explore all its features, including the much-hyped Circle to Search functionality...

Apr 08, 2024 2 Min Read

Google

Opinion: I'd pay to NOT have generative AI (SGE) in Google search results

Look, I try not to whine about Google. We’ve got this love-hate thing going on. They give me free email, sort of-decent search results, and the...

Apr 05, 2024 2 Min Read

Google

Opinion: Mint Pixel 8 and 8 Pro should also have higher storage options

Google recently unveiled a delightful Mint finish for its latest Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro flagship phones. I love it. I want it. It’s the perfect color...

Mar 22, 2024 1 Min Read

Google

[Poll] Would you buy the Google Pixel 8a if the Pixel 8 is available at the same price?

Earlier today we highlighted the leaked Pixel 8a specifications. It seems Google is bringing some decent upgrades to its upcoming “affordable” smartphone. But these upgrades might also result...

Mar 20, 2024 2 Min Read

Accessories

Opinion: Why form factor is key for Google's AirTag competitor

Apple’s AirTag revolutionized the Bluetooth tracker market. Their compact design and integration with Apple’s Find My network made them an instant hit, leading to a thriving...

Mar 19, 2024 1 Min Read

Google

Google's latest ad is an unintended dig at the most premium smartphone in the Pixel lineup

Okay, let me get one thing out of the way. I absolutely enjoy these #BestPhonesForever ads from Google. It’s a unique and fun way to market its Pixel...

Mar 14, 2024 1 Min Read

Analysis

Opinion poll: Has Google lost its way with the Pixel lineup?

Remember the good old days when Google Pixel phones were a breath of fresh air? They boasted a delightfully clean Android experience, great cameras, and — the biggest draw of...

Mar 12, 2024 6 Min Read

Google

Opinion: Is the Google Pixel 8 dead without Gemini Nano AI?

It’s only been five months after its launch, yet the Google Pixel 8 seems to be headed for a premature demise – at least in terms of the AI...

Mar 08, 2024 3 Min Read

Google

Why is YouTube Music still taking opinion on background play on its free tier when they're clearly not listening?

In December 2022, YouTube Music initiated a poll on X, soliciting user feedback on desired features for the ad-supported tier of its platform. The poll, which garnered 4,145...

Feb 15, 2024 2 Min Read

Android

I tried Google's Gemini app: Here's the good, the bad, and the quirky

I was quite excited when Google announced it’s replacing Bard with Gemini and even launching a mobile app. I quickly took advantage of Google’s 2-month...

Feb 14, 2024 5 Min Read

Android

I was about to dismiss the Gemini app, but Google has got me rethinking

Google’s new Gemini app landed a few days ago, promising a supercharged, AI-driven answer to… well, everything. However, the day it launched, it seemed I wasn’...

Feb 12, 2024 2 Min Read

Google

Here's my Google Pixel 9 wishlist after daily driving the Pixel 8

After months of putting the Pixel 8 through its paces, I’ve compiled a wishlist for its successor, the Google Pixel 9. Now, before you roll your eyes and...

Feb 08, 2024 4 Min Read