The perfect imperfection of Google's Material You

Google's Material You is weird, and wonky, and imperfect. But that might be what makes it great.
Twitter: / durvidimel
Instagram: / davidimel
Website: davidimel.com
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[@etnevel.naitzsirk]

If Google would have had an explainer session about Material You after the keynote, this would be it. It's the clearest and most detailed description.

[@4jup4ter4]

This was my hope as well. It was so interesting..

[@brunovictorcostamatos7083]

I THINK HES THE GRAMMARLY CREATOR!!!!

[@RobertAnthonyPitera]

I don't think any comment captures this video better. Brilliant analysis - I immediately subbed to hear what you have to say next.

[@RickLawrence-rd2tf]

​@@brunovictorcostamatos7083😂 1:14 1:14

[@RickLawrence-rd2tf]

​@@RobertAnthonyPitera1:37

[@wiwewawowu]

Basically, Material You represents a change in tone in Google's branding. They're moving away from iOS-ing, and they want to embrace Android's identity of being unique. Great essay!

[@Iamakshay007]

Really iOS-ing?? Cause now it seems Apple is being Android-ing their things🙂

[@clickbaitpro]

@@Iamakshay007 That's true because now iOS is copying more things from Android than other way around

[@eeeyyyeban]

​@Clickbait Pro fr I don't like the always on display on the iphone it feels like it waste more battery

[@jameswalker199]

Which is ironic because Material You feels more like iOS 7+ than ever. iOS 7 introduced this flat design with one accent colour, then used blur effects to make the wallpaper bleed colour into other parts of the system. Material You forgoes the blur and adds an extra two accent colours, but they are still just as poorly chosen as iOS 7+

[@meowing_allday]

iOS 7 looks nothing like Material You????@@jameswalker199

[@ayon06]

PLEASE have more things to say. This whole breakdown was brilliant.

[@alalal123421]

seriously how does he only have 3 vids? coulda sworn ive watched him before and he was big 🤣 but regardless hes going to be soon for sure

[@nickelhydra3262]

@@alalal123421 I don't know if I'm right but I think I've seen him on marques brownlee's channel.

[@smokeybandit9760]

@@nickelhydra3262 Yeah you're right. He actually works for Marques

[@nickelhydra3262]

@@smokeybandit9760 oh nice! I thought I recognized him.

[@euso2008]

@@alalal123421 Didn't he use to do videos for GSMArena?

[@lukeothedukeo]

"Be together. Not the same." was such a good tagline. It really stood out as meaning something when variations on "the next big thing" or "this changes everything" were everywhere. Even "think different" was just a response to IBM's "think," and it only made sense if Apple assumed they wouldn't sell many devices. "Be together. Not the same." is catchy while also actually being a call to action, and a recognition of what made Android special as an uncommonly popular customizable open source OS.

[@pandasambit15]

This video is a gem. Felt so refreshing and fresh and different than all the other techno-crafty scripts written flying around the youtube. Thanks David for this awesome video. It almost felt like poetry. Well done.

[@Mastrr]

He has had a lot of practice from the mkbhd channel

[@ir6aish]

@@Mastrr I think his talent is independent of MKBHD... His is creative writing, MKBHD is product reviews.

[@DerekHolmes]

@@Mastrr he was skilled long before he joined mkbhd.

[@Mastrr]

@@DerekHolmes I wasn’t saying that his skill was from the mkbhd channel, I’m just saying that from that channel he has gotten a lot of experience with KZbin.

[@lancemiranda1765]

I'd like this comment but it's at 420 likes

[@dannywinget]

Great outlook of Material You. Love the content direction on your channel.

[@Ok-lu8gx]

ok

[@brianmatiash]

What an absolute joy to watch, man. It's so wonderful to see not only your choice to cover this particular topic from a very thoughtful angle, but to also offer a thoroughly refreshing PoV. Production value is top notch, too. I can't wait for whatever the next thing you have to say.

[@DavidImel]

♥️

[@DrAsphyxia]

Highly agree on this !!!

[@jeffzin7]

15 minutes of pure meditation. Use headphones and close your eyes

[@AbhishekAnshuuu]

I seriously got lost for the duration and felt like I was in a different zone.

[@Infernus25]

You conduct yourself with such professionalism and ease in front of the camera while talking about quite intricate ideas I was surprised by the amount of subs you have. I have no doubt if you keep at it you'll get the viewership you clearly deserve

[@landon1136]

He works with marques brownlee and at some other tech companies, so he has a lot of experience!

[@Infernus25]

@@landon1136 oh okay that makes alot more sense, thanks

[@TheNewTravel]

Damn dude, you'll be at 100k subs before my Pixel 6 arrives. Fantastic content

[@pradhyumnpatil2025]

Google should have made this guy speak during the keynote to explain material you. This is such a brilliant video

[@MangoTalksTech]

This is such a fascinating topic! The concept of form following feeling is something that we have absolutely lost overtime or rather the concept of form following function has defined what we feel for at least the past decade. I remember jail breaking my iPhone 3,4,5 back in the day to give my phone the individuality. Nowadays I don’t care to put the effort it in it, and have come to accept that apples ios as locked in as it is, is what I will use and try to customize to my own aesthetic (eg no apps at all on the home page). Very cool topic, loved the way you spoke about it and the b roll was precisely chosen :D

[@GamingComic123]

I knowwww, I remember jailbreaking my iPod and changing literally everything to make it exactly how I wanted it. Icon packs, page scrolling animations, custom lock/home screens; now I'm older, life hit, and I just couldn't be bothered... I change my wallpaper like once every few months maybe, and that's about it...

[@awkncs]

I never thought I would sit through someone explaining something about 'feelings' and smartphones in the same context; but here we are. Incredible video. :)

[@manasdixit]

Hi, David! Idk if you'll get a chance to read this, yet I feel almost compelled to write it and hope you read it. Your videos are by far the most unique takes on tech. While I'm sure you must've worked for days on coming up with the perfect script for this video, it doesn't feel like that at all. It is coming straight from the heart, and it shows. Please never stop making such videos. Cheers!

[@DavidImel]

♥️

[@DenisKudlik]

"don't let perfect be the enemy of good" is something i always try to remind myself of

[@anb1142]

Editing tip: There's a extension called Full Page Capture, get a image from that and make the image scroll instead of recording scrolling website

[@Abhishek_Pal]

They say "The number of subscribers can never define the finesse in the channels content quality" and boy how right they are. This outlook and hold and explaining things are amazing in this video. I am an instant subscriber. Keep 'em coming.

[@nishantpatil1247]

Damn he really put his heart into making this video 🔥🙌🏻 good job man

[@lakshaykumar8849]

David, you may or may not see this, but I just had to tell this to you. When you joined MKBHD, I was pleasantly surprised, because I expected you to go solo. But seeing how far you've come, I am insanely glad to have followed you on your journey. Your content is incredible, and thank god for the KZbin algorithm that I found your channel. Kudos to you, my man. You're killing it!

[@MyurrDurr]

Everytime I see screenshots of Material You, it gives me a warm and comfy vibe for some reason The nice round corners, the soft colors and the matching of the accent color within apps, it all comes together to be cosy and unique!

[@neelerita]

I'm about to riot outside your door and chant "SAY MORE THINGS!" :) I end most people's videos with a shrug and going back to whatever I was doing, but yours I always lean into my chair and start thinking more about what you said. Love your method of connecting topics and spotlighting ideas! Keep it up :D

[@willcasey2151]

"Iphones aren't fun, they're just functional." Couldn't have said it better.

[@samuelitooooo]

Ironically I dislike iPhone and went back to Android because the latter was much more functional. 😅

[@acdi33]

Coming from Samsung's Unpacked earlier today, and you can already see how other Android OEMs are now adapting to what Google has set out to do with Android 12. They've just announced "Bespoke" versions of the Flip 3 (essentially made-to-order, custom color combo devices), and with their implementation of Android 12 in OneUI 4 (which also follows the color-matching feature in Samsung's own stock apps), they seem dead-set with Google in more individuality-driven products.

[@terribletimes902]

Another highly underrated feature they mentioned in this keynote was the ability to hide photos that may have painful or negative associations for you from photo memories so that your phone won’t randomly bring up a painful memory. This is something I don’t think any other OEM has even bothered looking at and has no functional benefit. It’s entirely there for the purpose of accommodating how you are feeling. I think more phone manufacturers should start paying attention to stuff like that.

[@vedaryan334]

Instant sub. This almost feels like the deeper topics that you guys talk about on waveform but more refined and more in depth, something that wouldn't be possible on those channels , plus you specifically think about these things in such a good and detailed way, it's really refreshing.

[@moboxgraphics]

Dude, please upload more videos. Great viewpoint and nicely edited piece. Sub'd for sure!

[@stephen9509]

Never thought tech videos could be poetic, this is simply wonderful💯

[@nkosanamlotshwa1044]

This reminded me why I love Android so much it is not about the customizations and all those features, but that it is so personal and meaningful.

[@jasecraft]

This is quickly becoming my favorite KZbin Tech channel. Really appreciate your take, David! Keep up the great work.

[@mysteryman3054]

I feel like this is the beginning of a truly amazing tech channel that sets itself apart with your unique takes on tech and the advancements around us. I've seen you in MKBHD videos but this is the first time I've seen your personal views. Please keep up the good work.

[@bukhariauwal]

It’s crazy but this is one of the KZbin videos I come back again and again to watch

[@KingdomWithin7]

Now I was not expecting this considering many tech KZbinrs are quite similar when it comes to their scripts and delivery ya know the hype and hip one vs the soft and smart one. Somehow David was able to turn a tech review into an Art, and I must say this was a breath of fresh air👌🏼

[@feninaaseniero9936]

I really appreciate how you break down these concepts that other channels tend to gloss over.

[@bl4xe]

I really didn't know what to think of your channel at first but man, I loved every video yet! Thanks for the hard work and please keep it on!

[@d4nhumphr3y93]

Best outro of all time: “I’ll catch you the next time (I have something to say).”

[@mlawaljr1]

You are what I would consider an artist with words. Your delivery and knowledge of the subject is amazing. I'm anxiously waiting for another video. Keep up the great work!

[@ghostlinkmario]

Really loved the video, David! Such a nice point of view over something i dont usually consider while using a service or, in this case, an OS.

[@MaxBalzer]

Really, really incredible video, David. The way you approach the topic of marketing manipulation is fascinating and I loved hearing your take on Material You! Keep it up - looking forward to more content.

[@aabhasvermaaa]

Such a nice video man. Really well explained the joy of creating something unique, the excitement how it's all wrapping around us.

[@DannyFenton217]

Little late to this video but perfect explanation of material you, google is growing up and im glad.

[@lukasbxy]

I keep coming back to this video... It's just perfect and a pleasure to watch. Thank you, hope to see more content from you soon! :)

[@diskrisk9145]

8:19 “What if leaving a device felt more like an emotional loss?” Clearly you say that as a great idea, as something special - I heard you say that and immediately thought of that idea as dystopian. At the very least it’s difficult to leave the Apple ecosystem because people get accustomed to using Apple’s tools. The idea that a phone can somehow use personalisation to manipulate you into not switching is IMO much scarier to me than any “walled garden”.

[@thefelixsaba]

First saw you on the MKBHD channel. I never knew you had your own channel too. The depth of thought you put into this video is amazing. this is my first time on your channel. I am glad I found you here. Thanks for finding a way to letting these thoughts form words out of your heart(not head), cos these definitely came from your heart. I have thought of these things but just couldn't make words out of it. I am glad someone finally did. GREAT WORK DAVID.

[@swoodipto]

This had everything! Design, Marketing, Brand - very nicely put together. Really makes me think about my design choices now.

[@SeanKearney]

This video is a masterpiece! Great writing and thoughtful commentary are each very rare. And the combination stands out. Thank you!

[@seajlim]

Great analysis of tech, Google, and how mindful design can reflect and evoke feelings. Yet, I hope Google is able to go beyond just custom colors and really lives up to the idea of "machine learning." The goal should be seamless technology that makes our lives easier, while remaining in the background, yet able to assist, and anticipate, at a moment's notice. I feel that Google, better than any other company, has the data and engineering to get us there.

[@KalebPeters99]

I think they're slowly getting there with this personalisation mission they're on. Google assistant gives me the best recs of any algorithm out there. Material you is a super interesting step in the right direction but I agree that it will really take off once they can harness their machine learning prowess and properly weave it through the os. (The tensor chip is a big piece of the puzzle too, right?) I just hope they can use the momentum of this rebrand and really get it right this time. Lest we be forced to wait for another big overhaul in 5yrs😅

[@katawonga]

Dude, so good to see you making videos like this. You always had a great insight on phones and UX. Keep making these please!

[@ravivaryani4595]

That's superbly amazing @David. I never imagined this deep and thoughtful tech-talk would be there in KZbin space where it is just new products and gadgets all over. Keep it up ! Really impressed with your thoughtfulness around the things.

[@Mercuie]

This was a very very good video. Very interesting, well spoken, and well edited. You're so talented David.

[@jjunture]

Excellent video. Such a thoughtful and introspective look at tech. We need more of this.

[@DoeDoeJohn]

Okay, David, next video please. This is such terrific work!

[@supersnail5000]

I’ve loved your insights on the podcast and this individual content has been great, amazing work!

[@hershsingh3029]

I absolutely loved this script! He's so good when it comes to words.

[@nani.banana]

this whole breakdown is AMAZING, im completely at loss of words on how to express my awe on this video fr

[@Manoeuver]

I literally love the way you approach content. Unique. Very catchy, I am literally addicted to watching more lmao

[@noah_the_nerd]

My boy David at it again with another banger of a video! I love this sort of commentary that discusses the aspects of tech as an idea rather than simply a host of products.

[@MannyHaarp]

I'll send this vid to whoever asks me why am I an Android user.

[@aditya_nrao]

I don’t remember the last time I thoroughly enjoyed watching something so much! Just too good! Subscribed and hopefully you’ll have time to upload more on this channel! Big fan of you on the “Studio” channel 😏

[@imrlyunoriginal]

Dude, these last 2 videos have been awesome! Keep it up

[@freedomchuks]

One of the best videos I have Watched in a very very long time good job David i totally appreciate this

[@arnabroy418]

I COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE 15K SUBS ONLY, the content quality feels like atleast a 5m channel thing

[@agokulk]

The excited David from Studio Channel for Pixel 6 in his suave form breaking down with eloquent words.

[@therealthinker9464]

PLEASE make more videos like this. Absolutely fantastic

[@rbalt]

Love these videos, David! Great content, editing, soundtrack, script and delivery! 💯

[@thamiframa5592]

This earned a subscription. If Google did an explainer of Material You I doubt it'd be better than this. You're doing great David

[@1337Superfly]

EVERYONE: we are all individuals! ONE PERSON: I am not. Great video, you are really becoming one of the most important voices in tech. I listen.

[@luuketaylor]

Awesome video, David. Love these more personal, introspective, sometimes even existential takes on tech. Keep making these videos and keep having things to say!

[@adnamamedia]

I love this take on it! just found your channel and your quality and storytelling is off the charts

[@theonlybyte]

The "You", the kind you're talking about is exactly how I feel about Linux and Arch Linux specifically! I've been shouting at my friends that I feel that the OS I'm using all day is mine and I made it and customized the shit out of it to fit me. I like it. I don't want an OS some software engineers and designers picked for me in a multi-billion corporation.

[@manthan_kaushal]

"I use arch btw"

[@nikolaybonapartov7379]

Is it easy to start using Linux for someone who never tried it? Or does it take a tech savvy person to become comfortable with it?

[@rochanathaveesha8341]

@@nikolaybonapartov7379 its easy bro. Maybe run linux inside a virtual machine and play with it. You'll learn a lot along the way. Google and KZbin is your best friend.

[@Dxntoo]

@@nikolaybonapartov7379 It's easy. Use Pop OS and it's pretty much usable out of the box. No need for CLIs unless needed.

[@yoman9446]

@@nikolaybonapartov7379 Yeah it's easy. If you want to start with something familiar yet customizable, start with ZorinOS. Others will recommend popos or ubuntu, but they're not made for beginners coming from windows or mac, theire design philosophy is totally different from ZorinOS.

[@tchaffman]

This is the deepest, truest, and most philosophical consumer tech analysis I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing!

[@sajaltech9204]

This is the best video I have ever seen in years in the tech space. I have rarely watched a video twice in my life, but this video feels new every time I watch it. It has touched something really deep within me. Kudos to your storytelling man. Have no words to describe the feelings, but downloading this video and its going to my very rare collection.

[@rogerklk]

Love the takes you bring with your vids

[@themannyzaur]

This mans is smart! Well spoken and knows what he's talking about. I would love to have a tech talk with you or even listen to your thoughts about tech for hours! David if you're seeing this you are amazing and I hope to see more from you

[@caribenariena3442]

Anyone else crying watching this after having a baby?

[@Rudxain]

This is certainly a unique emotional experience

[@basilyoyak]

This has to be one of the best videos I've watched on KZbin! Crisp and clear.. Just amazing thought process.. Thank you very much!

[@jeffrey_jpeg]

I like the way you think and articulate what comes across your mind, David. This is a great video to watch and makes you think too!

[@iamakshobhyashukla]

Didn't expect such deep analysis.

[@giftbox-e]

This and the "age of ambient computing" was so refreshing. I often hears the things you explained at some other random places, but from everyday mundane tasks I forgets them. You are not giving out answers, but subtly engaged your audience with rhetorical questions and I love it. These videos triggers it and my ability of critical thinking that are long dead since I graduate.

[@BenJaded]

I saw the quality of this content, the full deep dive this is, and my jaw dropped when I saw you had 21k subs - that's gonna skyrocket soon

[@AbhishekMukherjee]

David, I feel that you are locking us in your channel through its amazing in depth style! Love it man!!

[@saimanojc]

This seemed more like a philosophy session than a tech review, so good though!

[@rblongfellow]

Google should hire you to market this stuff. The pixel event was terrible. This was amazing! Thank you

[@Shamon97]

This video is so good that made me subscribe without even looking to your other videos. You deserve much more views

[@coreypreston2277]

Okay, so this is my first video I've been recommended by KZbin. But this video is really good. Like he just made it so thoughtful and I really appreciate that

[@prathamraina9445]

"If we want our phones to feel like they represent us, we have to see ourselves represented in them” I love your video style where there's a philosophical discussion on tech. Please do more of it. In all the technology reviews and discussions that feel "the same", You, are unique.

[@palak0408]

This was more like a phycological therapy rather than a tech video. loved it ♥️

[@hemanthnirujogi]

This is too good David! Please make more breakdown videos like this. Great work!!

[@zrox345]

I'm 1 min in and this is some of the best phone content I've seen in months. You're genuinely ahead of the curve in the quality of your content man keep it up genuinely.

[@bhanwarlal2007]

Need more videos like this in tech space. Really want a pixel after watching this video.

[@talaliqbal4226]

Damn. Bro that’s the best explanation of any tech I’ve ever heard n seen.

[@davidjiang1437]

You will reach 1 million subscribers in one year! Your scripts are so well written and your flow of speech is so well managed. Good job!

[@ramkumarsr5326]

This is by far one of the best tech videos youtube has recommended. The time and effort went into creating this video didn't go to waste. David you deserve more.

[@fahadaslam2000]

Seeing all this makes me miss windows phone more. Everyone’s phone was so different and yet so functional

[@junaidali6425]

Nahhh bro it was bad and buggy

[@Codemanlex]

@@junaidali6425 what??? No

[@lune28x]

@@junaidali6425 u trippin

[@connection_ok]

I absolutely love discussions like these that go deep into the meaning of tech - it's something I often find myself wanting but missing in the technology world, probably because everything really feels so binary. Maybe we'll look back on 2020 tech design like we do with 2000: they had no idea what they were doing back then.

[@davidhorkey5157]

You are killing it with these videos. They are quickly becoming my favorite videos. I've been using Android 12 (Beta) on my Pixel 4XL for over a month now and I love it. The background picture / color reconfigure features in Material You feels like it makes my phone more personal. It is the best thing they have ever done for their brand identity. FYI - I feel that in addition to being a Pixel Fanboy I'm becoming an Imel Fanboy....which is kind of weird. Keep these introspective videos coming!

[@danielpetkovsky4102]

this video and this channel suddenly made sense when I read your twitter bio. It felt almost impossible for this to be only your third video, but now it's understandable. Really great stuff man. We will watch your career with great interest.

[@Pranav_m03]

One word to describe this video- "Poetic"

[@handlemonium]

"Material You" should be applied to repairable, upgradable, customizable hardware ecosystems as well. #RightToRepair And what if sentiment robots evolve imperfect individuality? Would that make them as human as we are?

[@arnoldgentz3300]

I really love the style of your videos, the style is breath of fresh air on KZbin. It really feels like Nerdwriter meets technology.

[@mikeluvstech4647]

an absolutely perfect explanation it gave me goosebumps listening to this explanation and this is what gets me excited about technology and the conversations we can have about it