Damien is 9to5Google‘s resident Video Producer and has over a decade of UK media experience. He worked within the sports industry and with numerous sports-focused publications — including golfing publication National Club Golfer — prior to joining the 9to5Google team.
After completing a BSc in Computer Science at the University of Hull with a major focus on data analytics and UX, he joined the Press Association (now PA Media), developing growing sports data products for the Barclay’s Premier League. These’s data packages included the now-defunct ACTIM Index which eventually evolved into the EA Sports Player Performance Index.
While working with the UK’s largest media agency, he attained a MA in Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University after completing his studies in 2014. This is where a love affair with all things videography surfaced after a brief stint in student TV. A major interest and constantly growing know-how of technology and videography have seen Damien lead 9to5Google’s official YouTube channel since 2018. He previously hosted the 9to5Google Daily podcast from 2019 to 2021.
Damien’s expertise and focus area lie in a number of beats including Android and OEM software updates, mobile applications, smartphone and accessory reviews, and just about anything that makes a modern mobile nerd tick. He says that he is “platform agnostic” despite primarily using Android devices and attempts to regularly test the iOS waters to better understand the nuances of the tech he covers on a day-to-day basis.
Outside of the tech space Damien is an avid supporter of his boyhood soccer team Hull City and is even a fully qualified Barista — with 3 years of experience making speciality coffee. Be sure to follow him on Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Instagram for insights and upcoming video updates and tidbits. If you are interested, you can also check out just what video gear he is currently using on his dedicated Kit.co page.
Foldables don’t usually get my juices flowing. The sad fact is that while I like the “idea” of a folding phone, the sheen quickly dulls, and I’m left reeling from the compromises. Even after just a few hours of playing with the brand-new Galaxy Z Fold 8, I think it reinforces that wide foldables were always the right decision.
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There are a number of reasons why Samsung dominates Wear OS, and the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 exemplify that once again this year – here’s what you need to know.
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In the wake of World Emoji Day – yes, that is a thing – Google gave us some insight into why we’re switching over to the “Noto 3D” collection, but we’re wondering how people feel about the new designs.
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OnePlus has been on the ropes for a while, but with reports indicating the company is preparing a total withdrawal from the US and Europe, the end of an era is officially here. If you’re a long-time fan, it’s time to start planning your OnePlus switch.
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Now we’re a few builds into the Android 17 Beta or One UI 9 for Samsung Galaxy phones, so now is the perfect time to take a look at what’s coming ahead of its debut on foldables very soon.
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We have some bad news if you were planning on buying the Galaxy Z Flip 8 or Fold 8 and counting on Samsung’s signature free storage upgrade.
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To the surprise of absolutely no one, it appears that Samsung is working on and set to release a SmartTag 3 Bluetooth tracker in the coming months.
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From a darling of the early Android era to a husk on the brink of becoming completely irrelevant, just what went wrong for OnePlus?
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On paper, the upcoming Pixel 11 series looks like more of the same. For the modern smartphone enthusiast, “more of the same” usually triggers an immediate eye-roll. Are we setting ourselves up for disappointment by expecting the Pixel 11 to be something it was never meant to be?
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The woes for OnePlus continue as a new report suggests that OxygenOS is being discontinued alongside Realme UI.
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Apple has unveiled and detailed iOS 27, while Google has just dropped Android 17. With more than a hint of Google in Apple’s next vision for mobile, just how do these OSes stack up?
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If you’re a fan of emulation and Android gaming handhelds, then it might be music to your ears to hear that the Retroid Pocket 6 now officially supports LineageOS.
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As a lazy, lapsed programmer, I feel that tools like Antigravity and Codex have changed my day-to-day workflows and, despite some major foibles, I cannot recommend them highly enough.
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Some months after its confirmation, Gemini for Android Automotive appears to be finally rolling out to existing vehicles.
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You might have just picked up your Google Home Speaker and want to expand your smart home setup. Well, here are a few deals on smart home hardware we recommend for this Amazon Prime Day week.
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Just because something has been around for a while doesn’t mean it’s bad or not worth buying. I’ve bought a few products over the years, and here are a few older tech items I think are well worth a look.
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Five years on from a dedicated speaker launch, we have the Google Home Speaker. This is the platform for Gemini for the next half a decade – here’s what it’s like to live with.
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While the Google TV Streamer isn’t the outright best Android TV box on the market, it is a highly capable set-top box. If you’ve been on the fence about picking one up, Amazon’s Prime Day week sale makes the Google TV Streamer an absolute steal.
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A week on from Google’s biggest update of the year so far, we have results on whether your performance has improved after updating a Pixel to Android 17 – here’s what you need to know.
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By far and away my most used Google product of the past decade is the Chromecast with Google TV, closely followed by the TV Streamer, but I’d love a proper, smaller version.
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Whenever you install a massive new platform update on your phone, there are bound to be both intended and unintended consequences. One of the most critical factors is always longevity, which has us asking: Have you noticed your Pixel’s battery life improve with Android 17?
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Although hinted at almost two months ago, it seems that Google Meet is now truly rolling out for Android Auto.
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With Android 17 now rolling out to eligible Pixel devices, we’re wondering if you are seeing a noticeable change in your device’s speed. Specifically, how is the Android 17 performance with your Pixel, and are you experiencing a better device across the board now?
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After a limited launch in the US, the Samsung Galaxy XR is now officially coming to the UK, with pre-orders opening today.
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