The Punkt MC03 is being sold as a catch-all privacy solution for those who want a piece of modern technology without the trappings of Google, but who is this actually for?
Expand Expanding CloseCould this be a de-Googlers dream phone? [Video]
Author
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.
What is happening with the Google Assistant? [Video]
After just over a decade, the Google Assistant is entering end-of-life, but what does that mean for the millions of us who have used it for so long? And what is next for the platform?
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus cutting staff in Europe as it reviews ‘product strategy’ as global shutdown looms
After we recently reported that OnePlus would leave many global markets, it appears that the house of cards is now beginning to collapse, as staff begin to be informed of OnePlus “reviewing its regional roadmap and product strategy,” including apparent layoffs.
Expand Expanding CloseVivo X300 Ultra goes global with insane videography capabilities
After a Chinese launch, the Vivo X300 Ultra is now officially available in global markets with a slew of videography-focused functions baked in.
Expand Expanding CloseThe sad state of the Chromebook space highlights Chrome OS problems [Video]
Chromebooks are in a sorry state, but it highlights a wider problem. Just what is happening with the desktop platform, and what is the future of Chrome OS?
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A renewed 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is a steal at just $110 right now on Amazon
If you’ve been thinking about picking up Google’s latest smartwatch, now is the time to look at the “Renewed” market, as the Wi-Fi version of the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) has dropped to just $110 on Amazon —making it an absolute steal.
Expand Expanding CloseWhatsApp web could soon get almost 50 new themes
WhatsApp web could soon get almost 50 new desktop themes to enhance your cross-platform messaging experience.
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The Google TV Streamer is down to $80 right now on Amazon
The Google TV Streamer 4K is back down to its all-time low price on Amazon, and if you’ve been waiting for a reason to upgrade your living room setup, this is it.
Expand Expanding CloseA renewed Pixel 10 Pro XL is a steal at just $600 right
We may be approaching nine months on from the Pixel 10 launch, but with time comes the best deals. One of those right now makes the Pixel 10 Pro XL a steal at well below the $650 barrier on Amazon.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 10a after one month: More than the sum of its parts [Video]
The Pixel 10a is a month old, but it’s just the Pixel 9a again, right? While that’s a fair assumption, there’s more to this phone than meets the eye.
Expand Expanding CloseDbrand really wants you to ‘Touch Grass’ again this year
The age of terrible tech April Fool’s jokes has all but ended, and while Dbrand has had a few stinkers, the “Touch Grass” skins are one of the few decent things to come out of this lame phenomenon.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Is Samsung falling behind? [Video]
In a year where Apple has switched things up, and Samsung has barely moved an inch, just how does the iPhone 17 Pro Max stack up against the Galaxy S26 Ultra? Is there something Samsung can learn from Cupertino?
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live’s voices don’t sound like they should
As we get new models of Google’s AI, there appears to be a knock-on effect that is drastically changing the experience with Gemini Live and the assistant’s customizable voice options.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 17 Beta 3 finally restores the single tap Wi-Fi toggle
Google has finally decided to restore the ability to quickly enable and disable your Wi-Fi connection with a single tap of the QS toggle in Android 17 Beta 3.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung launches Galaxy A57 and A37 in Europe
After numerous leaks, Samsung has officially refreshed its mid-range lineup with the announcement of the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G devices in Europe – with a US expansion expected later this year.
Expand Expanding CloseSource: OnePlus may shut down in global markets as early as April
It appears that OnePlus is set to pull the plug on and shutting down smartphone operations in global markets as the company focuses heavily on China, and this time, there’s more to it.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 begins rolling out to Fairphone 6
After being announced just a few weeks ago, the Android 16 for the Fairphone 6 is beginning to rollout globally.
Expand Expanding CloseIs the Android we once knew slowly getting eroded? [Video]
Android is in a strange place at the moment; it’s arguably stronger than ever, but feels further away from the platform that launched almost 20 years ago. What changed?
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Fixed] It’s not just you, YouTube Studio is partially down in outage
If you’re trying to access YouTube Studio right now and running into problems, you’re not alone, as a widespread outage appears to be affecting the platform.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy S26 Ultra vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Same phones, different year [Video]
Is the Samsung and, in particular, the Galaxy S26 Ultra still the benchmark for Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL? You know the deal; it’s time to work it out.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube for Android TV now shows Premium family plan members at account switcher
A while back, YouTube for Android TV introduced an account switcher at login or after cold boot, but it is now changing once again by showing any and all family members part of an existing Premium family plan.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch 4 hits lowest price since launch, starting at just $290
Google’s Pixel lineup is synonymous with deep discounts within weeks of launch, but the Pixel Watch 4 has hit its lowest price yet on Amazon, starting at just $290.
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The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is a steal at just $220 right now on Amazon
If you’ve been thinking about picking up Google’s latest smartwatch, maybe now is the time to take a look at its predecessor, as the Wi-Fi version of the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) has dropped to just $219 on Amazon, making it an absolute steal.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps Go gains gradient app icon redesign
Just a few days after the “big” Google Maps received its gradient icon redesign, Google Maps Go has followed suit.
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