A decade of Pixel, it’s only in the last few years that we have seen Google settle into a rhythm with smartphones. It hasn’t been smooth sailing, though.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel at 10: Successes, failures, and fun along the way [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.
Pixel 11 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro: Copy-copy-paste or just copy-paste [Video]
There’s a new phone in town, and like the Pixel 11 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro looks eerily similar to what we saw last year. What can we glean from this duo? Here’s what you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat has been the best Google Pixel to date? [Poll]
On 4 October 2016, Google introduced the original Pixel and Pixel XL, marking a major pivot away from the developer-focused Nexus line and ushering in what is now a decade of “Made by Google” hardware – but which is best and why?
Expand Expanding CloseForget the Fitbit Air Active bands, these cheap alternatives are way better
I’ve been on a tear recently trying to find some of the best Fitbit Air accessories and bands. It has been one heck of a process, but I think I’ve found another affordable gem that’s better than the official Fitbit Air Active bands.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Googlebook has an opportunity to build Android like nothing else [Video]
Despite having effectively zero market share right now, there is an opportunity for Googlebook to do something that basically nobody else could do, but can they do it?
Expand Expanding CloseWhat I learned after 30 days with the Pixel 11 [Video]
It has been almost 30 days since Google officially launched the Pixel 11 lineup, and the 11 might be the most sensible device of the bunch. Here’s what I have learned, having used it for the full month post-launch.
Expand Expanding CloseGooglebook hands-on: What makes a laptop, a laptop? [Video]
After a protracted wait, the first wave of Googlebooks is now official. Having spent a brief period testing, here’s what it’s like to use one.
Expand Expanding CloseOut of Pocket: Detailing our everyday carry
I love building a “kit,” a “pack,” a bag with enough stuff in it to make sure I am ready for every eventuality. I’m not talking about a survival kit per se, just some things that mean I am basically ready for any modern situation.
Expand Expanding CloseEvery single new feature in Android 17 QPR1 [Video]
Get ready, Android 17 QPR1 is now available, and it might be a refresh that hardware holdouts hope is going to give them some great new features – here is everything new.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google Pixel is fine and all, but still needs a ‘Ryzen moment’ [Video]
At what stage does “fine” feel like it’s doing heavy lifting for problems that might appear in the future? It’s something talked about around the Tensor chip in Pixel phones, but isn’t it about time we saw real-world performance gains? The truth is, we probably need a Ryzen moment for the Tensor chip.
Expand Expanding CloseAnnoyingly, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the best advert for an iPhone Fold yet
Samsung has beaten Apple to the punch, but I’m annoyed that while it’s, in fact, a fantastic device, it’ll only help bolster the sales of the long-rumored iPhone Fold.
Expand Expanding CloseUpgrade paths: Should Pixel 9 owners upgrade to Pixel 11? [Video]
We’ve seen a lot of people ask if making the jump from the Pixel 9 to a Pixel 11 is even worth it. The answer isn’t totally simple, but we’ll try our best to answer it here.
Expand Expanding CloseThe XGIMI Aura 3 lineup brings Google TV to 4K 120Hz capable short-throw laser projectors
XGIMI has officially unveiled its new ultra-short-throw (UST) projector lineup at IFA 2026 with the debut of the Aura 3 Series, consisting of the AURA 3 Pro and Aura 3 Max.
Expand Expanding ClosePoco F9 Pro and F9 Ultra launch with 185Hz panels, 8 Elite Gen 5 chips, and huge batteries
Xiaomi sub-brand Poco is officially expanding its flagship smartphone line with the launch of the Poco F9 Pro and Poco F9 Ultra.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11 vs. Pixel 11 Pro: More similar than ever before [Video]
More of the same isn’t always a bad thing, but in some cases it could be. Does that ring true with the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro? Find out here.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 10 vs. Pixel 11: Where are the upgrades? [Video]
A year in tech used to bring about big, bold changes. Today, things are iterative, merely refinements, and that has never been more apparent than going from the Pixel 10 to the Pixel 11. Here’s what you need to know.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Pro: Can a re-run contend with a re-do [Video]
How close does the Pixel 11 Pro get to the iPhone 17 Pro? Does Google’s best of 2026 contend with Apple’s best of 2025? Find out here.
Expand Expanding CloseThese cheap Fitbit Air bands are better and cheaper than the official options
After a few months of daily wear with my Fog colored Fitbit Air, I hit a stage where I wanted some alternate accessories and, so, I took a punt on some cheap bands from Amazon, only to be blown away with how good they actually were.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 11 ditches the ‘Powered by Android’ boot logo for Gemini Intelligence
Yes, you read that headline correctly. The Pixel 11 no longer shows the “Powered by Android” boot logo, which has been a staple for a few years now.
Expand Expanding CloseYes, the Pixelsnap magnets on Pixel 11 are stronger this year
Pixelsnap is one of the best things added to Pixel phones in a number of years, but it wasn’t quite a perfect first attempt. Luckily, this year those pesky magnets are a little stronger and more reliable on the Pixel 11 series.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11 Initial Review: This probably could have been a software update [Video]
You can understand a lot about a product from its first couple of hours, and if that is anything to go by, the Pixel 11 feels like an adequate but modest update that is likely only of interest to people wanting a “new” phone.
Expand Expanding CloseLineageOS support finally comes to the Galaxy S22 series
With about 6 months left in the “official” support window, it’s great to see that LineageOS support has finally come to the Samsung Galaxy S22.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle drops the AI Pro to 6 months with Pixel 11 Pro, ditches free plan for base model
With the launch of the Pixel 9, Google offered fairly extensive 12-month free trials of the Google One AI Pro plan, but this is being stripped back with the Pixel 11 series.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11 videography improves with Pro Stable Video, Creator Suite, plus more
The Pixel 11 series has officially been unveiled with a whole suite of new video features for the camera systems and even a few upgrades for some older functions. Here’s everything new and what you need to know.
Expand Expanding Close