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.
Samsung currently holds a commanding position in the Android market, but that complacency could and, in some ways, should threaten its long-term dominance.
Expand Expanding Close
Digital minimalists rejoice as the brand new Light Phone 3 is here, but temper those expectations slightly as the price might put you off.
Expand Expanding Close
Given Apple’s growing problems with integrating Apple Intelligence into the iPhone lineup, there has never been a better time to switch to Android—here’s why.
Expand Expanding Close
The new Backbone One Xbox Edition controller has officially launched and is designed to make streaming Xbox Game Pass titles on your Android phone even easier.
Expand Expanding Close
After no updates since November 2024, the March 2025 patch brought with it a sizable Wear OS 5.1 update to Pixel Watch hardware. However, it appears that the Wear OS 5.1 update has a few bugs in tow.
Expand Expanding Close
The recent Android 16 Beta 3 (and Beta 3.1) release updates a feature limited to the Pixel 9 and allows all devices from the Pixel 6 and newer to use fingerprint unlock while the screen is off.
Expand Expanding Close
Of all the OEMs making Android phones, OnePlus has been completely reinvigorated over the past couple of years, both as a brand and as a choice for buyers.
Expand Expanding Close
The Google Pixel 9a has now officially launched in 32 countries across the globe – making this the most widely available A-series phone ever.
Expand Expanding Close
It seems that Amazon is outdoing the substantial $200 discounts offered on the Google Store these past few days, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a steal as it’s down to an astounding $699 right now.
Expand Expanding Close
We know that YouTube is becoming a new home for podcasts, but to help expand, the dedicated Android TV apps dedicated “Podcasts” sidebar tab is now rolling out widely.
Expand Expanding Close
Openvibe 1.9 is now rolling out to Android and iOS devices. It includes one of the most requested features — timeline position saving — plus a number of other quality-of-life improvements.
Expand Expanding Close
It’s hard to believe the Pixel Watch 3 has been on the market for six months. Time flies, and after extensive daily use, it’s time to reflect on how this smartwatch has held up. Let’s dive into the features, build quality, fitness tracking, and overall experience.
Expand Expanding Close
The BBC iPlayer app is now officially available on Google TV Streamer, almost six months after the launch of the Android-powered streaming device.
Expand Expanding Close
Android 16—oh, what can we say about Android 16? It’s shunted forward; it hasn’t offered anything major in the preview phase, but what does this mean, when could it drop, and why is it important? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding Close
Thanks to lots of information being drip-fed over the past few months, we have a fairly good summation of what to expect from the Google Pixel 9a, but here’s why you should wait for it to arrive before picking up a new phone.
Expand Expanding Close
Two of the most potent phones on the market are the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the new Galaxy S25 Ultra. As the likely two best-selling premium flagship phones throughout most of 2025, how do they compare?
Expand Expanding Close
Introduced a few months ago, the AI dubbing function is one of the few excellent uses of the technology to try and open videos to a wider global audience. To help with that YouTube on Android TV now has a “Dubbed” tag to help you see which videos have been translated using AI.
Expand Expanding Close
There isn’t much we don’t know about the Pixel 9a, but over the past couple of days, a few more leaks—including a hands-on video—have showcased just what the hardware will look like when it launches. The downside is that the Pixel 9a looks a lot cheaper than its predecessors.
Expand Expanding Close
We all use our smartphones daily, but are we truly maximizing their capabilities? The Google Pixel lineup has a number of functions, features, and exclusive options that you might be overlooking – so here are some of our favorites.
Expand Expanding Close
The smallest phone in the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup is one of the weirdest. It has lots to like and some things to loathe, but it’s doing so with very little new. Does that make it a bad buy? Well, maybe.
Expand Expanding Close
After months of testing and a public beta, Foto, the chronological feed-focused photography app that aims to rival Instagram, is now officially available on Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding Close
The Honor Magic 7 Pro is an elite package with some minor issues that make it not quite as easy to recommend to everyone, but there is a new kid on the block. The Porsche Design Honor Magic 7 RSR—does this rev up our engines? Well, somewhat surprisingly so.
Expand Expanding Close
Fledgling smartphone company Tecno has unveiled its own unique take on the Google Pixel “Real Tone” function to help its devices produce more color-accurate skin tones for all users.
Expand Expanding Close
The OnePlus 13 was the first “big” Android phone out of the blocks for 2025, but now it has a challenger in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Which is the best of the bunch, though? Here’s what you need to know.
Expand Expanding Close