[Update: Rolling out] Latest WhatsApp beta hints at upcoming advanced search features
The latest WhatsApp for Android beta has hinted at a revamp of the search option within the cross-platform messaging app.
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.
OxygenOS 10.0.12/10.3.4 rolls out for OnePlus 7T w/ July patch, Buds support, more clock styles
The OxygenOS 10.0.12 and 10.3.4 updates are now rolling out for the OnePlus 7T and 7T Pro, riding in on the coattails of the similar patch received recently by the OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Confirmed + designs] Pete Lau drops major hint that OnePlus always-on display coming in OxygenOS 11
OnePlus devices have been sorely lacking the always-on display feature for a long time now but as we heard earlier this year, the feature is set to come to a future build of OxygenOS.
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[Update: ROG Phone 2] LineageOS 17.1 adds support for the original Google Pixel, Pixel XL, and Nexus 6
After recently seeing LineageOS 17.1 officially get announced, those with the original Google Pixel or the Nexus 6 can now get their fix of the third-party ROM based upon Android 10.
9to5Google Daily 495: Nearby Share now available for Android, Wear OS weather tile gets redesign, plus more
Listen to a short-form recap or roundup of all the top 9to5Google stories of the previous 24 hours. 9to5Google Daily is available on Google Play, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players.
Tasker now lets you double-tap the back of your device to activate events
Earlier this year we found evidence of a new trigger action in Android 11 going by the codename “Columbus,” but it looks like now third-party apps like Tasker are implementing their own interpretations of the double-tap gesture.
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TeamViewer QuickSupport now lets you fully control your Android device remotely
TeamViewer is one of the most popular remote desktop support solutions on the market but thanks to a new Universal Add-on for the QuickSupport Android app, you can fully control your Android device remotely.
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OxygenOS 10.0.7/10.3.4 rolls out for OnePlus 7/7 Pro w/ July patch, OnePlus Buds support, more
The OxygenOS 10.0.7 and 10.3.4 updates are now rolling out for the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro, with the packages containing a number of fixes alongside the July 2020 security patch.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to watch the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 livestream [Video]
Thanks to leaks and tidbits, we know a fair bit about the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and friends ahead of the launch livestream unveiling later today.
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[Update: US Galaxy S20] August 2020 security patch rolling out for the Galaxy S10
Right on the very precipice of July to August, the Samsung Galaxy S10 is now already getting the August 2020 security patch.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Now in US for $399] Motorola One Fusion Plus goes official w/ pop-up camera, 5,000mAh battery, €299 price tag
Motorola has officially announced the One Fusion Plus, an affordable Android smartphone that comes with some notable surprises for just €299.
9to5Google Daily 494: Google+ class action lawsuit settlements head out, Stadia controllers work on Android TV, plus more
Listen to a short-form recap or roundup of all the top 9to5Google stories of the previous 24 hours. 9to5Google Daily is available on Google Play, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players.
OnePlus Buds review: Affordable OnePlus-only wireless earbuds [Video]
In the world of wireless audio, there is still a heavy reliance on the work Apple has previously done with the tried-and-tested AirPods. While the design is derivative of the AirPods, the OnePlus Buds are about the closest experience thus far on the Android side of things.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos regains skip and rewind toggles for video playback
Google Photos is regaining two pretty important toggles for skipping and rewinding playback when enjoying your video content.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Colors] Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 press renders and Tab S7+ live images leak
Ahead of the late 2020 Unpacked event, yet more information and details have been leaking on the internet. The latest are renders of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, while the Tab S7+ has cropped up in live images.
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[Update: Official] WhatsApp tests in-app browser and reverse image search to help stop fake news from spreading
The Facebook-owned WhatsApp has seen a slew of new features tested in a bid to help prevent the spread of fake news. Now a couple of new features including an in-app browser and reverse image search are being tested to help even further (via WABetaInfo).
[Update: Mate 40 Pro] Mate 40 renders leak, showcasing massive rear camera setup, more
The first renders of the upcoming Huawei Mate 40 have now leaked and showcase an absolutely massive rear camera setup, plus some notable changes over last year’s Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: More videos] Galaxy Watch 3 hands-on video confirms specs, hardware and software additions
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 has now leaked in a hands-on video showcasing the updated design and confirms the internals plus several new hardware and software additions.
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9to5Google Daily 493: Pixel 4a now available for $349, Pixel 5/4a 5G get teasers, plus more
Listen to a short-form recap or roundup of all the top 9to5Google stories of the previous 24 hours. 9to5Google Daily is available on Google Play, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players.
Live Captions for calls coming to all Pixel devices w/ 4a launch
While the Google Pixel 4a is the headline star, there are some more notable software additions that have also come to the fore — the latest being Live Captions in audio and video calls for Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle partners with ADT for smart home security tech in $450 million deal
Google has today announced a “strategic” partnership with security firm ADT to help improve smart home security tech in a deal worth $450 million.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Full shutdown in 2021] Microsoft’s Cortana for Android, iOS to be killed in select regions in January
Microsoft is set to kill off its Halo-inspired voice assistant Cortana on Android and iOS from January 2020 in select regions.
[Update: 360-degree video] More Pixel 4a press renders leak ahead of launch w/ $349 price, specs confirmed
The Pixel 4a has been highly anticipated, delayed, and teased but yet more press renders and confirmed specifications have leaked ahead of the August 3 launch.
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9to5Google Daily 492: Google Pixel 4a coming August 3, Google One adds free phone backups, plus more
Listen to a short-form recap or roundup of all the top 9to5Google stories of the previous 24 hours. 9to5Google Daily is available on Google Play, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players.