OnePlus CEO: Folding smartphones are not ready yet
In an interview with The Verge, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has suggested that foldable smartphones are not quite ready for primetime.
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.
[Update: Mi A3 in mid-Feb] The Android 10 update is now available for the Xiaomi Mi A2
The Android 10 update is now rolling out for the Android One-powered Xiaomi Mi A2 after quite an extended wait.
Some of the best alternative ‘Hey Google’ hotwords for Google Home [Video]
The Google Home and Nest Home devices all activate from the “Hey Google” and “OK Google” commands but they can be a little hit and miss. But did you know that you can activate your Google Assistant with a number of weird and wonderful “Hey Google” alternatives?
9to5Google Daily 372: Android’s answer to AirDrop gets a new name and Android Auto surpasses 100 million downloads
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.
OxygenOS Open Beta 4 now rolling out for OnePlus 6/6T w/ December patch, more
Despite the issues with the recent Android 10 rollout on OnePlus 6 and 6T devices, the OxygenOS Open Beta 4 is now rolling out for those enrolled in the program.
MediaTek launches Helio G70 series chips designed for mid-range gaming phones
MediaTek has officially launched the Helio G70 series processors which are designed to enhance the gaming experience for mid-range devices.
Galaxy S9/S9+ receiving new Android 10 beta update as full release edges closer
With Samsung actually beating their own estimates of when the stable Android 10 release might hit other Galaxy devices, it’s great news that the S9 and S9+ are now receiving another beta update.
Download the leaked Samsung Galaxy S20 wallpapers here [Gallery]
The Samsung Galaxy S20 leaks are starting to ramp up and after the images, we now have the official S20 wallpapers and video wallpapers that you can download and adorn on your device right now…
9to5Google Daily 371: Galaxy S20+ breaks cover as Google urged to tackle Android bloatware head-on
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.
Microsoft Launcher 6.0 is now in public preview, includes refreshed UI and more
Microsoft has released the latest preview of the popular Microsoft Launcher version 6.0 for Android phones and tablets.
Guest Mode disappears on Google Home speakers but hangs around on Chromecast devices
If you ever visit a friend or relative’s house and want to share some tunes, then the Guest Mode for Google Home speakers might be a handy feature. However, it appears that this mode has gone missing.
[Update: US pricing/availability] Samsung quietly launches the Galaxy XCover Pro w/ removable battery, rugged design
Rugged smartphones are few and far between, which is why the very quiet announcement of the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro is one that might have some of you out there very interested.
First hands-on images of the Samsung Galaxy S20+ leak [Gallery]
The first hands-on images of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S20+ have leaked giving us a glimpse of the design we expected to see at the Unpacked launch event on February 11, 2020.
[Update: Rollout appears suspended] Android 10 rolling out for the Sony Xperia XZ2, XZ2 Compact, and XZ2 Premium
Android 10 is now rolling out for a trio of Sony Xperia devices, with the Xperia XZ2, XZ2 Compact, and XZ2 Premium all receiving the full OTA upgrade.
9to5Google Daily 370: Expect more inclusive Google product updates and Maps Timelines are now heading out
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.
Report: Only 1 in 5 Americans actually wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker
According to a new report, it appears that the smartwatch and fitness band revolution is not quite as pronounced as we first thought, with only 1 in 5 Americans choosing to wear one.
[Update: Codename] Report: Samsung’s next foldable ‘Bloom’ gets secret CES showcase
Leaks gave us a glimpse of this new clamshell design but according to a recent report, the next Samsung foldable is set to be called the Samsung “Galaxy Bloom.”
Sony WH-XB900N review: Exceptional Assistant-enabled ANC audio [Video]
Noise-canceling headphones are becoming the go-to accessory for many smartphone owners, and the Sony WH-XB900N headphones might be the best value option for those wanting great audio and the ability to block out the background noise.
9to5Google Daily 369: Spending time at Google’s CES hangout and YouTube Music might eventually let us upload tracks
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.
The Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G officially launches outside of China for the first time
While the Huawei Mate 30 Pro is a fantastic smartphone, it has faced an uphill struggle outside of its Chinese homeland. However, the Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G has now officially launched outside of China for the first time after being introduced in the United Arab Emirates.
Google Play announces 2020 Indie Games Festival for European, Asian developers
Google has officially announced its annual Indie Games Festival for 2020, which aims to highlight developers that have shown technical skill and innovative design in games development.
OxygenOS 9.0.10 rolling out for OnePlus 5/5T w/ December 2019 patch, bug fixes
Despite still waiting for the Android 10 update, the OnePlus 5 and 5T are now receiving the stable OxygenOS 9.0.10 update.
9to5Google Daily 368: Google Project Zero set to wait 90 days before disclosing vulnerabilities, plus hands-on OnePlus Concept One
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.
[Update: Nokia 6.1, 7 Plus too] Android 10 is now rolling out for the Nokia 6.1 Plus
The full Android 10 update is now rolling out for 2018’s Nokia 6.1 Plus after being announced by the official Nokia Twitter account.