While the Pixel 4 is a solid device let down by some glaring errors, it is still a great smartphone that seems to have a bit of an issue with many third-party USB cables.
It appears that the Pixel 4 refuses to work with some USB cables
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.
Google Maps adds search options for electric car charging stations by plug type
Google Maps is now adding the ability to search for electric charging station connector types — making the process of topping up your vehicle that bit easier.
Dark mode scheduling might be available in upcoming Android 11 build
One of the best new additions in Android 10 is undoubtedly the system-wide dark mode. With more apps now supporting the system, it’s still a shame that dark mode scheduling isn’t yet available officially in Android.
[Update: Back again in UK] YouTube Premium subscribers can get a free Google Home Mini in some regions
If you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber, it may be worthwhile checking the app right now to see if you have a free Google Home Mini gift waiting for you to claim.
[Update: Stable rollout begins] Samsung Galaxy Note Android 10 rollout begins for beta testers, starting w/ Germany
For those of you lucky enough to own the superb Samsung Galaxy Note 10 you’ll be pleased to hear that the stable Android 10 rollout has now begun in Europe — with Germany first in line.
OnePlus seeks testers for OnePlus 7T series closed beta but only has 250 slots
While the Open Beta path is a very popular way for just about anyone to get a taste of upcoming OxygenOS features ahead of stable releases. OnePlus also offers a closed beta for its devices — which now includes the OnePlus 7T and 7T Pro.
OxygenOS 10.0.7 now rolling out to OnePlus 7T w/ November patch, camera boosts
OxygenOS 10.0.7 is now rolling out for the superb OnePlus 7T with the November 2019 security patch and a slew of other software enhancements and stability improvements.
Google Pixel 3a re-review: Still the best of Google in a budget package [Video]
When the Pixel 3a was leaked — multiple times — it seemed like a weird device a little out of place with what Google has been trying to do over the past few years within the premium flagship space.
9to5Google Daily 357: RCS has fully rolled out in the US with Google Messages
Listen to a recap of all the top 9to5Google stories of the day. 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 Android 10 beta for Galaxy S9 and Note 9 adds Google Biometric API support
While we’ve seen the removal of the iris scanner from the 2019 Samsung flagships, the most recent Android 10 beta for the Galaxy S9 and Note 9 has added support for Google’s new Biometric API.
DxOMark ranks the Google Pixel 4 in top 5 smartphones for audio w/ 68 score
While DxOMark is better known for ranking smartphone cameras on the photo-taking credentials, they have recently added audio rankings to their listings — with the Google Pixel 4 placing in the top 5.
Google Podcasts gains a personalized episode recommendations tab
While Google Podcasts isn’t the outright best podcast player, it has slowly but steadily improved into a great option. However, it has lacked a few core features until now like episode recommendations.
Are you happy to pay over $1000 for an Android smartphone? [Poll]
A recent report suggests that less than 10% of Americans are actually going out and spending over $1000 on a smartphone — be that Apple or any Android phone.
Nokia 2.2 review: An ultra-basic but quite impressive Android One phone [Video]
HMD Global has been particularly aggressive within the budget segment in 2019 — the Nokia 2.2 is one such affordable smartphone aimed at the low-end and emerging markets.
9to5Google Daily 356: A Google Phone bug is causing dialer issues during calls for some users
Listen to a recap of all the top 9to5Google stories of the day. 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.
Oppo Find X2 could be first to launch with Snapdragon 865 chip in early 2020
Off the back of the Oppo Inno Day 2019, more information has been drip-fed from the firm to the global media in attendance. Notably, the potential early 2020 release of the Oppo Find X2 — the follow-up to one of the very first sliding smartphones.
Report: Less than 10% of Americans are actually buying $1000+ smartphones
According to a new report, less than 10% of Americans are actually spending $1000 or more on a smartphone.
9to5Google Daily 355: Automatic Call Screen coming to all Pixels soon
Listen to a recap of all the top 9to5Google stories of the day. 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 Galaxy S9 and Note 9 Android 10 beta is now open for US unlocked devices
After a short wait, the Android 10 beta for the Galaxy S9, S9+, and Galaxy Note 9 is now open in the US for those with unlocked handsets.
Oppo showcases impressive notch-killing under-display camera tech
Having shown off a notch-free front-facing camera earlier this year, Oppo has gone one step further, by giving us a glimpse of truly under-display camera prototype on an essentially bezel-less device.
OxygenOS 10.0.3 is rolling out now for the OnePlus 7/7 Pro w/ November patch
The latest stable incremental update is now rolling out for the OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro in the form of OxygenOS 10.0.3.
[Update: US pre-orders open] The Moto 360 is being re-released for 2019 w/ new internals, familiar design
Motorola has announced a brand new up-to-date model of the original Moto 360 smartwatch.
Huawei FreeBuds 3 review: Decent sound paired with a familiar design [Video]
Huawei has decided to take on the AirPods much more directly with the FreeBuds 3, the companies own take on completely wireless earbuds but with some pretty notable enhancements.
9to5Google Daily 354: RCS is rolling out to more Android phones right now
Listen to a recap of all the top 9to5Google stories of the day. 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.