After a series of developer-facing early previews, the public-facing Android 14 Beta 1 update is now available to a small pool of eligible Google Pixel handsets.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 14 Beta 1 hands-on: Top new features [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 Twitter, 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.
Celebrate Android 14 with 9to5Google space-inspired merch
To celebrate the launch of the Android 14 Beta, say hello to our very own mascot! “Astrodroid” is blasting off into uncharted territories to help uncover all things Android 14 – and you can grab your own 9to5Google merch to come along for the ride.
Expand Expanding CloseWhatsApp companion mode now rolling out to all beta users
After months of teasing, and then testing with a limited pool of users, the dedicated “companion mode” for WhatsApp is now rolling out for all beta users on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseXiaomi 13 Ultra renders showcase huge circular camera bump, curved screen, more
Renders of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra have been shared, giving us a look at what could be one of the year’s biggest flagships.
Expand Expanding Close15 of our favorite Google easter eggs [Video]
Since the very birth of the internet, easter eggs have been at the heart of our everyday experience, and Google has been a prominent cultivator of secrets and hidden extras. There are hundreds of easter eggs in Google products and services, but here are a few of our favorites in Search.
Expand Expanding CloseXiaomi 13 Ultra set for global launch in April
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is set to launch in late April in global markets after the Chinese manufacturer and camera partner Leica confirmed it is coming soon.
Expand Expanding CloseMagisk v26.0 arrives w/ Android 14 support prep, removes Android Lollipop compatibility
Magisk v26.0 has now been released with a number of tweaks to ensure that those wanting root access will have compatibility with their devices and preps support for the upcoming Android 14 update.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 7a rumors: Everything we currently know about the mid-ranger [Video]
With a growing history of impressive mid-rangers, Google’s next such handset is due any time soon. Leaks and rumors give us a good picture of what to expect from the Pixel 7a. Here is everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding Close
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 launch w/ ANC, Google Fast Pair, more
Alongside the brand-new Nord CE 3 Lite, OnePlus has officially unveiled the Nords Buds 2 true wireless earbuds.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite goes official w/ Snapdragon 695, 108MP camera, more
OnePlus has officially launched the Nord CE 3 Lite as yet another device tackling the mid-range market and coming with some impressive hardware specifications.
Expand Expanding Close
WhatsApp testing biometric locking ability for individual chats
It’s often amazing that as one of the world’s biggest messaging platforms, WhatsApp lacks several functions that are found in rival services like Telegram and Signal. It seems that WhatsApp is testing biometric locking for individual chats in the latest beta.
Expand Expanding CloseXGIMI launches Android TV-powered MoGo 2 series portable projectors starting at $399
XGIMI has officially unveiled a slew of new MoGo 2 series portable projectors powered by Android TV and starting at $399.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat is next for Google Tensor? [Video]
After two generations of the internally developed Tensor processor, just where does Google go from here? Let’s examine just what we would like to see and what this might mean for the wider smartphone space.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung Galaxy S23 series now receiving substantial camera update
The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is very impressive, but it’s about to get some much-needed camera tweaks with a new update rolling out right now.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple devices simultaneously [Video]
WhatsApp may be the most popular third-party messaging platform on mobile after Facebook Messenger, but using it on multiple devices is not as simple as it should be. Here’s how to use WhatsApp on two phones at the same time.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Phone (2) model number revealed in Indian certification listing
While we have yet to learn of an official launch timeframe, the Nothing Phone (2) could be closer than expected after the device model number was revealed in an Indian Bureau of Standards (BIS) certification listing.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle appears to be testing multi-device app sync on the Play Store
Managing apps across multiple Android phones and tablets can be a frustration, so it might be great to hear that Google appears to be testing a multi-device app sync option on the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy M54 quietly launches in selected regions w/ 108MP camera, 6,000mAh battery, more
After launching the recent Galaxy A34 and A54 series, Samsung has dropped another mid-ranger as the Galaxy M54 is now available in selected global regions.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Ear (2) launch at $149 w/ ANC, Google Fast Pair, audio improvements, more
Almost 18 months after the introduction of the first-generation wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the second-generation Nothing Ear (2) have been officially unveiled.
Expand Expanding CloseLineage OS 20 review: A new lease of life for your old device [Video]
With smartphone prices constantly increasing year-over-year, you might want to make your current phone last a little longer before contemplating an upgrade. When long-term support for your handset ends, the next best thing is a custom ROM. One of the most prominent is Lineage OS 20. Here’s how it runs, what’s new, and if you should flash it on your phone.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps Immersive View finally appears to be rolling out
After being announced almost a year ago back at I/O 2022, Google Maps “Immersive View” finally appears to be rolling out more widely.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music begins rolling out song and album credits
YouTube Music is now adding a long overdue function with the ability to check song and album credits when listening to your favorite music.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy A34 5G launches in selected global regions for £349
Alongside the Galaxy A54 5G, Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy A34 5G in a limited selection of global regions.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy A34 vs. Galaxy A54: Bigger packages, greater variation [Video]
Samsung’s latest mid-ranger A-series smartphones certainly pack a punch, but unlike years prior, the Galaxy A34 and A54 have more differences than ever before. Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding Close