WhatsApp exploit allowed targeted surveillance of Android users
A recent exploit discovered within WhatsApp messenger has found that hackers could install surveillance software remotely on devices running the non-patched app.
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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.
Latest Android Q Beta hints at car crash detection mode on Google Pixel devices
We’ve seen Google add a number of Pixel-exclusive features, and now in the latest Android Q Beta 3, there are hints of a potential car crash detection mode.
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Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL review: The Pixel for the rest of us [Video]
For the past few years, Google seems to have tried to chase the sun a little with the Pixel line. That isn’t a bad thing by any stretch as, despite a few stumbles here and there, the Pixel line has become an exceptional Android alternative to the iPhone. Which brings us to the release of the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, a phone targeted at a slightly different subset of the market.
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Google Photos Colorize feature is still in the works, beta ‘coming soon’
Back at I/O 2018, Google teased the seriously impressive Google Photos feature Colorize, which has the ability to add color to black and white photos.
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Android Q Beta 3: Top 7 new features [Video]
We’re halfway through the Android Q Beta phase, and with Beta 3 we’ve had some solid introductions but we’ve unpacked a few of the core additions and features to the latest update.
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Google Play Store will revamp app ratings, adds Suggested Replies, and custom landing pages for devs
One major sore point for developers on the Google Play Store is the way in which the current ‘star rating’ system works. This year at I/O 2019, Google confirmed that there was a serious overhaul to the rating system heading to the Play Store.
[Update: Not for Pixels] Android Q Beta 3: ‘Adaptive Sleep’ keeps your phone awake while you’re looking at it, not live for everyone
We’re still finding neat little features in Android Q Beta 3 as the days roll by and one of those is the new Adaptive sleep mode which is showing for some users, but not all.
Samsung announces new 64-megapixel ISOCELL smartphone camera sensors
The megapixel wars are about to kick off in a big way as Samsung has unveiled a series of new 64-megapixel and 48-megapixel ISOCELL smartphone camera sensors.
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Pending Transactions will allow you to make Google Play Store purchases with cash
While the Google Play Store might be the biggest in terms of downloads, it suffers due to the lack of monetization when compared to Apple’s App Store. Google has announced at I/O 2019 that users will soon be able to make Google Play Store purchases with cash — yes, the physical stuff.
OnePlus seeking beta testers for core OxygenOS Gallery app
A great source of chatter and news, the OnePlus community forums play a crucial role in the OnePlus marketing and development process. This is especially evident when you see that OnePlus is now requesting beta testers for OxygenOS’s in-built Gallery app.
Latest WhatsApp beta for Android prepping animated Sticker Notification Previews
Not long ago we saw WhatsApp beta updates for Android prepping animated stickers akin to those found in Facebook Messenger. In this latest WhatsApp beta update we’re seeing animated Sticker Notification Previews, hinting the feature could roll out with a public release in the future.
Google adds 53 brand new non-binary emoji exclusively to Pixel devices running Android Q
As part of the Android Q update, Google has added a slew of brand new non-binary or gender fluid emoji that can be used right now exclusively on Pixel devices.
Android Q Beta 3: Battery Saver can automatically turn off once your phone charges back up
The Battery Saver mode on Android is great for squeezing out that extra bit of juice when you’re far away from a charger. In the latest Android Q Beta build, the system can now automatically turn off Battery Saver once your phone reaches the 90% threshold.
Alleged Motorola One Vision, Moto E6 leaked renders show off the coming affordable handsets
A series of renders have leaked giving us what could be a much better look at two upcoming affordable Motorola devices in the form of the Motorola One Vision and the Moto E6.
Android Q Beta 3: Pixel users might run into startup issues using OTA updates
We always say that when installing an Android beta update you should proceed with caution, and that most definitely appears to be the case with the Android Q Beta 3 which has a few tiny teething issues.
Live Relay and Live Captions will enhance Android device accessibility options
A main focus point of I/O 2019 was enhanced accessibility options and controls, with Live Relay and Live captions being stand out inclusions that require no internet connection to work.
Digital Wellbeing adds ‘Focus Mode’ to disable distracting apps, enhanced Parental Controls
We spend way too much time on our devices and while Digital Wellbeing does help, the new ‘Focus Mode’ should help eliminate our most distracting mobile apps to help us stay on track.
Google Maps AR walking directions launches today on Google Pixel smartphones
Google Maps AR walking directions is now rolling out to all Pixel smartphones after being announced at I/O 2019.
Google Home Hub rebranded as Nest Hub, now available in 12 new markets starting at $129
The renamed and rebranded Home Hub is now the Google Next Hub with the price now starting at just $129 with availability now increased to a further 12 markets globally alongside support for nine more languages.
Google Assistant support is heading to Waze within the next few weeks
The Google Assistant is heading to Waze within the next few weeks, giving you the ability to control a wide array of aspects of your device while using the driving navigation application.
Google Pixel 3a day one availability in the UK: EE, Carphone Warehouse, Vodafone
The Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL will be available in the UK from day one at EE, the Carphone Warehouse and Vodafone; three of the largest smartphone retailers in the nation.
OnePlus 3/3T second Android Pie beta update rolling out now bringing key bug fixes
The OnePlus 3 and 3T might finally have a full-fat taste of Pie on the horizon as OnePlus is now rolling out the second Android Pie Community beta to devices enrolled in the program.
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OnePlus 6T re-review: 6 months later and still the all-around best value Android device [Video]
We are on the very cusp of the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro launch but this isn’t a review of those devices, instead, we’re going to take a look at the fantastic OnePlus 6T six months after its initial release.
Google confirms ‘Top Shot’ feature not heading to Pixel 2 devices despite users seeing function in Google Photos
One of the best new camera features to come with the Pixel 3 and 3 XL was Top Shot. The feature snaps a ton of pictures and then picks out the very best, least blurry option from a selection. But Google has confirmed to Android Police that Top Shot will not come to older Pixel 2 models.