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.
The early Made by Google event felt like a play to get ahead of the fruit company. Now that the iPhone 16 series has been unveiled — to less than usual fanfare — it proves that Google was right to bring forward the Pixel 9 launch, but let’s delve into the ‘why.’
If you can stomach the $1800 asking price for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, is it worth that extra cash over the Pixel 9 Pro XL? Here’s everything you need to know.
A growing number of AT&T subscribers are encountering issues and a lack of 5G connectivity when using their Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices with the US-based network.
Renders of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have now been shared, giving a glimpse of the upcoming flagship Android phone – with some minimal changes to the recipe.
After a protracted wait and numerous delays, the One UI 6.1.1 update is now beginning to rollout in the US, Europe, and India for Galaxy S24 units in each region.
The Opera browser for Android now has the ability to understand image context after the function was initially unveiled for desktop versions of the application.
Setting out early can be a risky move, but Google’s out-of-sync launch thrusts the Pixel 9 Pro XL into the spotlight ahead of Apple. Here’s what it’s like to live with.
So, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the first Google phone to get above 30W charging when using the official 45W charger. The results are more interesting than you might have expected.
If your cell plan has ended and you’re considering an upgrade, is it worth switching from the Pixel 7 Pro to the Pixel 9 Pro? Here’s everything you need to know.
With brand-new phones come brand-new accessories. Is getting an official Pixel 9 case going to mean pixel-perfect, and do these first-party accessories make financial sense?
Blackmagic Camera 1.2 is now available for Android devices. It includes a number of fixes and support for the recently released Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL.
We’re still collecting thoughts after the Pixel 9 launch, but a new leak of supposed Pixel 9a images gives us an idea of what the new A-series devices could offer.
With the Pixel 9 series only just starting to ship, the privacy-conscious user will be pleased to hear that GrapheneOS already officially supports the latest Google hardware.
There is a divergence in the Made by Google smartphone series. We have two small phones that are identical in size and shape but offer different power outputs. Here’s how the Pixel 9 compares to the Pixel 9 Pro.
Around a year ago, Google quietly changed how credits are paid to One subscribers when purchasing on the Google Store. This means you’ll get instant access to any accrued store credits as soon as your order ships.
As Pixel 9 pre-orders begin arriving at your door, the unboxing experience isn’t what it once was. Since 2021, Google has ditched the charger, skipped the extras, and now even the plastic has been omitted—here’s what comes in the Pixel 9 box.
Author
Damien Wilde
damienwildeytDamien 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.
Connect with Damien Wilde
Comment: Google played their Pixel 9 hand early and it was a great decision
The early Made by Google event felt like a play to get ahead of the fruit company. Now that the iPhone 16 series has been unveiled — to less than usual fanfare — it proves that Google was right to bring forward the Pixel 9 launch, but let’s delve into the ‘why.’
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Is the added price worth it? [Video]
If you can stomach the $1800 asking price for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, is it worth that extra cash over the Pixel 9 Pro XL? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro Fold owners encounter issues using 5G on AT&T
A growing number of AT&T subscribers are encountering issues and a lack of 5G connectivity when using their Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices with the US-based network.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy S25 Ultra renders show fully flat sides, smaller dimensions
Renders of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have now been shared, giving a glimpse of the upcoming flagship Android phone – with some minimal changes to the recipe.
Expand Expanding CloseLineageOS 21 support comes to Galaxy A71, OnePlus Nord N10, Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro, more
LineageOS 21 is now available for several devices, including the Samsung Galaxy A71, OnePlus Nord N10, and Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseOne UI 6.1.1 on Galaxy S24 begins rolling out in US, Europe, and India
After a protracted wait and numerous delays, the One UI 6.1.1 update is now beginning to rollout in the US, Europe, and India for Galaxy S24 units in each region.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Battle of the big hitters [Video]
While the jury is out on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best phones on the market—how do they stack up?
Expand Expanding CloseOpera for Android is now able to understand image context with AI
The Opera browser for Android now has the ability to understand image context after the function was initially unveiled for desktop versions of the application.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro XL review: Brilliance behind the AI [Video]
Setting out early can be a risky move, but Google’s out-of-sync launch thrusts the Pixel 9 Pro XL into the spotlight ahead of Apple. Here’s what it’s like to live with.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Opinion Rewards acquires 100 million Play Store downloads
The Google Play Credit caching Opinion Rewards has now finally acquired 100 million downloads on the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle 45W charger tested: Not quite Watt it’s cracked up to be [Video]
So, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the first Google phone to get above 30W charging when using the official 45W charger. The results are more interesting than you might have expected.
Expand Expanding CloseUpgrade paths: Pixel 7 Pro vs. 9 Pro – big leap or small improvements? [Video]
If your cell plan has ended and you’re considering an upgrade, is it worth switching from the Pixel 7 Pro to the Pixel 9 Pro? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseBoox Go 6 Android-powered e-reader launches for $150
Following the impressive Go Color 7, Onyx has launched the Boox Go 6 Android-powered e-reader at an enticing entry price point.
Expand Expanding CloseHands-on with every official Pixel 9 series case: Worth the money? [Video]
With brand-new phones come brand-new accessories. Is getting an official Pixel 9 case going to mean pixel-perfect, and do these first-party accessories make financial sense?
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube mobile adds share sheet timestamp toggle for easier clip sharing
The latest change to YouTube mobile includes an easier way to share a specific timestamp or clip from a video via the in-app share sheet.
Expand Expanding CloseBlackmagic Camera 1.2 adds support for Pixel 9 series, and more
Blackmagic Camera 1.2 is now available for Android devices. It includes a number of fixes and support for the recently released Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL.
Expand Expanding CloseSupposed Pixel 9a images leak hinting at removed camera bar, boxy design
We’re still collecting thoughts after the Pixel 9 launch, but a new leak of supposed Pixel 9a images gives us an idea of what the new A-series devices could offer.
Expand Expanding CloseGrapheneOS now officially supports Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL
With the Pixel 9 series only just starting to ship, the privacy-conscious user will be pleased to hear that GrapheneOS already officially supports the latest Google hardware.
Expand Expanding CloseArc Search browser officially coming to Android
Although a niche browser on iOS and recently Windows, Arc Search is officially coming to Android.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Smaller, smarter, similar [Video]
There is a divergence in the Made by Google smartphone series. We have two small phones that are identical in size and shape but offer different power outputs. Here’s how the Pixel 9 compares to the Pixel 9 Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseReminder: Google Store credits for One subscribers are now immediate
Around a year ago, Google quietly changed how credits are paid to One subscribers when purchasing on the Google Store. This means you’ll get instant access to any accrued store credits as soon as your order ships.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9/9 Pro: A new, plastic-free, eco-friendly unboxing experience [Video]
As Pixel 9 pre-orders begin arriving at your door, the unboxing experience isn’t what it once was. Since 2021, Google has ditched the charger, skipped the extras, and now even the plastic has been omitted—here’s what comes in the Pixel 9 box.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus Buds Pro 3 launch with redesigned case, Bluetooth 5.4, $180 price
After teasers and snippets, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 has officially launched as a follow-up to one of last year’s best Bluetooth accessories.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Camera 9.5 adds manual Astrophotography mode controls
The latest Google Camera 9.5 update is rolling out now, and it even includes manual controls for the Astrophotography mode on Pixel.
Expand Expanding Close