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 OnePlus 7 Pro may only just have been announced, but the flagship device is shipping with a day one software update waiting once you get the device right out of the box.
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For those looking for an ‘affordable flagship’, look no further than the OnePlus 7. The device was officially unveiled alongside its bigger brother — the OnePlus 7 Pro — at a London launch event today.
There were times during the inception of OnePlus that a device like the OnePlus 7 Pro looked like it was simply a pipedream. Even despite an ever-growing market share and ravenous set of fans, OnePlus has continued with their ‘Never Settle’ motto, which has led us to their apex — the OnePlus 7 Pro.
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The OnePlus 7 Pro 5G has now gone official becoming the first device from OnePlus to include 5G connectivity but a firm release date is not yet known.
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During the OnePlus 7 Pro keynote, there was also time to announce an updated pair of Bullets Wireless Bluetooth earbuds — aptly named OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2.
The OnePlus 7 Pro has now gone official at the London launch event. The ultra-premium handset arguably boasts one the most impressive spec sheets of any 2019 flagship device so far.
A recent exploit discovered within WhatsApp messenger has found that hackers could install surveillance software remotely on devices running the non-patched app.
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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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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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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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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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is now rolling out to all Pixel smartphones after being announced at I/O 2019.