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.
Samsung has really upped their update game in recent months, with the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Android Pie update actually rolling out to some European users right on the proposed schedule.
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A flurry of leaks of the mid-range Motorola P40 have allegedly uncovered a great deal about the successor to the Chinese-exclusive Motorola P30. The Motorola P40 looks set to be the first device from the Lenovo-owned brand to feature a punch-hole notch in the upper left corner of the display, which looks set to differentiate it from the upcoming Motorola G7.
There have been four iterations of the Android Pie beta program for the Galaxy Note 9. With the Galaxy S9 also getting plenty of time with the brand new One UI, the probability of the Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S8 getting a beta program of their own has grown significantly thanks to some test build information.
There are literally hundreds of thousands of apps to choose from the Google Play Store, the issue is that most of these are downright terrible. For that reason, we’ve collated a few core apps that you need to really kickstart your 2019. Some you might already have or heard of and with good reason, many are near the top of the download charts because of just how good they are. But even with that said, there are bound to be some that you may never have even considered.
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The latest Oxygen OS OTAs are rolling out for the OnePlus 5, OnePlus 5T and OnePlus 6. Oxygen OS 9.0.3 for the OnePlus 6 includes a host of performance improvements including camera fixes and a new Bluetooth equalizer.
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Once a faucet starts to leak, often times that tap is going to keep on leaking. That’s exactly what happens with almost every major smartphone launch, including the Samsung Galaxy S10.
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LG has had a tough time over the past couple of years, even despite releasing a few quality handsets and some very impressive hardware — at least on paper. That said, the LG G7 ThinQ might have flown under the radar for most out there, but is set to get its taste of Android Pie tomorrow.
Updates for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Android Pie beta are coming thick and fast. We’ve already seen the device get a few updates already, but now for users in India, Germany and South Korea, a fourth update is steadily rolling out with the rest of the world getting the update very soon.
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The latest flagship from HMD Global, the Nokia 9 PureView, with its odd trypophobia-inducing rear camera array has leaked yet again, this time in press renders. These renders showcase the rear and drop a massive hint that the Nokia 9 PureView will also include an in-display fingerprint reader.
Hopefully, you’re enjoying your brand new Pixel 3, had one for a while or are thinking that you might get one soon, for that reason we’ve compiled a few of our best tips and tricks for any potential Pixel 3 user out there.
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Hot on the heels of the Oxygen OS Open Beta 1 comes the Oxygen OS Open Beta 2 for the OnePlus 6T, whilst the Oxygen OS Open Beta 10 is heading to OnePlus 6. Both update packages bring with them a slew of system improvements, updates and UI tweaks with a focus on the display and color.
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The Google Home Hub is one of the best Smart Display options on the market, albeit there are very few options. It might not have a camera, however, oddly, makes it one of the best options available especially as you have fewer privacy concerns.
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After the Pocophone F1 nearly came out on top in a blind social media camera shootout in a video by YouTuber Marques Brownlee (aka MKBHD), we thought it might be worth comparing the budget flagship against the superb Google Pixel 3 XL to see if our actual perception of the Google camera was really pixel perfect.
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The OnePlus 6T shipped with Android Pie but even so, that hasn’t stopped OnePlus from announcing the Open Beta program launching for the device. Oxygen OS Open Beta 1 is now officially available and can be downloaded right now.
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Back in October, Google Photos introduced the new Live Albums feature that would identify people and pets and automatically create photo and video albums with a 10,000 photo and video limit. That has now been doubled to 20,000 thanks to a Live Albums update.
It really wasn’t all too long ago that OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T users finally got a taste of Android Pie via the beta program. Both devices though should be getting a new update that adds the December security patch alongside a few bug fixes and stability improvements.
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The Pocophone F1 is clearly Xiaomi’s way of hacking the budget market with a device that packs in high-end specs and an experience that matches (and in some cases betters) their own Xiaomi Mi flagship lineup.
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The TicWatch C2 from Mobvoi is yet another solid smart wearable from the brand, who are really carving out a name for themselves as one of the best smartwatch makers on the market. That said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows and the Ticwatch C2 isn’t a massive leap over other smartwatches a) on the market, and b) in the TicWatch line-up.
Google has announced a huge $1 billion investment to set up a brand new Hudson Square campus in New York. In an official post, there was confirmation that this 1.7 million-square-foot campus will be occupied by 2020.
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It’s nice to get a bargain on a phone case, especially when your device costs upwards of $500. Although it’s equally nice to have a premium case keeping your pristine Pixel safe and sound.
If you’re enrolled in the Gboard beta, then with the release of version 7.8.8 you’ll see some brand new light and dark gradient themes rolling out over the next few days.
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The Honor Play, simply put, is a cheap gaming-focused smartphone that looks good and comes in at under $300. Beyond that, it packs in some serious specs and performs superbly for the entry cost. Honor has a good record with making good quality, affordable devices and, to be honest, the Honor Play is no different.
At a launch event live from the home of Formula One and supercar manufacturer McLaren, OnePlus has officially unveiled the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition with all of our previous leaks being confirmed including the 30W Warp Charge brick.
In a blog post today, Google announced that Google Maps can now show you the location of Lime battery-powered scooters. The electric scooters are available to rent in 13 US cities: Austin, Baltimore, Dallas, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland, San Antonio, San Jose, Scottsdale and Seattle.
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