Made by Google is coming almost two months earlier than the usual cadence, but is it the right decision?
Expand Expanding CloseIs an early Made by Google the right decision? [Poll]
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 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.
Google says Find My Device tracking improvements are coming
While the Find My Device network is still in its infancy and rolling out, improvements are said to be on the way to bolster it.
Expand Expanding CloseEverything you can do in Google Messages [Video]
While third-party messaging applications hold a significant market share, Google Messages, a pre-installed application on Android devices, offers a surprisingly robust suite of functionalities. This guide delves into Google Messages’ capabilities, empowering users to optimize their messaging experience.
Expand Expanding CloseGeForce Now 2.0.64 adds ‘My Favorites’ quick access row
One of the biggest complaints with GeForce Now has been the lack of a “Favorites” quick access panel. Thankfully, GeForce NOW 2.0.64 is adding this highly requested function.
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Download these stunning Material You-friendly Pixel 8 Pro teardown wallpapers
If you’re looking for wallpapers that will complement Material You on your Pixel 8 Pro, you have tons of options. You can use one of the pre-loaded wallpapers on your phone, or you can download a third-party wallpaper pack. However, one of our favorite recent additions to the mix is a series of free internal teardown wallpapers made for the Pixel 8 Pro by SOC Creations.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube for Android TV now receiving ‘stable volume’ feature
After being available on mobile for some time, YouTube’s “stable volume” feature is now expanding to Android TV and Google TV devices.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus Nord CE4 Lite goes official priced at €329
The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is the latest member of the ever-growing affordable Nord series of smartphones.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8a joins the LineageOS 21 build roster
LineageOS 21, based on recent Android 14 builds, is set to officially come to Googe’s latest mid-ranger, the Pixel 8a.
Expand Expanding CloseHow I ditched Google Photos and took my backups back [Video]
In today’s digital age, photos and videos are more than just memories; they’re a curated archive of our lives. I’ve always found that storing them all can be a challenge, especially when we add video to the mix. For a long time, Google Photos has been the most convenient solution, but the monthly subscription fee and potential privacy concerns might not be worth it for some admittedly excellent features. Making the switch to other services is, therefore, an enticing prospect.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat earbud design style do you prefer? [Poll]
The recent news that Samsung could be ditching the “bean” shape of Galaxy Buds Pro in favor of the common stem-style design used by Apple, among others, has been controversial and we want to know what earbud style you prefer.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is canceling cheap YouTube Premium subs obtained via VPN
Google appears to be cracking down and canceling cheap YouTube Premium memberships obtained via a VPN service.
Expand Expanding CloseChipolo One Point and Card Point initial review: Basic tracking and not much else [Video]
The rollout of the Find My Device network has been super slow, but it should now be expanding rapidly. At this stage, there are only a few trackers to pick up — the Chiplolo One Point and Chipolo Card Point being prime examples — but are they any good?
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 Beta 3 adds ‘Adaptive timeout’ display option
Although it was hinted at in prior releases, Android 15 Beta 3 has now added the “Adaptive timeout” toggle to Pixel Display Settings.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Rolling out] Some Verizon and T-Mobile users are still waiting on the June Pixel Feature Drop
Despite being released almost a week ago, the June Pixel Feature Drop is still unavailable for some US Verizon and T-Mobile subscribers.
Expand Expanding CloseRealme GT 6 shipment stolen in transit, delays launch in Spain
With a high-profile European launch just a few days away, the entire first batch of Realme GT 6 retail units has been stolen en route to Spain.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s which Pixel Watch 3 model you said you’re most interested in
Recent leaks have revealed a little more about just what the Pixel Watch 3 will look like, but we wanted to know which model you want most. Here’s what you had to say.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Automotive gets Google Assistant redesign
Android Automotive is gaining the updated Google Assistant redesign seen on Android Auto earlier this year.
Expand Expanding CloseLineageOS 21 now officially supports the Nintendo Switch
While mosty people are unlikely to flash Android 14 on their gaming handheld, the Nintendo Switch is now officially supported by LineageOS 21.
Expand Expanding CloseThese Emoji Kitchen cases are the perfect playful Pixel accessory
Otterbox has decided that the popular Gboard Emoji Kitchen should be on a case – and we kind of agree with them.
Expand Expanding CloseWhich Pixel Watch 3 model are you most interested in? [Poll]
Leaks suggest the Pixel Watch 3 might come in two sizes this year. With that in mind, we want to know which model might be the most popular option with Pixel Watch wearers and potential purchasers.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid ‘Bot’ Mini figure and more back on sale at Dead Zebra
After a brief hiatus and a clearout of rare and unreleased inventory, the updated Android “Bot” Mini figure and a slew of other Google-based collectables are back in stock in the relaunched Dead Zebra online store.
Expand Expanding Close‘Kick with Pixel’ game launches for Euros with prizes and hardware discounts
To celebrate another summer of football courtesy of the European Championships, Google has launched the “Kick with Pixel” interactive web-based mobile game.
Expand Expanding CloseLineageOS 21 now officially supports Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
After confirmation that the team was working on porting the ROM, LineageOS 21 is now officially coming to the Chromecast with Google TV (4K).
Expand Expanding CloseThe best cases to use with your Pixel 8a [Video]
If you’ve recently picked up the Google Pixel 8a, it almost goes without saying that you’ll want to protect your prized possession. Since the device’s official launch, we’ve tested a number of cases and shortlisted some of the very best for the Pixel 8a.
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