As the go-to digital keyboard for Android, Gboard often sees a big change. The latest such update is more expressive hand gesture emoji on Gboard.
Expand Expanding CloseGboard now rolling out redesigned hand emoji
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 Twitter, 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.
Bluesky and Mastodon client Openvibe adds notification support
The latest update for social media aggregator Openvibe has now officially added support for notifications with Mastodon and Bluesky.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle in 2025: Everything we expect to launch [Video]
While you could say this about every single year, 2024 was a big year for Google, but 2025 promises to be even bigger – here’s just what we expect to launch, plus a few extras we hope to see.
Expand Expanding CloseFiles by Google hits 5 billion Play Store downloads
Almost 8 years after launch, the Files by Google app has now hit the impressive 5 billion download milestone on the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 13: Is it upgraded enough? [Video]
The OnePlus 12 was the surprise package of 2024, putting more pressure on the OnePlus 13 to bring something new to the table. How do these devices stack up?
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A renewed Pixel 8 Pro is a steal at just $340 right now
While there are lots of new and upcoming phones vying for your hard-earned money, you can get some serious bang for your buck by buying a slightly older phone at a substantially discounted price. With that in mind, a renewed Pixel 8 Pro is an absolute steal at Amazon.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro XL vs. OnePlus 13: Can brains beat pure brawn? [Video]
Last year, the OnePlus 12 was among the best-value smartphone packages around. It even offered a little more bang for your buck over the Pixel 9 Pro XL – so where does that leave the brand-new OnePlus 13? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseThe OnePlus 13 ships without a charger in the box in global markets
Almost two months after the official Chinese unveil, the OnePlus 13 is now official in western markets. However, one disappointment is that, yes, there is no in-the-box charger with the global OnePlus 13.
Expand Expanding CloseGeForce Now will fully support the Steam Deck with HDR, 4K gameplay soon
After initially launching a dedicated installer in beta, Nvidia has confirmed that the GeForce Now service will fully support Valve’s Steam Deck handheld soon.
Expand Expanding CloseEnable these functions to make your Android phone more productive [Video]
Getting the most from your phone is easier than ever, but squeezing out a little more productivity requires some extra steps. Here are a few things you should enable to help improve your experience and make your Android phone a little more productive.
Expand Expanding ClosePSA: Pixel 80% charge limit doesn’t work while your device is powered off
The ability to limit the charge that your Pixel can take is one of the biggest and best additions in Android 15 QPR1 – AKA the December Pixel Drop. However, it has an issue. The 80% limit does not stay activated while your phone is powered off.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Basics: Advanced Developer options settings to instantly enable [Video]
Android has a number of Developer options built in that allow you to go beyond the regular user-facing functionality to get even greater control over your daily experience. Here are some of our tips to get the most from your phone.
Expand Expanding CloseLineageOS now officially supports the Pixel 9 series
Over 3 months after launch – LineageOS – the biggest and most well-known third party ROM now officially supports the entire Pixel 9 series.
Expand Expanding CloseLineageOS 22 arrives with Android 15, new music player, and more
LineageOS 22 is now official, with the latest builds set to roll out in the coming days based on Android 15 with a number of new functions and tweaks in tow.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro long-term review: A perfectly polished evolution [Video]
Some three months after launch, the “middle-child” Pixel 9 Pro has evolved into a polished, poised, Pixel. Here’s what it’s like to live with and whether it’s the best buy in the latest lineup.
Expand Expanding CloseEssential apps for hardcore Android users [Video]
The idea that some apps are “must-haves” or “essentials” for your Android phone is bound to be subjective, especially with millions to consider and choose from.
Expand Expanding CloseHere are the first things you should set up in Google Messages on Android [Video]
Google Messages is becoming one of the most feature-rich messaging clients on mobile with tons of features. The RCS app’s selection of settings makes it a fantastic default messaging app for the Google Pixel or any Android phone. This guide will take you through everything we think you should set up in Google Messages on your Android device.
Expand Expanding CloseThis is what you think was the best Android phone of 2024
After thousands of votes, we now have an outright winner for the best Android phone of 2024 – here are the results of our public vote.
Expand Expanding CloseSome of the best Pixel 9 Pro Fold accessories for you to try [Video]
Google’s most expensive smartphone isn’t devoid of accessories, but getting high-quality options for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t as easy as other phones. Here are some of our favorite options to pair with the phone-tablet hybrid.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat was the best Google product release of 2024? [Poll]
We’re fast approaching the end of 2024, and while we could tell you what we think is the best Google product, software, or service release of the year, we’d rather get your opinions and let you have your say.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat was the best Android phone of 2024? [Poll]
2024 has been a solid year once again for Android phones. Taking stock of what has been released, you’d be hard-pressed to buy or pick an objectively “bad” device. That said, what was your pick for the “best Android phone of 2024”? Have your say here.
Expand Expanding CloseOne UI 7.0: Some of our favorite new features [Video]
Samsung is way behind schedule with its Android 15 release, but the One UI 7.0 Beta is now available and gives us a sneak peek at what we can expect in the coming weeks. Here are some of our favorite new functions and features in the One UI 7.0 for Samsung phones.
Expand Expanding CloseHow long will my Google Pixel be supported? [Video]
The Google Pixel series is known for regular security patches and updates, but that has changed to one of the longest official support windows in the industry. If you have a Pixel, here’s how long your device will be supported—and steps if it isn’t supported anymore.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro Fold long-term review: The middle page of Pixel [Video]
Google’s most expensive phone was the last to hit the market, but now, some three months later, just what is it like to live with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold? This is our longer-term look at the latest folding Pixel phone.
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