It’s not often we talk about UI changes on WhatsApp, but the latest such update is adding more rounded chat bubbles to the core messaging experience.
Expand Expanding CloseWhatsApp embraces rounded chat bubbles as premium plan waitlist opens
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.
OnePlus 15T design and colors revealed as China launch nears
OnePlus has officially showcased the upcoming design and some of the color options of the soon-to-be-released 15T.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 10a vs. Pixel 10: A slim gap is now a chasm [Video]
In years gone by, the A-series has encroached on the base Pixel, but that isn’t the case in 2026. How does the Pixel 10a stack up against the Pixel 10? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung is cloning Pixel features for the Galaxy AI suite on S26
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series might not add a ton of new functions and features, but there are a few software functions and features being lifted right from Pixel phones.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy S26 series hands-on: More of the same, but not in a good way [Video]
Very few changes, I think that sums up the Galaxy S26 series. Has Samsung dropped the ball? Is there anything really worth talking about here? Yes, let’s get into it.
Expand Expanding CloseTecno revives modular Android devices with new concept phone
Chinese smartphone maker Tecno is channeling Project Ara with its latest Modular Phone concept, previewed ahead of MWC 2026.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch 4 long-term review: Refined and fully realized [Video]
Months on from the original launch, the honeymoon is over, but do we still have that “spark” with the Pixel Watch 4? Discounts have been forthcoming, but with six or so months before we get a follow-up, just where did Google do well, and do poorly? Here is everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Galaxy S26 can’t skate by on minor improvements alone [Video]
With Samsung gearing up for the firm’s yearly smartphone launch, and with the benefit of hindsight, we sort of need the Galaxy S26 to at least make some notable improvements over its predecessors or risk losing potential buyers.
Expand Expanding CloseBBC Sport has finally gained a dark mode on Android
After the better part of a decade heel dragging, the BBC Sport app now finally has a dedicated dark mode on Android devices.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat happened to custom ROMs? [Video]
Rewind almost 15 years, and the Android ROM scene was thriving. Nightly builds, tons of projects, we truly were living in a golden age. Nowadays, things have changed significantly. Just what happened to the custom ROM scene, and can it be revived?
Expand Expanding CloseA renewed Pixel 10 Pro is a steal at just $570 right now
We may be approaching six months on from the Pixel 10 launch, but with time comes the best deals. The latest is a steal with the Pixel 10 Pro dipping well below the $600 barrier on Amazon.
Expand Expanding CloseSony Xperia 1 IV and Xperia 5 IV gain LineageOS 23.0 support
While availability of Sony Xperia handsets has dwindled over the last couple of years, those with the Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 IV might be happy to hear that LineageOS support is now available for the hardware.
Expand Expanding CloseWhy do Android OEMs copy Apple so much? [Video]
It’s not a new concept, but what is it with Android OEMs and straight-up ripping off or copying Apple so brazenly lately? Let’s get into the reasons why.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle in 2026: What to expect [Video]
2026 could be a blockbuster year for Google after some serious success across almost all areas in 2025. What should and could we expect? Here are a few early-year thoughts and expectations.
Expand Expanding CloseDo yearly Android updates matter anymore? [Video]
Is the curtain falling on big-ticket Android updates? Does a yearly release cycle even matter anymore, or is it just a sign of the times that there isn’t much left to really add to our smartphones?
Expand Expanding CloseEnable these things on your Android phone now [Video]
Don’t ask us why, but some Android phones do not come with the best features enabled out of the box.
Expand Expanding CloseI love the Pixel 10 camera, but it might be time for more than just consistency
On a recent trip to Japan, I ditched my most pocketable camera – the Panasonic Lumix S9 – in favor of the Pixel 10 Pro XL. After thousands of photos, as good as it can be, there are a few things that feel like they might need tweaking to be truly perfect.
Expand Expanding CloseOxygenOS 16 is an annoyingly weird update [Video]
Last year, OnePlus unveiled a new Android 15 update that significantly addressed many complaints and common criticisms. However, with OxygenOS 16 and Android 16, things have changed again. And maybe not in the ways we expected.
Expand Expanding CloseFortnite returns to the Google Play Store
After a multi-year hiatus, popular battle royale Fortnite is now officially back on the Google Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseOne UI 8.5 seems like a very nice, but small update [Video]
After a small-ish Android 16 update, One UI 8.5 is now available in beta for select Samsung smartphones – here are some of the biggest and best new features.
Expand Expanding CloseThe top new features in Android 16 QPR2 [Video]
Big Android updates used to feel few and far between, but in the last few months, we’ve had some big changes, including a ton of new features in Android 16 QPR2. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest update for eligible Google Pixel phones.
Expand Expanding CloseAmazon’s Cyber Monday deals put the Pixel 10 series at an even lower price than Black Friday
Google’s latest lineup of devices is now even more heavily discounted, following some significant Black Friday deals, with the Pixel 10 Pro starting at just $699 as part of Amazon’s Cyber Monday offers.
Expand Expanding CloseYes, the Pixel 9 is still a great buy [Video]
If you’re looking for a decent replacement for an older phone or a backup, and the Pixel 9 looks eerily similar to the Pixel 10, is it still worth it? Well, of course it is, but let’s get into why in this deep dive.
Expand Expanding CloseI can’t live without these tech travel accessories [Video]
I’m the kind of person who constantly tries to refine my travel kit so that I’m covered for every eventuality. I even buy travel tech accessories if I think they can make my life even 5% better. Over the past few years, I’ve spent countless hours and pounds (or freedom bucks for my American friends), and here are a few key items I can’t live without.
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