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.
With the Google Pixel 7a, the Pixel 7 is pulled into the vortex of what makes a better affordable Android phone. Similar specifications and an almost identical design make it a touch harder to separate. Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding Close
The launch of the Pixel 7a in the UK was somewhat tainted with a £50 price increase for the Google Store-exclusive Coral model. It turns out this was indeed a pricing error with refunds now being issued.
Expand Expanding Close
We’re now four (yes, 4) updates deep into the early Android 14 preview phase. There are some new bits and pieces to uncover on eligible Google Pixel handsets. Here are all of the top user-facing functions in Android 14 Beta 2.
Expand Expanding Close
YouTube for Android TV is almost in a constant state of evolution, the latest such change is to in-video animations for description, title, and channel info panes.
Expand Expanding Close
After a solid rollout for the March update, Samsung is beginning to seed the April 2023 security update for a wide array of Galaxy phones. Here’s the full list of handsets rocking the latest update.
Expand Expanding Close
It wouldn’t be a Google product launch without a few leaks. Thanks to the latest slip, we now know the four-color lineup for the Pixel 7a. Do you have a favorite?
Expand Expanding Close
With only one phone in the Nothing lineup, the firm has confirmed that the Phone (1) will be eligible for the Android 14 Beta 1 in the coming weeks.
Expand Expanding Close
Android TV is one of Google’s best-kept secrets in many ways. It is the powerhouse for untold smart TVs, projectors, and home theater setups all over the globe and Google doesn’t shout about it enough. With just a few apps Android TV can be even better.
Expand Expanding Close
Android 14 has launched and is available for a number of Pixel devices. Thanks to the Android 14 QPR builds it is also available as part of the regular Beta program. That means it isn’t quite as smooth as you might have expected. Luckily, you can downgrade from Android 14 back to Android 13 anytime on your phone if you are not having so much fun. Here’s how to get started.
Expand Expanding Close
With the Google I/O launch on the horizon, a proposed “final” spec sheet for the Pixel 7a reveals key details about the upcoming mid-ranger.
Expand Expanding Close
The upcoming Xiaomi Poco F5 is set to be one of the first devices to launch with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor.
Expand Expanding Close
Almost four full years after its launch, the Pixel 4 is no longer part of Google’s plans. It was the last true flagship until the launch of the Pixel 6 series in 2021. What worked and where does it stand today? Let’s find out.
Expand Expanding Close
We’ve seen a number of leaks showcasing Google’s next mid-range smartphone, and now we’re getting our first look at the official Pixel 7a case lineup.
Expand Expanding Close
YouTube for mobile users are now gaining the animated loading screen that was first seen on Android TV in late 2022.
Expand Expanding Close
The Pixel 7 Pro is arguably the best Made by Google device to date, but where does that leave the Pixel 7? Here are our long-term thoughts six months after launch.
Expand Expanding Close
All of the very best third-party Android launchers offer something unique, be that customization or even a minimal aesthetic. Here are the best to install on your Android phone in 2023 – and beyond.
Expand Expanding Close
As one of the biggest cross-platform messaging services, WhatsApp evolves at a constant rate. A feature that has been spotted in the works is the potential addition of animated emoji within WhatsApp chats.
Expand Expanding Close
We’re potentially weeks away from the next Google mid-ranger, which could provide some substantial leaps over the previous generation. Heck, it might even encroach upon the base Pixel 7, and that’s why we think you need to wait until the Pixel 7a launches before picking up a new phone.
Expand Expanding Close
While we are advocates for taking simple point-and-shoot photos with the Pixel series, RAW photos from any Android device allow you to make tweaks long after the shutter has been pressed. For Pixel A-series owners, we have good news as Adobe is making it even easier for owners to edit pictures taken in apps like Lightroom with the Pixel 4a, 5a, and 6a series.
Expand Expanding Close
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra has now officially been unveiled with the headline attraction of a variable aperture main camera alongside plenty of other high-end additions.
Expand Expanding Close
The Nothing Ear (2) 1.0.1.88 update is now rolling out with audio improvements and more for the recently released earbuds.
Expand Expanding Close
You may be aware of the growing list of 3D objects and animals that you can view in Google Search using AR. Well, that has now expanded as the full IKEA catalogue can be viewed in 3D when searching Google.
Expand Expanding Close
Almost half a year after being officially unveiled, how has the Google Pixel 7 Pro fared? Here’s how the biggest and potentially best Made by Google smartphone is holding up.
Expand Expanding Close
Ordinarily, public-facing Android beta builds are fairly stable. That doesn’t seem to be the case with Android 14 Beta 1, which has more than a few bugs and issues.
Expand Expanding Close