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.
Now officially available for selected Samsung Galaxy devices, the Expert RAW 1.0.01 update is rolling out with improvements for low light performance when using the camera application.
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Another week, another unofficial port of LineageOS 19.1 adding support for practically ancient smartphones. This time it’s the turn of the Samsung Galaxy S5, which is getting the very latest build of Android 12L courtesy of an unofficial build of the popular third-party ROM.
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The first-generation OnePlus Nord is now finally starting to see Android 12, but, at least for now, it’s in the form of OxygenOS Open Beta 1.
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The Google Store in the UK is offering a number of discounts on devices and accessories including the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro as part of a spring sale event.
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The vast quality of many Android games and the growing library of cloud-based gaming services such as Stadia and GeForce Now means that you might feel the need to gain an advantage over online rivals or just improve your overall experience. Luckily, tons of Android games support Bluetooth controller input, so this is how to connect to your favorite gamepad.
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A new software update is bringing the 360 Audio feature from last year’s Galaxy Buds Pro to the more affordable Galaxy Buds 2.
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Confusing the Samsung smartphone lineup even further, the latest new handset is a surprise re-release of Galaxy S20 FE but for 2022.
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In 2022, it looks very much like we’ll finally see a Google-made smartwatch. It seems as though the Pixel Watch has been in the pipeline for a number of years, but all evidence points to a launch at some point this year. This is our Pixel Watch wish list.
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After adding the ability to share your current YouTube Music playlist or track, you’re now able to directly share YouTube videos to Snapchat for Android and iOS.
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Google Photos appears to be adding a new “snippet” feature that will highlight the prominent portions of your uploading video content.
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Another week, another developer shoehorning the newest Android builds to old devices. This time it’s the turn of One UI 4.1, which has been ported to the Galaxy S9 and Note 9.
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You may already own 2021’s best OnePlus device and are casting an envious glance over at the latest releases. Is there enough of a difference to warrant switching from the OnePlus 9 Pro to the OnePlus 10 Pro? Let’s discuss.
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Images of a supposed Pixel 6a retail box appear to confirm the previously leaked design renders for the upcoming Google mid-ranger.
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After launching the simplified Tasky in the previous update, Tasker 6.0.1 beta is now tweaking the feature while adding some new automation options for longtime users.
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After a very extended wait, OxygenOS 12 with Android 12 is now rolling out for the T-Mobile versions of the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro in the US.
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After appearing almost a year ago, the “Media Picks” audio suggestion section now appears to be available more widely to Android Auto users.
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Android 13 is just around the corner with the public-facing beta set to arrive in the coming weeks. We’ve already had the opportunity to test drive the Developer Preview, but that hasn’t stopped us from dreaming up an Android 13 wish list of things we’d love to see later this year.
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Unlike most other launchers you’ll use on Android, the Niagara Launcher “Spring Update” has been detailed with a number of changes and tighter integration with some system services.
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When Samsung launched the Galaxy S22 series, the trio of handsets came with One UI 4.1. As a slightly updated Android 12 build, One UI 4.1 for Galaxy phones includes some new features and functions that will slowly come to more devices over the coming months. Here are some of the best new features.
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As part of the ongoing Google Arts & Culture experiments with machine learning, a new “Giga Manga” web app will now let you create your very own manga characters with a simple sketch.
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The original Google Pixel and Pixel XL now have a new lease on life courtesy of Android 11 support via the third-party LineageOS 18.1 ROM.
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As if bringing Android 12L to the nine-year-old Nexus 7 was not enough, a developer has ported the latest mobile OS build to the Raspberry Pi 4.
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After rapid expansion into more global markets, Realme is now starting to take on the flagship space in the truest sense with GT 2 Pro – and this could be the very best Realme phone to date.
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Despite having only launched a single product, during Nothing Technologies’ “The Truth” live stream CEO Carl Pei confirmed plans to launch an Android-powered phone called “phone (1)” in Summer 2022.
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