Google Maps is testing a new “Dock to bottom” feature on desktop that appears to work like a favorites bar for your most visited locations.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps tests ‘Dock to bottom’ feature on desktop for better quick location access
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 Authenticator app secures 100 million Play Store downloads
When securing your online accounts, two-factor authentication (2FA) is an easy way to add another layer of security. There are numerous options available to download including the Google Authenticator app.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Stand 2nd Gen: Unboxing and first impressions [Video]
After a long wait since the official unveiling, the second-generation Pixel Stand 2nd Gen units are now finally arriving in the hands of early buyers. What’s in the box, and should you think about picking one up?
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Play Store adds ‘Your devices’ search filter to make it easier to find compatible apps
To help you find apps for all of your Android and Wear OS devices, the Play Store now has a neat search filter to help you get compatible apps for all of your hardware.
Expand Expanding CloseFacebook app portfolio receives ‘Meta’ Play Store rebrand
After announcing a full rebrand from Facebook to Meta, the entire app portfolio of the social media giant is now reflecting this change on the Google Play Store.
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OnePlus has rolled out the November security patch to these phones
OnePlus promises to deliver regular system updates for its wide array of smartphones for at least two years and in some cases longer for flagships, so let’s see how they’re handling the November 2021 security update.
Expand Expanding CloseXiaomi 12 renders hint at smaller but familiar design, 50MP camera setup, more
The next wave of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 smartphones is likely to include the upcoming Xiaomi 12, and thanks to leaked renders, we’re getting an idea of what to expect from the flagship.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube tests tweaked channel homepage UI on mobile w/ upload count and description
YouTube for mobile seems to go through a number of design phases, but one area that is receiving some attention is the channel homepage UI.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus Nord 2 CE renders showcase the upcoming budget Android
The latest set of 3D renders of an unreleased device have been shared online, and this time it’s the turn of the OnePlus Nord 2 CE.
Expand Expanding CloseSony Xperia 1 III review: The only true enthusiast Android flagship of 2021 [Video]
Sony’s small but precise smartphone lineup seemingly slips under the radar, which is a shame as the Xperia 1 III is an incredible feat in many ways.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle One reaches 500 million downloads on Play Store
Google One has now surged beyond the 500 million-download milestone on the Play Store just a year after reaching the 100 million figure back in November 2020.
Expand Expanding CloseChromecast with Google TV gains ‘Year in Search’ playlist w/ 2021’s trending films and TV shows
A week after the launch of its annual Year in Search recap video, Google is enhancing and furthering the yearly celebration with a prominent playlist on Chromecast with Google TV.
Expand Expanding CloseHuawei Watch GT 3 review: Fitness tracking with finesse [Video]
Huawei has had a tough couple of years but despite the obvious smartphone constraints, the company is still producing some solid smartwatches — such as the Watch GT 3.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos ‘Memories’ now available more widely on web
Google Photos “Memories” carousel is now starting to appear more widely on the web client after first being confirmed as launching on the desktop version back in October.
Expand Expanding CloseOxygenOS 12 review: Unsettling UI alterations [Video]
OnePlus has officially unleashed the stable OxygenOS 12 update which is based upon Android 12. Thanks to the early beta phases we had a good idea of what to expect – and that is ColorOS Lite.
Expand Expanding CloseMotorola Edge X30 goes official w/ Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, 144Hz display, more
The Motorola Edge X30 has been officially unveiled in China, and in the process become the first Android phone to launch with the recently announced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home 2.47.10 adds D-pad controls to Android TV/Google TV remote
The latest Google Home version 2.47.10 is now rolling out D-Pad controls for even more precise management of your Android TV or Chromecast with Google TV devices.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12L Beta 1 hands-on: Top new features [Video]
Right off the back of a massive bug fixing OTA update for Android 12, Google has unleashed the next release — Android 12L Beta 1.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube adding video chapter support to game consoles and more smart TVs
YouTube is expanding the availability of video chapters within the streaming app to more smart TVs and video game consoles.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos begins surfacing ‘Best of 2021’ Memories collections
Google Photos has begun surfacing what it believes are your finest photos as part of the “Best of 2021” Memories collection.
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Samsung November 2021 security update is rolling out now to these Galaxy devices
While Android 12 for Samsung devices look more likely with each passing week, the Korean firm is rolling on with its consistent monthly security patches. For November 2021, a select few Samsung Galaxy smartphones are already seeing the latest updates. Here’s the full, continuously updated list.
Expand Expanding CloseDecember Pixel Feature Drop: Hands-on with all the new additions [Video]
The very latest Pixel Feature Drop has arrived alongside the December 2021 security patch, and it brings with it the very first set of new features for Android 12 devices — which means that we’ve gone hands-on.
Expand Expanding CloseStable One UI 4.0 update begins rolling out for Galaxy Z Flip 3
After a brief beta phase, the stable One UI 4.0 update with Android is now rolling out for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.
Expand Expanding CloseOppo shares stable ColorOS 12 roadmap for more devices in select regions
After an initial beta rollout, Oppo has now shared an official stable roadmap for ColorOS 12, which is based upon Android 12 for some regions.
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