OnePlus seeks testers for OnePlus 9 series closed beta program
OnePlus is seeking testers for a special closed beta program that is available to OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro owners.
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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 Photos highlights history in latest ‘Ancient wonders’ Memory collection
The ever-expanding Google Photos auto-generated Memories collections are expanding yet again with the addition of an “Ancient wonders” selection that features old architecture and natural rock formations.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google Store lets you get a feel for the Pixel 5a in AR
If you want to get a feel of the newly released Pixel 5a with 5G, did you know that you can view the device in AR?
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung Galaxy A52s goes official w/ Snapdragon 778G, 120Hz display, £409 price
Even though the dust has barely settled on the solid Galaxy A52, Samsung is now unveiling an upgrade in the guise of the Galaxy A52s — with some notable internal improvements.
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OxygenOS 11.0.8.8 rolls out for OnePlus 8/8 Pro w/ August patch, AOD screenshot feature, more
OxygenOS 11.0.8.8 is now rolling out for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro most importantly with the August 2021 security patch, but with some added tweaks and features in tow.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 5a with 5G: Everything you need to know about the new mid-ranger [Video]
While the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro could provide the biggest leap for the Made by Google smartphone series in years, the Pixel 5a with 5G is the newest affordable phone, and the first device as part of the wider 2021 lineup. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Yandex.Maps now includes Android Auto support, but only in Russia
Russia’s answer to Google is now branching out by bringing Yandex.Maps to your in-car Android Auto head unit.
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Google Contacts reaches 1 billion downloads on the Play Store
Keeping in touch with your friends and family is much easier if you have their numbers saved, and if you use Android, then it’s almost certain that you’ll use Google Contacts — which has now joined the 1 billion download club on the Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12 Beta 4: Hands-on with yet more new features [Video]
It’s hard to do justice to each incremental Android 12 Beta update, but Beta 4 added some notable features that we missed in our initial hands-on sweep.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Play Games update enables Android 12 Game Dashboard integration
Android 12’s Game Dashboard could be a big addition for gamers, but if you’re already running the Beta builds on your device, a Play Games update is enhancing the experience with direct integration.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12 Beta 4: Notifications now more compact in landscape orientation
We’re still finding new little tidbits and tweaks in Android 12 Beta 4, but one change that might be polarizing is in how landscape notifications are now handled.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12 Beta 4: Lockscreen adopts Google Sans for Now Playing, tweaks Cards & Passes, lock icons
Android 12 Beta 4 has added a fair volume of new features and functions, but the lockscreen has seen a trio of tweaks that include the brand new Google Sans Text for the Now Playing feature, plus some improved icons for other existing features.
Expand Expanding CloseHonor Magic3 series launches w/ Snapdragon 888+, Play Store access, IMAX camera enhancements
Former Huawei sub-brand Honor has now officially launched a trio of Magic3 devices with a number of impressive internals but most importantly for global markets, Google Play Store access.
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Selected Google One accounts in the UK can now claim £4 free Play Store credit
As part of the regular subscriber benefits to the cloud storage service, Google One is offering selected accounts £4 of free Play Store credit in the United Kingdom.
Expand Expanding CloseCall recording in Google Phone app begins rolling out to eligible Pixels globally
The call recording feature announced for the Google Phone app has had a slow rollout, but it is now coming to eligible Pixel devices across the globe.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12 Beta 4 hands-on: Top new features [video]
We are potentially just a month or so away from the actual full stable Android 12 release, and that means that the public-facing preview phase is not far off done. Android 12 Beta 4 has arrived some four weeks after the third, and following all of our previous deep dives, we’ve been spending time with it to find the best new features and changes that you can enjoy right now.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12 Beta 4: Game Dashboard now easier to launch w/ in-game quick toggle
With the release of the Android 12 Beta 4 build, new features are pretty thin on the ground, but the long-awaited Game Dashboard is now far easier to launch, with the in-game quick toggle also making an appearance.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Z Flip 3 hands-on: Little-but-large improvements [Video]
Of the newest Samsung Galaxy smartphones introduced at Unpacked, the Z Flip 3 is arguably the most important and, even after a brief hands-on period, the most impressive.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Z Fold 3 hands-on: Time to take Notes [Video]
Samsung may want you to think that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a huge leap over the previous generation, but the brutal truth is that it’s a fine upgrade, but not the biggest we’ve seen.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Watch 4 series hands-on: Wear OS reinvigorated [Video]
With the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic, Google and Samsung’s collaboration has come to fruition, and we’ve had some hands-on time to gather some initial thoughts.
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How to watch Galaxy Unpacked 2021: See the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, and more unveiled [Video]
Samsung is set to unveil a number of brand-new products at Galaxy Unpacked 2021, but you’re probably wondering just how to watch the live-stream event.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos adds expanded info menu for Memories collections
One of the best additions to Google Photos in recent years has — somewhat weirdly — been the Memories collections that add a bit of nostalgia to your day. While popular, it’s often hard to get to grips with where an image has come from, but an expanded menu now lets you quickly check all of the details and info of selected Memories within Google Photos.
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MediaTek’s latest Dimensity 920 and Dimensity 810 chips are destined for future mid-range 5G devices
MediaTek has increased its portfolio of mid-range smartphone chips with the introduction of the 5G-enabled Dimensity 920 and 810.
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Google Chat is getting review bombed on the Play Store due to phased Hangouts migration
Disgruntled Hangouts fans and users have taken to review bombing the Google Chat listing on the Play Store as the phased migration to the service is now fully underway.
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