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 I/O 2021 signals the very start of the proper user-facing Android 12 Beta 1 update, which means we’ve been spending time delving in to find some of the top new features.
Expand Expanding Close
A really neat part of the machine learning algorithms used by Google Photos is the ability to identify similar core image traits and create the popular — and constantly evolving — Memories collections. During the I/O 2021 keynote, Google confirmed that Memories collections are set to get even more personalized, and we’ll even get 3D enhanced Cinematic photos joining the mix.
Expand Expanding Close
Google Photos growing Memories collections now has a caffeine-focused “Blissful buzz” selection that will showcase some of your best cups of coffee.
Expand Expanding Close
Late last week we asked you — our readers — if you used or owned an Android tablet. The platform is fairly neglected by Google, but it appears that many of you out there do love a secondary screen for entertainment and even some minor productivity.
Expand Expanding Close
Although not exactly a household name in smartphones, Sharp has released the Aquos R6 with a massive 1-inch rear camera sensor and one of the fastest displays on the market.
Expand Expanding Close
To help you screen unwanted calls, the Google Phone app is rolling out the Caller ID Announcement feature that will announce the name and number of any incoming calls.
Expand Expanding Close
Listen to a short-form recap or roundup of all the top 9to5Google stories of the previous 24 hours. 9to5Google Daily is available on Spotify,Google Podcasts, Amazon, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players.
Listen to a short-form recap or roundup of all the top 9to5Google stories of the previous 24 hours. 9to5Google Daily is available on Spotify,Google Podcasts, Amazon, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players.
Android tablets get a bad rep, but sometimes, if you only want a Netflix machine or basic device for viewing videos, they can be pretty darn solid.
Expand Expanding Close
Magisk v23.0 is now available for tinkerers and the true Android enthusiasts wanting “full” control of their tech with the update adding some notable new features – but for those still clinging on to older Android devices, we have some bad news, as Magisk v23.0 drops support for some legacy hardware.
Expand Expanding Close
Despite some issues with Roku and the streaming platform, YouTube TV appears to be on the up as the standalone application has now hit 10 million Google Play Store downloads.
Expand Expanding Close
Clubhouse arrived almost a year late to Android, and that might be the downfall of the talk-focused social network aiming to start in-depth and interesting conversations. The biggest problem is if those conversations are even worth having at this point of 2021 with rivals in the rearview mirror.
Expand Expanding Close
Listen to a short-form recap or roundup of all the top 9to5Google stories of the previous 24 hours. 9to5Google Daily is available on Spotify,Google Podcasts, Amazon, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players.
We have collated some of our favorite and some of the “best” Pixel 5 cases and covers, having tested a fair few since the staggered release schedule of the “flagship” Made by Google phone for 2020.
Expand Expanding Close
For those holding on to the Pixel 3 or 3 XL, you now have the ability to sideload the Android 11-based LineageOS 18.1 third-party ROM.
Expand Expanding Close
Hublot has released yet another overpriced Wear OS-powered smartwatch this time just ahead of the Euro 2020 — technically 2021 due to COVID-19 postponement — Championships. The Hublot Big Bang e UEFA Euro 2020 also includes an NFT for the first 200 buyers.
Expand Expanding Close
Listen to a short-form recap or roundup of all the top 9to5Google stories of the previous 24 hours. 9to5Google Daily is available on Spotify,Google Podcasts, Amazon, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players.
After teases, tidbits, and mystery surrounding Carl Pei’s new startup Nothing, the firm’s very first product – the Ear 1 wireless earbuds – will launch in June.
Expand Expanding Close
Gboard is now officially on Wear OS, which means that the typing experience on your wrist should have received a fairly substantial upgrade.
Expand Expanding Close
Listen to a short-form recap or roundup of all the top 9to5Google stories of the previous 24 hours. 9to5Google Daily is available on Spotify,Google Podcasts, Amazon, iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Pocket Casts and other podcast players.
For hardcore OnePlus fans, OxygenOS 11.0 might not provide the look and feel that you’ve become accustomed to. But dig beneath the surface, and there are some solid OxygenOS 11.0 features that you might want to at least try before deciding you want to jump ship.
Expand Expanding Close
Just last week we asked you, our readers, what Google Pixel device you are using daily, and we had what we would consider a massive response with almost 40,000 responses officially recorded.
Expand Expanding Close
Facebook Messenger has become only the third non-Google app to reach the 5 billion download milestone on the Google Play Store.
Expand Expanding Close
OxygenOS 11.2.5.5 has now started rolling out for the current flagship OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro with the update bringing some notable software fixes and the May 2021 security patch.
Expand Expanding Close