We have barely had time to process Android 15, but now we have the start of the next OS development cycle. This raises the question: What do you want to see from Android 16?
Expand Expanding CloseWhat do you want to see from Android 16? [Poll]
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.
Fitbit might come preloaded on your next Android phone
With the launch of the global Oppo Find X8 series, we’ve noticed that Fitbit is now preloaded on the device as part of Google’s Android app suite, but this could become more common in the not-too-distant future.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music rolling out 2024 Recap with ‘Your music character’
YouTube Music is already rolling out the 2024 Recap to streaming service users. The summary builds on the previous yearly updates of your listening habits.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 DP1: Wi-Fi QR code sharing gets a cute Material You makeover
The Wi-Fi QR code sharing menu in Android 16 Developer Preview 1 has received a lick of paint and now has new visuals when connecting other devices.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 DP1: ‘Audio sharing’ lets you share music on multiple headphones
The latest Android 16 Developer Preview is now live and while it doesn’t bring many huge user-facing changes, there are some that have been spotted before and now live. One such feature is Audio sharing, which can be enabled and activated in Android 16 Developer Preview 1.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 6 vs. Pixel 9: Is now the time to upgrade? [Video]
We’re a few months down the line form the Pixel 9 launch and those with a Pixel 6 might be thinking “should I upgrade?” Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseArc Search for Android leaves beta, adds Voice Search, widgets, and more
After a brief beta period, Arc Search for Android is now officially available to all via the Google Play Store, with a number of new features.
Expand Expanding CloseSteam Link for Android TV adds HDR, AV1 codec, Surround Sound support, and more
If you like to play games from your PC on your couch, the Steam Link app for Android TV is a great way to do so. The latest Steam Link v1.3.12 for Android TV has received some important quality-of-life upgrades to enhance that experience.
Expand Expanding CloseZerocam zero-process camera launches on Android
After a closed beta program, the anti-AI camera replacement Zerocam is now available on Android via the Google Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseWhy are major Android updates so small now? [Video]
In years past, every deep dive into Android has unearthed a wealth of new functions, features, and alterations. So, what is causing Android updates to feel smaller than ever?
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid’s ‘The Bot’ figures now available in the UK
After several new takes since Android’s “The Bot” mascot came to the Google Store in the US, it’s the turn of those of us located elsewhere as the collectible figures are now available in the UK.
Expand Expanding CloseComment: Pixel Studio should be a Gboard feature
When Google launched the Pixel 9, one of the AI features that caused some concern and copyright problems was Pixel Studio. Since then, it has been tamed, but Pixel Studio needs a new home inside Gboard.
Expand Expanding CloseHave you experienced overheating issues with your Pixel? [Poll]
A new report suggests that the main reason people return Pixel phones according to Google is overheating related to the Tensor chipset. It’s no secret that thermals are not the best on Google’s first-party chip, but just how widespread is it?
Expand Expanding CloseOne UI 7.0 beta could start early next week
According to a new report, the One UI 7.0 beta could come as early as next week and bring a slew of new functions to Samsung Galaxy phones.
Expand Expanding CloseOxygenOS 15: Some of the top features you’ll love [Video]
Android 15 for OnePlus phones is here, with the public release of the OxygenOS 15 for the OnePlus 12 – here’s what’s new and some of the top new features you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Search gets sticky with ‘Paddington’ marmalade sandwich Easter egg
To celebrate Peru’s most famous bear, Google Search is getting very sticky with a marmalade sandwich Easter egg in time for the launch of the upcoming Paddington in Peru movie.
Expand Expanding CloseOxygenOS 15 Open Beta now available for OnePlus 12 in Europe and global regions
After launching in India, the Android 15-based OxygenOS 15 Open Beta is now available in Europe and global regions.
Expand Expanding CloseThe best affordable Android phones you can buy today [Update]
At this point in time, you just don’t need a flagship to get a good everyday Android experience. With initiatives like Android One, Android Go, and Google’s own step into the affordable market, Google has made mid-range and even low-range devices even more usable and enticing than ever. With so many options littering the market nowadays, it’s hard to tell which devices are even worth your time — and money. Let’s dig through and get to know some of the best affordable Android phones you can buy as of November 2024.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube for Android TV adds prominent ‘Subscribe’ button to player UI
The constant evolution of the YouTube experience on Android TV continues with a more prominent “Subscribe” button when in the main player UI.
Expand Expanding CloseChannel 4 app finally comes to Android TV [Update]
After years of annoying workarounds, limitations, and frustrations, the Channel 4 streaming app has finally come to Android TV.
Expand Expanding CloseWaze ‘Conversational Reporting’ lets you literally call out road incidents
Waze is adding an AI-powered “Conversational Reporting” feature for incidents and obstructions when using the navigation system.
Expand Expanding ClosePokémon TCG Pocket officially releases on the Google Play Store
After a long wait since being announced at the Pokémon World Championships back in August, the Pokémon TCG Pocket is now officially available to download from the Google Play Store.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s how Android 15 has affected your Pixel battery life
After a quick rollout, eligible Google Pixel owners should now have the latest version of Android available. It’s not the biggest update, but we asked you how you were getting on, and here’s how many of you said you gained improved battery on your Pixel after updating to Android 15.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle TV gains dedicated ‘Channels’ section in UK [Update]
Google TV Streamer and Chromecast devices in the UK have gained a new “Channels” tab to quickly launch into regional broadcast streaming services such as BBC, ITV, and more.
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