Will Sattelberg is a writer and podcaster at 9to5Google.
He’s been covering all things Android since 2021 when he joined the team at Android Police, serving as both News Editor and Phones Editor throughout his tenure. Prior to professionally covering Android and all things smartphones, he was just a passionate enthusiast, having purchased his first Android device — HTC’s Thunderbolt — back in 2011.
Will has a degree in video production he occasionally remembers to use, but his real love lies in both writing and podcasting. He’s constantly fascinated — and sometimes frustrated — by the ever-evolving shape of consumer technology, and enjoys bringing that sense of affection and curiosity to everything he produces.
In a recent interview, Samsung execs discussed how the company’s design language has evolved into what we now know as the Galaxy S26. While it might be true that Samsung has carved out its own identity in the mobile space through generations of refinement, that same design is also at the heart of some of the most annoying-yet-fixable problems facing Galaxy hardware.
Welcome to episode 96 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will talk through Google’s new native Gemini app for Mac and wonder why now, and why we don’t see more standalone applications from the company. They also dive into new reports surrounding Google’s portion of the foldable market — and the risk Apple holds against it — before finishing up with YouTube’s new workaround for disabling Shorts.
Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.
Samsung is still working on One UI 9 ahead of a planned launch later this summer. With a fresh leaked build, we’re getting a better glimpse at two features coming to your phone with this update.
Welcome to episode 29 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will welcomes 9to5‘s own Andrew Romero back to the show as the pair attempt their best impression at consulting. From Samsung’s messy Galaxy S-series lineup to a crucial piece of advice Google should adopt for the Pixel 11, Will and Andrew are fixing every flagship Android series sold in the US — for absolutely free, no less.
Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 77% on a two-year subscription by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Welcome to episode 95 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will take a deep dive into the world of Gemini, breaking down Google’s frequent UI changes, the different ways all three hosts use the service, and how it needs to evolve moving forward. Damien also walks Abner and Will through his experience using Gemini with Android Auto, and how it’s more of a mixed bag than you might think.
Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.
Earlier this week, YouTube users began reporting 90-second ad breaks appearing within videos being streamed to televisions, seemingly expanding on the 30-second rollout that initially kicked off last year. YouTube has officially responded to these claims, but in doing so, it’s raising more questions than providing answers.
In what could be your last chance to pick up Samsung’s first-ever tri-folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold is set to be restocked later this morning. If history is any indication, though, you’re going to want to make sure you’re prepared to add your device to cart as soon as possible.
YouTube’s been on an ad-friendly offensive lately, pushing more ads to viewers at large and punishing anyone with an ad blocker through various means. It’s latest move takes matters to a whole new level, though, as 90-second unskippable ads seem to be headed to TV viewers.
Welcome to episode 94 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will talk all about this week’s Pixel 11 leaks, granting everyone an early look at what appears to be a strikingly familiar smartphone launch on deck for later this year. After a brief dip into some Android 17 Beta 3 thoughts, the crew discusses Google’s upcoming display-less Fitbit band, clearly designed to take Whoop head-on with the help of Steph Curry.
Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.
Motorola’s Razr lineup offers one of the most robust flip phone experiences you can find today, but equally appealing is its multitude of colors and finishes. It looks like the company’s upcoming 2026 entry will follow suit, with Moto’s usual partnership with Pantone still on lock.
Google’s Quick Share has been an important part of Android for a few years now, but it still has a few hidden tricks, including the ability to trigger sharing by simply tapping the phone you want to share to.
Google Photos has become much more than a way to manage and backup your photos and videos, especially in the age of AI. Not everyone needs — or, more accurately, wants — to trigger these functions on a regular basis, though, and a new update to the app is helping to eliminate those annoying, unwanted pop-ups.
One of the most beloved names in the TV business is throwing in the towel, as Sony’s new partnership with TCL has the latter officially taking over a 51% majority stake in this new venture.
If you’re looking for the most customizable out-of-the-box experience on a smartphone today, it’s tough to go wrong with Samsung. Unlike some of the more locked-down launchers you’ll find on Android — sorry, but I’m looking at you, Pixel — the amount of personal touches you can apply to any Galaxy phone can feel endless, and that’s before you install something like Good Lock. However, with One UI 8.5, it seems like Samsung made the rare move to remove some of this functionality in the name of security, and users aren’t pleased.
If you’ve shopped for anything remotely related to computing over the past six months, you know it’s a pretty bad time to be in the market for tech. With AI-fueled RAM and storage shortages continuing with no end in sight, plenty of brands have either enacted or are considering price hikes on their already-available tech. Starting tomorrow, Samsung might be the latest brand to join in the (not so) fun.
Welcome to episode 28 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will welcomes Allison Johnson, senior reviewer at The Verge, to discuss her attempts at purchasing and reviewing Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold in the run-up to its eventual demise. They also discuss Allison’s hands-on with Google’s new agentic tools for Android and wonder whether this is a lead-up to some more impressive demos to come at this year’s I/O.
Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 77% on a two-year subscription and score a free Amazon gift card by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Over the past two generations of Pixel, Google has built its smartphone brand into one of the few brands able to find (relative) growth in an increasingly-stagnant arena. Today, we’re getting our first look at this year’s Pixel 11, and despite being an anniversary release, it’s looking like we’re getting a third take on Google’s current design.
Google finally announced its long-awaited “advanced flow” for enabling sideloading from unverified developers last week, set to roll out later this year to all Android phones. It addressed a lot of the concerns we had with the future of installing third-party APKs, but that’s not to say it delivered every answer under the sun. Thankfully, a new FAQ video is going a long way in filling in some of the gaps, including confirming you won’t need to repeat this process when you get a new phone.
Welcome to episode 93 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will discuss Google’s new “advanced flow” for enabling sideloading on Android, set to launch on all Play-supported devices later this year. It’s a change built with security and safety in mind, and your hosts are pretty impressed with how the company has designed this shift. Then they dig into the potential news that OnePlus could be preparing to exit the global market, leaving an enthusiast-shaped hole in its place.
Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription by signing up for Proton Unlimited using this link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Google released Android 17 Beta 3 yesterday with a handful of interesting additions, but as is often the case, the coolest features are the ones typically hidden just below the surface — or, in this case, behind some secret flags. The company appears to be working on a new way for Pixel users to automatically fill their home screen with suggested apps, widgets, and more, and it could completely change how you layout your smartphone’s launcher.
Hot on the heels of our first look at the entry-level Moto Razr earlier this month, we’re getting our first glimpse at Motorola’s flagship clamshell for 2026. Unfortunately for anyone hoping this year’s model would come with a slimmer chassis, it seems like the brand is moving in the opposite direction.
YouTube has certainly proven itself to be a bit of a pain for viewers lately, especially those members of its audience attempting to bypass ads. Today’s issue takes it to a whole new level, though, as some users are struggling to use the site without seeing repeated CAPTCHAs blocking access to videos.
Author
Will Sattelberg
will_sattelbergWill Sattelberg is a writer and podcaster at 9to5Google.
He’s been covering all things Android since 2021 when he joined the team at Android Police, serving as both News Editor and Phones Editor throughout his tenure. Prior to professionally covering Android and all things smartphones, he was just a passionate enthusiast, having purchased his first Android device — HTC’s Thunderbolt — back in 2011.
Will has a degree in video production he occasionally remembers to use, but his real love lies in both writing and podcasting. He’s constantly fascinated — and sometimes frustrated — by the ever-evolving shape of consumer technology, and enjoys bringing that sense of affection and curiosity to everything he produces.
You can reach out to Will at will@9to5mac.com, or find him on Twitter, Threads, or Bluesky.
Connect with Will Sattelberg
Samsung says Galaxy S26 vertical camera is a ‘core identity’ — it’s also a core problem
In a recent interview, Samsung execs discussed how the company’s design language has evolved into what we now know as the Galaxy S26. While it might be true that Samsung has carved out its own identity in the mobile space through generations of refinement, that same design is also at the heart of some of the most annoying-yet-fixable problems facing Galaxy hardware.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 096: There’s an app for that
Welcome to episode 96 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will talk through Google’s new native Gemini app for Mac and wonder why now, and why we don’t see more standalone applications from the company. They also dive into new reports surrounding Google’s portion of the foldable market — and the risk Apple holds against it — before finishing up with YouTube’s new workaround for disabling Shorts.
Subscribe
Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.
Expand Expanding CloseLatest One UI 9 leak shows off ‘Tap to Share,’ adds Bixby widgets to home screen
Samsung is still working on One UI 9 ahead of a planned launch later this summer. With a fresh leaked build, we’re getting a better glimpse at two features coming to your phone with this update.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle brings individual hotel price tracking to Search for all your summer travel needs
Google is adding a new tool to Search that should allow users to save a little bit of cash on their upcoming summer vacations.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Sideload 029: Smartphone solvers
Welcome to episode 29 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will welcomes 9to5‘s own Andrew Romero back to the show as the pair attempt their best impression at consulting. From Samsung’s messy Galaxy S-series lineup to a crucial piece of advice Google should adopt for the Pixel 11, Will and Andrew are fixing every flagship Android series sold in the US — for absolutely free, no less.
Subscribe
Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 77% on a two-year subscription by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 095: A Gemini vibe check
Welcome to episode 95 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will take a deep dive into the world of Gemini, breaking down Google’s frequent UI changes, the different ways all three hosts use the service, and how it needs to evolve moving forward. Damien also walks Abner and Will through his experience using Gemini with Android Auto, and how it’s more of a mixed bag than you might think.
Subscribe
Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube says its 90-second unskippable ads were the result of a bug, fix rolling out [U]
Earlier this week, YouTube users began reporting 90-second ad breaks appearing within videos being streamed to televisions, seemingly expanding on the 30-second rollout that initially kicked off last year. YouTube has officially responded to these claims, but in doing so, it’s raising more questions than providing answers.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold goes live one last time at 10AM ET, here’s how to get yours
In what could be your last chance to pick up Samsung’s first-ever tri-folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold is set to be restocked later this morning. If history is any indication, though, you’re going to want to make sure you’re prepared to add your device to cart as soon as possible.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube starts showing 90-second unskippable ads to TV viewers
YouTube’s been on an ad-friendly offensive lately, pushing more ads to viewers at large and punishing anyone with an ad blocker through various means. It’s latest move takes matters to a whole new level, though, as 90-second unskippable ads seem to be headed to TV viewers.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 094: Whoop, there it is
Welcome to episode 94 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will talk all about this week’s Pixel 11 leaks, granting everyone an early look at what appears to be a strikingly familiar smartphone launch on deck for later this year. After a brief dip into some Android 17 Beta 3 thoughts, the crew discusses Google’s upcoming display-less Fitbit band, clearly designed to take Whoop head-on with the help of Steph Curry.
Subscribe
Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast.
Expand Expanding CloseMotorola’s next batch of Razr colors sound just as fun as you’d expect
Motorola’s Razr lineup offers one of the most robust flip phone experiences you can find today, but equally appealing is its multitude of colors and finishes. It looks like the company’s upcoming 2026 entry will follow suit, with Moto’s usual partnership with Pantone still on lock.
Expand Expanding CloseQuick Share’s little-known shortcut lets you share to another Android phone by tapping it
Google’s Quick Share has been an important part of Android for a few years now, but it still has a few hidden tricks, including the ability to trigger sharing by simply tapping the phone you want to share to.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos is losing some of its editing shortcuts to ‘reduce accidental triggers’
Google Photos has become much more than a way to manage and backup your photos and videos, especially in the age of AI. Not everyone needs — or, more accurately, wants — to trigger these functions on a regular basis, though, and a new update to the app is helping to eliminate those annoying, unwanted pop-ups.
Expand Expanding CloseTCL is officially taking over Sony’s TV business in new partnership [U]
One of the most beloved names in the TV business is throwing in the towel, as Sony’s new partnership with TCL has the latter officially taking over a 51% majority stake in this new venture.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung quietly removed third-party font support from devices running One UI 8.5
If you’re looking for the most customizable out-of-the-box experience on a smartphone today, it’s tough to go wrong with Samsung. Unlike some of the more locked-down launchers you’ll find on Android — sorry, but I’m looking at you, Pixel — the amount of personal touches you can apply to any Galaxy phone can feel endless, and that’s before you install something like Good Lock. However, with One UI 8.5, it seems like Samsung made the rare move to remove some of this functionality in the name of security, and users aren’t pleased.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung might raise prices on its most expensive phones, starting in South Korea
If you’ve shopped for anything remotely related to computing over the past six months, you know it’s a pretty bad time to be in the market for tech. With AI-fueled RAM and storage shortages continuing with no end in sight, plenty of brands have either enacted or are considering price hikes on their already-available tech. Starting tomorrow, Samsung might be the latest brand to join in the (not so) fun.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Sideload 028: The short life and quick death of Samsung’s TriFold
Welcome to episode 28 of The Sideload, a 9to5Google podcast. This week, Will welcomes Allison Johnson, senior reviewer at The Verge, to discuss her attempts at purchasing and reviewing Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold in the run-up to its eventual demise. They also discuss Allison’s hands-on with Google’s new agentic tools for Android and wonder whether this is a lead-up to some more impressive demos to come at this year’s I/O.
Subscribe
Sponsored by NordVPN: Listeners to The Sideload can save up to 77% on a two-year subscription and score a free Amazon gift card by signing up for NordVPN using this link. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 11 looks like another minor evolution in leak, slightly thinner [Gallery]
Over the past two generations of Pixel, Google has built its smartphone brand into one of the few brands able to find (relative) growth in an increasingly-stagnant arena. Today, we’re getting our first look at this year’s Pixel 11, and despite being an anniversary release, it’s looking like we’re getting a third take on Google’s current design.
Expand Expanding CloseYou won’t need to repeat Android’s sideload bypass when upgrading your phone
Google finally announced its long-awaited “advanced flow” for enabling sideloading from unverified developers last week, set to roll out later this year to all Android phones. It addressed a lot of the concerns we had with the future of installing third-party APKs, but that’s not to say it delivered every answer under the sun. Thankfully, a new FAQ video is going a long way in filling in some of the gaps, including confirming you won’t need to repeat this process when you get a new phone.
Expand Expanding ClosePixelated 093: Android, not Scamdroid
Welcome to episode 93 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will discuss Google’s new “advanced flow” for enabling sideloading on Android, set to launch on all Play-supported devices later this year. It’s a change built with security and safety in mind, and your hosts are pretty impressed with how the company has designed this shift. Then they dig into the potential news that OnePlus could be preparing to exit the global market, leaving an enthusiast-shaped hole in its place.
Subscribe
Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription by signing up for Proton Unlimited using this link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Pixel Launcher could take the hard work out of setting up your home screen
Google released Android 17 Beta 3 yesterday with a handful of interesting additions, but as is often the case, the coolest features are the ones typically hidden just below the surface — or, in this case, behind some secret flags. The company appears to be working on a new way for Pixel users to automatically fill their home screen with suggested apps, widgets, and more, and it could completely change how you layout your smartphone’s launcher.
Expand Expanding CloseMotorola’s next Razr Ultra is even thicker in first leak, and it makes me want to scream
Hot on the heels of our first look at the entry-level Moto Razr earlier this month, we’re getting our first glimpse at Motorola’s flagship clamshell for 2026. Unfortunately for anyone hoping this year’s model would come with a slimmer chassis, it seems like the brand is moving in the opposite direction.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 17 Beta 3 brings Google’s screen recorder redesign out of Canary
After launching in last week’s Android Canary update, Google has added its redesigned screen recording menu to today’s Android 17 Beta 3, setting the stage for an all-but-guaranteed stable rollout later this year.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube fixes bug that had users running into annoying CAPTCHA loops [U]
YouTube has certainly proven itself to be a bit of a pain for viewers lately, especially those members of its audience attempting to bypass ads. Today’s issue takes it to a whole new level, though, as some users are struggling to use the site without seeing repeated CAPTCHAs blocking access to videos.
Expand Expanding Close