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.
I know, this is a throwback, right? Talking about arguably one of Google’s best dead products. I still find it hard to believe that Stadia has been dead for over three years, going on four, but it was arguably some of the most fun I’ve had gaming. The problem is that it was probably right to disappear, given the current state of the market.
Samsung has decided that the Fold lineup needed shaking up, and the Korean tech giant has certainly done that this year. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 “Ultra” and Z Fold 8 are two takes on the genre, but which is better for most people? We’re going to work it out together.
After a limited alpha testing phase, Aviate, the flight tracking application that aims to be a full rebuttal to iPhone’s Flighty tracker, is now officially available on Android.
I write about smartphones, Android, and consumer technology for a living, but I can admit that I am addicted to the devices I use every day. I figured I need to have a firebreak and, hand on heart, it’s making me happier and healthier. If you use your phone too much, learn from my missteps.
I’ve been lucky enough to have a car that has Android Automotive for the better part of five years, and in that time, it made me realize just how much better Android Auto is for most people despite its problems, bugs, and foibles.
With the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung is also shipping the first phones with Gemini Intelligence. I managed to get it working briefly, but I can’t see why it solves for most people.
Foldables don’t usually get my juices flowing. The sad fact is that while I like the “idea” of a folding phone, the sheen quickly dulls, and I’m left reeling from the compromises. Even after just a few hours of playing with the brand-new Galaxy Z Fold 8, I think it reinforces that wide foldables were always the right decision.
There are a number of reasons why Samsung dominates Wear OS, and the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 exemplify that once again this year – here’s what you need to know.
In the wake of World Emoji Day – yes, that is a thing – Google gave us some insight into why we’re switching over to the “Noto 3D” collection, but we’re wondering how people feel about the new designs.
OnePlus has been on the ropes for a while, but with reports indicating the company is preparing a total withdrawal from the US and Europe, the end of an era is officially here. If you’re a long-time fan, it’s time to start planning your OnePlus switch.
Now we’re a few builds into the Android 17 Beta or One UI 9 for Samsung Galaxy phones, so now is the perfect time to take a look at what’s coming ahead of its debut on foldables very soon.
On paper, the upcoming Pixel 11 series looks like more of the same. For the modern smartphone enthusiast, “more of the same” usually triggers an immediate eye-roll. Are we setting ourselves up for disappointment by expecting the Pixel 11 to be something it was never meant to be?
Apple has unveiled and detailed iOS 27, while Google has just dropped Android 17. With more than a hint of Google in Apple’s next vision for mobile, just how do these OSes stack up?
If you’re a fan of emulation and Android gaming handhelds, then it might be music to your ears to hear that the Retroid Pocket 6 now officially supports LineageOS.
As a lazy, lapsed programmer, I feel that tools like Antigravity and Codex have changed my day-to-day workflows and, despite some major foibles, I cannot recommend them highly enough.
You might have just picked up your Google Home Speaker and want to expand your smart home setup. Well, here are a few deals on smart home hardware we recommend for this Amazon Prime Day week.
Just because something has been around for a while doesn’t mean it’s bad or not worth buying. I’ve bought a few products over the years, and here are a few older tech items I think are well worth a look.
Five years on from a dedicated speaker launch, we have the Google Home Speaker. This is the platform for Gemini for the next half a decade – here’s what it’s like to live with.
While the Google TV Streamer isn’t the outright best Android TV box on the market, it is a highly capable set-top box. If you’ve been on the fence about picking one up, Amazon’s Prime Day week sale makes the Google TV Streamer an absolute steal.
Author
Damien Wilde
damienwildeytDamien 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.
Connect with Damien Wilde
Stadia was some of the most fun I’ve had gaming, but it was right to disappear
I know, this is a throwback, right? Talking about arguably one of Google’s best dead products. I still find it hard to believe that Stadia has been dead for over three years, going on four, but it was arguably some of the most fun I’ve had gaming. The problem is that it was probably right to disappear, given the current state of the market.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra or Z Fold: Status quo or star player [Video]
Samsung has decided that the Fold lineup needed shaking up, and the Korean tech giant has certainly done that this year. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 “Ultra” and Z Fold 8 are two takes on the genre, but which is better for most people? We’re going to work it out together.
Expand Expanding CloseAviate, Android’s answer to Flighty, is now available to download
After a limited alpha testing phase, Aviate, the flight tracking application that aims to be a full rebuttal to iPhone’s Flighty tracker, is now officially available on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseI’m using my phone way less, and it’s making me happier
I write about smartphones, Android, and consumer technology for a living, but I can admit that I am addicted to the devices I use every day. I figured I need to have a firebreak and, hand on heart, it’s making me happier and healthier. If you use your phone too much, learn from my missteps.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Auto is still the best in-car entertainment experience despite its foibles
I’ve been lucky enough to have a car that has Android Automotive for the better part of five years, and in that time, it made me realize just how much better Android Auto is for most people despite its problems, bugs, and foibles.
Expand Expanding CloseI briefly tried Gemini Intelligence, and I’m still not sure who it’s for [Video]
With the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung is also shipping the first phones with Gemini Intelligence. I managed to get it working briefly, but I can’t see why it solves for most people.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Z Fold 8 hands-on: This redesign proves Google was right the first time [Video]
Foldables don’t usually get my juices flowing. The sad fact is that while I like the “idea” of a folding phone, the sheen quickly dulls, and I’m left reeling from the compromises. Even after just a few hours of playing with the brand-new Galaxy Z Fold 8, I think it reinforces that wide foldables were always the right decision.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 hands-on: Same time and time again [Video]
There are a number of reasons why Samsung dominates Wear OS, and the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 exemplify that once again this year – here’s what you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseDo you prefer Google’s 3D emoji or the classic style? [Poll]
In the wake of World Emoji Day – yes, that is a thing – Google gave us some insight into why we’re switching over to the “Noto 3D” collection, but we’re wondering how people feel about the new designs.
Expand Expanding CloseWho will you switch to now that OnePlus is effectively dead? [Poll]
OnePlus has been on the ropes for a while, but with reports indicating the company is preparing a total withdrawal from the US and Europe, the end of an era is officially here. If you’re a long-time fan, it’s time to start planning your OnePlus switch.
Expand Expanding CloseOne UI 9: All the features you need to know [Video]
Now we’re a few builds into the Android 17 Beta or One UI 9 for Samsung Galaxy phones, so now is the perfect time to take a look at what’s coming ahead of its debut on foldables very soon.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung could end free storage upgrades with Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8
We have some bad news if you were planning on buying the Galaxy Z Flip 8 or Fold 8 and counting on Samsung’s signature free storage upgrade.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung Galaxy SmartTag 3 reportedly coming later this year
To the surprise of absolutely no one, it appears that Samsung is working on and set to release a SmartTag 3 Bluetooth tracker in the coming months.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat went wrong with OnePlus? [Video]
From a darling of the early Android era to a husk on the brink of becoming completely irrelevant, just what went wrong for OnePlus?
Expand Expanding CloseYes, the Pixel 11 will be more of the same, for better or worse [Video]
On paper, the upcoming Pixel 11 series looks like more of the same. For the modern smartphone enthusiast, “more of the same” usually triggers an immediate eye-roll. Are we setting ourselves up for disappointment by expecting the Pixel 11 to be something it was never meant to be?
Expand Expanding CloseReport claims OxygenOS and Realme UI set to be discontinued
The woes for OnePlus continue as a new report suggests that OxygenOS is being discontinued alongside Realme UI.
Expand Expanding CloseHow Android 17 and iOS 27 stack up: What’s actually changed? [Video]
Apple has unveiled and detailed iOS 27, while Google has just dropped Android 17. With more than a hint of Google in Apple’s next vision for mobile, just how do these OSes stack up?
Expand Expanding CloseThe Retroid Pocket 6 now officially supports LineageOS
If you’re a fan of emulation and Android gaming handhelds, then it might be music to your ears to hear that the Retroid Pocket 6 now officially supports LineageOS.
Expand Expanding CloseI’ve gone from anti vibe coder to Antigravity addict
As a lazy, lapsed programmer, I feel that tools like Antigravity and Codex have changed my day-to-day workflows and, despite some major foibles, I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini begins rolling out for existing Android Automotive vehicles
Some months after its confirmation, Gemini for Android Automotive appears to be finally rolling out to existing vehicles.
Expand Expanding CloseSome of the best smart home essentials for Amazon Prime Day
You might have just picked up your Google Home Speaker and want to expand your smart home setup. Well, here are a few deals on smart home hardware we recommend for this Amazon Prime Day week.
Expand Expanding CloseHere are some discounted older tech items I still heartily recommend
Just because something has been around for a while doesn’t mean it’s bad or not worth buying. I’ve bought a few products over the years, and here are a few older tech items I think are well worth a look.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home Speaker review: Talk Gemini to me [Video]
Five years on from a dedicated speaker launch, we have the Google Home Speaker. This is the platform for Gemini for the next half a decade – here’s what it’s like to live with.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google TV Streamer is an absolute steal at $75 for Amazon Prime Day
While the Google TV Streamer isn’t the outright best Android TV box on the market, it is a highly capable set-top box. If you’ve been on the fence about picking one up, Amazon’s Prime Day week sale makes the Google TV Streamer an absolute steal.
Expand Expanding Close