There was a time when “Android skin” was a dirty word, something that frustrated and inhibited the entire platform. Times have changed, though; in fact, many are incredible options, and they make Android stronger for buyers and fans alike.
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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.
The classic Bugdroid returns to UK Google Merchandise store
In a strange move, the Google Merchandise store in the UK is offering up the outdated but still classic Bugdroid Android mascot despite being sold out elsewhere online.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus 13 long-term review: The finest phone of the year…possibly [Video]
The recent OnePlus glow-up needs to be seriously studied, and the OnePlus 13 is the pinnacle of this in action. It signifies the maturation of the “new” company, but is it the best Android phone out right now? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Back again] A renewed Pixel 8 Pro is a steal at just $340 right now
While there are lots of new and upcoming phones vying for your hard-earned money, you can get some serious bang for your buck by buying a slightly older phone at a substantially discounted price. With that in mind, a renewed Pixel 8 Pro is an absolute steal at Amazon.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Watch 8 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Style or substance? [Video]
There is a new Wear OS watch in town, but is the Galaxy Watch 8 (or Watch 8 Classic) exponentially better than the Pixel Watch 3? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseYou can get the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 for under $240 right now on Amazon
As time ticks away on the massive Prime Day bonanza, there are a few insane deals on the latest hardware, including the 41mm Pixel Watch 3, which is down to an insane $237 right now.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Watch 8 and 8 Classic hands-on: Rugged in the right ways
Since Samsung returned to making Wear OS watches, it’s hard to look past the Galaxy Watch series, and the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic feel absolutely no different once again.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Fitbit Charge 6 is a steal at under $100
As one of the best fitness trackers from the company, the Fitbit Charge 6 is having a fire sale over on Amazon right now and is an absolute steal for just $99.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Back again] Google TV Streamer gets rare discount in limited Amazon sale
While the Google TV Streamer isn’t the outright best Android TV box, it is a solid set-top box that is now a little more enticing as part of a Amazon’s Prime Day sale.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Galaxy S25 Edge is way more palatable at $799 for Amazon Prime Day
People were confused when the Galaxy S25 Edge launched at over $1000, but it’s a much more palatable purchase at a heavily discounted $799 over on Amazon right now.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Phone (3) vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Google should be worried… [Video]
Google might have a small but growing challenger in the clean Android space. The way we see it so far, the Nothing Phone (3) could be a very enticing option over the Pixel 9 Pro XL – at least until the 10 series launches in just a few months.
Expand Expanding CloseA 4-pack of Android’s best trackers are now just $65 on Amazon
The Android Find My Device network rollout was fraught with issues, but luckily, Samsung has arguably the best trackers available as part of a SmartTag2 4-pack for just $64.99 on Amazon right now.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel Tablet is a solid buy for $249 on Amazon right now
As part of the massive Amazon Prime Day 2025 deals, the Google Pixel Tablet is an absolute steal for just $249 for the base 128GB model.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy S25 Ultra long-term review: Perfection of a prescribed formula [Video]
In many ways, the Galaxy S25 Ultra signifies the industry’s acceptance that big changes are sort of “done” and that incremental updates are the way forward. That should be a negative, but the truth is that this is still one of the most complete packages on Android and maybe the best outright phone you can buy.
Expand Expanding CloseSome of our favorite Pixel Watch 3 accessories [Video]
It’s been a minute since the Pixel Watch 3 launched, but there still isn’t a wealth of accessories to choose from. We’ve spent time testing and trialing some of the small pool – and here are some of our favorites.
Expand Expanding CloseWhere the Pixel 10 needs to improve over the Pixel 9 [Video]
The Pixel 10 is going to be an iterative update, but even so, there is still room to improve over the Pixel 9. Here are a few areas we want to see Google make changes to make an even better Android smartphone.
Expand Expanding ClosePoco F7 launches for $399 with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, and more
The Poco F7 has officially launched globally with an impressive spec sheet for a mid-ranger and is powered by the brand-new Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor.
Expand Expanding CloseLineageOS 22 now supports Galaxy Tab S7, Xiaomi 12 series, plus many more
As phones get longer support windows, third-party ROMs like LineageOS aren’t all that necessary, but still a welcome option, especially for owners of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, plus a plethora of other older Android-powered devices. Here are a few newly supported handsets.
Expand Expanding CloseLenovo Chromebook Plus 14 launches with MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, $649 price
Lenovo has introduced its latest Chromebook, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. This device is the first Chromebook Plus model to feature an ARM processor and the first to integrate the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip.
Expand Expanding CloseSome of our favorite Pixel 9 accessories [Video]
You might be on the lookout for some decent or solid Pixel 9 accessories, luckily we’re way ahead of you and have tested lots of crud to find the gems. Here are a few more of our favorites that we think you might want to take a look at.
Expand Expanding CloseiOS 26 vs. Android 16: Concise or clear design [Video]
We’ve just seen Apple lay out plans for the next generation of iOS, which is a rapid departure from previous updates. But how does iOS 26 stack up against Android 16, which has also yet to be released? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseA renewed Pixel 8 Pro is a steal at just $355 right now
It makes a lot of sense to consider a slightly older phone for your next purchase, as you can often find fantastic deals. Take the renewed Pixel 8 Pro from Amazon, for instance—it’s an absolute steal!
Expand Expanding CloseThese are currently the best Google Pixel deals on Amazon
Getting a Google Pixel at the best price often means shopping around, but with great return and refund policies plus extended warranties, Amazon is a great place to get kitted out with a smartphone. With that in mind, here are some of the best early Summer deals on Google Pixel phones from the online retailer.
Expand Expanding CloseEvery single new feature in Android 16 [Video]
The dust has barely settled on Android 15, but less than a year later, we have a smaller but still important Android 16 update stuffed with new functions and features for Google Pixel phones – here’s what’s new.
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