Jerry Hildenbrand
Jerry has been a smartphone user since the BlackBerry days, having moved through the tech’s progression from Palm to Nokia to Apple and Android. He even waited in line at a Washington, DC T-Mobile store to buy the first Android phone. Combined with an Electrical Engineering degree and years of experience working with machine vision and learning equipment all over the world he has a passion for knowing how tech products work and what matters to the people buying them. He’s been in this industry longer than most of the companies we cover. With 15 years of experience writing about tech he has seen how smart devices have morphed from a luxury to a necessity and offers a unique perspective on both the good and bad consequences of it all. Currently covering the broader ecosystems of hardware and software products, his industry contacts and experience help break down the decisions tech giants make and the products they offer into the most important thing: how this affects us, the consumers and end-users of the products and services. With no affinity to one company Jerry can help you find the tech that’s right for you and help you understand what it can do for you. When things go south, he can also help you fix it or point you in the right direction for help. In his personal life Jerry loves to tinker in his workshop and work on his antique truck.
Latest articles by Jerry Hildenbrand
These Android phones support wireless charging
By Jerry Hildenbrand, Namerah Saud Fatmi last updated
go cordless Wireless charging has been around for quite some time, and this feature is finally trickling down to more mid-range phones too. Here are some of the Android phones that support wireless charging.
Best Android phones for rooting and modding 2024
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
tinker time If you're looking ahead and know you'll want to change something on your next phone, which requires custom software or root access, these phones are the best options.
Ask Jerry: Can I do that on a Chromebook?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
Don't forget what else you need as you head back to school
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill It's important to remember a few things to help mind your online privacy and security as you head off to school.
This case against TikTok might spur the Section 230 reform we desperately need
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Responsibility The Third Circuit says Section 230 doesn't protect TikTok as distributors of harm, only publishing it.
Android 15 has tools to fix washed-out SDR content on HDR displays. What does that even mean?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Better color You've seen washed-out images in your apps even if you didn't realize it. Android 15 tries to fix it but developers have to do the work.
Qualcomm is chasing Google when it comes to AI and your battery will be the victim
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Dead by sundown When phone makers want everything to be thin and chipmakers want even more power you're left buying a battery pack.
Ask Jerry: How do I get my Wi-Fi toggle widget back?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
TECNO might be onto something with its tri-fold phone concept
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Three-way A tablet that folds shut could be better than a phone that folds open.
California's bizarre proposed AI regulations would make things worse, not better
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill California has sent a bill to the governor for signing that makes companies responsible for the terrible things people will do with AI.
Best Android TVs 2024
By Ted Kritsonis, Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
Android TV Android TV is a sleek and powerful smart TV operating system, and these TVs ship with it built right in. Here are the best Android TVs you should consider and why they're so great!
According to this video, the Pixel 9 Pro XL beats the S24 Ultra when it comes to doing actual things
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
BEST At least it does using these exact phones in this one video. And that's enough to argue about it apparently.
This is why that mic icon in your status bar is so important
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Better to hear you with Cox Media Group claimed it could offer ads based on what it hears through your smart devices. This future sucks.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL video teardown has me doubting you'll use this phone for seven years
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Do better Google A trained professional with all the right tools can't open the Pixel 9 Pro XL without breaking the display.
Not all messaging apps are equal when it comes to encryption
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
end to end The arrest of Telegram's founder has made people more aware of which apps are encrypted and which aren't.
Ask Jerry: Why do we still need to use airplane mode on a flight?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
How to quickly lock down your Android phone
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
secure and private Lockdown is a convenient setting that disables biometric security on your phone and reverts to your PIN or password. Luckily, it's easy to access and even easier to toggle!
The Pixel 9 isn't the only way to make unhinged AI pictures
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill You might think the Pixel 9 is the only way to make terrible AI photos but you would be wrong. It's just the only way that is getting any attention.
Smart rings are disposable tech
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Use it and toss it Some products are built to last. Your smart ring isn't one of them.
The Pixel Watch 3 'no-repair policy' shouldn't surprise you
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Pay now, pay later You can't get your Pixel Watch 3 fixed. But you can pay for Preffered Care insurance, then pay money to use it.
The Pixel 9 offers satellite SOS services. Here's how it all works
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
How it works The Pixel 9 is the first Android phone to offer native satellite emergency services, but expect to see it in other phone soon.
Using plastic packaging is dumb. Google just stopped doing it.
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
sustainability that matters Diamonds are forever. So is plastic. Let's stop using it as a packing material.
You need to try Google's ImageFX AI image generator
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Worth a try Google's ImageFX is not the first AI image generation tool but it might be the easiest one to start using. It's definitely worth a look.
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