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
![Google Gemini Pro's new token count](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8vYerT9fwUABbyeubwDRcX-320-80.jpg)
Only Google can make cool AI features look boring
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz Even at a developer conference, the keynote presentation needs some pizzazz.
![Mint Mobile homepage on Google Pixel 6 screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U8qsragHjW4KFtr68XEFnJ-320-80.jpg)
8 important considerations when switching to an MVNO
By Jerry Hildenbrand, Samuel Contreras last updated
Do your homework! Going prepaid is a great idea, but there are many things you need to know. Here are some of the important considerations when switching to an MVNO.
![Android statues](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HrmCzNcQDgwjg2sArrBf7S-320-80.jpg)
Ask Jerry: What is FCC certification, and why do phones need it?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
![The Google Pixel 8a in the Bay blue colorway](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Gcs7FVTjvc2HZyLR3qWMnH-320-80.jpg)
Only $499 for the Pixel 8a is crazy. How can Google do it?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill Google has packed premium phone specs into a budget price tag and isn't going to lose any money doing it.
![OnePlus 12R review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jwRWKcGq4Na5HEgi8EY4KP-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Trying to set a timer on the Rabbit R1](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZNohd6QNepvAqkFPZZb5YE-320-80.jpg)
The Rabbit R1 may suck, but it's not 'just an app'
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Something else The Rabbit R1 is not a device I want or would recommend, but it's more than just an app.
![Android statues](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HrmCzNcQDgwjg2sArrBf7S-320-80.jpg)
Ask Jerry: Is iOS more secure than Android?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
![Nest Hub (2nd Gen)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uD5Q6Txp5W93SmUS68pATb-320-80.jpg)
Google needs to build a new Nest Hub with Gemini Nano
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill An improved Nest Hub with on-device AI would shake up the home assistant market. Google could do it, but will it?
![Changing a light switch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7F9QLCgE7SJqLJ4GQXV6gM-320-80.jpg)
Best smart light switches that don't require a neutral wire in 2024
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
For older homes No neutral wire in your switch box? We have you covered. Here are the smart light switch brands that work without a neutral wire to constantly power them.
![Comparing the Google Pixel 8 Pro to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P2e3jF6T5NDwd9vSwinXWb-320-80.jpg)
How much RAM does your Android phone actually need in 2024?
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
Thanks for the memory You don't need a lot of RAM in a phone, but you probably will want to have a good bit of it.
![TikTok on OnePlus 9 with kids tech](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NBCsGYP63gkXUhA4PKzkSD-320-80.jpg)
If TikTok is banned, a VPN may not be the solution you're looking for
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Tick, tock ... If TikTok gets banned, a VPN may work if you want to connect inside the U.S., but only if the government isn't serious.
![Android statues](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HrmCzNcQDgwjg2sArrBf7S-320-80.jpg)
Ask Jerry: When it's time to buy a new phone
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Using a phone as long as you can is a great idea. But eventually, you just have to upgrade.
![eero Pro 6E and the eero app showing an eero Internet Backup connection](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mQxdi5fXGWDpwJs2hdhqo8-320-80.jpg)
Why is net neutrality so important?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill The FCC has voted to restore net neutrality regulations and has classified the broadband data providers as a "Title II telecommunications service." Here's why that matters.
![Android app overview](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DzxrNPvMuDfJMkyzy9QBQY-320-80.jpg)
Does it help to force close apps on your phone?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
How it works Your phone's operating system manages apps and resources on it's own, and it's pretty good at doing it.
![Android statues](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HrmCzNcQDgwjg2sArrBf7S-320-80.jpg)
Ask Jerry: What to do when your phone is acting up
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry When your phone has hardware issues, where to get help depends on a few things.
![Grandmas Recycled Phones 1](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ej9ngycTYh5MoRUHbiLkXT-320-80.jpg)
The big lie of sustainable tech
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill Tech companies love to throw out words like sustainable. The products they sell are anything but.
![Google apps on an Android phone home screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qsba66QW5qoKryNKBJmM8D-320-80.jpg)
The ultimate guide to Android security: Everything you need to know
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
Stay safe! Your phone is filled with private and potentially sensitive data about your life. Here's what you need to know about how it all works.
![The display of the Moto G 5G 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CvqPXMRFKhjf7ht7pHM3kW-320-80.jpg)
What is virtual RAM, and should you use it?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Life in the slow lane Your phone might have a feature claiming to add virtual memory. How does that work and is it something you need?
![Android statues](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HrmCzNcQDgwjg2sArrBf7S-320-80.jpg)
Ask Jerry: How to fight email spam
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Spam in your inbox is a pain and nobody wants to see it. But you do have ways to deal with it.
![5g cell tower](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xGqFpYcd7w9T5gqsuDbEBR-320-80.jpg)
Mobile broadband and 5G is still a mess
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill Years later, the state of high-speed internet in North America is still less than ideal for many.
![Two-Factor Authentication](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Puay7oEt4wLd4cWK3458iA-320-80.jpg)
Two-factor authentication (2FA): Everything you need to know
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
It's really me You should use two-factor authentication (2FA) on every account that offers it. Here's an explainer of what it is and why you want it.
![Find my device at Google IO 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DUbt2gxobj5cL5PB2uvDMV-320-80.jpg)
How does Google's new Find My Device network actually work, and why should you care?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Lost and Found Google has offered a way to locate lost phones for years, but the feature has seen a big update that makes it a lot better.
![Android statues](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HrmCzNcQDgwjg2sArrBf7S-320-80.jpg)
Ask Jerry: Will Google help me access a loved one's data after they pass away?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!