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
What Apple can learn from Google and Samsung about AI
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill AI is now a must-have feature in a modern smartphone, and Apple can learn a thing or two from Google's latest attempts.
What is the Digital Markets Act, and what does it mean for North American consumers?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Watching the Gatekeepers The DMA is the EU's effort to keep a tight leash on big tech. It's ambitious and may have global effects, so it matters to you, too.
Is Google Gemini the end of Google Assistant?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Hey Gemini Gemini is the latest AI product from Google, and it's set to power just about everything.
Stop being stupid, the Galaxy S24's Exynos 2400 will be just fine
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill Samsung's Exynos 2400 should be 100% optimized for the Galaxy AI features that are the selling point for the Galaxy S24.
Google is both right and wrong when it comes to your right to repair
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Right to Repair Advocacy is good but Google should take a backseat when it comes to policy direction.
Samsung's Galaxy AI is going to be a glorious mess
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill It's really hard to get consumer-facing AI "right" and Samsung is going to struggle with it for a while. That doesn't matter if we end up loving it anyway.
What is Ultra HDR on the Pixel 8 and how does it work?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
HDR but make it Ultra Google has added a gain map to the Pixel 8's camera Ultra HDR format that tells your display how to best show off a picture.
What I want to see from Google in 2024
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill What Google needs to do to win back user trust in 2024.
Jerry Hildenbrand's Top 10 of 2023
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
2023 is done. As we wrap the year up it's time to look back at what stood out for me.
Your loved ones need access to your phone once you've passed away
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill All the digital information you're keeping on your phone can be important to the people you've left behind.
Social media is usually not the right time or place for companies to fight - it's just an easy win
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill We're being manipulated to pick sides by companies that can easily afford real court battles.
This last-minute Cyber Monday deal on two wireless chargers is too good to pass up
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
No more dead batteries When it's not in your hand, it's on the charger. That's the beauty of wireless charging.
Your complete Cyber Monday Raspberry Pi beginner's guide
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
New Pi Smell Cyber Monday is a great time to grab everything you need to start having fun with a Raspberry Pi.
Take your phone's camera to the next level with these Cyber Monday deals
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Say Cheese Your phone has a great camera and a few accessories can help you use it like a pro.
My favorite smart lock is on sale for Black Friday and it's only $179
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Key Free My Yale Assure Smart lock means I can lock everyone out of my house but my family. I paid full price but you don't have to.
Learn how to code and save $40 with this Arduino starter kit deal
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Learning is fun! An Arduino is the perfect introduction to electronics and software development, and this late Black Friday deal is a great way to get started.
This battery bank fits in the tiny pocket in your jeans and you can get two of them for just $30
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Tiny powerhouse The best battery pack is the one you have with you. This little gem is something you can always carry around.
Scammers and thieves love Cyber Monday as much as you do
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill If you're not careful you can easily fall victim to folks who work hard to screw you over. Here are a few things to look out for.
This totally unnecessary but awesome Raspberry Pi-powered robot tank is only $55 for Black Friday
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Three laws of robotics I need a Raspberry Pi robot tank in my life because how else can I start hosting my own BattleBots tournament?
Blocking ads on YouTube is like trying to sneak into the movies
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Price of admission YouTube exists to make money, and Google will try to squeeze as much from us as it can.
The oldest Android TV box is still the one you should buy this Black Friday
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Smart TV The Nvidia Shield TV is the oldest supported Android device you can buy. It's also the best Android TV box you can buy.
Repairability is a phone feature that doesn't get enough love
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill Everyone loves to see an awesome camera and a fast processor, but being easy to repair is just as important.
Sideloading on iOS will be a dumpster fire
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Open door policy The E.U. may force Apple to allow sideloading on the iPhone. Oh boy.
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