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
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.
Ask Jerry: Can you use an Android phone without Google?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
The Pixel Watch wasn't built for people like me, and I'm not surprised
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill The Pixel Watch 3 isn't the right choice if you're in a wheelchair. I've come to grips with this.
The Pixel 9 'Add Me' feature is quintessentially Google. More like this, please
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
My AI Google does some things really well. The Pixel 9's Add Me camera feature is one of those things.
Ask Jerry: I need the right Chromebook. Why is this so hard?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
The HMD Skyline offers the type of repairability I wish all phones had
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill The HMD Skyline won't compete with high-end phones in the specs department, but it beats them all when it comes to user serviceability.
Google's 'high-end' TV Streamer isn't a 'Pro' device, and that's okay
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Google knows things Google jacked up the price but left out options we see from competitors, including only what it thinks we really want. Google is probably right.
Ask Jerry: How do messaging apps use my phone's data connection?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
The Pulse: Google is now a monopoly but nothing will really change
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
The Pulse News can be overwhelming. Here, we break it down into what's important: what it means for all of us.
Net neutrality rules are temporarily blocked, but you shouldn't be surprised
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Kick the can The FCC's reclassification of broadband has been temporarily blocked by an appeals court because everyone has to pick a side.
Do you really know how to use the camera on your phone?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill A day with uncomfortable people doing uncomfortable things with a phone camera taught me a lot about filming in public.
Qi2 is a great short-term fix that will stifle innovation
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Short-term vision Qi2 brings an open standard so any phone can have MagSafe charging. Compatibility issues and market conditions mean it could stop the next great thing from happening.
Factory Reset Protection: What you need to know
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Data protection Factory Reset Protection helps keep your data safe if your device is lost or stolen, but you need to remember to disable it before a new user can set it up and sign in.
Ask Jerry: How can I filter incoming messages?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
I'm giving Motorola another chance
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill I think Motorola is finding ways to turn itself back into the great phone maker it used to be. I'm ready to try them again.
The battle for your next dollar will be fought with software
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
ones and zeros Hardware innovation isn't dead, but it's not growing in ways we can see. Software, though, is going to come at you like never before.
Ask Jerry: Why does Google push out updates and new features so slowly?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
That huge 'Microsoft outage' probably didn't affect you, but the next one might
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill Software outages are messy and expensive. They can also be a great learning opportunity.
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