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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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 (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.
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.
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!
How to update the software on your Google Pixel phone
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
Easy updates One of the best parts of owning a Google Pixel is its regular software updates. Here's how you can make sure you never miss one.
Taking photos of the eclipse with your phone is easier than you think
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill A few cheap tools and these simple directions is all you really need.
What is a SIM PIN code and can you unlock a SIM card with a PIN?
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
Sim pin Add a SIM PIN to your SIM card and get an extra layer of protection.
What you need to know about data breaches and how to protect yourself
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Protecting yourself You can't control how other companies treat your data. Here's what you need to know when it ends up in the wrong hands.
Bluetooth audio terms and codecs explained: aptX, LDAC, LC3, and everything else
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
Bluetooth codecs explained! There's a lot of science and tech inside your phone that makes the sound enjoyable. We explain Bluetooth audio codecs so you know what's happening when you connect!
Ask Jerry: What data survives a factory reset?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
Global AI resolution is a step forward, but there is a long road ahead
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill The United Nation's Global Resolution on AI is a good first step towards responsible and ethical AI, but it needs to be more than a suggestion.
Samsung One UI 6.1: Release date, eligible devices, new features, and much more
By Harish Jonnalagadda, Jerry Hildenbrand published
The latest One UI Samsung's Android 14-based One UI 6.1 is rolling out, and we have all the details.
Bluetooth LE Audio FAQ: Four years later, here’s what you need to know
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
All you need to know Bluetooth LE Audio was announced at CES in 2020, and its spec was completed in 2022, so where are we now? We'll show you.
How a smart ring works
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Mini Marvels Smart rings may be the future of wearables, or maybe they're not. Either way, an amazing amount of functionality is packed into a tiny space.
Ask Jerry: How do I remove malware?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Ask Jerry Have a question about the tech in your life? If so, maybe we can get them answered!
What the Apple antitrust case means for Google and Android
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Android & Chill The U.S. Department of Justice says Apple maintains an illegal monopoly. Here's what that means.
What is computational photography? It's the magic behind your phone's camera
By Jerry Hildenbrand last updated
The magic eye The quality of your photos is defined by more than just the MP in your sensors.
What is on-device AI processing, and why is it important?
By Jerry Hildenbrand published
Power in your hands You read a lot of words about on-device AI, but what do they all mean?
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