Patrick O'Rourke-Editor-in-Chief

Patrick O'Rourke

Editor-in-Chief

June, 2024
16 years of experience covering consumer technology, BA in journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University
Apple, Android, Samsung
  • 192
    articles
  • 62
    News
  • 71
    Features
  • 20
    Lists
  • 4
    Guides
  • 30
    Reviews
  • 5
    Deals

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About Patrick O'Rourke

Patrick O'Rourke is XDA's News Editor and Entertainment Segment Lead. Previously, he was Pocket-lint's Editor-in-Chief, the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian tech publication MobileSyrup, and earlier in his career, he worked as the national technology editor at the Financial Post and Postmedia. He's based in Toronto.

Over the past 15 years, he's written thousands of articles. Patrick has also interviewed dozens of tech industry executives and covered GDC, E3, Gamescom, WWDC, Apple keynotes, Samsung Unpacked events and more.

Patrick has a BA in journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University. 

What was your first phone?

I didn't get my first phone until I was 17 (I know, that's late). It was a white LG Aloha LX140; I don't remember it fondly. My interest in phones didn't really kick off until I got my hands on a BlackBerry Curve 8900. I'll forever miss that glorious trackball. On the smartphone side, my first device was 2010's HTC Desire HD, a smartphone with abysmall battery life (by noon, sometimes it would be down to roughly 40%).

What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?

I'm fond of covering smartphones, particularly the iPhone, but I also enjoy writing about handheld gaming devices, video games, cameras and wacky gadgets. The weirder a device is, the better.

When did your interest in technology begin?

I became interested in video games and technology at a young age while scouring the pages of gaming magazines like Nintendo Power and Electronic Gaming Monthly. As soon as I figured out I could combine my love of tech and writing into a job, I knew that was the direction I wanted to take my career. In my early teens, I even wrote a weekly technology column for the Toronto Star.

Latest

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The Pixel 10 Pro is the best Android smartphone you can buy right now

After spending several days using the Pixel 10 Pro as my main smartphone, it's clearly a very iterative, but solid step forward for the Pixel line.

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Google accidentally revealed an unannounced Gemini smart speaker at its Pixel 10 event

It's likely the smart speaker will get an official reveal at some point in October alongside Gemini for Home.

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Get Hulu and Disney+ free for a year when you try out this new streaming service

Don't miss out on this incredible deal that combines your favorite platforms.

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Google's Pixel 10 series is all about refinement

Google's latest Pixel lineup, the Pixel 10 series, doesn't bring monumental changes but rather subtle improvements over last year's devices.

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Google's Pixel 10 series doesn't reinvent the wheel and that's a good thing

In terms of design, the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL look identical to last year's devices, but there are upgrades under the hood.

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The Pixel 10 Pro Fold proves Google is finally ready to challenge Samsung

Like the rest of the Pixel 10 series, Google's flagship foldable features marginal upgrades over its predecessor.

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Apple expands its self-repair and part distributor programs to Canada

Like with its US program, Apple's Canadian Self Service Repair features comprehensive repair manuals, genuine Apple parts, and rental toolkits.

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The Pebble Time 2 is the E Ink smartwatch of my dreams, and it's launch is ticking closer

Core Devices has revealed the final version of the Pebble Time 2.

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Samsung's latest money saving program slashes the price off an entire Galaxy of foldables

The tech giant is offering over $600 in savings on foldable Galaxy smartphones through its Certified Re-Newed program.

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Netflix's redesigned Apple TV app is here, and it doesn't suck

Netflix's redesigned tvOS Apple TV app has finally released after first appearing on TV platforms a few months ago.

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Google's cancelled Pixel Tablet Pen mysteriously appears on Amazon

The Pixel Tablet Pen was never officially released, but that hasn't stopped it from recently appearing on several online marketplaces.

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Having a tablet in your pocket is cool, but clamshell foldables offer more than you might initially assume.

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Apple Intelligence
Apple is reportedly working on "stripped-down" AI chatbot

The current version of Apple's Siri isn't even close to as capable as ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, but that could soon change.

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My favorite Razr Ultra (2025) feature is one I didn't see coming

In nearly every way, Motorola’s latest flagship clamshell is an absolute unit across the board, but my favorite feature has actually surprised me.

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I can't believe how awful the Google Home app is right now

If the core of your smart home is powered by the Google Home app and Google Assistant, you've likely had a frustrating few weeks.

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I'm a huge Game Boy fan and this is the best news I've heard all year

The Chromatic, ModRetro's excellent Game Boy-like handheld, is available again.

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I was skeptical, but this $100 Switch 2 case is actually worth it

It's expensive, but if you're looking for a high-quality feeling case to protect your Switch 2, this is the best option.

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I was wrong about the super-thin Galaxy S25 Edge (it doesn't suck)

I was quite critical of Samsung's super-slim Galaxy S25 Edge in my hands-on preview coverage, but it's actually a solid, unique phone.

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Microsoft just announced the Xbox handheld I've always wanted

After months of rumors, Microsoft and Asus have finally revealed the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.

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What to expect from Apple at WWDC 2025 (it won't be AI)

While this year is expected to be a far more low-key event, the majority of the tech giant's operating systems will get a visual revamp.