Get ready to meet another member of our incredible Snapdragon Insiders community. This month, we’re getting to know Joe (@jhickey85 on X and @hickey85 Instagram) from the UK.
Joe is a podcast host (Nomad Tech Project), tech enthusiast, and lover of Snapdragon tech. Let’s see what he had to say about being part of the Snapdragon Insiders community — but first, a quick introduction from Joe.
February Insider of the Month - Joe
Feb 14, 2024 | 0:13
What sparked your interest in technology?
I've always had an interest in technology, even from my early days as a kid playing with my dad’s Atari, but I think my interest really grew during the pandemic. I watched loads of YouTube videos, engaged with lots of livestreams, listened to a bunch of podcasts, and I was in several Telegram groups as well. That's what really made my interest in technology grow.
How did you get involved with the Snapdragon Insider community?
The main person who got me involved was Chad (@chadptorres on X and Instagram). I've been talking to him for years now in those groups I mentioned, and he got me involved in the community. I had the opportunity to meet him in person recently at Samsung Unpacked, which was amazing. Being on social media and doing the #ShotOnSnapdragon challenges helped get me more into the community as well. I’m involved in the Discord now, too.
Why are you a fan of Snapdragon?
It goes without saying that the products are amazing, but what makes Snapdragon different is that it has the end user at the forefront. Take the new chipset, the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform — the AI enhancements and the efficiency are incredible for the end user. Also, since becoming a Snapdragon Insider, I've become more of a fan of the brand because there's a sense of community.
What’s the best photo you’ve ever taken with a Snapdragon powered smartphone camera?
It's tough because I don't really consider myself a photographer and the people in this community are really talented when you see all their pictures. But one that comes to mind is a picture of my daughter I took on an OPPO Find X5 Pro. She's sleeping and she's got this little Yoto box that’s the only source of light shining on her face. It's really quite cute. The composition is probably not the best, but it's the feelings it gives and the memories that make the photo for me. I'm not the most talented, but for me photography is about the feelings and emotions you get looking at an image, not always the technicalities of it.
What's your dream creator collaboration?
The two people that come to mind straight away are two creators who caught my eye when I first started watching loads of YouTube: TK Bay (@TKBay on Youtube) and Juan Bagnell (@SomeGadgetGuy on YouTube). They actually do stuff together quite a lot and they're awesome.
If I'm honest, I'd really want to collaborate with my buddies from Snapdragon Insiders: Paul (@Geeekystuff on Instagram and X), Chad (@chadptorres on Instagram and X), Gaylon (@iamghaire on Instagram and X), Dan (@GroundedTech on Instagram and X) — there’s too many to mention.
Pick one to describe you: audiophile, photographer, gamer, all-round tech enthusiast.
I'm an all-round tech enthusiast. I like photography, I'm just not a great photographer. I do a podcast about tech, so I like interviewing people and talking — hence why I like engaging in Telegram groups and on live streams and stuff like that. I’m a bit of a creator as well. I'm trying to start doing videos, but being a dad and having a full-time job makes it a bit difficult. I like gaming as well when I have time. Snapdragon technology covers a lot of these bases, which is why I'm such a fan.
Do you have a favorite mobile game?
One game I’m really into at the moment is called Two Dots – it’s such a basic game but I’m constantly on it. I used to be a console gamer when I had the time, now this is something I can squeeze into my day while I’m on the bus.
Have you explored the Metaverse?
I’m still getting into VR/AR technology, honestly. I love my Ray-Ban Meta glasses, I’ve been using them a lot since I got them. When I went to Samsung Unpacked, I actually streamed live on Instagram with them. I absolutely love them for shooting videos and taking photos, I often use the footage from them as first-person POV in my videos, and I’m looking forward to doing more with them.
What’s your dream creator collaboration? Head over to Discord to let us know.
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Do you have thoughts about this article? Join the conversation with fellow Snapdragon Insiders on Discord. Our Discord is the virtual lounge to talk shop about technology, Snapdragon events, and more with the community.
