The Android lockscreen is very simple, but that depends on what phone you have, and where you buy it. In some regions, “Glance” has become commonplace as a supercharged Android lockscreen with recommendations, information, and ads. Now, that’s coming to the US.
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Ben Schoon is a Senior Editor at 9to5Google, working for the publication as one of its primary news writers since 2016.
In 2013, Ben helped start an independent tech publication where he learned the skills used at 9to5Google including writing, product photography, and videography. He is located in the city of Winston-Salem in North Carolina where he lives with his wife Melissa.
He primarily covers Android products, including Google Pixel devices, Samsung Galaxy smartphones, as well as devices from OnePlus, Oppo, Motorola, and more. Beyond just covering news about these products, Ben also spends time using these products himself, speaking from experience with the articles he writes. Some of Ben’s most recent hands-on reviews include; Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Motorola Razr+, HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook, and more.
Ben is also a leading source for information about Google’s Android TV, diving deeply into important parts of the platform including its powerful Operator Tier, explaining future changes to the platform, and reviewing its products such as Chromecast with Google TV, Nvidia Shield TV, and more.
In 2019, Ben leaked one of the first in-person photos of the Pixel 4 before later revealing the Recorder and Pixel Themes apps months ahead of launch. In 2020, Ben also reported on multiple upcoming Pixel devices including Pixel 5a and the first report of Google working on a foldable Pixel smartphone. That same month, he was also the first to correctly report the $49 price point of what became the Chromecast with Google TV.
Ben Schoon is active on Twitter, @nexusben, but can also be found on Instagram and LinkedIn. For questions or tips, you can email him directly, and his portfolio is also available online.
Email: schoon@9to5mac.com | Encrypted Email: benschoon@protonmail.com
Meta brings AI, video calls, and new styles to its Ray-Ban smart glasses
The dream of smart glasses has never died, but it’s also never truly succeeded. With its Ray-Ban smart glasses, though, Meta seems to have cracked the code, and it’s now bringing new AI features, video calling, and more to its smart glasses built in partnership with Ray-Ban.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung’s AI features are coming to the Galaxy Note 9 via a custom ROM [Gallery]
The Galaxy Note 9 is an iconic device, in part because it marked the end of the “true” Galaxy Note. Now, the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S9 are about to get access to Samsung’s new AI features via a custom ROM.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat do you think of the new Fitbit sleep page redesign? [Poll]
Earlier this month Fitbit started rolling out a big redesign to the sleep page and, now that it’s widely available, it seems like everyone hates it. So, what do you think?
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Ear and Ear (a) are now shipping, and available on Amazon too
After launching last week, Nothing has started shipping Ear and Ear (a) to buyers, as well as having extended sales to Amazon.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus Watch 2 launches in gorgeous ‘Nordic Blue’ color, but not everywhere [Gallery]
After leaking recently, the OnePlus Watch 2 is now available in a gorgeous “Nordic Blue” color variant, though it’s not for sale everywhere.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini on Android may soon respond on top of your current app, add file uploads, more
Google has been steadily improving Gemini over the past couple of months, and it seems the Android experience is getting ready for a slew of new upgrades which includes responding in an overlay on top of your current apps.
Expand Expanding CloseSimpliSafe expanding live monitoring to outdoor cameras to prevent break-ins
SimpliSafe is expanding its live monitoring service to try to prevent break-ins before they happen using outdoor cameras.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8a leaks in new real-life image showing off vibrant blue and green colors
We’ve seen the Pixel 8a leaks several times now, and today a new live leak has revealed what the vibrant blue and green color variants will look like in person.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 could make notification channels a bit less overwhelming
Notification channels are one of the best features Android has debuted in recent years, but the feature can be a little bit much in some apps. In Android 15, though, it appears Google will make it easier to use notification channels by hiding channels that you haven’t used.
Expand Expanding CloseSo, what are you using as a Nest Secure replacement? [Poll]
It’s been a couple of weeks since Google killed off Nest Secure, its only home security system, leaving owners to figure out something else. If you had a Nest Secure, what replacement are you using now?
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung Galaxy Ring leak raises questions about sizing
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Ring promises to bring health tracking to a smaller wearable than the company has ever offered, and leaks are offering more insight into the device ahead of its full launch. This week, a set of Galaxy Ring model numbers once again hints at the sizing options coming, but raises some questions.
Expand Expanding CloseMeta pushes Google to bring the Play Store to Quest’s ‘Horizon OS’ ahead of expansion
In the world of virtual and mixed reality, Meta’s Quest series has been among the most popular, and a big part of that comes down to the well-built and well-supported software. Today, Meta has announced that it will let other headset makers use the same software found on Quest, “Horizon OS,” on their own hardware.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung has updated these Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1
Samsung has launched its next major update, One UI 6.1, for select Galaxy devices. Here’s the full list of phones and tablets being updated.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung appears to be offering free display replacements for ‘green line’ issue
Recent software updates have seemingly caused a persistent “green line” issue on the Galaxy devices of many users, but it seems that Samsung is now offering free display replacements for those affected, but only to select models in India.
Expand Expanding CloseAnother slightly sketchy leak claims Pixel 8a is getting a price hike
Google’s mid-range Pixel lineup has offered some great deals over the years, but the prices have crept higher year by year. With Google Pixel 8a, another leak adds fuel to the fire that the price will be going up.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung now sells ‘Re-Newed’ Galaxy S23 phones for up to $280 off
Following past series, Samsung is now selling refurbished Galaxy S23 devices under its “Re-Newed” program, with discounts of over $200 off.
Expand Expanding CloseWould you ever pay to watch your favorite YouTube channel? [Poll]
YouTube has become a hub of some of the greatest talent in the entertainment industry, with rising stars that put out incredible content. But would you ever pay directly to watch your favorite YouTube channel?
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Google Pixel’s 7 years of updates actually means
7 years of updates. It’s something that’s still borderline unbelievable, but Google set as the new standard for software updates with its latest Pixel releases. But months later, some still seem to not understand what this update promise means…
Expand Expanding CloseHow to turn off Google Maps 3D buildings on Android Auto and CarPlay
Google Maps has long featured the ability to show buildings in 3D while navigating, but recently started rolling out that view to its Android Auto and CarPlay experiences. Here’s how to disable that.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid still doesn’t show battery health, but it could soon show storage health
Google is working on a new way to show the health of storage in your Android phone.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Phone (2) and Nothing earbuds get ChatGPT integration with latest update
Following the launch of Nothing Ear and Ear (a) this week, Nothing is also rolling out a new update for Nothing Phone (2) which delivers quite a few upgrades, including ChatGPT integration.
Expand Expanding CloseYou gotta see this wild ‘Coach Prime’ edition Motorola Razr
The Motorola Razr is one of the most affordable foldable flip phones, and also one of the best you can buy today. Now, Boost Mobile is debuting a custom Motorola Razr in collaboration with “Coach Prime.”
Expand Expanding CloseQualcomm teases Snapdragon X Elite news for next week as first Lenovo laptop leaks
Qualcomm first announced its new Windows chipset last year, but no machines have actually gone on sale with Snapdragon X Elite thus far. Now, though, Qualcomm is teasing some sort of announcement on April 24.
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