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. Ben is an avid disc golf player.
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
One of the key marketing points of the Apple AirTag is “Precision Finding,” which shows you the precise location of your tracker beyond what Bluetooth is capable of. That’s accomplished using UWB, but that feature is also missing from the vast majority of Android Find Hub trackers, and there are a few key reasons why.
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Google has released Android 17 in beta for Pixel devices, skipping the usual Developer Preview given the arrival of new Canary builds, and you can install it now. Here’s how.
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One of the first things cut on budget phones is often long-term software support –I’m looking at you Motorola –, but that’s not the case with Samsung’s Galaxy A17, which is promised six years of Android OS updates. But, can anyone actually use this $199 phone for that long?
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The Motorola Razr FIFA edition was announced earlier this year ahead of the World Cup, and it’s now available for purchase with some perks.
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Sony’s WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones are, put simply, phenomenal, and now they’re launching in a new “Sand Pink” colorway.
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Quick Share, Google’s version of AirDrop for Android, seems to be moving towards the removal of its always-on “Everyone” sharing mode, moving closer to iOS.
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Google has confirmed a Pixel 10a launch on February 18, and now a detail list of the phone’s specs have leaked, showing exactly how it differs – and how it doesn’t – from the Pixel 9a.
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YouTube is running a test where you might not get notifications for a channel even if you’ve subscribed for “all” notifications.
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Despite being rumored to use the same battery size, Google’s upcoming Pixel 10a might just have slightly improved battery life.
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Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is rocking the same 5,000 mAh battery as the past five generations of the company’s most high-end flagship, and it’s being beaten by Samsung’s cheapest smartphone, the Galaxy A07.
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Our smartphones and tablets continue to get better at gaming, and now there’s a big new title available. As of today, the 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider has arrived on Android (and iOS) for $19.99.
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Google has already confirmed a February 18 launch for the Pixel 10a series and shown off the phone officially, but now a sizable leak has shown off the Pixel 10a in all four color, including that vibrant “Berry” red.
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The Galaxy S26 leaks just don’t stop, with the latest batch of images giving us our best look at the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra in their core color options.
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The Motorola Moto Tag is the one and only Android Find Hub tracker with UWB, and in general just one of the best options out there. But actually buying one is a pain, as Motorola mainly sells the tracker through its website and the 1-pack is rarely in stock at retailers like Amazon. But, right now, the Moto Tag is not only back in stock, but on sale at a pretty heavy discount.
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The Galaxy Watch 8 was already the best deal in Wear OS at its retail price of $350, but major discounts are available right now that cut the price to just $150.
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Google Pixel is undoubtedly a small player in the overall smartphone market, but it’s steadily growing and, thanks to a new report, we have a slightly better idea of how many Pixels there are out in the wild.
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After months of leaks and rumors, the “Xiaomi Tag” appears to be nearing launch, with the AirTag-like device including support for both Android Find Hub and Apple’s Find My networks at a low price.
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Samsung has officially confirmed that its next Unpacked event will take place on February 25, with the Galaxy S26 series set to be the star of the show.
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One of the places AI has really made an impact is on app coding, opening new doors both for professionals and the casual user. “Vibe coding,” as it’s come to be known, is exactly what you can do with Nothing’s new “Essential Apps,” which lets you create homescreen widgets, “apps,” using text prompts and the help of AI – but I’m not fully sold just yet.
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Google Photos is bringing its new “Create with AI” templates over to iPhone and iPad, a few months after they arrived on Android.
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Pebblebee is launching its latest batch of Android Find Hub trackers, with the Clip 5 tracker getting two new color variants in a “Freeze Frame” drop.
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Motorola MA1 remains the only “official” wireless Android Auto adapter, but it’s been available for four years now and is due for an update. Now, it seems like a sequel, “Motorola MA2,” is around the corner.
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Google has announced that YouTube Music is adding a new “AI Playlist” feature that lets users generate new playlists through text prompts, but it’s only for Premium subscribers.
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WhatsApp is now rolling out support for video and voice calls through its web app, bringing support for calls to your computer and other devices.
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