Google TV’s free channels will now be called ‘Freeplay’
One of the biggest pushes on Google TV right now is the availability of free channels, and now they’re getting a new name. Google TV “Freeplay.”
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Author
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
You can use the same cases on both Google’s Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro
Google’s new Pixel 9 series has arrived and, with it, an exciting first for the series. Both the base Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro can use the same cases interchangeably.
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Google starts selling magnetic wallets that the Pixel 9 needs a case to use
The Google Store has a bunch of new accessories to go with the Pixel 9 series, including a couple of magnetic wallets that don’t actually work with the new phones unless you also buy a case.
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Pixel 9 Pro shipping dates are slipping later into September, Pixel 9 Pro Fold partially out of stock
Arguably the most-anticipated new device in Google’s Pixel 9 series is the smaller Pixel 9 Pro, and it seems initial demand reflects that, with shipping times for the new option already slipping.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s how Google TV’s new Google Home panel works [Gallery]
The Google TV Streamer is also bringing some new additions to Google TV, most notably including the new Google Home panel. While the device, and this new feature, won’t be available for a few more weeks, we’ve had a chance to check it out in action.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle offering two years of free data with Pixel Watch 3 LTE
Google’s new Pixel Watch 3 is coming with a nice perk for LTE buyers, with each model getting two years of free LTE data with purchase.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle stops selling the original Pixel Fold and Pixel 7, 7 Pro
In an unsurprising move, Google has discontinued the original Pixel Fold following the debut of its sequel, as well as pulling the plug on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 9 series uses the same ultrasonic fingerprint sensor as Samsung
The Google Pixel 9 series is here, and one of the biggest upgrades it delivers is the use of a new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and it’s the same one used in Samsung Galaxy devices.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 trade-in deals on the Google Store are better than ever
Google is offering some of its highest trade-in values to date on the Pixel 9 series, with deals on the Google Store offering up to $760 depending on what you’re getting.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle offering $760 for Pixel Fold trade-ins towards Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Trade-in values take the sting out of the cost of a new smartphone, but if you’re hoping to upgrade from last year’s Pixel Fold to the drastically improved Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you’ll be shelling out over $1,000 to do so.
Expand Expanding CloseWhy Google changed the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s displays so much, and why it’s a good thing
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a drastic update from the Pixel Fold that launched before it, especially when it comes to the aspect ratio of the two displays. The reason for the change, though, is a good thing.
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Google didn’t adopt Qi2 in the Pixel 9 series
The Qi2 charging standard is a big deal, but it’s seen very minimal adoption thus far. We thought that there was a good chance the Google Pixel 9 series would adopt Qi2, but that’s sadly not the case.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s the Pixel 9 Pro Fold compared to Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open [Gallery]
The foldable market is full of different approaches to the same core ideas, and that’s very evident just from a quick look at the competition the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be facing. Here’s a quick comparison of Google’s new Pixel 9 Pro Fold to the OnePlus Open and Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle seems to have fixed its official Pixel 9 and Fold cases [Gallery]
Google says a big focus of Pixel design is now on ensuring the devices work well with cases, but looking back at last year, the official cases were the problem. For the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google has fixed the biggest problem of its official cases.
Expand Expanding CloseHands-on: Google’s Pixel 9 series is mature in all the right ways
Traditional smartphones are getting a little boring. After nearly a couple of decades of producing these devices, it almost feels like we’re running out of ideas to make everything feel different because the entire industry has reached a point of maturity. But, with the Pixel 9 series, Google is showing how to do that in all of the right ways.
Expand Expanding CloseHands-on: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a masterclass in learning from your mistakes
When Google unveiled the first Pixel Fold last year, I was shocked that it was actually a halfway decent product, but it still had some fundamental flaws too. Now, Google is following up on that device with the drastically-different Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which learns from virtually every mistake Google made the first time around.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold launches in September with major hardware upgrades for $1,799
A little over a year after launching its first foldable, Google is back with a sequel in the drastically-improved Pixel 9 Pro Fold which will be available next month.
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Google’s first Pixel 8 devices made in India are ready
The launch of Google’s Pixel 8 series also came with the announcement that Google would start producing Pixel phones out of India directly. Now, that’s finally started as the first Pixel 8 phones made in India are coming off of the production lines.
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TCL’s new ‘NXTFRAME’ is like Samsung’s ‘The Frame’ but with Google TV
Samsung’s “The Frame” TV is a popular option for a TV that looks better than the average set and, slowly, it’s getting some more competition. Following the launch of Hisense’s Canvas TV earlier this year, TCL has launched the “NXTFRAME” TV, powered by Google TV.
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OnePlus Buds Pro 3 will launch on August 20
OnePlus has officially confirmed plans to launch the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 on August 20.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Buds Pro 2 leak reveals new ‘Tensor A1’ chip, better ANC, battery life
Google is hosting an event tomorrow to fully unveil the Pixel 9 series and more, but the leaks haven’t stopped just yet. A new post reveals a few more details about Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2, including the first new form factor for Tensor.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s reason for ending the Chromecast makes sense, but there’s an obvious problem
With the launch of the Google TV Streamer earlier this week, the wildly successful Chromecast was put to rest, with the company confirming the device won’t be made anymore. Google’s reason for doing so makes sense, but does it really align with reality?
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Samsung makes streaming apps to Windows a little more seamless in One UI 6.1.1
One of the big perks of using a Samsung Galaxy smartphone alongside a Windows laptop is the ability to stream Android apps from your phone to Windows, but it can be a little messy. With One UI 6.1.1, though, Samsung has made a small, but impactful tweak.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube is now testing a built-in sleep timer, but only with Premium subscribers
YouTube is testing out a new sleep timer in its mobile app and on desktop that stops playback after a set period of time.
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