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
HMD Global revived the Nokia brand for smartphones a few years back and, now, it’s using its own brand for a duo of new Android phones that will go on sale starting next month.
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An update to Google Calendar on Android is rolling out, which makes it significantly easier to scroll through months.
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After a very brief trial period, Microsoft is bringing ads to the Start Menu for all Windows 11 users.
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Android Auto is finally giving its settings menu an overhaul, with a redesign now rolling out to users. Here’s what’s new.
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Google’s Gemini AI models are constantly advancing, so it comes as no surprise that a new report claims Google will have a “version 2” of Gemini Nano available by the time the Galaxy S25 launches next year.
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Live Activities are a super useful feature of Apple’s latest iPhones, but also one that goes underused. Google Maps has been overdue to support the feature for years now and while it’s still not live yet, Google is testing Live Activities with some iPhone users.
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While it’s still yet to debut, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite is looking like a big deal for ARM-powered Windows machines and, now, it’s getting a more affordable cousin in the Snapdragon X Plus.
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The Chromecast with Google TV is getting a sequel, and it sounds like one of the changes will be a new remote. So, what does a new Chromecast remote look like? Let’s discuss.
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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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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.
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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.
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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?
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After launching last week, Nothing has started shipping Ear and Ear (a) to buyers, as well as having extended sales to Amazon.
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After leaking recently, the OnePlus Watch 2 is now available in a gorgeous “Nordic Blue” color variant, though it’s not for sale everywhere.
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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.
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SimpliSafe is expanding its live monitoring service to try to prevent break-ins before they happen using outdoor cameras.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Following past series, Samsung is now selling refurbished Galaxy S23 devices under its “Re-Newed” program, with discounts of over $200 off.
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