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
New leaks show off the Galaxy Watch 9, Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and Galaxy Z Flip 8 in official-looking renders and, yup, they do indeed look like some Samsung sequels.
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Ahead of Google’s launch event which is now confirmed for August 12, a pair of new leaks reveal some of the company’s plans which, unfortunately, do include a pretty considerable price hike.
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Smart glasses with a camera are inherently a privacy nightmare, but Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses (and now its self-branded ones) have a privacy light to indicate when that camera is active. To thwart those who try to get around that indicator, Meta’s smart glasses will now disable the camera entirely if the privacy light is destroyed or tampered with.
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Samsung has officially announced a July 22 Unpacked event where the company will launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, Watch 9, and more, with reservations now open.
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Budget phones have been impacted the most by the rapid increases in RAM pricing, but that’s expanding to more expensive devices. A new report shows that devices sold for under $400 are being hit hard enough to where they’re gradually being left behind.
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Google is launching a new way to see traffic being sent from Search to social accounts on platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more.
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As RAMageddon’s impact only gets worse, Samsung is increasing prices on a number of Galaxy smartphones, again.
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A new navigation offering is now live on Android Auto (and Apple’s CarPlay), bringing an optimized experience for those riding motorcycles.
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Honor is, like everyone else, jumping on the wide foldable idea in the not-too-distant future, but with a battery that makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 look like a joke.
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A new leak reveals that Google is probably raising Pixel 11 series prices, finally ditching the 128GB storage option, and also aiming for a release date in August.
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The Nothing Phone (4b) is here and, with it, what feels like a better attempt at building an even-cheaper budget phone than what came before, though it is a lot more expensive this time.
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Nothing Ear (3a) has arrived with the same affordable price tag, but a new feature that even the flagship lacks in the ability to record calls and general audio with built-in local storage.
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Google Maps is the default way that millions around the world get around and do research on locations, but an apparent attack on the names of Google Maps locations in Poland has left offensive and vulgar names in place.
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Ahead of their launch, expected to be later this month, Samsung has accidentally confirmed its Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches, as well as its new pair of Galaxy Buds.
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Mint Mobile is currently running one of its recurring specials that cuts all of its plans to $15/month, but it comes as the carrier has suddenly run out of Google Pixel phones to sell.
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Ahead of their launch tomorrow, a new leak has shown off Nothing Ear (3a) in detail with vibrant colors and the return of a compact case.
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A new leak has revealed Samsung’s revamped Galaxy Wearable app for Galaxy Watch.
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If Android Auto is crashing for you, you’re not alone, as the latest updates seem to be causing issues for a number of users.
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The next generation of Google’s smart home era has arrived, with the Google Home Speaker having set the stage. With an inevitable “Google Home Display” likely in the pipeline, what does that look like?
9to5Google Weekender by Ben Schoon is a part of our free newsletter that also includes ‘Inbox,’ a twice-weekly roundup of key stories from around the web by Daniel Bader. Sign up here to get Weekender delivered to your inbox every Sunday along with ‘Inbox’ on Tuesday and Thursday. You can find past issues here.
Nothing has officially ended software support for its original Phone (1) following one last software update.
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Peak ironic comedy. That’s how I’d describe leaked prices for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, as Samsung’s all-new “Wide” device is going to be cheaper than the “Ultra,” which is getting a price hike for no obvious reason.
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There’s a bit of an obsession out there with resurrecting the BlackBerry-style physical QWERTY keyboard but, after trying a couple of the latest attempts, I still struggle to see the appeal in 2026, and I’m really not sure who’s buying these.
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Gemini for Android Auto has been divisive, to say the least, but for all of its pros and cons, there’s still one big problem that frustrates me on a frequent basis.
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Google Pixel phones aren’t exactly known for taking an “everything and the kitchen sink” approach to features, which has led to some well-established features on other devices not being found on Pixel. According to 9to5Google readers, these are some of the biggest missing features on Google Pixel.
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