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
Google Maps is perhaps one of the most widely used applications on the planet and, as such, even minor changes to its design are super important. But, on Apple’s CarPlay, Google Maps is in need of a massive overhaul, because it’s a bit of a dumpster fire.
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Rumors and reports have made it all but certain that Samsung will launch two models of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 this year, and now a new leak pinpoints the model number of the “Ultra” variant.
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Infinix, a brand under Transsion’s umbrella, is reportedly looking at a US smartphone release in 2024.
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An ongoing lawsuit has questioned Google’s continued collection of browsing data from the Chrome browser’s incognito mode. Now, as part of a settlement for the case, Google has pledged to “destroy” that data.
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Android 15 is still in its early days, but it’s looking like one visual revamp in the update could be a new design for the volume panel.
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Especially in recent years, Google’s efforts in the smart home have received continued criticism, but looking at the current state of the Google Home app and Nest hardware, is that still deserved?
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Samsung is in the midst of rolling out its One UI 6.1 update to select Galaxy devices, and that update also brings back some burn-in protections for OLED displays.
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I feel like a broken record at this point, but amid new leaks of the Pixel 9 this week, there are many still asking Google for a “Mini” device, forgetting that small phones are dead.
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Scrolling issues have been reported by some Google Pixel users for years now, with the issue resurfacing recently on Pixel 8. Now, though, Google claims that Pixel scrolling issues should be gone for good in Android 15.
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Samsung is raising the price of its Galaxy protection plans, “Care+,” but also allowing customers to get unlimited replacements of their battery while they are subscribers.
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Samsung has some of the most expensive, but also some of the most affordable Android tablets in the game today. But with the launch of Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024), the company has really lost its mind, asking for a crazy price that’s just a terrible value for customers.
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The Nest app is pretty clearly on its way out, but to serve users with old and new Google Nest cameras, the Google Home app has been porting in older Nest cameras. In a Reddit AMA today, Google reiterated that, yes, older Nest cameras and the Nest Hello doorbell are still coming to the Home app.
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The Google Home app has improved quite a bit in the past couple of years, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement. In an AMA on Reddit today, Google answered some questions about the Home app and confirmed ongoing work to improve local control and support for more cameras and sensors.
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Android Auto is already a safer and more convenient way to use navigation and music apps in your car, but it’s even better when its wireless. Now, there’s a new compatibility test to see not only if your car works with Android Auto, but with wireless Android Auto adapters.
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Back in 2023, YouTube TV lost its deal with MLB Network which has led to frustration when it comes to streaming MLB games via the platform. As Opening Day 2024 is now upon us, here’s a quick overview of the situation streaming Major League Baseball on YouTube TV.
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YouTube Shorts have only been around for a little while now, but they’re a big deal, and making money for over 25% of channels in YouTube’s Partner Program.
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Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets are getting a new, better battery stats page that once again shows battery usage based on when you last unplugged the device.
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The Google Pixel 9 series looks to be a pretty big shakeup from the pattern established since the big Tensor reboot, with three models to pick from. So, the question obviously begs to be asked – which one do you actually want?
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Are you looking for a new case or watch band for Google Pixel? We’ve recently asked our community what they’ve been using, and these are their recommendations.
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After a few months of beta testing, “Hulu on Disney+” is officially launching today, and with a new app icon now showing up on Android too.
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Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 foldables reportedly won’t get a charging upgrade, as both devices may be stuck with the same rate as previous iterations.
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Google’s Pixel 9 lineup will look pretty different according to the latest leaks which reveal a third, smaller Pixel 9 device that would be sold alongside the Pro models.
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The Galaxy S24 series debuted earlier this year with a heavy focus on AI but, according to Samsung itself, the company isn’t even responsible for its “most popular” AI feature – Circle to Search.
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Samsung has officially announced the rollout of Galaxy AI features to 2023 Galaxy devices such as Galaxy S23 and Tab S9. Here are which features are supported on each device.
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