The most powerful Wear OS smartwatch, the TicWatch Pro 5, is getting a new color as “Sandstone” arrives for $349.
Expand Expanding CloseTicWatch Pro 5 launches in new ‘Sandstone’ color for $349
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
NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube will get live chat, monthly payments, Shorts
NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV is just weeks away from gametime, and ahead of the launch, YouTube is announcing a few new features for Sunday Ticket includes live chat, monthly payments, Shorts integration, and more.
Expand Expanding CloseOppo Find N3 Flip reportedly launches August 29, six months after the original
As leaks and rumors swirl, an apparent launch date has been set for the Oppo Find N3 Flip, and it’s just a couple of weeks away.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung launches One UI 5.1.1 update for Galaxy foldables, tablets – here’s what’s new
Alongside the release of Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, Samsung introduced the new One UI 5.1.1 update which is focused on foldable and big-screen features. Now, that update is extending to older Galaxy foldables and tablets.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Fold vs. Galaxy Z Fold 5: Google’s flashy first attempt can’t beat Samsung’s experience
After years of being the lone option, Samsung finally has some foldable competition in the US, and that partially takes the form of Google’s Pixel Fold, which comes in at the same price as Samsung’s brand-new Galaxy Z Fold 5. But after using both devices, there’s a clear better option.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube updates medical misinformation policy, will remove videos with harmful cancer ‘treatments’
Medical misinformation is rampant online, and YouTube is making a bigger effort to curb the problem on its platform. In a new blog post, YouTube is laying out an updated policy against medical misinformation which will also target cancer “treatments” that are known to be harmful.
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Samsung updates its Android 14 beta on Galaxy S23, likely only for Korea
Just last week Samsung announced the launch of its One UI 6 beta based on Android 14, and now the second update is rolling out with a key fix.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Photos updated with new navigation bar, scrapbook-like ‘Memories,’ generative AI
Google Photos is launching one of its first big updates in a while, with a new redesigned navigation bar and revamped “Memories” rolling out starting today.
Expand Expanding CloseTecno Phantom V Flip foldable leaks with a circular outer display, big battery
Earlier this year, Tecno launched the Phantom V Fold, one of the most affordable foldable phones to date, and it seems the company has another option in the pipeline. The upcoming Tecno Phantom V Flip has leaked with a neat circular outer display.
Expand Expanding CloseAs streaming prices go up, what’s the one subscription you won’t give up? [Poll]
Streaming was once a cost-effective way to ditch cable, but as time has gone on, we’ve seen the costs go up drastically. So, as a ton of different services strain your wallet, what’s the one streaming service you won’t give up?
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Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rumored to raise costs for 2024’s flagship Android phones
Generally speaking, the best Android smartphones run on top of the latest chipsets from Qualcomm, but that may see a change as the cost of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 could push 2024 Android phones to use older chips or rival options.
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OnePlus shows off a new screen that can handle touch input when wet [Video]
Touchscreens haven’t changed much in a while, and that’s because they’re largely quite good. One of the few remaining flaws, though, is that they don’t function quite right when wet, such as when you get caught in the rain. On one of its new devices, though, OnePlus is trying out a new screen that handles touch input when the device is wet.
Expand Expanding CloseTelegram Stories officially launch today, no longer requires Premium subscription
Telegram is one of our favorite messaging apps, and today it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary with a big update that officially launches Stories, no subscription required.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s Google Keep text formatting in action [Video]
Over a year ago we spotted that Google Keep was laying the foundation for text formatting support, but in the time since the feature hasn’t appeared. Now, finally, it seems some progress is being made, as a new video shows Google Keep’s formatting options in action.
Expand Expanding CloseChromeOS preparing major Settings redesign, Google Tasks integration [Gallery]
Google seems to have a few new features in the pipeline for ChromeOS, which includes a brand new settings menu with Material You as well as Google Tasks integration in the quick settings tray.
Expand Expanding CloseXiaomi Mix Fold 3 is another great reminder that the best foldables aren’t sold in the US
Foldable phones have come a long way in just a few years, but the best innovations have not come to the US and other major markets, instead being exclusive to China. Now, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 has been announced with a super-thin design, impressive specs and hardware, and a great price, but it won’t be coming to the US either.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung’s emoji are bad
Emoji were once just a fun little addition to text messages, but at this point, they’re a very important part of how most of us communicate with one another. That’s why it needs to be said that, even after the latest update, Samsung’s emoji are just bad.
Expand Expanding CloseOppo Find N3 Flip could launch in August with new camera design, same outer display
Foldable flip phones are seeing their biggest year yet, with launches such as the Motorola Razr+ and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. And now, it’s looking like the Oppo Find N3 Flip is right around the corner with a new camera design but the same outer display.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Samsung’s Android 14 update [Gallery]
Samsung today announced One UI 6.0 (after two false starts), its take on Android 14 for Galaxy smartphones which will be available first on the Galaxy S23 series. Unlike One UI 5, it actually brings quite a bit that’s new. Here’s the full changelog.
Expand Expanding CloseReview: Galaxy Z Fold 5 is as good as this foldable can get
Samsung has been the main face for foldables over the past few years, but in the face of growing competition, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 feels rather tame in its attempts to improve. But, really, this is a foldable that knows what it wants to be and is about as good as this foldable can be.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid preparing ‘Link Your Devices’ feature for built-in call switching, more
As Google continues to try to appeal to iPhone users and build on Android’s features, the company appears to now be working on a new “Link Your Devices” feature which will better share features between Android phones, tablets, and more.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Z Flip 5, Fold 5, Tab S9, and Watch 6 are now officially available – here’s where to get the best deal
Samsung is today launching seven new devices in the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5, Galaxy Tab S9 series, and the Galaxy Watch 6 series, and we’ve got a full breakdown of the best deals available on launch day.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 14 Beta 5 removes one of the new lockscreen clocks on Pixel
One of Android 14’s big new features is the ability to customize the clock on your lockscreen, but in the Beta 5 release, Google has removed one of those options.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Motorola ThinkPhone can now stream an entire Windows computer
Through a new partnership with Microsoft, the Motorola ThinkPhone is now able to stream an entire Windows PC to your phone when it’s plugged into a monitor.
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