Google appears to be preparing a considerable update to ChromeOS which brings support for rounded corners to UI elements throughout the system.
Expand Expanding CloseChromeOS is preparing UI update with rounded corners [Gallery]
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
Nothing Phone (2) revealed in official image and Glyph-focused hands-on [Video]
Carl Pei’s Nothing is just a week or two away from the full launch, and after showing off the camera earlier this week, a new video and an official image reveal the design of Nothing Phone (2) in full.
Expand Expanding CloseTwitter blocks tweets from showing in Google Search, intentional or not
Last week Twitter took drastic measures to cut down on its server bills. Now, it’s also been shown that Twitter is blocking content from appearing in Google Search, though it’s more of a side effect than a direct action.
Expand Expanding Close
Google’s updated privacy policy doubles down on using your data for training AI
AI is a bigger focus for Google than it ever has been, and in an update to its privacy policy, Google is doubling down on its ability to use data for training AI models.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung’s next big update, One UI 5.1.1, is now in beta: here’s the full changelog
Samsung is preparing for its next big update, and while that’s not Android 14, One UI 5.1.1 is bringing a bunch of new features, and it’s now in beta for select devices.
Expand Expanding CloseMotorola Razr+’s first big sale lessens the sting of rough trade-in offers
The foldable Motorola Razr+ (2023) is a killer flip phone, but trying to get a good trade-in for the device to save some money is just not a good route. Luckily, though, Motorola is already opening up a huge sale on the Razr+.
Expand Expanding CloseWe can’t show you Nothing Phone (2) yet, but here are some camera samples [Gallery]
The Nothing Phone (2) is confirmed for launch on July 11 and, ahead of that launch, Carl Pei has today opened up the floodgates to camera samples, so we can show you what we have so far.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Z Fold 5 shows off nearly gapless hinge in real-life images, no dust resistance
The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 is bringing with it a big update to Samsung’s foldable hinge and new real-life images offer a closer look at how that acts as an improvement.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel Tablet is a reminder that not every tablet needs to be a computer
Google’s Pixel Tablet is a unique product and a good reminder that not every tablet needs to double as a full-on computer.
Expand Expanding CloseWalmart Google TV streaming stick shows up, should be even cheaper than $20
Last month Walmart debuted its first Google TV device in the form of an ultra-cheap 4K streaming box. Now, it seems the retailer is preparing to launch something even cheaper in a Google TV streaming stick.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Analytics begins shutdown of Universal Analytics as GA4 takes over
Google has started pulling the plug on Universal Analytics today, as GA4, the new standard, takes over.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Watch 6 model numbers surface ahead of launch
The upcoming Galaxy Watch 6 series is likely coming at the end of this month, and now the devices have appeared early with their model numbers on full display.
Expand Expanding CloseReddit killed third-party apps: RIF, Sync, and more Android clients shut down [U]
On July 1, Reddit has enacted a new API policy that charges exorbitant fees to developers of third-party apps for the website, which is having the effect of shutting down these popular apps, including Reddit is Fun, Sync for Reddit, and more.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8 series gets battery and charging upgrades, new countries in latest leak
The Google Pixel 8 series is set to make its debut in a few months, but big details just continue to keep coming out. Now, we’re hearing more about battery size and charging speed on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and it’s all good news.
Expand Expanding CloseYou can finally open Google Maps on your phone while Android Auto is running [U]
Android Auto has long carried a frustrating restriction that prevents Google Maps from being opened on the connected phone, but it appears that is finally changing.
Expand Expanding CloseMastodon’s official Android app gets Material You redesign
Mastodon saw a moment in the spotlight when Elon Musk first took over Twitter, but the hype seems to have died down. For those still active on the fledgling social network, though, Mastodon for Android has a special treat in a Material You redesign to its official Android app.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 pops up, likely coming in July
After debuting its first tracker in 2021, Samsung seems to be preparing for the launch of a sequel in the Galaxy SmartTag 2 which just made its first appearance.
Expand Expanding CloseTicWatch Pro 3 and TicWatch E3 owners can now apply to test Wear OS 3
TicWatch owners have been waiting months for their promised Wear OS 3 update and, today, Mobvoi is finally making a meaningful step towards that launch with a beta program that users can sign up for.
Expand Expanding CloseNetflix adds support for frame rate matching on Google TV and Android TV
Netflix is finally getting on board with frame rate matching on Android TV OS, which will come to Google TV devices like the Chromecast.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube confirms ad blocker crackdown in testing, now on mobile too
YouTube ads have gotten way out of hand in recent years, but despite that, ads are still necessary to handle the costs of running the world’s largest video platform, and paying the millions of creators that make it all possible. Now, the company is confirming that it is actively testing blocking ad blockers on YouTube, and that seems to include on mobile devices, too.
Expand Expanding CloseReview: Pixel 7 turns into a work of art with Carved’s Live Edge wood case
Cases for Google Pixel phones have long been an afterthought. For the longest time, designs were boring and bland. Things are certainly getting better with time, and one gorgeous example of that is Carved’s Live Edge wood case, which turns Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro into a true work of art.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Folds are already breaking, but that’s not the problem
It’s only been a couple of days since Google started delivering Pixel Folds to customers, and already, devices are breaking. Is it time to panic? Not yet.
Expand Expanding Close
Motorola’s new accessory adds satellite messaging to any phone, now on sale
Satellite connectivity has long been something you need a dedicated device for, but the iPhone 14 and some other devices showed the world that it can be built into a smartphone. And while more devices are set to add support with time, Motorola just released a new accessory that adds satellite messaging to any smartphone.
Expand Expanding CloseReview: Tailwind is the best garage door opener for Google Home
Sometimes smart home tech results in the thought, “Why does anyone need this?” But in other cases, the benefits are abundantly clear, even if they aren’t always fully realized. Garage door openers are one of those pieces of smart home gear that fit into the latter, and over the past few weeks, the Tailwind system I’ve been using alongside Google Home has not only hit my expectations but has also gone above and beyond.
Expand Expanding Close