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 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.
Security systems can be good for alerting you to an intruder in your home, but a warning sign in the yard only goes so far in deterring criminals. Launching today with the brand’s new hardware, SimpliSafe is now offering a service that will deter a break-in as it happens – or at least try to – with “24/7 Live Guard.”
Android tablets that use e-ink are becoming more common, and the new Boox Tab Mini C is a compact option that has a color display and a fair price point.
The Matter smart home standard has been slow to add new devices and form factors but, slowly, it’s expanding. Today, the first in-wall light switch with Matter support baked in has launched with TP-Link’s new Tapo switch.
A new set of leaks of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5 offers up our first real-life look at the device, hints of a higher price tag, and also renders of the foldable’s color options.
Pixel phones have an unfortunate pattern forming when it comes to updates causing issues with battery life, and it seems the June update is causing another round of issues with battery drain for some users.
Flip phones are making a comeback in the foldable era, and I can’t help but think that Google’s Pixel experience would be the perfect fit for the form factor.
Sony’s Xperia lineup of Android phones has never been particularly popular, and despite the sky-high pricing making them almost impossible to recommend, the company isn’t throwing in the towel any time soon, as Sony has just committed to years of further Android releases.
Microsoft’s efforts with cloud gaming on Xbox Game Pass have bolstered the entire industry, but they’ve also been quite limited. Apparently, though, Microsoft had much grander plans for cloud gaming, they’re just been shelved for the time being.
The new Google Home app is excellent with one of its best features being the customizable “Favorites” tab, and, now, you can finally add lighting groups to that tab.
Foldable flip phones have suffered from poor cameras for a while, but it’s an area where Oppo has been making strides. The Find N2 Flip already had a great camera setup, and according to a new leak, the Oppo Find N3 Flip will take things even further.
Emergency calls are a crucial function of your smartphone, and many brands have made efforts to make those calls more accessible in an emergency. But Android’s “Emergency SOS” feature is currently under fire for causing accidental calls, and it’s going to lead to Google making changes.
As of July 1, YouTube TV will lose another local sports network for the New York City area as SNY, the home of Mets and Jets games, is preparing to depart.
The Pixel Tablet launched this week to mixed reception, in part because Google’s tablet lacks any first-party productivity accessories. But new evidence suggests that Google is working to launch “Pen” and “Keyboard” accessories for the Pixel Tablet.
The Motorola Razr+ is set to start shipping to customers on June 23. Here’s where to buy the foldable, as well as where to get the best deal on Motorola Razr+.
Earlier this year the FBI issued a warning against public charging stations that could deliver malware and worse to your phone without your knowledge. Now, there’s a way to protect yourself with a special privacy USB-C cable sold by OSOM.
Wear OS 3 comes with a whole host of upgrades, but it also led to the removal of Google Assistant for some smartwatches such as those sold by Fossil. Months later, though, the Assistant is finally expanding.
As the Pixel Tablet has started hitting doorsteps, some interesting behavior has been thrust into the public eye. For many Android apps, the Pixel Tablet, and also the upcoming Pixel Fold, force the app into a restricted, smaller window rather than stretching it out for the entire display. If you ask me, though, that’s for the best.
The headphone jack has become a casualty of smartphones exploring new form factors and, well, just getting better, but there are a select few that still support it, including the upcoming Asus Zenfone 10.
Flip phones were once a relic of the past, but the arrival of foldable smartphones has given new life to the form factor. And, now, the 2023 Motorola Razr+ is showing the modern flip phone at its best.
OnePlus has just announced a new OxygenOS update that will roll out this week with support for features that connect OnePlus phones to the OnePlus Pad to allow for cellular data sharing among other things. Here’s what you need to know.