Walmart is preparing a big shake-up for its Google TV streaming hardware lineup, all while existing models are hard to find in stock.
Expand Expanding CloseWalmart’s cheapest Google TV stick isn’t dead yet, but there’s a shift coming
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
This might be the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Fold in their new colors [Gallery]
Google’s Pixel 11 series is almost exactly a month from its official launch and, ahead of that, an early trio of Amazon listings appears to show off the base model in three colorways.
Expand Expanding CloseThe problems with Google Pixel price hikes
Like everything else in the tech industry, Google’s Pixel 11 series appears to be getting a price hike, but there are a few factors that make this one a bit harder to accept.
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.
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This new, ridiculously thin magnetic power bank fits the Pixel 10 perfectly [Gallery]
Baseus has officially launched its new PicoGo Air magnetic power bank. It’s ridiculously thin and just so happens to fit Pixel 10 like a glove. Here’s how to save over 30% on one.
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Samsung boosts Galaxy S26 production on the fears of more expensive sequels
As RAMageddon rages on, Samsung is reportedly boosting production of its existing Galaxy S26 series to meet growing demand as customers hope to buy devices before price hikes and more expensive sequels.
Expand Expanding CloseMeta fixed its smart glasses privacy light problem, just in time for always-on model to reportedly not use it
In a case of hilarious timing – you know, in a dystopian kind of way – a new report details Meta’s forthcoming “super sensing” smart glasses that would have microphones and cameras that are constantly active, right as the company has fixed a glaring privacy problem with existing models.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung shares first official glimpse at wide Galaxy Z Fold 8, with Spider-Man’s help
Samsung has dropped a new Galaxy Z Fold 8 teaser, offering a quick glimpse of the wider new form factor with the help of everyone’s favorite public menace.
Expand Expanding CloseNvidia Shield TV (2019) appears to have been quietly discontinued, maybe
It seems that the 7-year-old but still-latest Nvidia Shield TV model has been quietly discontinued, but one still remains.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Search hit an all-time usage record yesterday
At the end of the Argentina vs Egypt match during the World Cup yesterday, Google Search usage apparently hit a new all-time record high.
Expand Expanding CloseThe best part of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has leaked, and it’s this purple [Gallery]
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is going to be pretty disappointing; that much is clear. But, taking the sting out just a bit is a new deep purple color for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra that just looks absolutely stunning.
Expand Expanding CloseNintendo is fully shutting down Mario Kart Tour in September, no offline version coming
Mario Kart Tour was perhaps the biggest mobile game release in Nintendo’s collection but, as the company shifts away from mobile, the game is shutting down in September, and it’ll be gone permanently.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home app update makes automation easier, improves cameras, more
The latest batch of Google Home app updates are now rolling out, including new “Suggested Automations” to make it easier to automate your smart home.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung Galaxy phones will unlock more powerful homescreen customization with Android 17
Samsung’s upcoming One UI 9 update, based on Android 17, is set to also launch some powerful new homescreen customization options, and early screenshots show off what’s coming.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chrome will remove older Manifest V2 extensions in August
The death of Manifest V2 extensions on Google Chrome has been going on for well over four years at this point, and the end finally has a date. August 31 is the official and complete end of older Chrome extensions.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Watch 9, Ultra 2, and Z Flip 8 sure do look like Samsung sequels in official-looking renders [Gallery]
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.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch 5 leaks detail new ‘Pyrite’ color, higher $399 starting price
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.
Expand Expanding CloseMeta & Ray-Ban glasses rolling out mandatory update that disables the camera when privacy light is broken
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.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung confirms July 22 event for Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and Watch 9, teases $1,200 off [Video]
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.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid phones will reportedly see more downgrades, fewer cheap devices as RAMageddon rages on
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 Search can now show traffic sent to YouTube, TikTok, and your other social accounts
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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Samsung is increasing prices on these Galaxy smartphones, again
As RAMageddon’s impact only gets worse, Samsung is increasing prices on a number of Galaxy smartphones, again.
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Android Auto gets navigation optimized for motorcycles, CarPlay too
A new navigation offering is now live on Android Auto (and Apple’s CarPlay), bringing an optimized experience for those riding motorcycles.
Expand Expanding CloseHonor’s wide Galaxy Z Fold 8 rival laughs at Samsung’s tiny battery in leak, Robot Phone in August
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 11 leak claims higher prices, no 128GB model, August release date
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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