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
Samsung continues to run some crazy Black Friday deals, including big discounts on select flagship Galaxy phones, and a rare discount on the Galaxy Ring tracker.
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As Google prepares to introduce its new Android experience for PCs next year, a new job listing is revealing some details around Google’s efforts and how that ties back to ChromeOS.
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Waze is picking up a trick from Google Maps in allowing Android Auto users to select locations for navigation on their phone’s screen, or access other parts of the app, instead of solely relying on the car display or voice.
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While Samsung has leveraged Google’s Gemini in major ways on Galaxy devices, the company is apparently looking to Perplexity to upgrade its often-forgotten Bixby assistant.
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After launching its next-gen series, Meta is now testing out the option to trade in a previous model for a new pair of Ray-Ban or Oakley smart glasses.
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On a support page, Google is hinting that the end of Google Assistant is nearing, with the Gemini takeover apparently completing in March 2026 when Assistant will no longer be accessible… at least on Android Auto.
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If you’re looking to get a new Google Pixel on Black Friday, Verizon has a really solid deal that gives you a Pixel 10 Pro XL and a Pixel Watch 4 for free, with no trade-in even required.
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Apple has had iPhone owners trapped within its walled garden for years, with many genuinely not knowing what lies beyond that ecosystem. But Google has been working over the past few years to poke some holes in that wall, and its latest move in bringing AirDrop compatibility to Android Quick Share is just another reminder of how things are getting better. But… is anyone actually switching?
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Nothing is starting its rollout of Android 16 this week, and in the new Nothing OS 4.0 there are a bunch of updates including the ability to show Live Updates in Glyph, redesigns throughout, and more.
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After launching in October, AAWireless TWO+ is now available for purchase via Amazon.
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Pebblebee just launched its latest tracks for Android’s Find Hub network earlier this month, but they’re already discounted for Black Friday, as is Motorola’s Moto Tag and several other trackers.
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Google announced earlier this afternoon that Quick Share on Pixel 10 now works with AirDrop on iPhone, and it’s actively rolling out now. Here’s how it works, and also how to get the functionality live on your device now.
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As promised, Gemini is finally launching on Android Auto, but the rollout could take a while.
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Subaru has announced new details on its revamped in-car software experience, which is based on Google’s Android Automotive OS.
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The smart home standard Matter is introducing support for cameras, a long awaited device type for the universal standard.
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After launching in beta recently, Nothing has confirmed plans to release its Android 16 update later this week.
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Polestar has officially announced plans to deliver Gemini on its Android Automotive-powered EVs sometime next year alongside a “future Google update.”
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OnePlus is fresh off of the global debut of the OnePlus 15 earlier this month, but is already teasing its next release, the OnePlus 15R, as well as a new smartwatch.
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YouTube’s latest test is preparing support for direct messages where users can share videos with each other and have conversations.
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Google’s Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series phones are about to be the first smartphones to work with satellite SMS functionality on Orange, a carrier in Europe.
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YouTube TV is reportedly going to “be ready” to launch a new “lower-cost sports bundle” sometime next year following its new deal with Disney, but with MLB.TV missing from the picture.
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Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are likely due to be released next year, but early software leaks are revealing more details about the upcoming earbuds.
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Google TV devices have a new remote option that uses indoor light to ensure it “never runs out of power.”
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Google has released its Sans Flex font freely for download, allowing anyone to use the font that’s found on many Google products.
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