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
Google hands out extended free trials to its AI Pro subscription frequently with new smartphone purchases and more, but trial users end up getting less access compared to paid subscribers in what is a bit of a misleading situation.
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Google is now rolling out support for Gemini 4 Argon to Antigravity, its AI coding tool.
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Sony isn’t exactly known for speedy Android OS updates, but the company has now completely canceled an Android 17 update for one of its Xperia phones.
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Google is delivering an update to Android’s earthquake alerts system that will show more information while also expanding support to over 200 regions across the globe.
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Following its announcement at Google I/O earlier this year, Google’s new Universal Cart is now rolling out in the US, giving you the ability to shop the web and watch for deals using Search, Gemini, and more.
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Apple’s debut in the foldable market was always going to have an impact on Android foldables, with many brands having been optimistic that it would have a positive ripple effect. For Samsung, that appears to be true, as the company says that interest in its Galaxy Z Fold 8 remains significantly higher following the iPhone Duo’s announcement.
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As privacy complaints continue to dominate the conversation around Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, the company is now fixing an issue that was letting the glasses record on their own without the user prompting the recording.
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Samsung’s Android 17-based One UI 9 update continues to pick up steam, with several more Galaxy devices joining the fray.
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Ahead of its Android XR-based Aura launching later this year, XREAL is giving its flagship One Pro a “Plus” upgrade without raising the price.
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The latest Google Home app is improving support for local network control over Matter devices, including Philips Hue lights.
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Google’s new Fitbit Edge tracker launches later this month and, as we get our review together, here’s a quick hands-on look at the new middle child of Google’s wearable lineup.
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WhatsApp is making it easier to makes calls with everyone by introducing the ability for non-WhatsApp users to join a call without needing an account.
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The Samsung Health app is getting a pretty major update this week with support for new coaches for sleep and running, as well as support for scanning meals to track calories and macros.
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A bug in the Google Home app has left device lists messy for some users, with no obvious way to fix it for the time being.
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A reliable source says that Nothing is building out its own AI smart glasses that feature ChatGPT integration, a camera, and two very different models.
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Google has launched a new “Shop devices” portal that lets interested buyers pick up a Samsung Galaxy smartphone from the Google Store, right alongside a Pixel phone or Watch.
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The OnePlus 16 is official this week and looks beastly – too bad most of the world won’t be able to buy it.
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Announced earlier this year, Google continues to set the stage for its next Android Auto redesign behind the scenes, which might be codenamed “Cielo.”
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Apple’s long-rumored smart home display is finally here and it begs the question – why hasn’t Google released a new Nest Hub in half a decade?
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Google is launching some app updates for Android Automotive, “Google built-in,” which bring more video apps and increased flexbility for the platform such as allowing YouTube to run in the background while driving.
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RAMageddon continues to have wide effects throughout the tech industry, with a new report revealing that the smartphone market has just hit its lowest point in well over a decade.
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Nothing’s CMF brand has launched new wireless speakers, the first in the lineup, and they look like milk cartons.
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Googlebook was always going to run into problems with app availability, but few expected the platform to regress its support for Linux apps from Chromebook’s fairly robust solution. In a blog post, Google reiterates that the “Linux Terminal Preview” on Googlebook isn’t for using Linux apps, but for building with AI.
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Samsung’s first Android XR glasses are right around the corner and, ahead of launch, another leak reveals every style you’ll be able to buy.
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