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
A new report reveals that Snap’s long-in-development AR glasses, “Spectacles,” are finally set to launch later this year, but for a steep price tag.
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In a slightly funny twist, it’s been highlighted that Google’s AI Overviews currently break when you use words such as “disregard.”
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Google Pixel phones have custom icon packs now and, in the latest update, Google is adding a new “Disco” pack that’s… a choice.
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Following a strange issue causing first-generation Chromecast devices to fail, Google has ended software updates for nearly every other Chromecast model.
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New usage limits have hit Google’s Gemini AI models and, following user concerns, Google has raised those limits specifically for Antigravity – twice.
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It’s still pretty hard to find Walmart’s latest Google TV box, the 2026 edition of Onn 4K Pro, in the US, but it’s now confirmed that Walmart is bringing it to Canada too.
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Google has once again updated its “Android Bench” rankings for the best AI models for Android app development, with a bunch of new “open-weight” models as well as more details on the tokens used and cost of using these models.
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On the back of a ton of Gemini announcements at I/O 2026, Google is today announcing “Gemini built in” as a new solution that brings AI features to third-party devices including speakers, cameras, and more.
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Gaming tablets are seeing a revival with smaller form factors, with Lenovo’s Legion series being one of the most popular options. But, now, Lenovo is giving bigger screens another shot, with the new Legion Y900 series that includes 11-inch and 13-inch Legion Tab models.
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Following prior leaks, a new report out of Korea reiterates that Samsung’s next Galaxy Buds release will use the clip style of open-ear earbuds, and Xiaomi is following suit too.
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As a part of a massive slate of new AI announcements, Google this week also announced new compute-based usage limits for Gemini – existing users don’t seem too happy about it.
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Google TV growth appears to be slowing down, with a new update on the number of active devices only growing by about 11% over the past year and a half.
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Magic Cue was perhaps one of the most exciting ideas on Google’s Pixel 10 series, but months later, it feels like a forgotten part of those devices. At I/O 2026, though, Google has confirmed that Magic Cue will be expanding to more apps on Pixel 10 devices.
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Google says the first Android XR display glasses aren’t coming until 2027, which makes me all the more excited to check out XREAL’s upcoming Project Aura hardware and, at I/O, we’re getting more details about those glasses, including how they one-up Apple’s Vision Pro by turning the wired battery into the brains of the experience, and a controller too.
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ADT is today launching Blu, a new DIY security system that’s a tiny bit more affordable, but also a very confusing companion to the existing ADT+ system.
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Google is setting the stage for Android’s version of Apple Handoff, with the new “Continue On” feature in Android 17 set to let you move tasks seamlessly between Android devices.
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Google is updating Android 17’s Quick Settings in the latest beta release with a fun new animation that’s a little bit bouncy.
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Google has released Android 17 in beta for Pixel devices, skipping the usual Developer Preview given the arrival of new Canary builds, and you can install it now. Here’s how.
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Alongside various other announcements at Google I/O 2026, we’re getting a deeper preview of major media app changes on Android Auto, as well as a list of apps that will be adopting the changes first.
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On-stage at Google I/O 2026, we’re getting a preview of the first Android XR glasses built as a collaboration between Google and Samsung and confirmation of multiple style offerings
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At Google I/O 2026, a new focus on pointer remotes – like a Wii remote – is being announced for Google TV, with a push to update apps and the homescreen with support.
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Alongside other Android XR announcements at Google I/O 2026, XREAL has confirmed that its Project Aura glasses will be launching before the end of 2026, with a new program granting developers early access.
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As its competition takes a break, Google is doubling down on video generation through Gemini, with Omni upgrades for it filmmaker and musician-focused Flow AI tools, as well as dedicated mobile apps starting on Android.
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Google is launching a new Universal Cart tool that leverages Gemini and the Universal Commerce Protocol to allow buyers to gather together products from across the web through Gemini, Gmail, YouTube, and more, with added benefits such as deal tracking and smart recommendations.
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