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
After a brief beta period, Google’s big-screen focused Android 12L update has arrived, and you can install it first on Pixel smartphones. Here’s how.
Expand Expanding Close
Online shopping and, in turn, shipping have become more and more important in recent years, and tracking your shipments can be key to ensure things arrive safely. This week, major shipping service FedEx confirmed it is testing a new feature called “Crosstrack,” which hints at the ability to track shipments from other companies within its own app.
Expand Expanding Close
According to Verizon, Google’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are picking up official support for the carrier’s C-Band 5G this week with a new update rolling out now.
Expand Expanding Close
After going viral back in 2020, Google has slowly expanded its collection of 3D animals and objects in Search. Now, Google is adding a fun one: a 3D dancing model of Mei’s Red Panda from Pixar’s latest film, Turning Red.
Expand Expanding Close
Google has been expanding its privacy features over the past couple of years, and at Google I/O nearly a year ago, the company announced the ability to delete 15 minutes of search history with just one tap, and now that feature is finally arriving on Android.
Expand Expanding Close
It’s been over a year since Apple TV arrived on Google TV and later on the wider Android TV platform, but something has changed in recent weeks. Suddenly, the Apple TV app for Android/Google TV is no longer able to buy content.
Expand Expanding Close
This week in home entertainment news, one of 2021’s biggest movies arrived on digital streaming, Disney+ and Hulu launched a killer new bundle deal, and Amazon closed its deal with MGM.
Expand Expanding Close
Google had some impactful announcements regarding Stadia this week, but there was more going on. Two new games arrived on the platform, a couple of others were announced, and Rainbow Six Siege is hosting a free weekend on Stadia too.
Expand Expanding Close
Google’s first attempt at making a high-end chip for Android smartphone arrived in the Pixel 6 last year, and it seems to have been a success. According to a new report, the Pixel 6 boosted Google’s Tensor chip to actually have its own spot in the Android chipset market.
Expand Expanding Close
Just in time for Steam to be making its way to the platform, Google is adding support for variable refresh rate displays to Chrome OS.
Expand Expanding Close
Google keeps working on expanding its native OS for cars, Android Automotive, and as part of its continuing push, the company has quietly given the platform its own new logo.
Expand Expanding Close
Password managers are a key form of online security, and Google makes it rather easy to get started with a password manager built right into its popular Chrome browser. As that feature continues to get more important, Google is now adding room for notes on the Chrome password manager.
Expand Expanding Close
As Google has been pushing for better tablet and foldable support in Android, the company’s own Gboard keyboard has somewhat fallen behind. Now, it seems Google is working on improving its support for at least the Galaxy Z Fold 3, with a new layout going live in Gboard and a hint at more coming.
Expand Expanding Close
Android 13 seems to be doubling down on user profiles, probably as tablets become a more central focus for Google. In the latest Android 13 preview, Google is making it possible to customize your user profile photo.
Expand Expanding Close
Android 12L renewed Google’s focus on big screen devices, seemingly just in time, and Android 13 is only expanding on that. In the latest Android 13 preview, we’re seeing a new app drawer on the taskbar.
Expand Expanding Close
One expected new feature in Android 13 is the ability to set languages on a per-app basis, instead of globally for the device as a whole.
Update 3/17: Per-app language settings are now available in Android 13’s second developer preview, unchanged from our original coverage below.
Expand Expanding Close
After sitting just behind the curtain in the first Android 13 developer preview, Google has released the new music notification panel with an updated design including (wonderful) album art integration and more.
Expand Expanding Close
Google just released the second developer preview of Android 13, with a redesign to the Quick Settings panel that shifts other buttons to a new part of the display.
Expand Expanding Close
Android 13 is several months away from its formal debut, but Google has opened up the first previews for its latest mobile operating system today with new features and more. If you’re on a Google Pixel smartphone, you can install Android 13 now. Here’s how, and why you should probably wait.
Expand Expanding Close
Gaming phones have become more powerful and more affordable in recent years, and Asus offers some of the best. Now, the Asus ROG Phone 5 is getting its Android 12 update with a lengthy changelog.
Expand Expanding Close
Google.org is kicking off a new initiative to help those affected by Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Through the end of April, Google will match donations to Ukraine relief efforts.
Expand Expanding Close
Available now, Google Sheets has greatly expanded how much data you can fit on a single spread, with a whopping 10 million cell limit.
Expand Expanding Close
Android Auto is finally nearing a rollout for a tool we first spotted nearly a year ago. With the latest update, Android Auto can check the quality of your USB cable to see if it’s causing you any issues.
Expand Expanding Close
After launching the Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy S22 series earlier this year, Samsung is turning its attention to the US mid-range market. Today, the company revealed that the Galaxy A53 is coming to the US for $449 starting on April 1.
Expand Expanding Close