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
While it’s not fully available in the current stable Android 16 release, Live Updates are on their way, and Google has quietly released new documentation for developers looking to utilize the feature, while also offering a better example of the functionality with Google Maps.
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Qi2 has turned into a lot of disappointment as the magnetic standard continues to be mostly ignored, and Samsung also seems less than enthused as its official Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 cases continue to show that the company isn’t fully investing in the idea yet.
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It’s no secret that Samsung is working on a “tri-fold” device, but its appearance has been a mystery for quite some time. Now, though, we’re getting a first look courtesy of an animation found in One UI 8.
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Google is giving Android TV a rare update, with some new promoted categories appearing on the homescreen for some.
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Honor has just launched its Magic V5 foldable in China, reclaiming its title as the world’s thinnest foldable, but only if you ignore its massive camera bump.
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Following reports of battery issues on Pixel 6a, Google has detailed a mandatory Android 16 update for these devices that, for some, will have a major impact on battery life. Here’s what the company is detailing for now.
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Xiaomi has a new Google TV-powered streaming stick headed to market and while the company has yet to actually announce the product, you can already buy it, and one of our readers has shared images of the device in the flesh too.
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The Google Home app is adding a new form of access to your home, with a “Member” role now broadly available with more customization and access limits, as well as support for a child’s account.
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Nothing has confirmed that its Android 16 update, Nothing OS 4.0, will be available before the end of September.
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The Nothing Phone (3) is, undoubtedly, the best phone the company has put out to date, but despite the messaging that this is a “true flagship,” it’s not. That said, I think I like this new chapter for the Nothing Phone.
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Following numerous teasers and even more leaks, Nothing Headphone (1) has officially arrived with its unique design, audio tuned by KEF, and a mid-July release date.
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The Nothing Phone (3) has arrived as the company’s first high-end device since 2023, and with its highest price yet at $799. Here’s what you need to know.
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Announced first in China, the Redmagic Astra gaming tablet is now seeing its global debut with the 9-inch Android tablet getting a price of $549 in the US.
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Well after its initial announcement, Samsung has finally released the first One UI 8 Watch beta, based on Wear OS 6, for the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.
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A ton of leaks have detailed many of the new updates to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, but there are still some details that haven’t yet come to light. In a new post, though, we’re getting a few new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and even more Flip 7 tidbits regarding the core specs of each device.
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Anker has announced a recall on six of its power banks “out of an abundance of caution” due to potential issues with the battery cells in these products. Here’s how to see if your battery is affected and get a gift card for something new.
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AI has taken over basically everything in tech. Whether it’s search, social media, or basically every other app on your phone, AI is just everywhere. It demands your attention and is often not optional, but Google Photos just showcased an increasingly rare example of building out AI features with a sense of compromise and care for the end user.
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 is already going to be a big upgrade for its improved outer display, but it seems the device is also set to adopt a thinner overall profile based on the latest leaked image.
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 is quickly approaching its launch date, with the foldable breaking cover yet again this weekend with a new image showing off the thin design from a new angle, as well as reiterating the return of a hole punch camera.
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Google is rolling out its Android Auto 14.6 update more widely, not long after the prior update.
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Following a previous teaser, it’s been rather unclear when Samsung planned to launch its “tri-fold” smartphone. Now, a leaker is offering some further details, claiming that the Samsung “tri-fold” will be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and will launch a bit later in the year.
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Samsung has some price changes in mind for its next smartwatch and foldable series, with an unexpected price cut for Galaxy Z Flip 7, while increasing the price for the Galaxy Watch 8.
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Google Photos is now rolling out an updated version of its “Ask Photos” search experience, but also a way to disable it altogether. Here’s how to turn off AI search in Google Photos.
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Ahead of its launch event next month, Samsung has released a new app update which confirms the redesigned Galaxy Watch 8 as well as two of its key features.
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