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 leak showcases an incoming ability for Google Pixel phones to turn off the built-in search bar that has been a part of the Pixel Launcher for years.
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Walmart is in the process of launching its new Google TV streamer lineup and, while I’m pretty intrigued by the Pro model, it’s the 4K streaming stick that was delivered first and, just as I hoped, it’s exactly the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) replacement I’ve been wanting.
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Smartphone cameras are a “solved” problem. Just about any phone at any price point is capable of taking quality photos, with some having more shortcomings or strengths than others. But after spending a few weeks with the Oppo Find X9 Ultra, I find myself suddenly wanting more from my phone’s camera because, frankly, this device has raised the bar, and I’m not sure I can go back.
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The YouTube app for TVs, including Google TV, is rolling out a new design for the sidebar that makes it easier to access your library while also showcasing some of your recently-watched channels.
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The new OnePlus Nord CE6 launched in select regions earlier this week and, by all accounts, looks like a solid mid-range smartphone, but it also cuts its promised OS upgrades in half.
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Nothing’s Ear (open) earbuds are getting a refresh next week, with a new blue colorway dropping on May 11.
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Google’s new Fitbit Air tracker is here and comes in a variety of different styles, but the best option might just be the special Stephen Curry edition.
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Spotify is launching deeper AI agent integration with “Personal Podcasts,” which can be saved to your account with personalized information such as calendar events.
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An ongoing bug with Android XR has left Samsung’s Galaxy XR headsets in rough shape, with serious performance issues that Google is now rolling out a fix for.
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While mid-range Android phones have gotten way better over the years, lag spikes are still remarkably common. With its new Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chips, Qualcomm says lag should be cut down alongside some other improvements.
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“Cheap” Android phones are in an increasingly tough spot right now. The Moto G Stylus, one of Motorola’s most popular offerings, now costs $499 which puts it into the territory of more powerful and better-rounded smartphones like the Pixel 10a, but with the shortcomings of a cheaper device. That said, after using it, I think it’ll be a fine device if you really want that pen.
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Anthropic today announced that Claude is getting a big boost to usage limits, including doubling Code limits and stripping back on peak hour reductions.
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The Pixel Watch 4’s charger is yet another thing to carry around when traveling or otherwise. That’s why a Google-approved USB-C charger for Pixel Watch 4 is so useful, and it’s finally back in stock – for now, at least.
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While Google’s Nest ecosystem delivers a really good experience, no one ever said it was cheap. Following last year’s launch of a 2K Nest Doorbell, Amazon’s Blink is stepping up with an upgraded model that features the same camera quality, but for just $40.
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According to a new report, it’s “virtually impossible” for Samsung to release a Galaxy Ring sequel this year, with “Galaxy Ring 2” instead likely to launch in early 2027.
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The ongoing march of AI features continues to go on, whether you want it to or not, and a recent update to Google Chrome probably installed a few gigabytes of local AI models on your computer.
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Apple’s Liquid Glass redesign of its platforms, especially iOS, has been divisive to say the least but, thankfully, Google’s President of Android says that it’s “not happening” on this side of the walled garden.
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After months in beta, Samsung has finally launched its next major Galaxy update, One UI 8.5, with the stable rollout starting today.
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“Familiar Faces” in Google Home have been a bit of a mess for years now, but Google is trying to address this pain point of Nest Cam with two key changes – and I’ll take just about anything at this point.
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The numbers are in for Q1 2026 and, for the first time in a while, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra almost managed to crack the top 10.
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With the May 2026 update, rolling out now, Google is implementing an anti-rollback measure on Pixel 10 series devices that prevents the installation of any older Android versions.
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If you’ve had your eye on any official Samsung Galaxy accessories lately, right now the company is offering a slight discount on nearly everything it offers.
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Amazon Photos is getting a revamped app that looks like it was inspired by Google Photos in a few places – which is a great thing for users.
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Apparently, OpenAI is speeding up development on its first smartphone which could now debut as soon as early next year. Do you have any interest?
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