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
Confusion has spread like wildfire recently around the update policy for OnePlus’ Android devices, but the company has set its policy in stone, and it’s mostly clear at this point.
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In its latest Android update, Telegram is adding support for watching videos of your TV via Chromecast (Google Cast) devices.
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Samsung’s One UI 7 update has finally reached foldables, in beta at least, with its debut on Galaxy Z Fold 6 revealing the addition of two new features found on other devices such as Google’s Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
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As expected, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge is likely to cost just a bit more than the Galaxy S25+, as a new report claims that Samsung has “finalized” the price.
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For a number of Google Pixel owners, the March 2025 update has brought on a bug that causes the display brightness to “flicker” when watching videos.
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Some Android Auto users have noticed that their apps are struggling with scrolling as of late thanks to an ongoing bug.
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OnePlus is killing one of its most iconic features, the Alert Slider, with a button, the brand has confirmed this week.
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Google is officially bringing back lock screen widgets on Android, but it begs the question – what would you want to use?
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A new update to the Find My Device app has landed, bringing with it a new two-tab UI and support for location sharing, as well as improvements to existing device and tracker functionality such as better location previews.
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I’ve always thought that Oppo’s foldables have been rather remarkable, but the new Find N5 really ups the game. Without a doubt, this is the best foldable I’ve ever used, and it’s a shame that hardly anyone is going to get the chance to use this device.
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A new Android Auto update is hinting that, at some point, the platform may feature temperature controls of some sort.
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Samsung’s latest “Discover” sale is live this weekend with huge discounts including a Galaxy Watch 7 for as low as $99 and $200 or more off of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
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As promised, Samsung has just opened up the One UI 7 beta program for the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
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Ahead of its upcoming launch, another batch of Pixel 9a leaks have hit the web, primarily showcasing the purple color of Google’s mid-range device.
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Google seems to be preparing support for Gemini on Android Auto, as well as the more conversational Gemini Live experience.
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Fresh off of its “Alpha Plan” unveiling at MWC 2025, new rumors suggest Honor is working on a new “Mini” phone release and an ultra-slim device as well, following industry trends.
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Jackbox Party Pack games are soon to expand to a new means of access, as a new “Jackbox Games” app will be coming to smart TVs and other platforms with the help of cloud gaming.
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Following the March 2025 update that landed earlier this week, quite a few Google Pixel owners have noticed that vibrations and haptic feedback have changed. What do you think?
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Google Maps has been updated with support for Live Updates in Android 16 as the beta continues on.
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According to a new report, Samsung’s upcoming Android XR headset will best the Apple Vision Pro on perhaps one of its most well-received aspects, the display.
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Google Photos is reverting a change that prevents some photos from being included in the Partner Sharing feature following user feedback, and now it’s optional.
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The Galaxy Z Flip 7 might deliver some meaningful changes after all, as leaks now claim that the device will have a full-size outer display that wraps around the cameras.
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Following reports last month, YouTube Premium Lite has just launched for $7.99/month in the US and promises to make “most” videos ad-free.
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Google is releasing Android 16 far earlier than its typical schedule and, apparently, things are going well. In an interview this week, Google’s President of the Android Ecosystem, Sameer Samat, confirmed that Android 16 is on track for a June release, and added that Google wants to do more to actually show what’s new in the update.
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