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
Google Pixel phones are picking up a new customization option for wallpapers, with “Effects” in Android 16 able to turn a wallpaper into a specific shape and color style, as well as applying weather effects on top.
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While Android TV OS updates usually don’t bring much to the Google TV experience, this latest update does deliver a splash of Material 3 Expressive design elements, mostly in the Settings menu.
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Among the many updates in Android 16 QPR1’s big redesign is a new look for notifications which includes more prominent shortcuts for settings, history, and also an updated lock screen layout too.
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Google is finally delivering an update to the At a Glance widget on Pixel devices in Android 16 QPR1, making the widget smaller, but still not allowing it to be disabled completely.
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Google is teasing new features for AI Mode, including the ability for it to act as an agent of the web on your behalf, completing research in the background to save you time, and it looks pretty handy.
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Google is bringing its new AI Mode in Search to all users in the United States, and bringing a ton of new features, including camera access, a custom version of Gemini under the hood, Gmail integration, and more.
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Right as it signs a deal with Qualcomm for the use of Snapdragon chips, Xiaomi has just confirmed that it will use its own XRING 01 chip in its next smartphone and tablet release.
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After teasing it earlier this month, the Nothing Phone (3) now has an official release window, with the device launching in July 2025.
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Qualcomm and Xiaomi have announced a new deal that will see Snapdragon chips continue to be used in Xiaomi smartphones, all while a new option is on the horizon.
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If you grew up in the Windows XP era, than you probably spent hours playing its iconic free game, “3D Pinball Space Cadet.” Now, “Space Cadet” pinball has been ported to Android, and it’s completely free.
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Motorola has confirmed a delayed Razr (2025) launch at Verizon carriers while rumors swirl.
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After showing up at random for the past few weeks, Walmart has unceremoniously released the Onn 4K Plus, its $30 Google TV streaming device that acts as a perfect Chromecast replacement.
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The iconic Alert Slider is dead, and OnePlus is now replacing it with the “Plus Key” and it all looks pretty familiar.
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Motorola has just announced pricing for its new smartwatch, the Moto Watch Fit, and it’s not particularly cheap.
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Nomad has just updated its slim USB-C charging brick with much faster 100W speeds, allowing for an easy-to-carry, but still insanely powerful charger.
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According to a new report, Samsung is bringing hinge upgrades to its Galaxy Z Fold 7 and “tri-fold” device, but the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will sit out.
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OnePlus is teasing the upcoming launch of the OnePlus Pad 3 which is said to come with some software updates such as a new Open Canvas upgrade and some form of iOS integration.
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Qualcomm has confirmed that its next big event to launch the second-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite and other new products will be happening in late September, ahead of schedule yet again.
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The “Find My Device” network has suffered from bad branding long enough. That’s why I was glad to see the transition over to “Find Hub” this week, but I think Google still has one more pillar to take care of, and that’s offering better AirTag competitors for Android users.
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An issue with Google Maps as of late has left users without the ability to see alternate routes on the mobile app and car platforms such as Android Auto.
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The Nothing Phone (3) is coming soon and new rumors swirling around the device suggest we’ll get better cameras, a bigger battery, and more.
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Google is rolling out the latest Android Auto update widely, with version 14.3 now available through the Play Store.
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Nothing has just announced that it will be making a pair of over-ear headphones that will launch very soon, and as a fan of the company’s earbuds, I couldn’t be more excited.
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Microsoft is making a big change with its Bing search engine, with the announcement that Bing Search APIs will shut down later this year and AI services being the sole replacement.
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