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Ben Schoon

nexusben

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

Connect with Ben Schoon

Samsung is redesigning Good Lock with One UI 7 alongside global Play Store release

Samsung’s Good Lock allows for deep customizations to One UI without the need for root or any other complex mods, but the framework is limited to certain regions, and only accessible via the Galaxy Store. That’s changing in 2025, though, as Good Lock will be coming to the Google Play Store and all countries as Samsung expands the feature alongside One UI 7.

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Here’s the full list of every emoji that works in Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen

Earlier this year Google added a neat and fun addition to Gboard in its Emoji Kitchen. The feature lets Android users create wacky combinations of different emoji directly on their keyboard, before sending those creations in their favorite apps. Here’s the full list of what’s supported in the Emoji Kitchen, as well as how you can use it on Android, answers about how it works on iOS, and the latest updates to the feature.

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OnePlus Open 2 leak alleges refined design, early 2025 release

The OnePlus Open stood the test of time and managed to stand out among 2024 foldables despite having launched in 2023, but as we near time for its sequel, we’re all certainly curious to see what’s in store. This week, a new leak claims to reveal the OnePlus Open 2’s design, as well as offering more details on its specs and release date.

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