Google’s first preview of Wear OS 6 has arrived, with some major redesigns in tow. Here’s a first look.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s a closer look at Wear OS 6; customizable color themes, Material updates [Gallery]
Author
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 TV apps will start showing pop-ups that beg you for ratings
Alongside the initial reveal of Google TV’s Android 16 update, Google is also announcing some changes to apps for TVs, which include new pop-ups that will ask you for app ratings.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle shows Android 16’s Live Updates with Maps, Uber Eats, rolling out ‘over the next year’ [Gallery]
One of Android 16’s new features is “Live Updates” and we’re finally getting a peak into how they’ll work for apps like Google Maps and Uber Eats, but we might also be waiting longer than expected to start using them.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid Auto gets video and browser apps ‘soon,’ more weather apps finally coming
Google has revealed that Android Auto is about to get more apps, including wider access to weather apps, and the arrival of video and browser apps in the future.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle says Android 16’s new desktop mode builds on ‘the foundation of Samsung DeX’
Google has been working on a “desktop mode” for Android 16 for a while now and at Google I/O’s developer talks, the company confirmed that these improvements have arrived in part thanks to Samsung DeX.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel adding wallpaper shape and weather ‘Effects’ in Android 16 QPR1 [Gallery]
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle TV gets a hint of Material 3 Expressive in Android 16 update [Gallery]
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.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 QPR1 adds new notification shortcuts and lock screen layout
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle shrinks Pixel’s At a Glance widget in Android 16 QPR1, but you still can’t turn it off
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s AI Mode will soon do the ‘tedious’ part of search for you in the background [Video]
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle expands AI Mode to all with Gmail integration and real-time camera access
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.
Expand Expanding CloseXiaomi’s ‘Tensor moment’ nears, with first ‘XRING’ powered devices launching May 22
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.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Phone (3) officially launching in July
After teasing it earlier this month, the Nothing Phone (3) now has an official release window, with the device launching in July 2025.
Expand Expanding CloseXiaomi signs ‘multi-year’ deal to keep using Snapdragon as its own chip looms
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.
Expand Expanding CloseSomeone ported the iconic pinball game from Windows XP to Android, and it’s free
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 confirms delayed Razr launch at Verizon amid bizarre rumors
Motorola has confirmed a delayed Razr (2025) launch at Verizon carriers while rumors swirl.
Expand Expanding CloseWalmart’s $30 Chromecast with Google TV replacement launches, online sales open
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.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus teases what its ‘Plus Key’ can do, but just makes it look like an iPhone ripoff [Video]
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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Moto Watch Fit, which doesn’t run Wear OS, will cost $200 when it launches on May 22
Motorola has just announced pricing for its new smartwatch, the Moto Watch Fit, and it’s not particularly cheap.
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Nomad just upgraded my favorite slim USB-C charger with 100W speeds
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.
Expand Expanding CloseReport: Samsung upgrading foldable hinges on Galaxy Z Fold 7 and ‘tri-fold,’ not Flip 7
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.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus Pad 3 launching June 5 with Open Canvas upgrade, ‘seamless iOS syncing’
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.
Expand Expanding CloseQualcomm confirms next Snapdragon 8 Elite will launch in September, a month earlier
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.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle fixed the ‘Find My Device’ name problem, but now Android needs better AirTags
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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