Android 16 Beta 2 improves HDR screenshots
A change in Android 16’s second beta release improves how HDR is handled in screenshots, preserving HDR details in the final image.
Expand Expanding Close
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
Galaxy Z Fold 7 leaks with thinner 9mm design, bigger screen [Gallery]
After its last foldable generation fell flat, Samsung is finally expected to bring some major changes with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with a new report revealing the updated design and much thinner hardware that measures just 9.5mm when closed.
Expand Expanding Close
Android Auto 13.8 update now rolling out
After debuting in beta earlier this month, Google is now rolling out the Android Auto 13.8 update to users, but don’t expect many changes.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel camera is a bit ‘boring’ now, but there’s still nothing I’d rather carry
The camera has always been the reason to buy a Pixel phone. As time has gone on, though, Google’s camera lead has eroded both as the competition improves, and as the Pixel’s camera feels just a tiny bit worse. Despite it being “boring,” though, there’s one reason that there’s no phone I’d rather carry besides a Pixel.
Expand Expanding CloseOppo won’t launch the Find N5 in Europe after all
It seems that US users won’t be alone in missing out on Oppo’s latest and greatest foldable, as the company has now confirmed that the Find N5 won’t be launching in Europe.
Expand Expanding Close
OnePlus will fix Watch 3’s ‘Meda in China’ typo, offers free returns
A typo slipped through the cracks on the OnePlus Watch 3, but the company has confirmed it will fix the problem.
Expand Expanding Close
Samsung’s best Galaxy S25 colors are out of stock as launch promos continue
Samsung is keeping up its launch promos for the Galaxy S25 series, but some of the best color options are currently out of stock or heavily delayed.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung continues One UI 7 beta, rolling out fifth update just days after the last release
Just days after rolling out One UI 7 Beta 4 for Galaxy S24 devices, Samsung is already rolling out “Beta 5” in some regions as users continue to wait on the company’s Android 15 update.
Expand Expanding CloseDemo app better shows how Android 16’s Live Notifications work [Video]
Google announced “Live Notifications” are coming to Android 16, and now a demo app is making it possible to better see how this feature will work.
Expand Expanding CloseLeaked videos reveal Nothing Phone (3a)’s extra button is probably for AI [Video]
Following leaked images hitting the web last night, new leaked videos appear to reveal more about the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro’s feature set, including what the extra button is for.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro leak in full in alleged images [Gallery]
Ahead of the March 4 launch, a full collection of images of the both the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro have hit the web, seemingly revealing the full design and core specs.
Expand Expanding Close
Nothing says ultrawide iPhone video in Phone (3a) comparison was ‘not intentional’ [U]
In a video this week, Nothing shows off how its upcoming Phone (3a) series brings big camera improvements, but there’s a slip-up that you might have missed when the video quality is compared to iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Expand Expanding Close
Epic Games Store for Android already has over 30 games – Star Wars: KOTOR is free
The Epic Games Store for Android has primarily existed for the sake of Fortnite and Fall Guys, but was opened up to third-party games in January. Now, barely a month later, the store has over 30 games available for Android users.
Expand Expanding CloseThe OnePlus Watch 3 was ‘Meda in China’
A hilarious typo on the bottom of the OnePlus Watch 3 says that the device was “Meda in China.”
Expand Expanding CloseAmazon Appstore for Android is shutting down in August
Amazon has announced that it will shut down the Amazon Appstore for Android devices later this year.
Expand Expanding Close
Oppo will let you control a MacBook with its latest foldable [Gallery]
A new feature debuting on the Oppo Find N5 will allow Mac users to control their machines from their smartphones, as well as better integrating their phone with macOS overall.
Expand Expanding CloseOppo Find N5 launches as the world’s thinnest foldable, and it puts Samsung to shame [Gallery]
There’s a new leader in foldables, as Oppo is today launching the Find N5 with recording-breaking hardware that we’ve had some time to test out.
Expand Expanding Close
Android Auto updates appear to break wireless connection for some drivers
For some drivers, the latest updates to Android Auto have broken support for using a wireless connection, and with no immediate fix.
Expand Expanding Close
Samsung reportedly using ceramic materials for Galaxy S25 Edge
According to a new report, Samsung plans to use some ceramic materials in the Galaxy S25 Edge, though it’s not entirely clear what form that may take.
Expand Expanding CloseLenovo Legion Tab is back in stock again, shipping mid-March
Following its announcement at CES 2025 earlier this year, the Lenovo Legion Tab has been dropping in and out of availability, but the company has once again opened up orders for the small Android tablet with this latest wave of stock shipping in March.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus 13 is the latest Android phone with Instagram’s ‘Night Mode’ camera
Through a new update, OnePlus 13 owners can enjoy better low-light photos and videos in the Instagram app with the addition of Night Mode integration.
Expand Expanding Close
Google app on iOS removing Gemini as it pushes users to full app
Google is informing iOS users that it will be removing Gemini support from the main Google app as it pushes users over to the full Gemini app.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to get 120 hours of battery life on the OnePlus Watch 3
The OnePlus Watch 3 is the best Wear OS smartwatch for battery life, but how can you actually get the claimed 120 hours of battery? Here’s how it breaks down.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle TV update preps support for scheduling the backlight on some remotes
Revealed in the latest Google TV Streamer update, Google is adding better support for backlit remotes to its TV platform, suggesting there may be more options coming.
Expand Expanding Close