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.
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 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.
Fresh off of the global launch of the Magic 6 Pro, Honor is this week launching the Magic 6 RSR (and Ultimate) which gets a new display that’s supposed to hold up better over time.
After announcing the initiative late last year, YouTube is now launching its requirement for creators to disclose the use of “altered or synthetic” content which includes AI.
When it launched the Pixel 8 series, Google also announced an unprecedented level of software support with the promise of 7 years of updates for both devices. For some, though, recent announcements have somewhat softened that promise. Should it? Let’s talk.
Foldables aren’t cheap, but it seems the tide is turning, with Samsung now rumored to debut a Galaxy Z Fold 6 variant later this year that could have a price tag well under $1,000.
Accessories are an important part of any tech purchase, and it’s an area where Google Pixel has been lacking. I really hope to see a push from Google’s third-party partners this year for more Pixel phone cases and Pixel Watch bands.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra put out a wonderful showing earlier this year, but do you really need the “Ultra?” That’s the question I brought with me to the smallest Galaxy S24, and I walked away pleasantly surprised with how similar the two experiences were.
Following changes in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act, Google is now rolling out a Pixel Launcher update in the region which lets users switch their search provider to something other than Google Search.
Microsoft and Google have been waged in a years-long battle around Google Search, Bing, Chrome, and Edge. And it just continues, with Microsoft now pushing Bing heavily on Google Chrome users through pop-ups in Windows.
Smartphone cases are a place where personal preference reigns, and for many, a lot of cases tend to overdo it on the design or thickness and lack key features. But, in collaboration with Google, I think Mous has struck a near-perfect balance with its super-thin Pixel 8 case, which adds MagSafe and virtually no bulk.
Google’s Pixel Watch is a wonderful smartwatch, but arguably one of its biggest flaws is a proprietary watch band connection that’s heavily limited options. What band are you using on Pixel Watch?
According to a couple of somewhat sketchy rumors floating around, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 could come in a third variant, while all models would have faster chips.
Google Gemini is a useful AI tool, but it’s really only accessible through a website. As a fun trick, though, you can actually get to Google Gemini by simply visiting the website “ai.com,” which now redirects to the tool.
For the past few years, Google has been using the same cheeky joke on March 14 to promote its Pixel lineup, but this year, it feels like Google really missed the perfect chance to drop a Pixel 9 teaser.
Now that the dust has settled around the Beeper Mini situation, Beeper is turning attention to its original app which is getting a massive revamp on Android starting today.
Samsung’s big Galaxy AI update is right around the corner, as the company is reiterating that One UI 6.1 is set to drop on select Galaxy devices in the next couple of weeks.
The Asus Zenfone lineup has held its entire reputation over the past few years on being the one good small phone that also had a good price tag. Well, that’s over, with Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra launching today with a big display and an even bigger price.
Google revamped Android’s branding in late 2023 with “The Bot” as the new mascot. And while Samsung Galaxy and Pixel phones have been picking up new boot animations inspired by this updated mascot, there’s another 3D Android boot logo showing up on some devices.