Ben Schoon is a Senior Editor at NewGeekGuide, 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 NewGeekGuide 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
After revealing the higher requirement over a year ago, Google has actually started enforcing that you’ll need to be running Android 9.0 or higher to install the latest Android Auto updates.
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According to a new report, Samsung is giving up on ultra-thin phones anhd has canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge after seeing how big of a failure the Galaxy S25 Edge has been.
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Samsung has been stubborn when it comes to the updated wireless charging standard that is Qi2, with the new standard adding MagSafe-style magnetic charging outside of the iPhone ecosystem. Google became the first major brand to embrace Qi2 with the Pixel 10 series, and while Samsung is rumored to finally be getting on board next year, the company has just release two new Qi2 wireless chargers that just remind Galaxy owners what they’re missing out on.
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Samsung has started rolling out its Android 16 update to Galaxy phones and tablets, with a schedule running through November at least. Here’s when to expect the update on your Galaxy device, and which devices are already eligible for the update.
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Samsung has confirmed an October 21 event where it will announce its Android XR headset, Project Moohan, and reservations are now open with a $100 credit.
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If you want to get Google’s Pixel 10 series for hundreds of dollars off, Mint Mobile has a stellar deal available that provides a huge discount alongside a bundle with wireless service.
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According to a new report, Samsung has plans to release its Galaxy Z “TriFold” device more broadly than initially thought, with the device set to launch outside of China and South Korea and possibly including regions such as the US.
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GrapheneOS is a security-focused Android experience that, to date, has been available solely on Google Pixel devices. Soon, though, a “major OEM” will be added to GrapheneOS’ support list, with Snapdragon-powered devices coming soon.
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Launched barely a year ago, the Galaxy Watch FE acted as the affordable entry point to Samsung’s Wear OS-powered smartwatch lineup. Now, it’s seemingly gone forever, and the fire sales have begun.
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Google is rolling out a new software update for the Google TV Streamer, with this latest update delivering a surprisingly outdated August 2025 security patch.
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American Airlines has just announced that it will support Google Wallet with its boarding passes, an overdue addition for the major airline.
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The long-awaited reboot of the Pebble smartwatch is about to ship to customers, and it comes as the relaunch of the Pebble Appstore has also arrived.
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Android Auto 15.2 is rolling out more broadly this week, but with the side effect of breaking the longstanding “Quick Controls” feature for some users.
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While it doesn’t seem particularly widespread at this point, a number of Pixel 10 series owners are noticing an issue with apps crashing, but there’s thankfully a temporary fix available, even if that solution is far from ideal.
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In my switch to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as my main phone in recent months, there’s just one thing that continues to annoy me. Samsung seemingly feels the need to ruin Android notifications, and it’s the most bizarre self-sabotage.
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Home security cameras are commonplace at this point, but there’s something to be said about the ingenuity in the space. There’s a solution for every niche, and I think there are few better examples than the Wyze Bulb Cam and Wyze Duo Cam Pan I’ve been testing out as of late. They also serve as continued reminders of how much I wish Google would branch out a bit more.
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Google keeps experimenting with new Pixel colors, but after seeing the new Nest Cam and its “Berry” color, all I can think about is a red Pixel phone.
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Tag Heuer, a long-time Wear OS partner in the luxury space, is done with Google’s platform and switching to an “in-house” platform that’s still based on Android, but better supports iPhone.
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Google’s new Nest Doorbell (wired) is here and, if you’re looking to upgrade over the existing model, the good news is that it’s a truly effortless upgrade.
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Google’s Pixel Watch series has, at first glance, only evolved slightly in its various generations. But the latest Pixel Watch 4 is a bit more than meets the eye, and it’s also the smartwatch that Google has always wanted.
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In a leaked image and a note from a trusted leaker, Samsung is allegedly going to be copying the “Cosmic Orange” color that Apple just introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro.
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In the drought of new Nest Hub updates, Google’s head of Home has confirmed that, yes, the Nest Hub is not dead, but there’s also no “explicit news” just yet.
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Just ahead of its sequel hitting the market, the Pixel Watch 3 is a simply phenomenal deal at just $170.
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Beeper, the app infamous for trying to bring iMessage to Android, is picking up some updates that include more Material 3 Expressive support on Android, as well as Google Voice integration.
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