Before it made a big splash, Nothing had purchased some of the remains of Essential, and it turns out that was almost exclusively about the name of the company.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing confirms it was almost called ‘Essential’ instead [Video]
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Ben Schoon is a Senior Editor at 9to5Google, working for the publication as one of its primary news writers since 2016.
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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.
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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: [email protected] | Encrypted Email: [email protected]
Google confirms ‘mandatory’ Pixel 6a update that will reduce battery capacity
Following discovery in the latest Android 16 beta, Google has confirmed that Pixel 6a owners will receive “mandatory” software update that will reduce battery capacity.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle prepares to ‘reduce’ Pixel 6a battery due to ‘overheating issue’ amid fire reports
Pixel 6a owners may soon see their devices limited in terms of battery life, as code shows that Google is preparing to “reduce” the battery to avoid “a potential overheating” issue.
Expand Expanding CloseRedmagic ‘Astra’ is a 9-inch OLED Android tablet with a fingerprint sensor, launching July 1
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Expand Expanding CloseSamsung teases a ‘smarter’ Galaxy Z Fold 7 camera amid rumors of upgraded hardware
Samsung is in full hype mode around the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (and, to a lesser extent, Flip 7), with its latest teaser hinting at camera improvements, but only ones related to AI.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16’s new desktop mode works on tablet screens but not foldables, Google confirms
One of the big new features coming to Android 16 later this year is a new desktop mode that makes it possible for a phone to connect to a monitor and display a desktop-like environment with resizable apps and more. While tablets will be able to run this new desktop mode on their own displays, Google says that foldables running Android 16 will not get the same treatment.
Expand Expanding CloseMoto Tag starts rolling out UWB support for Find Hub – here’s what updates you’ll need
A year after its initial debut, the Moto Tag is finally the first Find Hub (formerly Find My Device) tracker for Android that supports UWB, but you’ll need a couple of updates to get things working.
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Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 is rolling out, but sideloading files are strangely missing
Google kicked off the rollout of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 yesterday, but Pixel owners looking to skip the lengthy on-device OTA installation are still waiting for sideloading files to become available.
Expand Expanding CloseiOS 26 and its ‘Liquid Glass’ redesign is being compared to ancient Android skins [Video]
Apple introduced its new “Liquid Glass” redesign of iOS 26 this week at WWDC and to say that the reactions have been mixed is an understatement. Amid the various comments, though, have been a bunch of comparisons between iOS 26 and ancient Android skins.
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Android Auto 14.4 update rolling out widely
Following its debut in beta last month, Google is now rolling out the Android Auto 14.4 update more widely, but don’t expect much from it.
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Google swapped the Wi-Fi and network icons in Android 16’s latest beta, now matches iOS [Gallery]
Android’s status bar got a fresh coat of paint with Material 3 Expressive, but the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta swaps the position of the Wi-Fi and network icons.
Expand Expanding CloseThis is Android 16’s desktop mode – a little broken, but the start of something good [Gallery]
Google has delivered on Android 16’s new desktop mode in the latest QPR1 beta and, while it’s mostly broken, you can experience it now on select Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseHow to install the Android 16 QPR1 Beta on Google Pixel and try the big redesign
While the stable build of Android 16 is not yet available, the major QPR1 update is already available in beta, bringing the big Material 3 Expressive redesign along with it. Here’s how to install Android 16 QPR1 Beta on Google Pixel.
Expand Expanding CloseThis new Android foldable claims to have Apple Watch support… somehow
The Apple Watch is a stellar wearable, and one that’s enticing enough to prevent many from switching to Android. But with its upcoming foldable, Vivo claims to, somehow, support the Apple Watch.
Expand Expanding CloseXREAL says its Android XR glasses only work wired, teases ‘largest screen,’ 2026 launch
XREAL’s first pair of Android XR glasses, “Project Aura,” were announced alongside Google I/O last month, and some new details are now coming out about the display and that you’ll need a wired “puck” to power the experience.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube details NFL Sunday Ticket pricing for 2025, with new discounts available
We’re about to kick off the second full year of NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV, and the prices have been official detailed with no price hike this year, but some new discounts available.
Expand Expanding CloseReport: Google and OpenAI reach cloud deal despite ChatGPT vs Gemini rivalry
OpenAI is reportedly tapping Google’s cloud services to power ChatGPT and other services as it seeks to diversify from Microsoft.
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Samsung has updated these Galaxy devices to Android 15
After a lengthy delay, Samsung has officially launched its Android 15 update – One UI 7 – with a major redesign, new features, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about Samsung’s Android 15 update including which devices have been updated, the schedule, and what’s new.
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Google Discover builds on latest redesign with article previews over headlines [Gallery]
Following the wide rollout of a headline-focused Google Discover redesign in May, a new tweak brings article previews to the surface.
Expand Expanding CloseNothing Phone (3) surfaces in leaked render with no visible lights and three cameras
Ahead of its debut next month, we finally have a probable first look at the Nothing Phone (3) with an updated design language, three cameras, and no visible lighting hardware.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung teases incredibly-thin Galaxy Z Fold 7 as its ‘lightest’ foldable yet [Video]
Samsung just dropped another Galaxy Z Fold 7 teaser, this time calling the foldable its “thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet,” which certainly seems true if its teaser image is anything to go by.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung wasted no time in poking fun at iOS 26 and Apple’s ‘Liquid Glass’ design
Apple today unveiled its new design language, “Liquid Glass,” which will be a core part of the upcoming iOS 26 update, and Samsung didn’t waste a second in poking fun at the changes.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel 9 Pro Fold was a hit in Europe, driving major growth as Samsung and Oppo shrunk
Foldables are absolutely a niche within the smartphone market, but some brands are starting to see a bit of success with it, including Google which is not only seeing sales of Pixel Fold devices, but is one of the fastest-growing foldable makers Europe right now.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Watch 8 Classic goes up for sale with hands-on photos showing new design, more [Gallery]
Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is right around the corner, and now a device has popped up on eBay to show off its new design and a key spec change.
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