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Senior Editor at @9to5Google | It's pronounced 'shown' | I basically talk about tech and disc golf | benschoon.com
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Articles by Ben Schoon
Spotify’s ‘QR code verification’ cracks down on sharing and could ban you for a year Original
Spotify is rolling out a new method of cracking down on Family plan sharing, with “QR code verification” that’s not particularly hard to work around, but has major consequences if you miss the window. Cracking down on password and/or account sharing has become very common in the world of streaming subscriptions, and Spotify is now trying a new method of limiting the use of its Family plan through a new method – QR code verification.
Samsung’s Android 18-based One UI 10 update sounds like it might be a big deal Original
While Android 17 is still trickling out to Android phones, Samsung is undoubtedly cooking up its Android 18-based One UI 10 update behind the scenes and, based on some early leaks, it at least sounds like it could be a reasonably big one. Rumors about Samsung tend to get overhyped. Tiny details get too much attention and there’s always some drama mixed in for good measure. That said, early rumblings around One UI 10 make it sound like there’s actually something worth being excited about.
Google TV shows off its ‘new’ features in fullscreen roundup when you turn on your TV [Gallery]
Google TV is rolling out its latest feature roundup, showcasing new features and additions that have rolled out in recent months. Next time you turn on your Google TV, you might be greeted with the October 2026 roundup of new feature additions. Google has been sending out these occasional fullscreen summaries for a while, with the latest showing up this week on Google TV Streamer and other devices.
Google TV shows off its ‘new’ features in fullscreen roundup when you turn on your TV [Gallery]
Google TV is rolling out its latest feature roundup, showcasing new features and additions that have rolled out in recent months. Next time you turn on your Google TV, you might be greeted with the October 2026 roundup of new feature additions. Google has been sending out these occasional fullscreen summaries for a while, with the latest showing up this week on Google TV Streamer and other devices.
Moto Tag 2 is no longer $19.99 as the UWB tracker gears up for Pixel Tag competition Original
The Moto Tag 2 was always supposed to be $30, but a long-running introductory discount left the Find Hub tracker cheaper. Now, that deal has ended. Moto Tag 2 is inarguably the most capable tracker for Android’s Find Hub network thanks in no small part to its inclusion of UWB. On top of Bluetooth pings for general location, the tracker also lets you pinpoint its exact location when you get up close. That’s why its $20 introductory price was so attractive.
Wyze’s latest weight scale has a display you can actually see, Google Health sync
Wyze has released a new BodyScan Plus scale that syncs with Google Health and Android Health Connect while fixing a long-running problem with scales – this one actually lets you see the display. Available starting today as a part of “Wyze Week,” the Wyze Scale Ultra BodyScan Plus continues its mouthful of a name, but with some nice features to back it up. The Wyze Scale Ultra Bodyscan launched in late 2025 with this new Plus model being its sequel.
Wyze’s latest weight scale has a display you can actually see, Google Health sync
Wyze has released a new BodyScan Plus scale that syncs with Google Health and Android Health Connect while fixing a long-running problem with scales – this one actually lets you see the display. Available starting today as a part of “Wyze Week,” the Wyze Scale Ultra BodyScan Plus continues its mouthful of a name, but with some nice features to back it up. The Wyze Scale Ultra Bodyscan launched in late 2025 with this new Plus model being its sequel.
Google support pages start defaulting to AI chatbots – it might be for the best
Google is starting to move its support pages from detailed articles to AI summaries with a chatbot, with an added set of steps to access the full details of the any given page. The Google Help portal is full of detailed articles that provide step-by-step processes for using a feature, documentation on where features are available or restrictions on them, as well as troubleshooting steps if something goes awry. It’s a massively useful resource, but one that Google is now changing.
Google support pages start defaulting to AI chatbots – it might be for the best
Google is starting to move its support pages from detailed articles to AI summaries with a chatbot, with an added set of steps to access the full details of the any given page. The Google Help portal is full of detailed articles that provide step-by-step processes for using a feature, documentation on where features are available or restrictions on them, as well as troubleshooting steps if something goes awry. It’s a massively useful resource, but one that Google is now changing.
iPhone Duo has a bigger battery than Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Apple’s iPhone Duo may be thicker and heavier than most Android foldables, but it makes use of that space with a bigger battery compared to its main competitors, with a bigger battery than both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and PIxel 11 Pro Fold. The iPhone Duo measures in at 254g and is 11.3mm thick when closed. That’s considerably heavier and a fair bit thicker than virtually every other Android foldable on the market today, as we previously discussed.
iPhone Duo has a bigger battery than Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Apple’s iPhone Duo may be thicker and heavier than most Android foldables, but it makes use of that space with a bigger battery compared to its main competitors, with a bigger battery than both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and PIxel 11 Pro Fold. The iPhone Duo measures in at 254g and is 11.3mm thick when closed. That’s considerably heavier and a fair bit thicker than virtually every other Android foldable on the market today, as we previously discussed.
The biggest reason not to buy a Googlebook is all about timing
You probably shoudn’t buy a Googlebook. That’s less of an opinion about the platform itself, but more about the bad timing that this launch has seen, and protecting your own wallet. 9to5Google Weekender by Ben Schoon is a part of our free newsletter that also includes ‘Inbox,’ a twice-weekly roundup of key stories from around the web by Daniel Bader. Sign up here to get Weekender delivered to your inbox every Sunday along with ‘Inbox’ on Tuesday and Thursday. You can find past issues here.
The biggest reason not to buy a Googlebook is all about timing
You probably shoudn’t buy a Googlebook. That’s less of an opinion about the platform itself, but more about the bad timing that this launch has seen, and protecting your own wallet. 9to5Google Weekender by Ben Schoon is a part of our free newsletter that also includes ‘Inbox,’ a twice-weekly roundup of key stories from around the web by Daniel Bader. Sign up here to get Weekender delivered to your inbox every Sunday along with ‘Inbox’ on Tuesday and Thursday. You can find past issues here.
Walmart’s $60 Google TV streamer might be the only good deal left in streaming
As prices skyrocket on virtually everything else, Walmart’s $60 Onn 4K Pro streamer with Google TV might be the only good deal left — if you can find it in stock. Prices on streaming hardware have exploded in recent months. Just a few examples include: Google TV Streamer: Was $99, now $149 Apple TV 4K: Was $129, now $299 (new model) Nvidia Shield TV Pro: Was $199, now $299 Roku Ultra: Was $100, now $150 It’s rough out there folks. AI is totally worth it, right?
Walmart’s $60 Google TV streamer might be the only good deal left in streaming
As prices skyrocket on virtually everything else, Walmart’s $60 Onn 4K Pro streamer with Google TV might be the only good deal left — if you can find it in stock. Prices on streaming hardware have exploded in recent months. Just a few examples include: It’s rough out there folks. AI is totally worth it, right? Anyway, all of those price hikes have had me revisiting the Walmart Onn 4K Pro that launched earlier this year and that I’ve been using in one of the rooms in my house for the past few months.
Walmart’s $60 Google TV streamer might be the only good deal left in streaming
As prices skyrocket on virtually everything else, Walmart’s $60 Onn 4K Pro streamer with Google TV might be the only good deal left — if you can find it in stock. Prices on streaming hardware have exploded in recent months. Just a few examples include: Google TV Streamer: Was $99, now $149 Apple TV 4K: Was $129, now $299 (new model) Nvidia Shield TV Pro: Was $199, now $299 Roku Ultra: Was $100, now $150 It’s rough out there folks. AI is totally worth it, right?
Qualcomm says rumors about Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 overheating are ‘inaccurate’
Following a report that Samsung might skip the latest Snapdragon flagship, Qualcomm says that rumors about the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 running into overheating issues are “inaccurate.” For context: Reports out of Korea suggest that Samsung is in talks with Qualcomm to address overheating issues with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, with Samsung weighing its options and considering skipping the chip for its own Exynos 2700.
Qualcomm says rumors about Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 overheating are ‘inaccurate’
Following a report that Samsung might skip the latest Snapdragon flagship, Qualcomm says that rumors about the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 running into overheating issues are “inaccurate.” For context: Reports out of Korea suggest that Samsung is in talks with Qualcomm to address overheating issues with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, with Samsung weighing its options and considering skipping the chip for its own Exynos 2700.
HP Googlebook 14 Review: Great laptop, shame about the OS
HP’s first crack at a Googlebook laptop is a winner, or at least as much of one as the platform allows. While Googlebook as an operating system leaves a lot to be desired, the HP Googlebook 14 checks every single box for a fantastic laptop. Kicking things off with the hardware, HP really has built a very good laptop here. The design is subtle at a glance, but I appreciate the sharp corners of the underside where the feet hold the laptop up for air circulation.
HP Googlebook 14 Review: Great laptop, shame about the OS
HP’s first crack at a Googlebook laptop is a winner, or at least as much of one as the platform allows. While Googlebook as an operating system leaves a lot to be desired, the HP Googlebook 14 checks every single box for a fantastic laptop. Kicking things off with the hardware, HP really has built a very good laptop here. The design is subtle at a glance, but I appreciate the sharp corners of the underside where the feet hold the laptop up for air circulation.
ChatGPT gets deeper Google Chrome integration including control over tabs
OpenAI this week announced deeper integration between ChatGPT and Google Chrome, including the ability to hand control over your tabs to the AI assistant. In a thread on Twitter/X, OpenAI details improvements to the ChatGPT extension for Google Chrome. The browser add-on now features deeper integration with Chrome, including the ability for ChatGPT to look at your open tabs and get things done with that context.
ChatGPT gets deeper Google Chrome integration including control over tabs
OpenAI this week announced deeper integration between ChatGPT and Google Chrome, including the ability to hand control over your tabs to the AI assistant. In a thread on Twitter/X, OpenAI details improvements to the ChatGPT extension for Google Chrome. The browser add-on now features deeper integration with Chrome, including the ability for ChatGPT to look at your open tabs and get things done with that context.
Galaxy S27 reportedly skips Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 due to overheating
According to a new report, Samsung’s Galaxy S27 series might not use the latest Snapdragon chipset due to overheating problems. The Snapdragon vs Exynos debate has been around for years, with Samsung often mixing its two flagship chipset choices, but also occasionally going all in on one or the other. Snapdragon is almost exclusively used in the US, with the last time Samsung used Exynos entirely in the States being the Galaxy S6 over a decade ago.
Galaxy S27 reportedly skips Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 due to overheating
According to a new report, Samsung’s Galaxy S27 series might not use the latest Snapdragon chipset due to overheating problems. The Snapdragon vs Exynos debate has been around for years, with Samsung often mixing its two flagship chipset choices, but also occasionally going all in on one or the other. Snapdragon is almost exclusively used in the US, with the last time Samsung used Exynos entirely in the States being the Galaxy S6 over a decade ago.
iPhone Duo orders are delayed into 2027; here are the Android foldables you should try instead
The iPhone Duo is already delayed for months just hours after pre-orders have opened, leaving those interested in foldables unable to get Apple’s take anytime soon. If you’re seriously interested in a foldable, though, may I interest you in some Android alternatives? Apple opened up pre-orders for the iPhone Duo earlier today and, as our sister site 9to5Mac points out, delivery dates slipped immediately.
iPhone Duo orders are delayed into 2027; here are the Android foldables you should try instead
The iPhone Duo is already delayed for months just hours after pre-orders have opened, leaving those interested in foldables unable to get Apple’s take anytime soon. If you’re seriously interested in a foldable, though, may I interest you in some Android alternatives? Apple opened up pre-orders for the iPhone Duo earlier today and, as our sister site 9to5Mac points out, delivery dates slipped immediately.
Google says fix for Android Auto’s missing signal icon is rolling out, and it actually is [U] Original
After weeks of back and forth, Google has officially confirmed a fix is rolling out for Android Auto’s missing signal icon. The corner of every Android Auto display is meant to show your phone’s battery status, the time, a number of notifications, and your phone’s current cellular connection status. The last one has been in rough shape. While it hasn’t been consistent or fully widespread, many have found the cellular signal icon on Android Auto vanishing off and on for several weeks now.
Google says fix for Android Auto’s missing signal icon is rolling out, and it actually is [U]
3 hours ago iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, went up for pre-order today. Within minutes of pre-orders opening, however, estimated delivery dates started slipping all the way to next year. The first iPhone Duo pre-orders are set to arrive on October 23, but only for the lucky people who placed their …
Google restricts every free AI Pro trial from Pixel & more compared to paid subscribers Original
Google hands out extended free trials to its AI Pro subscription frequently with new smartphone purchases and more, but trial users end up getting less access compared to paid subscribers in what is a bit of a misleading situation.
Google restricts every free AI Pro trial from Pixel & more compared to paid subscribers
Google hands out extended free trials to its AI Pro subscription frequently with new smartphone purchases and more, but trial users end up getting less access compared to paid subscribers in what is a bit of a misleading situation.
Gemini 4 Argon is now rolling out to Google’s Antigravity for AI Pro subscribers Original
Google is now rolling out support for Gemini 4 Argon to Antigravity, its AI coding tool. Gemini 4 Argon is Google’s latest flagship AI model, announced at the end of September and having widely rolled out to users earlier this week. Now, it’s also available within Antigravity. Antigravity is an agentic development platform, as Google describes it, which leverages AI and agents to assist in coding and building apps.
Sony just canceled a promised Android 17 update for one of its Xperia phones
Sony isn’t exactly known for speedy Android OS updates, but the company has now completely canceled an Android 17 update for one of its Xperia phones. In a notice on its website, Sony says that it will not provide an Android 17 update to the Xperia 10 VI despite initially promising “three Android OS upgrades” for the device. Sony announced the Xperia 10 VI in 2024 as an upper-mid-range device.
Sony just canceled a promised Android 17 update for one of its Xperia phones
Sony isn’t exactly known for speedy Android OS updates, but the company has now completely canceled an Android 17 update for one of its Xperia phones. In a notice on its website, Sony says that it will not provide an Android 17 update to the Xperia 10 VI despite initially promising “three Android OS upgrades” for the device. Sony announced the Xperia 10 VI in 2024 as an upper-mid-range device.
Google updates Android earthquake alerts with more info, expands to 200+ regions
Google is delivering an update to Android’s earthquake alerts system that will show more information while also expanding support to over 200 regions across the globe. Launched in 2021, Android’s earthquake alerts system uses the sensors in Android smartphones to detect the earliest signs of an earthquake and provide a precious few seconds of warning prior to destructive impacts.
Google updates Android earthquake alerts with more info, expands to 200+ regions
Google is delivering an update to Android’s earthquake alerts system that will show more information while also expanding support to over 200 regions across the globe. Launched in 2021, Android’s earthquake alerts system uses the sensors in Android smartphones to detect the earliest signs of an earthquake and provide a precious few seconds of warning prior to destructive impacts.
Google rolling out Universal Cart that lets you shop the web and find deals with Gemini, Search
Following its announcement at Google I/O earlier this year, Google’s new Universal Cart is now rolling out in the US, giving you the ability to shop the web and watch for deals using Search, Gemini, and more. Universal Cart is designed to be an “intelligent” cart that works across more than just a single retailer. Through Google products such as Search and Gemini, you can save products to the cart and also pull in promo codes and monitor for deals for items in the cart.
Google rolling out Universal Cart that lets you shop the web and find deals with Gemini, Search
Following its announcement at Google I/O earlier this year, Google’s new Universal Cart is now rolling out in the US, giving you the ability to shop the web and watch for deals using Search, Gemini, and more. Universal Cart is designed to be an “intelligent” cart that works across more than just a single retailer. Through Google products such as Search and Gemini, you can save products to the cart and also pull in promo codes and monitor for deals for items in the cart.
Samsung says the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is more popular than ever thanks to iPhone Duo
Apple’s debut in the foldable market was always going to have an impact on Android foldables, with many brands having been optimistic that it would have a positive ripple effect. For Samsung, that appears to be true, as the company says that interest in its Galaxy Z Fold 8 remains significantly higher following the iPhone Duo’s announcement.
Meta says it has fixed an issue that let its Ray-Ban smart glasses record on their own
As privacy complaints continue to dominate the conversation around Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, the company is now fixing an issue that was letting the glasses record on their own without the user prompting the recording. A number of Ray-Ban Meta users on Reddit note that, recently, their glasses have been invoking Meta AI and, in turn, voice recording, without prompts. The “Hey Meta” wake word was not used and, for some, not even enabled.
Samsung says the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is more popular than ever thanks to iPhone Duo
Apple’s debut in the foldable market was always going to have an impact on Android foldables, with many brands having been optimistic that it would have a positive ripple effect. For Samsung, that appears to be true, as the company says that interest in its Galaxy Z Fold 8 remains significantly higher following the iPhone Duo’s announcement.
Samsung says the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is more popular than ever thanks to iPhone Duo
Apple’s debut in the foldable market was always going to have an impact on Android foldables, with many brands having been optimistic that it would have a positive ripple effect. For Samsung, that appears to be true, as the company says that interest in its Galaxy Z Fold 8 remains significantly higher following the iPhone Duo’s announcement.
Meta says it has fixed an issue that let its Ray-Ban smart glasses record on their own
As privacy complaints continue to dominate the conversation around Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, the company is now fixing an issue that was letting the glasses record on their own without the user prompting the recording. A number of Ray-Ban Meta users on Reddit note that, recently, their glasses have been invoking Meta AI and, in turn, voice recording, without prompts. The “Hey Meta” wake word was not used and, for some, not even enabled.
Samsung just released Android 17 updates for Galaxy S23 and several more devices
Samsung’s Android 17-based One UI 9 update continues to pick up steam, with several more Galaxy devices joining the fray. One UI 9 isn’t a major update, but the yearly Android OS upgrade is welcome by all and is quickly expanding to more and more devices. As of last week, around a dozen Galaxy devices had been updated, and now eight more are seeing stable updates roll out. This includes Samsung’s 2023 releases in the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, as well as a few Galaxy A series devices.
Samsung just released Android 17 updates for Galaxy S23 and several more devices
Samsung’s Android 17-based One UI 9 update continues to pick up steam, with several more Galaxy devices joining the fray. One UI 9 isn’t a major update, but the yearly Android OS upgrade is welcome by all and is quickly expanding to more and more devices. As of last week, around a dozen Galaxy devices had been updated, and now eight more are seeing stable updates roll out. This includes Samsung’s 2023 releases in the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, as well as a few Galaxy A series devices.
Samsung just released Android 17 updates for Galaxy S23 and several more devices
Mobile 5 hours ago 5 One UI settings I always turn off on my Samsung Galaxy phone Android Authority - Yash Wate • 5h I never use a new Galaxy phone without making these changes. Add Android Authority on Google: Preferred SourceGoogle Discover My primary smartphone is an Android, and unless I’m testing a new device, I almost always use a Galaxy phone. I find One UI the best Android interface out there currently.
XREAL 1 Pro+ has exactly the right hardware upgrades at the same $599 price
Ahead of its Android XR-based Aura launching later this year, XREAL is giving its flagship One Pro a “Plus” upgrade without raising the price. XREAL 1 Pro+ delivers upgrades that, after my experience with the existing generation, are exactly what I would have picked as pain points to address. That starts with the display itself. XREAL is nearly doubling the brightness of the display to 1,200 nits as well as introducing AI-powered HDR.
XREAL 1 Pro+ has exactly the right hardware upgrades at the same $599 price
Ahead of its Android XR-based Aura launching later this year, XREAL is giving its flagship One Pro a “Plus” upgrade without raising the price. XREAL 1 Pro+ delivers upgrades that, after my experience with the existing generation, are exactly what I would have picked as pain points to address. That starts with the display itself. XREAL is nearly doubling the brightness of the display to 1,200 nits as well as introducing AI-powered HDR.
Google Home app gets local Matter control over Philips Hue lights
The latest Google Home app is improving support for local network control over Matter devices, including Philips Hue lights. While most tend to think of Philips Hue as a lighting setup powered by a cloud-connected hub, Hue adopted Matter a while back. Now, Philips Hue is automatically able to connect to Google Home hubs for local control through the Home app.
Google Home app gets local Matter control over Philips Hue lights
The latest Google Home app is improving support for local network control over Matter devices, including Philips Hue lights. While most tend to think of Philips Hue as a lighting setup powered by a cloud-connected hub, Hue adopted Matter a while back. Now, Philips Hue is automatically able to connect to Google Home hubs for local control through the Home app.
Google Fitbit Edge hands-on: Pixel Watch Lite, take two Original
Google’s new Fitbit Edge tracker launches later this month and, as we get our review together, here’s a quick hands-on look at the new middle child of Google’s wearable lineup. The Fitbit Edge sits in between the screen-less Fitbit Air and the pricey & premium Pixel Watch 5. It’s the same slot that Google last addressed with the Fitbit Charge 6 back in 2023, but it does bring some changes this time around that make it even more of a “Pixel Watch Lite” than the Charge 6 already was.
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