Expanding consumer options for smartphone repair is always a good thing.
In fact, there was a case we covered some time ago about just that topic. The US federal government came down on the side of consumers and basically made it much easier for smartphone owners in the United States to repair their own stuff in what many hailed as a landmark victory for the right-to-repair movement.
But today’s headline is a bit different as Google is partnering up with iFixit to expand repair services for their lineups, joining Samsung who also announced a partnership with the company earlier this year according to PetaPixel.
And, unlike the above “landmark victory,” this partnership goes well beyond the USA’s borders:
“Starting later this year, genuine Pixel spare parts will be available for purchase at ifixit.com for Pixel 2 through Pixel 6 Pro, as well as future Pixel models, in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and EU countries where Pixel is available. The full range of spare parts for common Pixel phone repairs — things like batteries, replacement displays, cameras and more — will be available either individually or in iFixit Fix Kits, which include tools like screwdriver bits and spudgers.”
This will augment the company’s existing network of independent repair shops, the Google blog post states. In addition to the expanded repair network through iFixit, Google also launched a drive towards greater sustainability in smartphone manufacturing and the afterlife of the phone itself.
“You also have options if you’re not sure what to do with your phone when you don’t want it anymore. In select countries, our trade-in program accepts phones from a variety of major consumer electronics brands, so you can earn credit rewards for a new Pixel and rest assured that your old phone is responsibly recycled or reused.”
Like many other programs of this type, Google is opting for a mail-in service for repairs and disposals.
“And with our recycling program, you can mail us your old or unused devices and we’ll responsibly recycle them for you. We make efforts to reclaim or recycle parts from used or returned devices, so that they don’t end up in landfills. We’re also always researching other safe and responsible ways to help you dispose of your old and outdated electronics.”
Of course, if you have any experience using iFixit before or want to weigh in as a Google Pixel/Samsung smartphone owner, let us know your thoughts on the expanded repair network in the comments.
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[Google]
