Google Jumps on the Bandwagon With iFixit Repair Kits for Pixel Phones

Google is becoming a member of Samsung in providing components for the Pixel smartphone via iFixit. The firm introduced in a blog post that it could make components out there for the Pixel 2 via Pixel 6 Pro later this 12 months.

Considering Google has stopped supporting the units with software program updates, the inclusion of the early second-gen {hardware} is fairly spectacular. Future Pixel fashions can even have repairable components. The program is out there for folk residing within the U.S., U.Ok., Canada, and EU nations the place the Pixel is out there.

Google plans to supply fix-it-kits for the battery, show, and digicam modules, although the corporate additionally hints at extra repairability down the road. I’d think about among the less complicated components of the smartphone will turn out to be swappable, just like the Bluetooth antenna or the USB-C charging port, which Samsung is providing a repair for in its respective kits. The Pixel kits can even embrace instruments like screwdriver bits and spudgers, that are belongings you may not have in your house should you’re not already a nerdy tinkerer.

If you’re not into taking aside your smartphone, Google nonetheless encourages you to discover a local authorized professional who can shortly and affordably restore your machine. The firm has partnered with uBreakiFix within the U.S. and Canada, whereas different areas have their respective restore facilities.

Speaking as an individual who has destroyed her Pixel 3 by dropping it in entrance of Marilyn Monroe’s Palm Springs abode, I can say this was lengthy overdue. When I wanted my display repaired, Google had me ship my telephone out to a warehouse in Texas for a couple of weeks. I used a backup telephone throughout that point, which I may solely do as a result of I cowl smartphones and have a library of units. People don’t have my gadget privilege, and it’s relieving to see there’s an area possibility when needing a functioning smartphone is a determined state of affairs.

The gadget trade has been collectively shifting towards placing repairability again into the fingers of customers. As I discussed, Samsung has signed on with iFixit to make Galaxy restore kits, and Apple and Microsoft made comparable bulletins earlier this 12 months that not less than symbolize progres. Google additionally introduced a Chromebook repair program to assist rescue growing old units nonetheless in use in faculties.

However, it appears to be much less about empowering individuals and extra about touting every firm’s eco-friendly leanings. In Google’s weblog, there’s an entire part on how this information is “just one of the several steps we’re taking to help you make more sustainable choices.”

It’ll be fascinating to see how the self-repair pattern catches on as soon as the restore kits are reside—and if it interprets to extra customers holding out on machine upgrades.