Google released its new Pixel 9 phone line last week, but some reviewers say they faced an unexpected “Brand Love” requirement: they couldn't put Pixel phones next to competitors like the iPhone, and if they seemed to prefer other brands, Google would stop give them early access for review. unit.
request, shared on social media on Friday AND during the weekendapplied to creators who are part of Team Pixel, a program that gives content creators free gear in exchange for reviews.
Now, Google says the requests were a mistake.
“#TeamPixel is a separate program, separate from our press and creator feedback programs,” Google communications manager Kayla Geier. said The Verge on friday. “#TeamPixel's goal is to get Pixel devices into the hands of content creators, not press and tech reviewers. We missed the mark with this new language that appeared yesterday in the form of #TeamPixel and it's been removed.”
Google Pixel 9 smartphone. Photo: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
In 2021, Google asked Team Pixel to write “true, correct” reviews with “no specific expectations,” but this year's program was more clear about asking content creators to favor Google. If they didn't comply, they would lose early access to products, a consequence which can directly affect their business.
“You expected to display the Google Pixel device instead of any competing mobile device,” the terms state DECLARING. “Please note that if it appears that other brands are being favored over Pixel, we will have to sever the relationship between the brand and the creator.”
Related: The FTC is banning businesses from writing, buying their comments and followers on blogs
The leaked terms call into question the authenticity of Pixel phone reviews — at a time when the federal government is cracking down on fake reviews.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prohibited the buying or selling of positive or negative reviews in a final rule published last week. The rule, which takes effect in October, also bans fake AI reviews.
The FTC will soon seek fines of up to $51,744 for each part of the rule that a business violates.
Related: Former Google CEO says company fell behind AI rivals due to remote work. Now He's taking it back.
“Google did what any other tech company at the bottom of its head would want to do, which is guarantee some kind of positive press coverage at launch, and introduce devices to the people who will do that for them.” tech reviewer Marques Brownleewho has over 19 million subscribers on YouTube, declared.
From outside #TeamPixellooking at: pic.twitter.com/a3BWeEqQvv
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) August 16, 2024