Google's white paper endorses Oregon's Right to Repair bill, promising a win for Pixel owners

11:25 am (IST): Governor Kotek has signed the Senate Bill 1596 into law, mandating that manufacturers provide easier access to parts, tools, and repair manuals for consumers and repair businesses within Oregon. Google welcomed this decision when it was passed in the Oregon House earlier this month.

Original article (from Jan 12, 2024) follows:

Google has endorsed Oregon’s Right to Repair bill, which would make Pixel devices more repairable and repair parts accessible to consumers and third-party repair shops. The company has also published a white paper explaining its repair policies and principles, and how they align with its sustainability goals.

The Right to Repair bill is a proposed legislation that requires manufacturers of electronic devices and other products to make them more repairable for consumers and third-party repair stores. The bill would also prevent manufacturers from using software or hardware barriers that limit the use of third-party or recycled parts.

It aims to give consumers more control and choice over the repair of their devices. It also saves money and reduces electronic waste. Some states in the US including California, New York, and Minnesota have already passed the right-to-repair bill, while others are considering it.

As per the announcement, Google claims that they design their products with serviceability in mind and does not require parts pairing or registration. The tech giant also partnered with uBreakiFix and iFixit to offer convenient and affordable repair options to its customers. Moreover, the company offers seven years of software support for its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro devices, the longest among major smartphone brands.

The support for the Right to Repair bill from Google is a significant move that could influence the outcome of the legislation. Google’s support could also boost public awareness and demand for the right to repair. It will encourage more consumers to exercise their right to repair their devices or seek out independent repair providers.

Furthermore, the bill also sets Google apart from its main rival, Apple, which has opposed the right to repair for years. Meanwhile, Google calls it a ‘common sense repair bill’.