The program offers eligible users a free battery replacement or the option to return their phones, depending on region and warranty status. In the US, Google provides mail-in and walk-in repairs. Where repairs aren't available, in-warranty users can receive $456, while out-of-warranty users can choose a $200 payment or a $300 Google Store discount. Signs of battery swelling include device bulging, back cover separation, and rapid battery drain.
The battery tech means to outpace Tesla, BYD, and the rest of the pack
Forward-looking: CATL has announced a series of breakthroughs that could reshape the EV industry, promising batteries that are cheaper, lighter, faster to recharge, and more resilient in extreme temperatures, all while extending driving range. The company, which supplies a third of the world's EV batteries to major automakers including GM and Tesla's Shanghai plant, unveiled these just ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show.
The big picture: Google unexpectedly released a firmware update for the Pixel 4a smartphone earlier this year. Many users reported that the update made their devices unreliable or even unusable, leading them to question whether it was truly necessary. Now, an Australian organization has revealed the real reason behind the update.