Google's announcement of a software update for the Pixel 4a raised concerns regarding negative impacts on battery performance. The email communicated that the update would decrease battery runtime and charging performance, prompting the company to offer compensation options: $50 cash, $100 store credit, or a free battery replacement. While the shipment inconvenience could be a hassle, the author appreciated the efforts to mitigate the update's adverse effects, initially opting for the $50, viewing it as a fair resolution to the situation.
I wasn't surprised, as I read further into this January missive from Google, that an 'upcoming software update for your Pixel 4a' would 'affect the overall performance and stability of its battery.'
Google offered three options: $50 cash money, a $100 credit to Google's online store, or a free battery replacement. It seemed fair enough.
Yes, not having my phone for a week or two while I shipped it roundtrip to Google could be annoying, but at least the company was directly mitigating the harm it was about to inflict.
I selected my $50 'appeasement' through an online form, and two days later, I was feeling relatively sunny toward the giant monopolist.
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