Google is demonstrating its support for the Right to Repair movement by publishing its first white paper on repair and endorsing proposed Oregon Right to Repair legislation as a model for other states to consider.
The company praises Oregon state senator Janeen Sollman for her efforts in promoting a sensible repair bill that unites tech companies, small repair businesses, environmental advocates, and legislators in finding common ground to advance the repair movement. This legislation is seen as beneficial for consumers seeking affordable repair options, for the environment, and for companies investing in more repairable and sustainable products.
To further illustrate its commitment, Google has released a white paper outlining its repair approach, reaffirming its support for Right to Repair, and proposing principles that could guide thoughtful regulation.
Google’s mission of making information accessible and useful for everyone has influenced the design of its consumer electronics, prioritizing universal access to repair. This empowers people by saving money on devices and reducing waste.
Supporting sustainability in manufacturing is also crucial. Repair should be feasible for anyone, whether they are professionals or DIY enthusiasts, requiring manufacturers to design products that facilitate simple, safe, and accurate repairs. This approach is referred to as design for serviceability.
Pixel products are engineered to withstand various demanding environments for many years, leveraging an expanding range of components to deliver increased computing power. This necessitates discussions across the engineering team on how to dismantle and reassemble devices efficiently with minimal parts, as part of the commitment to prioritize longevity and repair. Last year, Google announced 7 years of software support for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, setting a new standard for longevity and support in the smartphone industry.
Google’s efforts to make repair accessible and practical revolve around three main pillars:
- Repair parts: Ensuring public accessibility to phone parts without requiring burdensome pairing or registration, enabling small businesses and local repairers to thrive with genuine parts for efficient repairs.
- Accessible tools: Consistently reducing the cost and number of repair tools required for their devices, offering them for purchase online, and launching an on-device Diagnostic App for testing device functionality before and after repairs.
- Clear instructions: Redesigning repair manuals for ease of use, with plans to continue uploading manuals for previous and future devices, and providing repair-related resources on their Help Pages, enhancing the visibility of repair information.
To ensure widespread access to Pixel phone repairs, Google has established repair operations in close proximity to customers, partnering with independent providers like uBreakiFix, to offer over 700 locations across the U.S. for support, with most locations providing same-day walk-in repairs within 10-20 miles. Additionally, customers can send their phones directly to Google for repair or utilize their local independent repair network.
Google is proud of the progress made in building long-lasting and easily repairable devices. The company remains committed to advancing engineering and design, repair programs, and public engagement in supporting repair and environmental sustainability. Google appreciates the efforts of policymakers, such as those in Oregon, to propel the industry toward a more sustainable and repairable future.
