If you thought Google might be taking a break after unveiling the new Pixel 9 devices at its Made By Google event this week, you'd be wrong. Recent Post on Threads appears to show part of the sign-up form to receive Pixel devices, with the language in question requiring signers to submit Google hardware “rather than any competing mobile device” or else “we will have to terminate the relationship between the brand and the creator.”
After some online conversations, it became clear that this form was sent to members of the Team Pixel program, which is separate from the review program for members of the press or media. Engadget falls into the latter category, and I did not see such language on our form, nor have I ever seen such language in my experience as a Google device reviewer. I also want to assure our audience that we would never agree to any stipulation requiring us to give positive reviews in exchange for access.
Meanwhile, Google has just released a statement saying the wording was a mistake. Kayla Geier, Google's director of communications, said: “#TeamPixel is a separate program, separate from our press and creator review programs. The goal of #TeamPixel 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 in the #TeamPixel form yesterday, and it has been removed.”
It is not yet clear whether #TeamPixel members have received a new agreement and whether those who declined based on that stipulation have been given the opportunity to reapply.
