🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
On chat with a Google "representative" (AI?) about why a device purchased new from Best Buy 11 days ago is not eligible for a Pixel Care+ protection plan. They/it keep telling me that Pixel Care+ is in a phased rollout and not yet available for my device, which is bullshit.
I've asked to speak to a supervisor. Will that be AI also?
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago

Google's web page for Pixel Care+ clearly states that devices purchased from Google's retail partners are eligible. It doesn't say "will be eligible when we gat around to it," or anything about a phased rollout.

When I put the serial number or IMEI into the form, it says not eligible.

Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
Getting mixed vibes from "supervisor". Some responses seem human, some seem auto-generated.
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
Maybe a real person, but offered Ai-generated responses to send.
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
Yeah, some respones are word for word identical to the first "representative". Now I've asked to speak to their "supervisor", because I want more of the same.
#GluttonForPunishment
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
They insist that they are a supervisor. I''ve now asked to be connected to someone with actual authority, though I don't expect that to happen.
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
They keep saying to be patient for this supposed "rollout", but won't commit to that happening within my 60 day from purchase window of eligibility to purchase the protection plan.
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
They marked the case as "resolved" and closed the chat.
Maybe it's time to switch brands.
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
I could return the device to Best Buy, but I'm not thrilled about doing that to them due to a f**kup on Google's part. But I guess they take that risk as a retailer of any product.
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑
I only have three days left to return it to Best Buy.
Mar 23 at 7:35pmWeb
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
I was mistaken, and may only have one day to return it to Best Buy. Returns on "activatable" devices are only 14 days, and I ordered it online on the 10th. So I'm taking it back right now.
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
I reset the device to factory, including erasing my data and the eSIM. It rebooted, said "erasing," continued partway into the first boot sequence, said "getting ready" with an animated non-progress-bar, but has been stuck there for more than ten minutes.
Oh well. As long as it did the erase, it's Best Buy's and/or Google's problem now. I didn't have any especially sensitive data in it anyhow. My sensitive info is on a different device, with the device level encryption,
1/
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
and the most sensitive data is in app-encrypted files.
I've had that device long enough that I wouldn't get it serviced if it broke, but I would Widlarize for additional assurance against data leaking.
2/
Show thread🇺🇦 haxadecimal 🚫👑5d ago
The device has been returned. Best Buy didn't hassle me about it.
I generally have been happy with them, and expect to continue to purchase from them at times. They have a store conveniently near where I live.