Google finally settled a class-action lawsuit for regarding defective mic found in first-gen Pixel phones. A lawsuit filed against Google alleged that the company chose to ignore the problem. Following the class action lawsuit, Google decided to settle the defective Pixel lawsuit for $7.25 million. Google denied allegations that it chose to ignore the problem, but still agreed to pay over $7 million to settle the lawsuit. Now, owners of defective first-gen Pixel handsets can file a claim via the new Pixel settlement website.
Owners can get up to $500 if they purchased multiple defective Pixel devices. Besides, everyone that bought the first-gen Pixel before the cut off date can claim $20, even if the device has no defects.
The company has also detailed four payment tiers for customers:
“FIRST, MONEY WILL BE SET ASIDE TO PAY UP TO $20 TO EACH PERSON WHO DID NOT EXPERIENCE THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT OR WHO CANNOT PROVIDE ANY DOCUMENTATION TO SHOW THAT THEY EXPERIENCED IT. SECOND, PEOPLE WHO PAID AN INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT PIXEL WILL BE REFUNDED THE AMOUNT OF THE DEDUCTIBLE. THIRD, PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT ON MORE THAN ONE PIXEL WILL BE PAID $500 EACH. FOURTH, PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED AUDIO DEFECT ON ONE PIXEL WILL BE PAID $350 EACH, UNLESS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY LEFT TO MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS, IN WHICH CASE THE REST OF THE FUND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THEM ON A PRO-RATA BASIS.”
The Pixel settlement site also states that Pixel 1 owners are eligible for compensation if they bought a new Pixel or Pixel XL manufactured before January 4, 2017. It’s also important to note that you need to be a US citizen and must have purchased the handset before January 4, 2017. Besides, you’ll no longer qualify if Google has already replaced your original phone.
“If you are in the United States and bought, other than for resale, a new Pixel or Pixel XL smartphone manufactured before January 4, 2017, and did not receive a replacement Pixel manufactured after January 3, 2017, or refurbished after June 5, 2017,’ explained Google.
To get the full amount, you’ll need to prove you bought the Pixel 1 before January 4, 2017 and could not get a replacement. Besides, it appears that almost every Pixel owner is eligible for at least a $20 payment.
