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When Google launched the Chromebook Pixel, the company partnered with Verizon to offer 100MB of free data per month for two years to customers who bought 4G LTE version of the premium, touchscreen Chromebook.
This week Computer World noted that Verizon was no longer honoring that deal, claiming that the free data was only good for a year, despite plenty of evidence to the contrary.
Honestly, 100MB of data is enough to watch a few standard-def YouTube videos and not much more. But it’s the principle that counts… so Google’s public relations folks are probably making lemons out of lemonade by promising to give $150 gift cards to customers affected by the situation.
Here’s a roundup of tech news from around the web.
- Google offers $150 credit to Chromebook Pixel LTE customers who had their free data terminated early by Verizon
You can call the Play Store support center and request the gift card if you’ve got a 4G LTE Chromebook that was purchased during the promotion, and which is no longer receiving free data. [Computer World] - LG to begin rolling out the LG G3 on June 27th… starting in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
The company’s latest flagship phone is launching globally… and by globally, I mean in parts of the globe… but not the US. [LG] - Google’s Nest learning thermostat rooted
Google wants to turn the Nest into the center of your connected digital home experience with a new developer program… GTVHacker wants to let you do whatever the heck you want with your Nest. [GTVHacker] - Mohu Channels TV box gets a retail price of $150, launches in Q3, 2014
The company best known for offering a popular antenna is getting ready to launch a TV box that combines support for over-the-air broadcasts, internet video, and other Android apps. Now we know how much it’ll cost. [Zatz Not Funny] - FAA doesn’t want Amazon (or anyone else) delivering packages by drone
Amazon is exploring the possibility of using drones to deliver packages in at least some circumstances. The Federal Aviation Administration isn’t fond of that idea. Update: Amazon says the FAA rules only apply to hobbyists, not to companies like Amazon. [Ars Technica] - Report: NVIDIA Shield 2 coming July 22nd
We’ve seen plenty of evidence that a next-gen handheld game console from NVIDIA is on the way. Now sources are suggesting it could launch late next month. [MiniMachines]
You can keep up on the latest news by following Liliputing on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.
Verizon screws people over.
In other news, scientists have discovered that the sky is blue.
Nice pickup by Google following a typical dick move by Verizon.
Weren’t contacts agreed to or something?
Dick move.
I am sure I am missing something here, but wouldn’t the bad press from this cost Verizon more than simply honoring their agreement with their customers and Google?
The number of people affected probably wasn’t worth their time worrying about, and it’s not as though they have a stellar public image to protect. People have come to expect this kind of crap from the major phone companies and will shrug it off as Verison being Verison.
Google has much more of a stake in the Chromebook game, hence their positive PR move.
Yeah. Verizon’s customer service has really gone downhill. I’ve been a Verizon customer since 1999, and I’ve never seen it this bad. If you go into a store, they’re not interested in helping you unless you’re there to buy a new phone. If you call them with a problem with your bill, they don’t care. Their prices are higher than everyone else. The ONLY reason I’m still with them is their service is so much better than anyone else in my area. I’m beginning to question whether all the negatives are worth the better coverage.
Same here. Been a Verizon customer since 1998. I’m planning on going with T-Mobile or even AT&T soon. I wonder if their in-store reps are more interested in tacking on stuff onto your plan when you’re not looking like Verizon reps do.
As for their coverage and network reliability, it’s all the same now in my area so that’s good for me at least.