Google blocked Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro reviewers from using popular benchmarks to test the Tensor G3 chip, new owners too
www.notebookcheck.net
Google has taken the extraordinary step to block reviewers from being able to download popular chip testing benchmarks directly through its Play Store, surprising reviewers of its latest Pixel 8 series smartphones. Incredibly, the company has extended this block to include all new customers of its Pixel 8 phones following the launch, in attempt to suppress the widespread distribution of results.

cross-posted from: https://lemdro.id/post/2289548 (!googlepixel@lemdro.id)

According to the comments section, users have been able to sideload them without issues. Play Store has since begun allowing the installs.

Updated: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Google-Pixel-8-Pixel-8-Pro-benchmark-block-lifted.759613.0.html

Google has lifted the block it placed on the ability for users to freely install benchmarking apps on its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. The block had been in place during the review embargo period but extended past the on sale period where customers purchasing the devices couldn’t install benchmarks on their new Pixels either.

Update 2: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Exclusive-Google-confirms-with-Notebookcheck-it-blocked-benchmarks-during-Pixel-8-Pixel-8-Pro-review-embargo-period.761443.0.html

  • dragnet@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    675·
    1 year ago

    That is insane. Straight up blacklisting popular software because they don’t want people to look too closely at what they purchased. It’s amazing what the public is willing to accept, just such a constant stream of reports about bad behavior from companies that most people can’t find the energy to care.

  • ericswpark@lemmy.mlEnglish
    322·
    1 year ago

    Seems like someone at Google didn’t hear about the Streisand effect. Now there’s even more scrutiny into the chip benchmark. Great job, Google.

    • Goose306@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      13·
      1 year ago

      This whole thing isn’t on Google. The app developers didn’t update their target API so they were not available. My Pixel 7 is on Android 14 as well and they weren’t available either until it just got fixed.

  • seang96@spgrn.comEnglish
    225·
    1 year ago

    Isn’t this because the minimum SDK level increase requirement in the play store and android 14? This gets rid of older Lapis that are less efficient or secure from modern apps. The benchmarking tools haven’t targeted newer APIs and are thus the ones at fault. Devs need to keep their stuff updated; that’s half the point of the beta period every year for the major version releases.

    • ijeff@lemdro.idOPMEnglish
      65·
      1 year ago

      People seem to be reporting that they were able to sideload without issue and the restriction was subsequently lifted from the Play Store.

  • Avid Amoeba@lemmy.caEnglish
    81·
    1 year ago

    Sounds a bit like a false narrative to be honest. Given how trivial it is to sideload, it doesn’t make sense for Google to have thought disallowing installation from the Play Store would stop anyone from benchmarking. It seems implausible to me.

  • Jo Miran@lemmy.mlEnglish
    72·
    1 year ago

    I guess my Pixel 6 Pro better hold on for at least another generation. Those test results don’t look good, especially on efficiency.

  • Techmaster@lemm.eeEnglish
    76·
    1 year ago

    I miss the days when Google’s corporate motto was don’t be evil.

    • Avg@lemm.eeEnglish
      21·
      1 year ago

      And if you think about it, it’s not a high bar.