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.com
    ·
    9 months 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.ml
    ·
    9 months 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.com
      ·
      9 months 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.

  • Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
    ·
    9 months 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.