Something that Google did three years ago is coming back to haunt it again. According to Phone Arena (via Android Police), the company is paying a settlement to Texas over the deceptive Pixel 4a ads that it aired.
Back in late 2019 and early 2020, Google aired radio ads in Texas advertising the then-upcoming device. The radio DJs needed to read the script provided by Google explaining that they loved using the device with an emphasis on its camera. The issue was that the script made it seem as if the DJs actually used the phone when in reality, that wasn’t true.
In fact, when those radio ads aired, the Pixel 4a was not even out. This prompted the FTC to step in. Google was dragged into court, and the company settled for $9 million dollars. So basically, pocket change for the company.
The ads contained statements such as “I’ve been taking studio-like photos of everything”, and “The only thing I love more than taking the perfect photo? Taking the perfect photo at night with Google Pixel 4 both are a cinch.” These basically give the illusion that the radio hosts have been using the phones prior.
Google had to settle again for the deceptive Pixel 4a ads
Now, Google has to make another settlement, this time with the Texas government. Attorney General Paxton spearheaded the case. He stated that Google made statements that were blatantly false and that it was lying to Texans for financial gain. Paxton is not wrong in that regard.
As a result, Google settled with Texas and paid out $8 million. We’re not sure if Google committed the same action again in other states or other countries. If so, then we may expect more lawsuits like this to pop up.
The Pixel 4a was one of Google’s worst-performing phones. It was during a low period in the Pixel timeline. The company was able to wow audiences with the Pixel 2’s camera, and the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 did have superior camera technology.
However, at that point, the Pixel phones didn’t have much more to offer other than the camera quality. Also, other companies were catching up to Google in terms of camera quality.
This is what most likely sparked the huge departure from form that was the Pixel 6/Pixel 6 Pro and Material You. The 2021 flagship phones were able to reinvigorate the Pixel series and lead them to being some of the best-performing Pixel phones ever.