Google’s Team Pixel program is under scrutiny due to newly introduced terms requiring participants to prefer Pixel devices over competitors. 

The Verge has independently confirmed screenshots of the clause in this year’s Team Pixel agreement for new phones.

Source: The Verge

The agreement states that participants are “expected to feature the Google Pixel device in place of any competitor mobile devices.” 

It further warns that “if it appears other brands are being preferred over the Pixel, we will need to cease the relationship between the brand and the creator.”

In response to inquiries, Google Communications Manager Kayla Geier told The Verge, “#TeamPixel is a distinct program, separate from our press and creator reviews programs.” 

“We missed the mark with this new language that appeared in the #TeamPixel form yesterday, and it has been removed,” Geier adds.

Inside the Team Pixel Program

The Team Pixel program, handled by PR agency 1000heads, provides early units to influencers and superfans to generate interest as brand ambassadors. 

Participants typically receive devices shortly after launch but before public availability in exchange for social media coverage.

Several tech influencers express concern over the new terms. 

Adam Matlock, who reviews tech on his TechOdyssey YouTube channel, said in a video that he had quit the Team Pixel program over the new stipulations. 

Kevin Nether of The Tech Ninja YouTube channel also reported leaving the program on X.

The Verge confirmed that Matlock and Nether noted that previous Team Pixel surveys did not include such exclusivity clauses. 

Google’s official Pixel review program for publications like The Verge does not include similar stipulations.

The situation raises questions about consumer trust and the integrity of tech reviews. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking steps to curtail fake and misleading reviews online, but current guidelines for influencer disclosures remain limited.

Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee clarified on X that he wasn’t part of the Team Pixel program and was not beholden to these terms, further emphasizing the distinction between different types of tech content creators.