security

privacy

I received a strange USB-C cable in the mail along with what I ordered from Shopee (Thai ecommerce platform).

Never heard of "mazer" before... 🕵🏻‍♂️

Being sent a USB-C cable "for free" with an order of earbuds a few months ago was a reminder to verify the authenticity of products received from third party sellers.

I had to do this with the Google Pixel USB-C earbuds since they don't ship to Thailand.

User Experience

Good example of how to use UX to mislead buyers into thinking they're purchasing a product directly from a company while having the actual seller in an easy to miss location. 🧐

I looked at the packaging, build quality, USB connection settings, and tested the expected Google assistant settings since these were bought through a 3rd party seller on Amazon.

Account about nothing | Researcher of @safe ❇️ and open source tech

I looked at the packaging, build quality, USB connection settings, and tested the expected Google assistant settings since these were bought through a 3rd party seller on Amazon.

https://warpcast.com/adamhurwitz.eth/0x1942b944

Inspect the packaging and manual text for typos or anything that's off

- Watch unboxing videos from a reputable reviewers to compare the packaging and product details
- Compare with sold boxes on eBay

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Pixel+USB-C+earbuds+unboxing
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fsrp=1&rt=nc&_from=R40&_nkw=Pixel+USB-C+earbuds&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1

Check the USB connection settings

1. Open the Settings > "Connected devices" > "Other devices" section > "USB"
2. Make sure everything is turned off

Test that Google Assistant works as expected with the earbuds

Open the Settings > "Apps" > "General" section > "Assistant" > "Popular Settings" section > "Devices" > Select the earbuds to confirm that the device recognizes them

I disabled Google assistant because it was stopping my play|pause button from working on the earbuds.

The downside is the earbuds no longer show as connected under the Assistant devices

Attempted solutions
- No mention of this in "Set up & use your Pixel USB-C earbuds" from Google
- Reconnect the earbuds
- Restart the phone
- Turn the phone completely off|on

The downside is the earbuds no longer show as connected under the Assistant devices

Attempted solutions
- No mention of this in "Set up & use your Pixel USB-C earbuds" from Google
- Reconnect the earbuds
- Restart the phone
- Turn the phone completely off|on

https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/9140284