Apple AirPods are designed to die: Here’s what you should know
AirPods are nearly impossible to repair and their batteries are short-lived. Apple should design them to last.
New economy
As we keep producing and consuming ever-increasing quantities of “stuff,” a growing number of people are asking: Can we create an economy that values common interests, public health and the quality of our lives, over growth at any cost?
We should be able to fix our stuff when it breaks. We need easy access to the information, tools, resources and third party repair shops it takes to fix our cell phones, appliances, electronics and other equipment. That means working together to get the companies who make our stuff, to give us the right to repair our stuff. When they do, it will be better for the planet, better for our budgets, and things will work the way they are supposed to.
The Latest on New economy
Mastercard, don’t sell my data
Disposable vapes are creating piles of electronic waste
Updates
Farmers just want to be able to fix their stuff. Tractor dealer consolidation is getting in the way.
Featured Resources
‘Failing the Fix’ scorecard grades Apple, Samsung, Google, others on how fixable their devices are
Fixed for the Holidays
How Mastercard sells its ‘gold mine’ of transaction data
‘Chromebook Churn’ report highlights problems of short-lived laptops in schools
The Latest
Type
Crypto has gone mainstream. But where are the watchdogs?
Matt Damon strides past images of humankind’s boldest explorers: ocean voyagers, early aeronauts, mountaineers in a new cryptocurrency ad. If this were an ad for a new drug, or a regulated financial product, you’d expect the images of boldness and bravery to be accompanied by a lengthy disclaimer. You don't. Find out more. Image credit Kanchanara via Unsplash
Statement: Right to Repair bill will reduce electronic waste, help consumers
The Massachusetts legislature’s Consumer Protection Licensure Committee issued a favorable report on Tuesday to the digital Right to Repair bill (H341/S166), moving the bill forward.
Investing in Unpaid Caregivers
MASSPIRG urges legislative committee to recognize the value of the work of family caregivers by allowing them to qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, H.2871/S1841 An Act to increase family stabilization through the earned income tax credit filed by Rep. Marjorie Decker and Sen. Sal DiDomenico, to support the unpaid contributions of Americans caring for a loved one.
MASSPIRG Releases “Fixed for the Holidays” buying guide
We're told that this year’s semiconductor chip shortages will make holiday shopping tricky, with backorders, shipping delays, and higher prices. MASSPIRG is releasing a new guide to buying electronics, which you can find here: https://masspirg.org/feature/usp/fixed-for-the-holidays. Here’s a pro tip from savvy shoppers: you can avoid supply shortage hold-ups without sacrificing quality, while paying even less than you would with Black Friday deals, if you buy them used and refurbished. Perhaps more importantly, buying used and refurbished electronics is a lot better for the environment. Our guide helps consumers purchase used items with confidence -- detailing what to buy, how to know if you are getting a good deal and where to shop.
STATEMENT: APPLE CONCEDES TO RIGHT TO REPAIR MOVEMENT, REVERSES BAN ON SELLING PARTS TO CONSUMERS
BOSTON -- Apple reversed its longstanding policy against selling spare parts, providing repair instructions, and making repair software tools available to customers Wednesday with its announcement of a new Self Service Repair program. This about-face comes just days after the company pledged to stop deactivating Face ID after third parties repaired screens, and after years of advocacy and pressure by Right to Repair advocates.