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Report: Consumer Hardware Still Often Impossible To Repair Despite New State ‘Right To Repair’ Laws

www.techdirt.com Report: Consumer Hardware Still Often Impossible To Repair Despite New State ‘Right To Repair’ Laws

There’s been significant progress, but many popular consumer electronics brands are still building hardware that’s often impossible to repair despite a flood in new state “right t…

Report: Consumer Hardware Still Often Impossible To Repair Despite New State ‘Right To Repair’ Laws

  • The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) examined 21 different mainstream tech devices subject to New York's recently passed electronics Right to Repair law, and found mixed results:

    • 9 devices earned A's or B's (including all smartphones)
    • 3 products received D's
    • 6 popular mainstream devices earned F's

  • The devices that fared poorly, like the HP Spectre Fold laptop, Canon EOS r100 camera, and Apple Vision Pro/Meta Quest 3 VR headsets, usually lacked spare parts or useful repair manuals.

  • While New York's law requires manufacturers to provide tools, manuals, and parts for affordable, easy repair, PIRG says the law has been watered down with loopholes, and there has been no enforcement action taken despite numerous companies failing to comply.

  • The cellphone sector has made significant strides in repairability, but other sectors like VR headsets and cameras still have major issues.

  • 30 states are considering "right to repair" legislation in 2024, but these bills are at risk of being weakened by industry lobbyists.

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