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Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

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Re: Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

#51

Post by ryan-c »

ctdonath wrote: post #10
synctext wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Clearly shows the need for a reputation system, not locked into 1 company. Reviews need sharing.

Sounds like a Y-Combinator startup waiting to happen.

I could see this as a browser plugin - professional reviews of popular products where there are many, many brands of wildly differing quality such as cables and chargers. The problem is it seems that it'd need to be a browser extension, and most shopping-related browser extensions are pretty shady, so reputation would be an issue.

I suppose another option would be to just set up a site with reviews and make money with Amazon referral links.

I end up buying cables on Monoprice when I can just because the stuff they sell is usually good quality.

Re: Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

#52

Post by uzi »

melling wrote: post #22

Has there been any uptick in USB-C adoption? Apple skipped it in their latest iMacs. I think they're waiting for the USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 unification. https://thunderbolttechnology.net/blog/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-d... I've seen a couple Dell laptops but not much else. It's a much better form factor. Not to mention the elimination of USB superposition: :-) http://9gag.com/gag/6756457/usb-superposition

The recently released Nexus 5x and Nexus 6p phones both have USB-C, as does the Chromebook Pixel.

Re: Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

#53

Post by punnerud »

I miss a simple page with information om how I can perform tests, like on the USB-C cables, myself. I find reading specs to take to much time to be able know how to perform them. Example is the 57MB zip-file for the USB-C-spec: http://www.usb.org/developers/docs/

Re: Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

#54

Post by maxerickson »

scottmp10 wrote: post #39

I bought the TechMatte 2x USB-C to Micro-USB item that he gave two stars for use with my 5X. At least one of the items I got was actually defective. The other worked but charged very slowly. I wish I had seen his post before buying! Now I am nervous because I subsequently bought a cable that he hasn't reviewed yet... This has me wondering if there is some way to incentivize good reviewers. There is Consumer Reports a…

It's probably more effective to try to weed out the reasonable brands.

For instance, I don't think Amazon is going to sell broken crap using their AmazonBasics brand, and they still charge quite a bit less than Belkin (I don't think they sell USB C yet, but that's besides the point).

Re: Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

#55

Post by ryan-c »

tehwebguy wrote: post #42

CableCreation Micro-B receptacle to Type-C plug adapter is out of spec. May cause damage to your USB charger, PC, or hub. Still gave it 2/5 stars?!

Didn't burn down Google campus or shoot my dog, +1 star.

Joking aside, I'm somewhat more likely to read a two star review vs a one star review because a lot of the one star reviews are whiny rants and not actually helpful.

Re: Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

#56

Post by maxerickson »

noobermin wrote: post #6
Albright wrote: post #2

…And on ones that do. Looks very useful for weeding out actual quality from the muddle. Would love to see someone doing this kind of work with other types of cables, too.

Reading the headline, it sounded like astroturfing. Instead, he's being helpful and providing some very useful information from his experience as an engineer from google itself. What a thoughful fellow!

In one comment thread he does suggest that buying cables from the Play store would be safer.

Re: Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

#58

Post by JustSomeNobody »

radiorental wrote: post #25

What I find interesting here is that Benson is essentially using his employer as a reputation guarantor. I guess depending on the company's HR that could fall either way of a) This is great, we're getting nice PR b) Mr Benson, we need to have a quiet word about what it is you do here and what Google is not in the business of. Really interesting. edit: I assumed this is part of his job. I just find the publishing of t…

Yet, if we go to a conference and Benson The Google Engineer is there and we happen to find out he's been testing cables and we ask which cables he finds to be the best, it's OK.

Re: Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

#59

Post by lhl »

I'm trying to think if there's anyone else that's doing something similar. I remember a while back I was really impressed by "NLee the Engineer"'s reviews[1] on lights/batteries.

There's also a reviewer Sporty[2] who's done a fair number of reviews on SD cards.

I took a quick look at Amazon's Hall of Fame/Top Reviewers, but sadly, it seems to prize volume vs quantified/focused cross-sectional reviews.

[1] http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AOEAD7DPLZE53

[2] http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2Q6Z6MRTI2RJY

Re: Google engineer writing Amazon reviews on USB-C cables that don't work

#60

Post by drzaiusapelord »

Johnny555 wrote: post #48
drzaiusapelord wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because a lot of the Nexus 6P/5X accessories are sold out or have long delays before shipping. Also, I don't need another wall wart charger, just the cable.

Yeah, well it's easier to make things by the million when you don't care about testing, certification or product damage. Part of the reason the cheap ones have so much availability is that they are cheap and easy to make and have little quality control -- even though they may not work.

Not really. I can buy super cheap micro-USB cables that work perfectly.

This seems to happen all the time when there's a new standard out. The disreputable companies whip together something shoddy and try to get those early sales before more reputable companies can move in. Meanwhile, companies like Amazon do nothing to stop this obvious fraud. Amazon should be stopping these sales.

Also, its disingenuous to pretend these are $2 cables. The only ones still available showing price are $14.99. These are much more than $2.

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