Posted 1 day ago

TCL TV - Purchased from Argos, opinion required please.

Purchased and collected a TCL TV 55P638K from Argos on Saturday.

Set up the TV with ease and works as it should EXCEPT for one big issue for which maybe anyone else who has the same model can share thoughts/advice please.

This model has google assistant "OK GOOGLE" hands free voice control APPARENTLY! However, the big issue is the fact the remote control that comes with the tv DOES NOT have a google assistant voice control button (only supplied the larger remote pictured on the left). However, on the Argos website link for this TV, one of the photos shows the TV including 2 remote controls, suggesting there should have been 2 remotes in the TV packaging (a large remote without the google assistant and a smaller remote with the "okay google"/"Google assistant". Is that how you would see it?

Have I received the TV with a missing voice control remote (pictured to the right) or is both Argos and TCL misleading of the fact there is no way to access the google assistant voice control via the given remote in the box?

How can Argos/TCL and other resellers advertise a TV with "ok google"/ "google assistant voice control" if there is no way of using the feature with the supplied remote, bit like buying a car without wheels.

Appreciate if anyone can shed some light on this.

* I did read a couple of reviews via "Hughes" and TCL's own website which has reviews via "feefo" and 2 customers mentioned the fact no google assistant voice control was possible via the boxed remote and TCL customer support said to go buy the secondary remote from Amazon for £20 which has a voice control button!! wtf!

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25th Dec
Hello. My view is that the pictures form part of the listing and therefore if you have bought the TV with the understanding that both remotes are included (which I think is a reasonable interpretation of the picture) then you should be able to return it after discovering that there is only one remote and that the picture showing both remotes is an error.

I'd reach out to Argos to bring the error to their attention, so that they can update their listing, and if you aren't satisfied with the one remote because the Google Assistant functionality isn't as you expected, then I'd expect them to honour a return. They've been fine with me in the past but we know experiences vary.

Personally I would leave out the part about whether you're entitled to return it or not unless it becomes a problem. Maybe just explain you bought the TV and it shows both remotes are included in the picture but you only got one, and are disappointed that the Google Assistant doesn't work as expected as a result. Ask if they can send you the second remote somehow (probably not) and hopefully this will lead to the option to return it if that's what you'd like to do.
Author
26th Dec
I know I'm fully entitled to a full refund upon return due to the fact I purchased it 3 days ago, it's just super annoying that manufacturers and retailers get away with certain misleading details/photographs. It's just a big hassle tbh, how hard would it be for TCL to just supply a remote with the voice function like most of their other models, it's beyond madness...but that's Chinese products for you I guess!
25th Dec
Like your phone, is it not an option that you turn on within the TV settings, so basically it is listening all the time, or not at all until you open a search box and tap the mic button ?
Author
25th Dec
The TV requires a remote (pictured right) which you press the "google assistant" button and this then pairs with the tv's inbuilt google assistant, but as mentioned, this remote is not supplied in the box, only the one pictured to the left which does not have the mic function. It was also mentioned on a couple of review sites re the issue. Personally I think it's false advertising and misselling by Argos by the fact they clearly show the contents to be 1 x TV and 2 x remotes....???
25th Dec
Clearly states:
In the box

TV.
Remote control (requires 2 x AAAbatteries, included).
Power cable.
TV stand.
Screws.
Author
25th Dec
Understand that re the contents.... So the fact the Photograph shows a TV, Large remote + small remote would not lead a consumer to believe it comes with 2 remotes?

Or at least 1 remote that gives the consumer the ability to use the functionality ("google assistant") straight out of the box with full compatibility? Nowhere does it mention in fine print that is "google assistant ready" or better still "google assistant functionality is subject to purchasing a second remote which is not included".
As metioned, whats the point of giving a consumer a function that is not useable unless a separate added extra device is purchased, never come across this before and I see it as totally misleading.

So you do not think I have a leg to stand on?
25th Dec
Picture is misleading I agree. The usual suspects on here will tell you, you are wrong. Anyway not many options even if you are correct. Probably tell you to return it. But websites suggests it's hands free Google assistant. So maybe no button needed to activate but might have to set it up on TV? Either way contact argos.
Author
25th Dec
Cheers. There are at least 2 others who purchased in the last few days via a deal posted on here who are also confused, plus a couple of reviewers when you dig deep via feefo/hughes/tcl own reviews.
Author
26th Dec
Anyway thanks for your input everyone and I'll take it up with Argos in the morning. Merry Xmas all!
26th Dec
Have you double and triple checked the box, sometimes the remotes are hidden away.
Maybe there was an error in the factory and they've not put two remotes in! I know my TV came with 2, a magic and regular, same as my mates I helped unbox last month.
Have you been on YouTube to watch somebody review the TV and show you how the Google assist works? It'll either be a built in feature, or like my remote when you press and hold the button, similar to the Amazon Fire TV remote, you hold and say stuff.
Tbh it's a feature you'll probably hardly ever use
26th Dec
They only send the one remote and that does not have a mic, which is a bit silly.
I went through the same issue. Was confused trying to work out how to get it to work. The settings are there on the TV for voice control and even the mic.
But neither TV nor remote have the required functionality.
I also did loads of research and came to the conclusion it's just not possible without the correct remote.
We are not alone.
It's a good job I didn't actually purchase the TV for that particular function, say because of a disability.
Why they couldn't have included just the 1 remote with mic or mic on the TV is beyond me.
Author
22 h, 45 m ago
Update: Have not questioned Argos yet, however I received a generic email from them re after care support etc...... and it gives a link to the instruction manual within Argos' website -

argos-support.co.uk/ins…pdf

This falls in to line with the photo used on the advertising webpage.

20 h, 27 m ago
TBH I think TCL are taking the proverbial.
I just looked at the instruction manual for the 50" model and it's exactly the same.
Shows an 'included' exclusive remote for Google assistant and an 'additional' remote which is what I have.

However looking at the product sheet it only states the 'additional' remote RC802N5.

There's no point in hyping up the Google assistant features if you can't bloomin' use them

Not sure how it can be hands free either?

(edited)
Author
16 h, 45 m ago
Update:

Went into the Argos collect store from where I collected the TV on Sunday. The 2 ladies working there were very helpful and empathetic, totally understanding the issue (Argos advertise 2 remotes). The want me to go back tomorrow and speak with the Manageress who will address the problem, the CS staff today suggested getting another TV in and taking out the 2nd remote..but I quickly explained it is a TCL issue.
CS staff suggested finding out where to purchase the missing advertised remote and doing a potential refund for the cost of purchasing the 2nd remote.
Agree with above, TCL should be reported to the ASL.
48 s ago
I bought a different TCL tv a couple of years ago and it came with 2 remotes, one with the "ok google" feature. It seems to me one is missing