Formerly Happy FIOS Customer

[deesmom10]

New FIOS cable box and remote

I have been a Verizon/FIOS customer for several years with few problems.  About one month ago I called and asked how I could get remote that could be operated by voice.  I was told I would have to get a new cable box, which I agreed to.  I requested a tech to set it up and a few days later he came.  The new box was smaller than the old one and I also noticed there was no clock.  There were no written instructions.  The tech verbally gave me some basic instructions and that was all.  From day 1  I have had issues.  The new box is completely  controlled by Google, which I have not previously used.  The new remote is smaller than the previous one and has few visible controls.  What controls/numbers there are are small and difficult to see.  Remote only lights up when you hold it in your hand and move it a little.  It only stays lit for a minute.   It has no return or exit key so I have had to use the remote which came with my tv (which I was told by Verizon techs does not work but it does).  The channel list is difficult to see because only the channel you're on is actually bright but the others are gray (meaning colorless) with white lettering, although there are small boxes to the left of the listing which have pics of I guess the stars of that show and they are in color and easy to see, although actually useless.

I  had to call tech services to find out how I could set a reminder for a future show that I wanted to watch, not record.    Turns out you have to go to the listing for the show, and on the right side there's a bell icon.  click on that and that's how the reminder is set.  Who would ever know that? 

I could continue on but there's no point.  I asked to get my old cable box back but was told they're being phased out.  Asked about switching to another provider but was advised they're ALL switching over.  Everything is done theough an app but its as if the powers-that-be at FIOS think everybody is familiar with this technology and can use it with ease.  I'm a retired senior citizen and all my tech knowledge is what I acquired before I retired 10+ years ago.   And this is how Verizon treats a loyal customer of many years.