Bambu Lab Authorization Control System: Difference between revisions
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|Company=Bambu Lab | |Company=Bambu Lab | ||
|StartDate=2025-01-16 | |StartDate=2025-01-16 | ||
|Status=Active | |||
|Status= | |Type=Post-purchase terms change | ||
|Description=On January 16, 2025,Bambu Lab announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would have an authorization and authentication mechanism. | |||
|Type= | |||
|Description= | |||
}} | }} | ||
On January 16, 2025, the 3D-printer manufacturer '''[[Bambu Lab]]''' announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would introduce an authorization and authentication protection mechanism for their connection and control, in the name of security. This mechanism restricts the use of third party accessories and slicers, such as Panda Touch and OrcaSlicer. | On January 16, 2025, the 3D-printer manufacturer '''[[Bambu Lab]]''' announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would introduce an authorization and authentication protection mechanism for their connection and control, [[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers|in the name of security]]. This mechanism restricts the use of third-party accessories and slicers, such as Panda Touch and OrcaSlicer. | ||
==Controversy regarding firmware updates== | ==Controversy regarding firmware updates== | ||
[[File:Bambu tos screenshot.png|alt=bambu terms stating print jobs may not function properly if update is not performed to new firmware which is highly limiting. |thumb|Bambu terms regarding printer functionality & potential for disrupted print jobs if users do not update to a new firmware that radically restricts the autonomy of the owner of the printer]] | [[File:Bambu tos screenshot.png|alt=bambu terms stating print jobs may not function properly if update is not performed to new firmware which is highly limiting. |thumb|Bambu terms regarding printer functionality & potential for disrupted print jobs if users do not update to a new firmware that radically restricts the autonomy of the owner of the printer]] | ||
===Potential for remote disabling of printers=== | ===Potential for remote disabling of printers=== | ||
A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to remotely disable printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's | A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] (ToS) and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to [[Remote disabling|remotely disable]] printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's ToS<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=24 Apr 2024 |title=Terms of Use |url=https://bambulab.com/en-us/policies/terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/KZqib |archive-date=27 Jan 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]]}} "Terms of Use" Archived on 2026-03-09 [https://ghostarchive.org/archive/vPu9I Archived 2]</ref> states that printers '''"may block new print jobs"''' if updates are not applied, which some users interpret as a potential pathway for forced obsolescence.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2">https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032912/https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ Archived])</ref> While defenders of Bambu Lab point out that offline modes such as SD-card printing and [[wikipedia:Local_area_network|LAN]]-only setups would remain functional, others point out that the ToS do not explicitly limit this restriction to [[Cloud (service)|cloud]]-based printing. This ambiguity has led to speculation that Bambu Lab could enforce broader limitations, effectively rendering printers inoperable for users who choose not to update.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=@nickjohnson |title=Bambu Lab reserves the right to brick your printer until you update the firmware |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Old Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250119220606/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2025}}</ref> | ||
====Editing of initial announcement==== | ====Editing of initial announcement==== | ||
Bambu users were concerned they would not be able to utilize their printer if they did not install this update, due to the wording of the blog and the | Bambu users were concerned they would not be able to utilize their printer if they did not install this update, due to the wording of the blog and the ToS.<ref>[[:File:Bambu tos screenshot.png]]</ref> This caused confusion since users report that Bambu's blog post dated January 16th<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-22">{{Cite web |last=@BambuKidd |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System |url=https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/ejq3R |archive-date=16 Jan 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Blog}}</ref> specifically says the following: | ||
<blockquote><strong>What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?</strong> | <blockquote><strong>What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?</strong> | ||
You may continue using an older firmware version that does not include the new security updates; however, this means the printers may miss out on important security fixes or bug patches included in newer versions. We highly encourage updating to the latest firmware version for the best experience and enhanced security.</blockquote>However, '''this was not present on the day of the announcement.''' A snapshot of their webpage from archive.is demonstrates this section did not exist on the day of the announcement, when community members voiced their concerns.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-22" /><ref>[[:File:2024-01-16-Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System.pdf]] | You may continue using an older firmware version that does not include the new security updates; however, this means the printers may miss out on important security fixes or bug patches included in newer versions. We highly encourage updating to the latest firmware version for the best experience and enhanced security.</blockquote>However, '''this was not present on the day of the announcement.''' A snapshot of their webpage from archive.is demonstrates this section did not exist on the day of the announcement, when community members voiced their concerns.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-22" /><ref>[[:File:2024-01-16-Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System.pdf]]</ref> Bambu's response to community feedback<ref>{{Cite web |last=@SpaghettiMonster |date=20 Jan 2025 |title=Updates and Third-Party Integration with Bambu Connect |url=https://blog.bambulab.com/updates-and-third-party-integration-with-bambu-connect/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Blog |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216001409/https://blog.bambulab.com/updates-and-third-party-integration-with-bambu-connect/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> references ''"social media posts spreading baseless allegations and untrue claims about Bambu Lab",'' including ''"Firmware updates will block your printer’s ability to print.",'' without mentioning the context for those allegations. The context for those allegations was the lack of inclusion of the ''"What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?"'' in Bambu's initial announcement alongside their stated terms of service. | ||
This announcement, after the edit in question, clearly states in the header - '''''Updated: January 17, 2025''' - to include additional details and FAQs where the '''What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?''' among others was added.'' | This announcement, after the edit in question, clearly states in the header - '''''Updated: January 17, 2025''' - to include additional details and FAQs where the '''What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?''' among others was added.'' | ||
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===Precedents and comparisons=== | ===Precedents and comparisons=== | ||
Critics have likened this potential functionality to similar cases in other industries where manufacturers remotely restrict product features. Notable examples include [[HP]]'s printer firmware updates that [[HP Instant Ink|rendered third-party ink cartridges unusable]] and Tesla's software locks on second-hand vehicles. These parallels suggest a broader trend of manufacturers [[Retroactively amended purchase|using software to control hardware capabilities post-purchase]].<ref name=":5">https:// | Critics have likened this potential functionality to similar cases in other industries where manufacturers remotely restrict product features. Notable examples include [[HP]]'s printer firmware updates that [[HP Instant Ink|rendered third-party ink cartridges unusable]] and Tesla's software locks on second-hand vehicles. These parallels suggest a broader trend of manufacturers [[Retroactively amended purchase|using software to control hardware capabilities post-purchase]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=2025-03-19 |title=HP avoids monetary damages over bricked printers in class-action settlement |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/hp-avoids-monetary-damages-over-bricked-printers-in-class-action-settlement/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250319231817/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/hp-avoids-monetary-damages-over-bricked-printers-in-class-action-settlement/ |archive-date=2025-03-19 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref>https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-remote-disable-used-car-features/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216002258/https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-remote-disable-used-car-features Archived])</ref> | ||
===X1E firmware 01.01.02.00 LAN only connection "BUG"=== | ===X1E firmware 01.01.02.00 LAN only connection "BUG"=== | ||
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This can be characterised as a significant post-purchase reduction in functionality for existing owners who bought their printers with the understanding they could use third-party software and home-automation tools, but also only affects users actively choosing to use Bambu Cloud at the same time. The nature of the printer update is used to demonstrate how manufacturers can use software updates to unilaterally modify the capabilities of hardware products after purchase, although in this case the changes affect only people already choosing to use the cloud service<ref name=":4" />. | This can be characterised as a significant post-purchase reduction in functionality for existing owners who bought their printers with the understanding they could use third-party software and home-automation tools, but also only affects users actively choosing to use Bambu Cloud at the same time. The nature of the printer update is used to demonstrate how manufacturers can use software updates to unilaterally modify the capabilities of hardware products after purchase, although in this case the changes affect only people already choosing to use the cloud service<ref name=":4" />. | ||
For users that would want to use a third-party slicer while using their cloud service, Bambu would require those users to download and install Bambu Connect in order to send gcode wirelessly over LAN or over the cloud. While Bambu claims that they were in contact with SoftFever, the developer of OrcaSlicer, as of writing, SoftFever still does not have any keys for Bambu Connect and the new firmware is only available as opt-in beta at the moment.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=@fever_soft |date=18 Jan 2025 |title=This is definitely a bummer. I was negotiating for an authorization key to allow OrcaSlicer to communicate with their device like BambuStudio does, but today I was told they won't support this. Only their slicer can send prints directly; others must use their Bambu Connect application |url=https://x.com/fever_soft/status/1880630570809795034?t=qJyh4SGFZFllcYrqexGW-Q |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref> | For users that would want to use a third-party slicer while using their cloud service, Bambu would require those users to download and install Bambu Connect in order to send gcode wirelessly over LAN or over the cloud. While Bambu claims that they were in contact with SoftFever, the developer of OrcaSlicer, as of writing, SoftFever still does not have any keys for Bambu Connect and the new firmware is only available as opt-in beta at the moment.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=@fever_soft |date=18 Jan 2025 |title=This is definitely a bummer. I was negotiating for an authorization key to allow OrcaSlicer to communicate with their device like BambuStudio does, but today I was told they won't support this. Only their slicer can send prints directly; others must use their Bambu Connect application |url=https://x.com/fever_soft/status/1880630570809795034?t=qJyh4SGFZFllcYrqexGW-Q |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[X]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104021/https://x.com/fever_soft/status/1880630570809795034?t=qJyh4SGFZFllcYrqexGW-Q |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> | ||
==Impact on functionality== | ==Impact on functionality== | ||
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*Providing an official API for third-party slicers under specific licensing agreements that allow secure authorized usage.<ref name="orca-slicer-issue8063" /> | *Providing an official API for third-party slicers under specific licensing agreements that allow secure authorized usage.<ref name="orca-slicer-issue8063" /> | ||
=== | ===Alternative software to prevent auto update(tells the server its version 99+ for now)=== | ||
Currently X1Plus a OPEN SOURCE custom firmware version for Bambu Labs printers(more details on the GitHub page) | Currently X1Plus a OPEN SOURCE custom firmware version for Bambu Labs printers(more details on the GitHub page) | ||
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“ 3.1 You may not use Bambu Lab technology or Bambu Lab intellectual property to develop software or design, develop, manufacture, sell, or license third-party devices/accessories associated with Bambu Lab Product without Bambu Lab's prior consent.”<ref name=":2" /> | “ 3.1 You may not use Bambu Lab technology or Bambu Lab intellectual property to develop software or design, develop, manufacture, sell, or license third-party devices/accessories associated with Bambu Lab Product without Bambu Lab's prior consent.”<ref name=":2" /> | ||
== See also == | |||
* [[Forced account]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||