Echelon fitness firmware lockout: Difference between revisions
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===Impact on third-party applications=== | ===Impact on third-party applications=== | ||
The firmware update completely blocks QZ & similar third-party applications from communicating with Echelon devices. This affects not only advanced features like automatic resistance control, but also prevents basic manual workouts without internet connectivity & server approval.<ref name="viola-blog" /> | The firmware update completely blocks QZ & similar third-party applications from communicating with Echelon devices. This affects not only advanced features like automatic resistance control, but also prevents basic manual workouts without internet connectivity & server approval.<ref name="viola-blog" /> | ||
==Consumer impact== | ==Consumer impact== | ||
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===Elimination of offline functionality=== | ===Elimination of offline functionality=== | ||
The update removes all offline workout capabilities, requiring constant internet connectivity for any device operation. Users report being unable to perform basic manual workouts without server validation.<ref name="viola-blog" /> | The update removes all offline workout capabilities, requiring constant internet connectivity for any device operation. Users report being unable to perform basic manual workouts without server validation.<ref name="viola-blog" /> | ||
==Echelon's response== | |||
===Advertised compatibility=== | |||
Echelon's official marketing materials explicitly promoted third-party compatibility. Their FAQ states devices were designed to give users '''''"the flexibility to use your favorite devices"''''' & specifically mentions "third party apps you can use as well."<ref name="echelon-faq" /> | |||
== | ===FitOS platform contradiction=== | ||
Echelon's FitOS platform, introduced for screened equipment, actually '''expanded''' third-party app access to include Netflix, Disney+, & other entertainment apps.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://echelonfit.com/blogs/blog/introducing-fitos |title=Introducing FitOS |publisher=Echelon Fit |access-date=23 July 2025}}</ref> This contradicts the simultaneous restriction of core fitness functionality through firmware updates. | |||
=== | ===Official communications=== | ||
Echelon has not issued public statements regarding the July 2025 firmware update or its impact on third-party compatibility.<ref name="viola-blog" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/30/exercise-bike-company-yanks-features-away-from-purchased-bikes-via-firmware-update/ |title=Exercise Bike Company Yanks Features Away From Purchased Bikes Via Firmware Update |publisher=Techdirt |date=30 July 2025 |access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> | |||
Multiple media outlets, including Ars Technica, TechDirt, Slashdot, WebProNews, and 404 Media, have contacted Echelon for comment but have not received responses.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.404media.co/developer-unlocks-newly-enshittified-echelon-exercise-bikes-but-cant-legally-release-his-software/ |title=Developer Unlocks Newly Enshittified Echelon Exercise Bikes But Can't Legally Release His Software |author=Jason Koebler |publisher=404 Media |date=August 2025 |access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> | |||
Multiple | |||
=== | The company's Terms of Service reserves rights to "modify the Services" without specific advance notification requirements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://echelonfit.uk/pages/terms-and-conditions |title=Terms and Conditions |publisher=Echelon Fit UK |access-date=23 July 2025}}</ref> | ||
==FULU Foundation bounty== | |||
After the initial publicisation of the story, Louis Rossmann released a $20,000 bounty<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zayHD4kfcA |title=Fulu Foundation offers $20,000 bounty to repair Echelon firmware lockout |author=Louis Rossmann |publisher=YouTube |date=July 2025 |access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> for anyone who could bypass the restrictions placed on Echelon bikes. In August, the winner of the bounty was announced,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.404media.co/developer-unlocks-newly-enshittified-echelon-exercise-bikes-but-cant-legally-release-his-software/ |title=Developer Unlocks Newly Enshittified Echelon Exercise Bikes But Can't Legally Release His Software |author=Jason Koebler |publisher=404 Media |date=August 2025 |access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> however the solution used to claim the bounty was not released. Louis Rossmann stated that the reason for not releasing was the impact of a US law (17 U.S. Code § 1201), which prevents the sharing of methods used to bypass a technological measure designed to manage access to a product.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chPzslZKBhI |title=I started an organization to dismantle the DMCA - here's why |author=Louis Rossmann |publisher=YouTube |date=27 August 2025 |access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> | |||
==Consumer recourse== | ==Consumer recourse== | ||
===Immediate actions=== | ===Immediate actions=== | ||
Roberto Viola | The following reccomendations for affected users were made by Roberto Viola: | ||
*'''avoid all firmware updates''' & disable automatic updates | *'''avoid all firmware updates''' & disable automatic updates | ||
*'''delete Echelon app''' to prevent forced updates | *'''delete Echelon app''' to prevent forced updates | ||