Echelon fitness firmware lockout: Difference between revisions

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===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" />

==Echelon's response==

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>

===Press release===

On July 29, 2025, Echelon issued a press release announcing the implementation of "comprehensive security enhancements" including jailbreak detection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to their equipment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/echelon-implements-advanced-security-measures-to-prevent-any-unwarranted-access-to-fitness-equipment-data-302208547.html |title=Echelon Implements Advanced Security Measures to Prevent Any Unwarranted Access To Fitness Equipment Data |publisher=PR Newswire |date=29 July 2025 |access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> The company specifically targeted QZ developer Roberto Viola, describing him as a "bad actor" who "attempts to bypass Echelon's fitness ecosystem" by charging users $6.99 for access to unauthorized connections.

Echelon announced they are "actively reviewing legal action under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and other applicable laws" against third-party applications. The company stated that customers using applications like QZ would have their warranties voided for violating terms of service and "compromising the secure operation" of products.

CEO Lou Lentine framed the issue as protecting American intellectual property from "foreign individuals and entities," stating: <blockquote>"There are a few bad actors in the global marketplace who are constantly trying to shortcut the investments made by Echelon and other American companies—through fraud, copying, and stealing."</blockquote>

Concurrent with blocking third-party access, Echelon announced a new "Authorized Partnership Program" for companies seeking approved connections to their equipment. The program offers access to official APIs and developer support, though no timeline or application process was provided.

~~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>~~

Echelon repositioned their offerings around two tiers:

*'''Freestyle Mode''' - Described as "no charge" but requires internet connectivity for "secure sign-in authentication"

*'''Premium Streaming Plans''' - Subscription plans starting at $19.99 monthly for access to classes and features

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>~~

The press release did not address the removal of offline functionality or the impact on existing customers who had purchased devices with advertised third-party compatibility.

==FULU Foundation bounty==

@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 ===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" />
 ==Echelon's response==
-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>
+===Press release===
+On July 29, 2025, Echelon issued a press release announcing the implementation of "comprehensive security enhancements" including jailbreak detection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to their equipment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/echelon-implements-advanced-security-measures-to-prevent-any-unwarranted-access-to-fitness-equipment-data-302208547.html |title=Echelon Implements Advanced Security Measures to Prevent Any Unwarranted Access To Fitness Equipment Data |publisher=PR Newswire |date=29 July 2025 |access-date=27 August 2025}}</ref> The company specifically targeted QZ developer Roberto Viola, describing him as a "bad actor" who "attempts to bypass Echelon's fitness ecosystem" by charging users $6.99 for access to unauthorized connections.
+Echelon announced they are "actively reviewing legal action under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and other applicable laws" against third-party applications. The company stated that customers using applications like QZ would have their warranties voided for violating terms of service and "compromising the secure operation" of products.
+CEO Lou Lentine framed the issue as protecting American intellectual property from "foreign individuals and entities," stating: <blockquote>"There are a few bad actors in the global marketplace who are constantly trying to shortcut the investments made by Echelon and other American companies—through fraud, copying, and stealing."</blockquote>
+Concurrent with blocking third-party access, Echelon announced a new "Authorized Partnership Program" for companies seeking approved connections to their equipment. The program offers access to official APIs and developer support, though no timeline or application process was provided.
-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>
+Echelon repositioned their offerings around two tiers:
+*'''Freestyle Mode''' - Described as "no charge" but requires internet connectivity for "secure sign-in authentication"
+*'''Premium Streaming Plans''' - Subscription plans starting at $19.99 monthly for access to classes and features
-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>
+The press release did not address the removal of offline functionality or the impact on existing customers who had purchased devices with advertised third-party compatibility.
 ==FULU Foundation bounty==