Echelon fitness firmware lockout: Difference between revisions
m Reverted edit by 82.102.18.155 (talk) to last revision by Icebear Tag: Rollback |
Grammar edits. |
||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
QZ (qdomyos-zwift) was created in September 2020 by Italian software engineer [[wikipedia:Roberto_Viola|Roberto Viola]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://robertoviola.cloud/2025/07/22/how-i-built-qz-and-how-echelon-is-now-breaking-it/ |title=How I Built QZ—and How Echelon Is Now Breaking It |author=Roberto Viola |date=22 July 2025 |access-date=23 July 2025}}</ref> The application functions as a Bluetooth bridge that intercepts proprietary communications from closed fitness devices & translates them into standard protocols compatible with other mainstream fitness platforms. | QZ (qdomyos-zwift) was created in September 2020 by Italian software engineer [[wikipedia:Roberto_Viola|Roberto Viola]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://robertoviola.cloud/2025/07/22/how-i-built-qz-and-how-echelon-is-now-breaking-it/ |title=How I Built QZ—and How Echelon Is Now Breaking It |author=Roberto Viola |date=22 July 2025 |access-date=23 July 2025}}</ref> The application functions as a Bluetooth bridge that intercepts proprietary communications from closed fitness devices & translates them into standard protocols compatible with other mainstream fitness platforms. | ||
For almost five years, QZ maintained compatibility with Echelon devices. Viola notes that the app ''"helped Echelon sell tens of thousands of bikes"'' by making them compatible with multiple training platforms. Viola also | For almost five years, QZ maintained compatibility with Echelon devices. Viola notes that the app ''"helped Echelon sell tens of thousands of bikes"'' by making them compatible with multiple training platforms. Viola also recommended the Echelon as the ''"best indoor bike on the market."''<ref name="viola-blog">{{cite web |url=https://robertoviola.cloud/2025/07/22/how-i-built-qz-and-how-echelon-is-now-breaking-it/ |title=How I Built QZ—and How Echelon Is Now Breaking It |author=Roberto Viola |date=22 July 2025 |access-date=23 July 2025}}</ref> Before the incident, Echelon's official marketing materials explicitly promoted third-party compatibility. Their FAQ stated 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" /> | ||
===Echelon's business model=== | ===Echelon's business model=== | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
In July 2025, Echelon pushed a firmware update that implemented a server-based authentication system. The new system requires devices to: | In July 2025, Echelon pushed a firmware update that implemented a server-based authentication system. The new system requires devices to: | ||
*Connect to Echelon's servers during startup | *Connect to Echelon's servers during startup. | ||
*Receive a temporary, rotating unlock key for device operation | *Receive a temporary, rotating unlock key for device operation. | ||
*Maintain internet connectivity for basic functionality | *Maintain internet connectivity for basic functionality. | ||
*Block all third-party Bluetooth communications without server validation<ref name="viola-blog" /> | *Block all third-party Bluetooth communications without server validation<ref name="viola-blog" /> | ||
According to Viola's technical analysis, the update is "non-reversible" - | According to Viola's technical analysis, the update is "non-reversible" - users cannot downgrade to previous firmware versions once installed.<ref name="viola-blog" /> | ||
===Technical implementation=== | ===Technical implementation=== | ||
The firmware creates a '''boot-time server handshake''' requirement before any functionality is enabled. Devices send authentication requests to Echelon servers, which respond with rotating unlock keys. Without successful validation, devices become completely non-functional, including for basic manual workouts.<ref name="viola-blog" /> | The firmware creates a '''boot-time server handshake''' requirement before any functionality is enabled. Devices send authentication requests to Echelon servers, which respond with rotating unlock keys. Without successful validation, devices become completely non-functional, including for basic manual workouts.<ref name="viola-blog" /> | ||
The system | The system targets third-party apps explicitly through '''Bluetooth access control''' that only activates after server authentication. This hardware-level lockout cannot be bypassed through software, effectively transforming ownership into a subscription-based permission model.<ref name="viola-blog" /> | ||
===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 | The firmware update completely blocks QZ & similar third-party applications from communicating with Echelon devices. This affects advanced features like automatic resistance control and prevents basic manual workouts without internet connectivity & server approval.<ref name="viola-blog" /> | ||
==Consumer impact== | ==Consumer impact== | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
*Loss of free or alternative platform access previously enabled by QZ<ref name="viola-blog" /> | *Loss of free or alternative platform access previously enabled by QZ<ref name="viola-blog" /> | ||
One affected UK user commented: <blockquote>''"This is infuriating. I paid £1,199 for a bike in 2020, & a further £399 for 2 years of classes, so | One affected UK user commented: <blockquote>''"This is infuriating. I paid £1,199 for a bike in 2020, & a further £399 for 2 years of classes, so what I choose to do with the hardware I purchased outright is none of their business!"''<ref name="viola-blog" /></blockquote> | ||
===Elimination of offline functionality=== | ===Elimination of offline functionality=== | ||
| Line 55: | Line 55: | ||
==Echelon's response== | ==Echelon's response== | ||
===Press release=== | ===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. | 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. | Echelon announced that 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> | 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> | ||
| Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
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. | 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. | ||
Echelon repositioned | Echelon repositioned its offerings around two tiers: | ||
*'''Freestyle Mode''' - Described as "no charge" but requires internet connectivity for "secure sign-in authentication" | *'''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 | *'''Premium Streaming Plans''' - Subscription plans starting at $19.99 monthly for access to classes and features | ||
| Line 70: | Line 70: | ||
==FULU Foundation bounty== | ==FULU Foundation bounty== | ||
After the initial publication | After the story's initial publication, 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 create a method to bypass the restrictions placed on Echelon bikes. In August, the bounty winner 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 sharing methods 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 made the following recommendations for affected users: | |||
*''' | *'''Avoid all firmware updates''' & disable automatic updates. | ||
*''' | *'''Delete the Echelon app''' to prevent forced updates. | ||
* | *Make sure tablets can't access the internet independently. | ||
*document current functionality for potential claims<ref name="viola-blog" /> | *document current functionality for potential claims<ref name="viola-blog" /> | ||
If it prompts you to install a firmware update on reboot, you may avoid this by rebooting the bike again, then, in | If it prompts you to install a firmware update on reboot, you may avoid this by rebooting the bike again, then, in Wi-Fi settings at the first opportunity, entering a custom SSID and leaving it blank. For some reason, this appears to be the only way to get it to switch from an existing connection. You must again enter your actual Wi-Fi details on the member login screen. | ||
=== Optional actions === | ===Optional actions=== | ||
You can lock the bike to a fixed resistance and use it as a basic exercise bike without | You can lock the bike to a fixed resistance and use it as a basic exercise bike without innovative features. This is useful if you want to start a workout quickly without powering on the bike or adjusting the resistance again after pausing in the middle of a workout. | ||
# Make sure the bike is plugged in. | #Make sure the bike is plugged in. | ||
# Begin pedaling so the bike powers on. | #Begin pedaling so the bike powers on. | ||
# Turn the resistance knob to your desired level. (It may take a moment for the knob to respond after powering on.) | #Turn the resistance knob to your desired level. (It may take a moment for the knob to respond after powering on.) | ||
# Unplug the bike — it will now stay locked at that resistance. | #Unplug the bike — it will now stay locked at that resistance. | ||
# If you want to change the resistance later, repeat the process. | #If you want to change the resistance later, repeat the process. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||