Bambu Lab Authorization Control System: Difference between revisions
Rewrote article from scratch to include more information Tag: 2017 source edit |
formatting, headings/subheadings choices, so it has a proper table of contents and the top of the article is the table of contents. Tag: 2017 source edit |
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= How This Started = | |||
On 2025-01-16, the 3D printer manufacturer [[:wikipedia:Bambu Lab|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. Bambu has stated the following:<blockquote>''"This change is mitigating any risk of remote hacks or printer exposure issues that have happened in the past and also lower the risk of abnormal traffic or attacks."''<ref>https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/</ref><ref>https://all3dp.com/4/bambu-lab-limits-third-party-printer-control-with-new-security-update/</ref></blockquote> | On 2025-01-16, the 3D printer manufacturer [[:wikipedia:Bambu Lab|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. Bambu has stated the following:<blockquote>''"This change is mitigating any risk of remote hacks or printer exposure issues that have happened in the past and also lower the risk of abnormal traffic or attacks."''<ref>https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/</ref><ref>https://all3dp.com/4/bambu-lab-limits-third-party-printer-control-with-new-security-update/</ref></blockquote> | ||
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Before this update, users could freely choose from many slicer programs and customize their workflows, including integrating printers with smart home systems for convenience. | Before this update, users could freely choose from many slicer programs and customize their workflows, including integrating printers with smart home systems for convenience. | ||
== What Has Changed? == | |||
Bambu Lab’s new firmware requires authorization for nearly all printer functions: | Bambu Lab’s new firmware requires authorization for nearly all printer functions: | ||
* Mandatory Software: Users are forced to use Bambu's software, which limits options & removes features previously available through third-party slicers. | * Mandatory Software: Users are forced to use Bambu's software, which limits options & removes features previously available through third-party slicers. | ||
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* Cloud Dependency: Many printer functions now rely on Bambu’s cloud servers, requiring constant internet access and raising concerns about privacy and future subscription fees. | * Cloud Dependency: Many printer functions now rely on Bambu’s cloud servers, requiring constant internet access and raising concerns about privacy and future subscription fees. | ||
== Why is This a Problem? == | |||
These changes significantly reduce what owners can do with their printers: | These changes significantly reduce what owners can do with their printers: | ||
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# '''Locked Hardware''': If a user disagrees with these changes, they can’t simply switch back to the older version software—they're stuck with the new version & locked into Bambu’s system. | # '''Locked Hardware''': If a user disagrees with these changes, they can’t simply switch back to the older version software—they're stuck with the new version & locked into Bambu’s system. | ||
== The Bigger Picture == | |||
This situation is part of a growing trend where companies use software updates to limit what customers can do with devices they own, such as buying a car and being told you can only use fuel from a specific company; or lose features unless you pay extra. In the case of 3D printing, Bambu Lab's actions undermine the principles of ownership that have made the technology useful & valuable to individuals & small businesses. | This situation is part of a growing trend where companies use software updates to limit what customers can do with devices they own, such as buying a car and being told you can only use fuel from a specific company; or lose features unless you pay extra. In the case of 3D printing, Bambu Lab's actions undermine the principles of ownership that have made the technology useful & valuable to individuals & small businesses. | ||