Echelon fitness firmware lockout: Difference between revisions
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==FULU Foundation bounty== | ==FULU Foundation bounty== | ||
After the initial | After the initial publication 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 create a method to 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=== | ||
The following | The following recommendations 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 | ||
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*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 WiFi 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 will need to enter your actual WiFi details again on the member login screen. | If it prompts you to install a firmware update on reboot, you may avoid this by rebooting the bike again, then, in WiFi 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 will need to enter your actual WiFi details again on the member login screen. | ||
=== Optional actions === | |||
You can lock the bike to a fixed resistance and use it as a basic exercise bike without smart 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. | |||
# 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.) | |||
# Unplug the bike — it will now stay locked at that resistance. | |||
# If you want to change the resistance later, repeat the process. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||