Bambu Lab Authorization Control System: Difference between revisions
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Once a printer is updated to the new firmware, users cannot revert to previous versions that allows full control of the printer using LAN mode access key while signed into the cloud<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" />. The option still exists to disable the cloud service. | Once a printer is updated to the new firmware, users cannot revert to previous versions that allows full control of the printer using LAN mode access key while signed into the cloud<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" />. The option still exists to disable the cloud service. | ||
The manufacturer states this change is required for security, but community members note that many of the security vulnerabilities being addressed stem from Bambu's own cloud-centric design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12</ref>. The update forces users into using Bambu Connect middleware if they want to retain cloud functionality. | The manufacturer states this change is required for security, but community members note that many of the security vulnerabilities being addressed stem from Bambu's own cloud-centric design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12">https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12</ref>. The update forces users into using Bambu Connect middleware if they want to retain cloud functionality. | ||
This can be characterised as a significant post-purchase reduction in functionality for existing owners who bought their printers with the understanding they could use third-party software and home-automation tools, but also only affects users actively choosing to use Bambu Cloud at the same time. The inability to revert these changes, combined with the mandatory nature of the update for new printers, is used to demonstrate how manufacturers can use software updates to unilaterally modify the capabilities of hardware products after purchase, although in this case the changes affect only people already choosing to use the cloud service<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref>. | This can be characterised as a significant post-purchase reduction in functionality for existing owners who bought their printers with the understanding they could use third-party software and home-automation tools, but also only affects users actively choosing to use Bambu Cloud at the same time. The inability to revert these changes, combined with the mandatory nature of the update for new printers, is used to demonstrate how manufacturers can use software updates to unilaterally modify the capabilities of hardware products after purchase, although in this case the changes affect only people already choosing to use the cloud service<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref>. | ||
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=== Custom firmware development === | === Custom firmware development === | ||
Discussions within the community highlight interest in developing custom firmware as an alternative to Bambu's official updates. One prominent project mentioned in forums is the development of custom firmware for the X1-series printers, such as the "X1Plus Custom Firmware | Discussions within the community highlight interest in developing custom firmware as an alternative to Bambu's official updates. One prominent project mentioned in forums is the development of custom firmware for the X1-series printers, such as the "X1Plus Custom Firmware"<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12" />. This firmware aims to: | ||
* Restore direct network control and third-party slicer compatibility. | * Restore direct network control and third-party slicer compatibility. | ||
* Re-enable previously available features such as motion-system adjustments, temperature control, and AMS settings without requiring proprietary software. | * Re-enable previously available features such as motion-system adjustments, temperature control, and AMS settings without requiring proprietary software. | ||
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* The system creates dependence on Bambu's cloud services availability for basic printer functionality<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref> | * The system creates dependence on Bambu's cloud services availability for basic printer functionality<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref> | ||
While Bambu Lab maintains that cloud processing is necessary for security and functionality, community members argue this represents unnecessary data collection that could be handled locally | While Bambu Lab maintains that cloud processing is necessary for security and functionality, community members argue this represents unnecessary data collection that could be handled locally<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12" />. The company's cloud infrastructure costs are significant, leading some users to speculate that future monetization of the cloud services may be planned.<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/5</ref> Therefore, people should assess if their use case mandates the use of the cloud service and disable it when it doesn't. | ||
This shift from local control to cloud-dependent operation is part of a broader trend in consumer devices, where manufacturers use security concerns to justify increased data collection and reduced customer control over devices they bought and paid for. Privacy-conscious users should operate their printers in LAN-only mode to avoid cloud connectivity. | This shift from local control to cloud-dependent operation is part of a broader trend in consumer devices, where manufacturers use security concerns to justify increased data collection and reduced customer control over devices they bought and paid for. Privacy-conscious users should operate their printers in LAN-only mode to avoid cloud connectivity. | ||
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== Customer reactions == | == Customer reactions == | ||
Customer reactions have been overwhelmingly negative.<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/4</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i2psvz/firmware_update_introducing_new_authorization/</ref> Bambu Lab has historically pushed cloud-based printer interaction while offering limited LAN mode functionality.<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref> Many customers argue that the security issues this locked-down firmware claims to address are actually consequences of the company's cloud-based design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control | Customer reactions have been overwhelmingly negative.<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/4</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i2psvz/firmware_update_introducing_new_authorization/</ref> Bambu Lab has historically pushed cloud-based printer interaction while offering limited LAN mode functionality.<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/full-non-cloud-based-network-option-needed/3643/9</ref> Many customers argue that the security issues this locked-down firmware claims to address are actually consequences of the company's cloud-based design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12" />, which continues to infuriate users who are now told that security is the justification for a loss of freedom. As a result of the announcement of the shift, customer ratings on sites like Trustpilot rapidly dropped<ref>https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bambulab.com?sort=recency</ref>, with many reviews citing the restrictions as the reason for the bad reviews. | ||
The shift raises privacy concerns as user print data, including file names, print settings, and camera feeds, must now pass through Bambu's cloud infrastructure. | The shift raises privacy concerns as user print data, including file names, print settings, and camera feeds, must now pass through Bambu's cloud infrastructure. | ||