Bambu Lab Authorization Control System: Difference between revisions
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===Potential for remote disabling of printers=== | ===Potential for remote disabling of printers=== | ||
A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] (ToS) and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to [[Remote disabling|remotely disable]] printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's ToS<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=24 | A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] (ToS) and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to [[Remote disabling|remotely disable]] printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's ToS<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-24 |title=Terms of Use |url=https://bambulab.com/en-us/policies/terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/vPu9I |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]]}}</ref> states that printers '''"may block new print jobs"''' if updates are not applied, which some users interpret as a potential pathway for forced obsolescence.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2">{{Cite web |last=Bambu Kidd |date=2025-01-16 |title=Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System |url=https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Blog}}</ref> While defenders of Bambu Lab point out that offline modes such as SD-card printing and [[wikipedia:Local_area_network|LAN]]-only setups would remain functional, others point out that the ToS do not explicitly limit this restriction to [[Cloud (service)|cloud]]-based printing. This ambiguity has led to speculation that Bambu Lab could enforce broader limitations, effectively rendering printers inoperable for users who choose not to update.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=@nickjohnson |title=Bambu Lab reserves the right to brick your printer until you update the firmware |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Old Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250119220606/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2025}}</ref> | ||
====Editing of initial announcement==== | ====Editing of initial announcement==== | ||
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===X1E firmware 01.01.02.00 LAN only connection "BUG"=== | ===X1E firmware 01.01.02.00 LAN only connection "BUG"=== | ||
Newly received X1E printers with firmware 01.01.02.00 will not connect to the Bambu Studio using the Lan only method password. Bambu Studio identifies the un-logged printer but will not allow a connection to the printer. Only after connection / account paring is done over the Bambu Handy app by giving internet access to the PC and Printer then utilizing the cloud service connection will Lan only communication and login work.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=Sep 2024 |title=Connect X1E to stand-alone computer |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/connect-x1e-to-stand-alone-computer/101474 |url-status=live | Newly received X1E printers with firmware 01.01.02.00 will not connect to the Bambu Studio using the Lan only method password. Bambu Studio identifies the un-logged printer but will not allow a connection to the printer. Only after connection / account paring is done over the Bambu Handy app by giving internet access to the PC and Printer then utilizing the cloud service connection will Lan only communication and login work.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@user_1350378125 |date=Sep 2024 |title=Connect X1E to stand-alone computer |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/connect-x1e-to-stand-alone-computer/101474 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033045/https://forum.bambulab.com/t/connect-x1e-to-stand-alone-computer/101474 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]] Community Forum}}</ref> | ||
==Implementation timeline and requirements== | ==Implementation timeline and requirements== | ||
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===Reduced home-automation capabilities=== | ===Reduced home-automation capabilities=== | ||
While basic status monitoring remains available (e.g., print-progress updates in Home Assistant), the new firmware removes the ability for home-automation systems to control printer functions. Users can no longer: | While basic status monitoring remains available (e.g., print-progress updates in Home Assistant), the new firmware removes the ability for home-automation systems to control printer functions. Users can no longer: | ||
*Start or stop prints remotely using Home Assistant, BTT Panda Touch,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=@BIGTREETECH |date=17 | *Start or stop prints remotely using Home Assistant, BTT Panda Touch,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=@BIGTREETECH |date=2025-01-17 |title=<nowiki>Dear Users, Recently Bambu announced some significant changes to how authorization will work with some of their coming firmware updates for the X series (X1, X1C, X1E) of their printers. We want to use this post to explain how it will affect the Panda Touch and how you can still retain full functionality. | ||
The announcement in question can be read here: https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing.../ Below is a bullet point list of the key points and implications from this announcement: - The new authorization control system will be rolled out to the X range of printers on the 23rd of January 2025. - No mention is made of an exact release schedule for the P and A series printers. - The new authorization method will likely limit the control available to third party devices and software on all X series machines. This includes software like Home Assistant, Orca Slicer and the Panda Touch. - A and P series machines will retain full third party software and device control until Bambu release a similar firmware update for those machines. - The firmware updates are optional and any users who wish to retain third party device or software control can choose not to perform the update. - We have reached out to Bambu to try and obtain more information and we will keep users updated as Bambu provides feedback that is approved for public release. Our recommendation is to remain on your current firmware so that you can retain the use of the Panda Touch until we have more clarity about the situation. Sincerely, The BIQU/BIGTREETECH team.</nowiki> |url=https://www.facebook.com/BIGTREETECH/posts/pfbid0SNZGxvf7NRdmyVgHf6y9yNedNbU2RrCfdT8gugTSD4AYfr5BHneNF9H1EbwyYiJEl |url-status=live | The announcement in question can be read here: https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing.../ Below is a bullet point list of the key points and implications from this announcement: - The new authorization control system will be rolled out to the X range of printers on the 23rd of January 2025. - No mention is made of an exact release schedule for the P and A series printers. - The new authorization method will likely limit the control available to third party devices and software on all X series machines. This includes software like Home Assistant, Orca Slicer and the Panda Touch. - A and P series machines will retain full third party software and device control until Bambu release a similar firmware update for those machines. - The firmware updates are optional and any users who wish to retain third party device or software control can choose not to perform the update. - We have reached out to Bambu to try and obtain more information and we will keep users updated as Bambu provides feedback that is approved for public release. Our recommendation is to remain on your current firmware so that you can retain the use of the Panda Touch until we have more clarity about the situation. Sincerely, The BIQU/BIGTREETECH team.</nowiki> |url=https://www.facebook.com/BIGTREETECH/posts/pfbid0SNZGxvf7NRdmyVgHf6y9yNedNbU2RrCfdT8gugTSD4AYfr5BHneNF9H1EbwyYiJEl |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104021/https://www.facebook.com/BIGTREETECH/posts/pfbid0SNZGxvf7NRdmyVgHf6y9yNedNbU2RrCfdT8gugTSD4AYfr5BHneNF9H1EbwyYiJEl |archive-date=2025-10-04 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=[[Facebook]]}}</ref> or other third-party accessories or software interfaces | ||
*Control printer temperatures or cooling | *Control printer temperatures or cooling | ||
*Automate printer behaviors based on sensor data or events | *Automate printer behaviors based on sensor data or events | ||
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==TOS restricting development of third party devices and accessories== | ==TOS restricting development of third party devices and accessories== | ||
It is understood that the following section has been part of the Bambu Lab TOS at least since January 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |last=@X1Plus |title=X1plus community Bambu Lab firmware - A win for everyone? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/18zaay0/x1plus_community_bambu_lab_firmware_a_win_for/kggqg4n/ |url-status= | It is understood that the following section has been part of the Bambu Lab TOS at least since January 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |last=@X1Plus |title=X1plus community Bambu Lab firmware - A win for everyone? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/18zaay0/x1plus_community_bambu_lab_firmware_a_win_for/kggqg4n/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222212657/https://old.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/18zaay0/x1plus_community_bambu_lab_firmware_a_win_for/kggqg4n/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> with some users suggesting that the purpose is to restrict development, while others argue that this is a standard clause used by companies around the world<ref>{{Cite web |last=@mflexx |title=Not updated. And this part is shared by pretty much every company that has ever existed on this planet. That's just blatant karma farming at this point. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1ibhhg7/updated_tos_shots_fired/m9i78kj/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222212738/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1ibhhg7/updated_tos_shots_fired/m9i78kj/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>. | ||
“ 3.1 You may not use Bambu Lab technology or Bambu Lab intellectual property to develop software or design, develop, manufacture, sell, or license third-party devices/accessories associated with Bambu Lab Product without Bambu Lab's prior consent.”<ref name=":2" /> | “ 3.1 You may not use Bambu Lab technology or Bambu Lab intellectual property to develop software or design, develop, manufacture, sell, or license third-party devices/accessories associated with Bambu Lab Product without Bambu Lab's prior consent.”<ref name=":2" /> | ||