Jump to content

Ecoflow: Difference between revisions

From Consumer_Action_Taskforce
Added example of limiting device functionality without app installation
Emanuele (talk | contribs)
m added logo and category
Line 5: Line 5:
| Industry = Portable solar generators, portable power stations
| Industry = Portable solar generators, portable power stations
| Official Website = https://ecoflow.com
| Official Website = https://ecoflow.com
| Logo = QuestionMark.svg
| Logo = Ecoflow-logo-vector.svg
}}
}}


Line 17: Line 17:


The benefits of its integrated app are displayed prominently in marketing media. The customer only discovers the requirement to create an account after purchasing the product and installing the app.
The benefits of its integrated app are displayed prominently in marketing media. The customer only discovers the requirement to create an account after purchasing the product and installing the app.
[[Category:Companies]]

Revision as of 19:58, 18 February 2025

Ecoflow
Basic information
Founded 2017
Type Private
Industry Portable solar generators, portable power stations
Official website https://ecoflow.com


EcoFlow Technology is a manufacturer of solar-energy storage devices designed for mobile and off-grid use. The company systematically requires installation of a proprietary, closed-source application on a mobile device to unlock the full functionality of its battery backup products.

The application connects to the EcoFlow devices through Bluetooth or over WiFi, but the app cannot be used with the devices without creating an account with EcoFlow and periodically connecting to their servers for an authentication token.

This creates inherent privacy risks and raises concerns about data collection and unwanted telemetry by the manufacturer. It also poses a problem for their customers who may go off-grid for extended periods of time with no data connection available.

App installation and account creation are required to unlock the full functionality of the solar generators. Key features such as current limiting while charging from an AC power source are unavailable without the app.

The benefits of its integrated app are displayed prominently in marketing media. The customer only discovers the requirement to create an account after purchasing the product and installing the app.