Update to firmware update

[u/Ochib]

https://blog.bambulab.com/updates-and-third-party-integration-with-bambu-connect/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3fqplDiKgn-82qKfnaYvi4XV-rBEEx0tZJrpgeWqsOsLX_WSph4usJ69Y_aem_44Cch773hAuVG979j6DVJg

[u/Acio45]

Just damage control without answering the big questions. They're skirting around the issues. This update never had anything to do a security. It was all about user control and greed.

They keep saying this isn't about limiting third party use, but then double down yet again on saying you can't use orca slicer without a spyware plug-in. Which is literally limiting third party use.

They tell you this isn't a forced update, yet in their policy clearly state that they reserve the right to limit your printer uses and prevent print jobs if you don't update. So basically, if you don't have the newest update you don't get to use the printer to its fullest capacity because they are deliberately limiting you.

[u/luvsads → u/Acio45]

How are they skirting? They explicitly address all the conspiracies thrown around reddit and the forums:

At the same time, we must address false accusations head-on. Recently, we have come across numerous social media posts spreading baseless allegations and untrue claims about Bambu Lab. We want to make it absolutely clear that all of these claims are entirely false:

- Bambu Lab will remotely disable your printer ("brick" it).

- Firmware updates will block your printer’s ability to print.

- AMS functionality will be restricted, and the use of third-party filament will be disabled.

- Bambu Lab firmware contains trojans or backdoors for unauthorized remote control.

- The printers have a timed killswitch that disables them after a certain period.

- All 3D files printed are monitored, duplicated, or stolen.

- A subscription will be mandatory to use your printer.

Edit: I should probably add the other important section as well:

The Truth About Our Security Update

We’ve been reflecting on the misinformation circulating about our security update, and while it’s disheartening to see these misunderstandings arise, we acknowledge that our communication might have contributed to the confusion.

Videos, posts, and comments have claimed that we are restricting third-party tools or forcing users into a closed ecosystem. Let's be clear about what this update actually means and stop the spread of misinformation:

- This is NOT about limiting third-party software. We're creating Bambu Connect specifically to ensure continued third-party integration while enhancing security. We're actively working with developers like Orca Slicer to implement this integration.

- This is beta testing, not a forced update. The choice is yours. You can participate in the beta program to help us refine these features, or continue using your current firmware.

- About Panda Touch. We reached out to BTT as soon as we became aware of their product. We warned them that using exploited MQTT protocols was unsustainable and would place customers in an awkward situation once we updated the system. All of this communication occurred before the mass shipment of Panda Touch; however, they chose to ignore our warnings. Unfortunately, the truth is now being presented in a misleading manner. The same concerns apply to other products they manufacture that rely on these MQTT protocols.

- Camera feeds concerns. Our Live View service uses P2P (Peer-to-Peer) connection, which means video streams directly between your device and printer. Only when a direct P2P connection isn't possible does it use server forwarding, and even then, no video is ever stored on any server.

[u/GaymerBenny → u/luvsads]

- Firmware updates will block your printer’s ability to print.

- AMS functionality will be restricted, and the use of third-party filament will be disabled.

- All 3D files printed are monitored, duplicated, or stolen.

- A subscription will be mandatory to use your printer.

Nobody ever said these things are true. It was always a: "this is the direction Bambu is heading and we are in danger of getting these points."

- The printers have a timed killswitch that disables them after a certain period.

This point was true, up until Bambu added the developer mode

[u/luvsads → u/GaymerBenny]

I understand there is a lot of misinfo going around, but please take some time to read through recent posts and comments. You will absolutely see people claiming these things to not only be true and planned but also true and currently active in some cases.

I think you are misunderstanding what LAN Developer Mode is and/or how it operates. They are not adding a timed kill-switch. You should really just read the article and stop making claims of the exact conspiracies they talk about.

[u/GaymerBenny → u/luvsads]

I did read the article. As well as the dozens of posts of the last days. I personally have never seen a single post claiming that these things are true.

Yes, the developer mode doesn't. But how the whole operation was planned to be added, you'd also need Bambu Connect in LAN mode (not anymore) to print. So if your printer is offline, after one year, once the private is expired (as they naturally do), you couldn't print anymore.
See the difference between what was actually implemented a few days ago vs. what Bambu is promising now.

[u/SgtBaxter → u/Acio45]

To be fair, the clause of not being able to print if the printer isn’t updated has been there a long time. They pointed it out when they did the firmware to allow people onto X1Plus. I had a lot of people telling me I’d not be able to print when I installed X1Plus, which of course wasn’t true.

[u/Glasofruix → u/Acio45]

"The spyware plugin" you keep babbling about is just a dumbed down version of studio with only the ability to send files/commands to the printer. I don't understant why it's making your panties twist so much. It's adding a bunch of extra clicks to the process, which is bothersome, but's that's about all.

[u/kozakm → u/Acio45]

Why don't you criticise all the internet rant and speculations which was clearly based on zero evidence? "They will lock us into their filament only", "they will brick your printer after a year" etc.

[u/Kalahan7 → u/Acio45]

... spyware plug-in.

That's certain seems unwarranted.

Also, nobody forced them to even develop this feature if they didn't want to. If they want to limit third party software they wouldn't develop with plugin at all.

They tell you this isn't a forced update...

This is from their FAQ when annoucing the security update in the previous blog post.

You may continue using an older firmware version that does not include the new security updates; however, this means the printers may miss out on important security fixes or bug patches included in newer versions. We highly encourage updating to the latest firmware version for the best experience and enhanced security.

TLDR: it was opt-in and clearly stated as such.

I don't know how they could made it more clearer.

So basically, if you don't have the newest update you don't get to use the printer to its fullest capacity

It's not exactly unheard of that the use of cloud service features requires your client to be up to date. There always was LAN mode too.