I’ve also noted the change, but frankly, whether it’s 2025 or 2027, it ain’t making a big difference, at least for me, as long as their bugfixes and patching aren’t that reliable, and seem to generate more bugs and print issues than they solve. Like everyone else I’ve updated the firmware regularly only to discover that my prints have suddenly gotten worse, that my printer began developing strange and out of the blue issues that have never manifested before, and which have miraculously sort of disappeared once I’ve rolled back the firmware…which is why I’ve decided to stay behind with firmware updates until plenty of users validate the version as fully operational and stable… In the meantime I’m waiting for their R version firmware to be released (plan to keep it handy) and keeping close tabs on the evolution of the X1Plus, just as an escape route…should it come to that. I think that once my 2 years warranty end (no much of it being left), I might seriously consider dropping BL’s firmware for X1Plus. After all, if they pull the plug on firmware and security updates, no reason to stick around longer… Meanwhile, I regularly purchase spares and accessories, stocking up for when the (BL) ■■■■ will (eventually) hit the fan… And I’m convinced that it ain’t a matter of “if”, but rather of “when” that will happen.
At the current trajectory it does seem like that’s inevitable, doesn’t it? Although customer’s do have short term memory -squirrel🐿- and will quickly forget the bad news once a discount is waived in their face. Look at Car makers and the latest Consumer Reports do-not buy list. Why anyone would continue to purchase some of those brands remains a mystery. I guess PT Barnum was right.
As I’ve said, I’m an old school guy, and I’ve been “blessed” with long term memory…still 100% operational and very reliable… I’m also what people call a “strong headed guy”… lol
Using X1+ instead of Bambu firmware is not like running Linux on a PC instead of Windows. X1+ is not a complete firmware replacement.
The “R” firmware has been out since early April - it’s v1.06, which the X1+ team know how to root for booting off the SDcard, with Bambu’s permission.
The “R” firmware is not a file you can “keep handy”- you have to agree to Bambu’s terms and then Bambu makes it accessible for download direct to your printer. The download is initiated via Handy like any other firmware up/downgrade.
The X1+ installer then downloads a newer Bambu firmware onto the card as a base and, for now, adds mostly interface bells and whistles. Currently, it downloads version 1.07.03 from the Bambu servers. The X1+ developers have said they intend to update to newer Bambu base versions soon after they become available. Without the base firmware download from Bambu, X1+ will not function. There are plans to add more features, but I have not seen any indication that X1+ will ever be completely independent of the Bambu firmware.
I don’t really care if Bambu stops firmware updates or development. Like all previous versions, 1.07.03 does everything I really need. My X1C also does some new things it did not do when purchased, and at some point updates always cease. It probably helps that I have never had a problem after any firmware update that was not corrected by restoring factory settings.
I suspect the initial three year support limit was set to give Bambu an out if a model failed to sell and had to be discontinued. Obviously, dropping support in just a year will impact sales if they want to continue making a particular model, so they extended the support periods. I don’t think the Reddit discussion would have had much impact unless Bambu already planned to continue producing the current models.
If customer input really drove the Bambu decisions, we would have Ethernet connectivity, multi-user logins, Handy LAN-only video, clear text logs, downloadable firmware files…
“Sunsetting” support is common enough, BBL isn’t doing anything unusual. There already aren’t a lot of things to fix, so how much more FW support is really going to be necessary, anyway?
New features you say? That’s why you’ll buy your next printer. Maintaining constant feature updates cannibalizes sales of newer generation product. Not in BBL’s best interests to do it, not really reasonable for buyers to expect it.
I know all that. By “keeping it handy” I meant to say that I’m considering using this once the warranty period runs out, prior to BL stopping to provide updates and patching. The logic is simple. If BL does stop providing, I’ll simply have to choose between staying with their last FW and security update, or rely on the open community development to continue upgrading the X1Plus. In both cases there’s a level of risk, security and functionality wise, but while the former can be mitigated by sticking to LAN and memory card, the later is still providing more functionality than BL does. At the end it’s a matter of cutting off one’s loses so if BL stops updating, I’ll simply move to X1Plus and see how it goes.
Look guys, is the X1CC, currently top of the line, going to be in production in 2027? or 2026?
I’ll bet a nickel that in 2025, there will be a replacement to the X and P series printer. In my not so humble opinion, it is where Prusa failed. keep on putting out same old same old and get passed by.
