If you upgrade to the firmware with Authorization Features, you will only be able to monitor print progress and status (e.g., status updates in HomeAssistant).
It also destroys any automation you have. So yea, there’s absolutely no way in hell i’m updating my printer.
If their reasoning is honest, they will be forced to require the firmware (and BambuStudio) updates for any printer accessing the cloud. (Otherwise, it completely negates their stated reasoning: people will just not do the firmware update and the same cloud issues would still exist.)
To be fair, I understand their wanting to wall off their cloud servers. Those services become very expensive very quickly, especially when they’re open to 3rd party abuse. Bambu is far from the only company cutting off 3rd party access to cloud services. The same is happening with MANY online connected services such as cars (Ford, GM, etc), power monitoring (Emporia), and even garage doors (MyQ/Chamberlain.) At least Bambu is offering some way for at least partial access.
However, I do hope that if Bambu enforces this specific change, that they also further open up the “local” access to the printer beforehand or at the same time. If it’s not connected to the cloud server, and I’m willing to check a box accepting responsibility, let me control my printer however I want. Allow me to have my “device” page on Orca connected locally to my printer and let it be fully functional. It’s reasonable to tell me that if I want remote access to my printer, I have to either choose between their cloud stuff, or using a VPN to access “LAN only” mode – as long as the LAN only mode isn’t crippled.
I will not update and continue to be happy with my two Bambu machines I hope.
However, if they won’t take this back or open it up for 3rd party and FOSS developers, I will happily look into Prusa, Qidi or maybe even Creality again when buying my next machine.
Seems to me as if Bambu got a bit cocky when people praised them so much and now they had to find a way to ground us all. Maybe a bit lower than ground level.
Poor choice guys. I’ve been thinking about switching to LAN only, and this may have just convinced me. I certainly won’t be installing this new firmware. Sorry to see you guys take a big step in the “user unfriendly” direction.
Seems like Cory Doctorow coined a word that describes this sort of thing…
I run a business on my Bambu printers. I don’t want this, and I don’t want it on new printers (which will come with it preloaded). I do not intend to have multiple printer platforms in my business. This means I’ll sell my Bambu printers if this actually happens. Creality’s K2 Plus looks very promising, and I think this sort of action out of Bambu deserves some spite in response.
Also, knowledgeable parties (Positron3D in particular) have said that Bambu has the ability to force-update machines. If they’re going to engage in one bit of bad faith, it’s possible that they’ll engage in another, though I haven’t looked at LAN mode enough myself to know if his advice there would forestall a forced update.
This is absolutely unacceptable. The X1 is a workhorse and it needs to stay accessible by the Orca Slicer Plugin.
Should this ■■■■ become reality Bambu is no longer an option in any way and i’ll try to get a refund for my X1C machines or sell them.
If the current network plug-in, that allows OrcaSlicer from working as it does, stops being supported by bambu then I guess it’s over for me too. Currently my machines are working better than ever before on LAN mode only. Having another piece of software as a middle man to get the way is a horrible idea, just seems like there’s more to go wrong, and will make alternate methods more clunky to use than LAN mode on BambuStudio already is. I guess I’m on my final version of the firmware already. The only upside is that most of the other manufactures have caught up to where their machines are just as usable so there’s no need to continue down the bambu corridor that leads you to your cage 
I’m just seeing this now but so far this sounds shocking and completely unacceptable!
The Prusa Core One is looking more and more interesting every day.
Love my X1C. I bought my niece an a1 mini. I advised my friend to get an X1C. But, if they deploy this new firmware that will prevent me from using any 3rd party software with the printer, I will never buy another one - and will tell everyone I’ve previously advised to buy bambu not to.
Bambu lab, please don’t squander the Goodwill you have. It is a bigger asset than you may realize.
I’m already a LANmoder. Is using LAN mode basically how we avoid firmware updates? Now I’m a little nervous that it might pull some down anyway (maybe it asks to install, but then you’re just one touch from accidentally upgrading).
Perhaps this is just paranoia, but I’m recalling this incident:
Edit - Removing a probable outdated “AI” claim that you can downgrade (sounds like the possibility was taken away). What a shame…
I’m already at the point where I give warnings about the loss of control over our hardware and privacy issues we’re being subjected to.
If this doesn’t get fixed in a reasonable way it’ll change to a “Buy Prusa Core One instead.”
Might wanna research their forum before investing there.
Would go for it immediately should it come with a multiple filament/color system like the AMS.
never trust an AI.especially around firmware updates
Oh, I don’t trust them. But they are a useful starting point (like a search engine), and the one I use provides links to sources you can verify if it’s making stuff up.
I think that’s the weak point with it. I’ve read it’s compatible with their existing version of an AMS, but from what I can tell their version of AMS isn’t as nice.
And thanks for getting on me to do my homework putting info out in public:
I don’t have all night to read that entire thread, but it looks like maybe we can’t anymore. Looks like I’ll never be upgrading it.
We’re on the same page! We must stand together against this approach otherwise it will become the standard with other/future brands.
The whole uprising of consumer 3D printing has been built upon open-source development and must remain that way so we can pursue advancements based on everyone’s needs and wants.
If someone doesn’t understand why this is unjustly of Bambu Lab well how’s it feel to basically give up freedom and product support to remain free and open?
Grandfathered users either upgrade and stay within Bambu labs proprietary ecosystem, or give up update support/semi-open source capabilities…
This is a choice I shouldn’t even have to make…
Does this also constitute you not purchasing another Bambu lab printer in the future? Because all future printers will have this enabled as well the P/A series printers.
It’s been a pleasurable experience actually… bambu lab doesn’t have much over competition anymore…
Bambu have really shot themselves in the foot with this one. Trying to lock down a community of makers. I see custom firmware in the future. This will hopefully be the push that is needed to get this to happen. LAN only till then.