Yeah, I never really liked BBL emphasis on the cloud to begin with, but then BBL unlocked the video for the LAN only mode, and even allowed the development of X1Plus firmware. So, I really did not expect this locking down and locking out especially in a dishonest way pretending to do it in the name of security.
What security means to users is being able to fully utilize LAN mode without sending data to the cloud. Devices, such as printer and their associated apps and the cloud are not very secure by design, so leaving them connected to the Internet is an invitation for a botnet to use our equipment.
Again, the best security practice is to have the device on LAN only, not to install any kind of network plugins, and block Internet access with a firewall (router). So, as far as security goes, this is what users want, and as it was said before, we do want freedom of choice.
What we do not want is to get locked into anything. The special “Developer” mode is not the answer. Freedom to choose the software, filaments, and the connection mode is the answer.
In any case, I have switched to X1Plus into LAN + shield mode and configured the firewall to block mostly all printer communications with the Internet. X1Plus is still supported, and requires users to downgrade their firmware first, although the process of switching requires users to accept big BBL disclaimer that this may void all warranty and support.
Just like many here, I was preparing to purchase the new BBL flagship and hundreds of dollars worth of stuff from the store, but it looks unlikely that I will be making these purchases even if the situation is favorably resolved. It looks like instead of working on upgrades to our printers and the new flagship, BBL is working on the lockdown plans, and even Creality (which was playing catch up) was able to release the bigger, better, and faster printer ahead of BBL. This is very disappointing. I do not know if my next move is going to be K2plus, Qidi, Prusa, Ratrig, Peopoply or Voron, but probably not BBL.
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