Bambu Labs Firmware reaches the mainstream

Outcry over firmware updates jump from just 3D printing communities.

Author

Steven Hu
January 22, 2025

Bambu Lab’s firmware updates locking makers out of using their own preferred software reaches beyond just the making community.

The Verge

Featuring responses from Bambu Lab’s PR. A must read, a key response to the main complaint from the developer community is as follows:

4) Will Bambu publicly commit to permanently keep the Developer mode with local MQTT, livestream and FTP and never remove it in any future update or shipping batch of the X1, P1, A1, and A1 Mini? 

Yes. However, if a severe security issue arises in the future, we may need to make adjustments to address it. Users can always choose whether to update their printer firmware or not. 

It’s worth noting that it appears that using this new developer mode would prevent access to the Bambu Handy app, an app super useful for starting and checking in on the status of prints so it appears users will be losing out on some existing functionality. However this would mean things like the Panda Touch should continue to work.

Here’s what Bambu will — and won’t — promise after its controversial 3D printer update

Users were pissed about Bambu Connect.

www.theverge.com/2025/1/21/24349031/bambu-3d-printer-update-authentication-filament-subscription-lock-answers

Right to Repair Fast Talking Guru Louis Rossmann

Louis Rossman is a large proponent of the right to repair moment and has done plenty of research and has dived into the details. If you want to get into the nitty gritty this video is it.

Ars Technica weighs in

Nothing new year that wasn’t previously discussed but wanted to point out the mainstream coverage

Bambu Lab pushes a “control system” for 3D printers, and boy, did it not go well

Security measure? Boxing out third-party tools? Or something more complex?

arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/bambu-lab-pushes-a-control-system-for-3d-printers-and-boy-did-it-not-go-well

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