Technology

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

Published

1 year ago

January 21, 2025

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

Bambu Lab, the company behind my favorite 3D printers, has given itself one hell of a week. Now, I’ve got answers to some of my burning questions, answers which you might also hopefully appreciate. But first, some backstory.

Since last Thursday, some creators have pledged not to buy Bambu printers anymore, even removed some of their 3D models from its online repository, after the company revealed it would add a new proprietary authentication mechanism that could keep you from using third-party tools to remote control your printer.

While you’d still be able to stick a file on an SD card and physically put it into your printer or use Bambu’s proprietary cloud, the old way of printing remotely from a third-party slicer would be no more — unless you downloaded a new proprietary Windows and Mac “Bambu Connect” desktop app to be the middleman between your slicer and Bambu’s hardware.

“Unauthorized third-party software will be prohibited from executing critical operations” — Bambu

While Bambu was clear early on that this would be an optional update, one you could simply choose not to install, the company also positioned it as a necessary one to secure printers against remote hacks. Some owners immediately saw that as a potential bridge to enshittification, however.

They noted how Bambu printers can already detect if you’re using an official roll of filament and imagined a future where Bambu can keep you from using third-party filament at all. They noted how Bambu already seems to be planning a subscription service for its print farm software, one that requires regular cloud activations and imagined a future where your Bambu printer stops working if you don’t pay up.

Bambu has denied these and many other such fears in a subsequent “setting the record straight” blog post, and explained that its new tool doesn’t require internet access or a user account — and has also backpedaled very slightly, pledging to offer an at-your-own-risk “Developer Mode” that maintains local access to your printer without any new proprietary authentication at all. Unfortunately, that mode may also disable your ability to access your printer via the cloud.

Meanwhile, Bambu didn’t do itself any favors by keeping people from using the Wayback Machine to scrutinize its changing statements, by allegedly censoring criticism of the company on its subreddit, and by claiming that the developer of Orca Slicer was working with Bambu on a seamless way to continue to print directly from his popular third-party slicer when they had not actually pledged their support.

It has also not helped confidence that Bambu’s own security around its new Bambu Connect app is such that hackers have already extracted its private key and authentication certificate, or that users have discovered that Bambu gives itself the right to block new print jobs until a printer has finished automatically downloading firmware updates in its Terms of Use.

Anyhow, I think the real question here is: are these changes a stepping stone to more enshittification, or at least more of a walled garden, or not?

Here are the questions I sent Bambu and the answers I got, via spokesperson Nadia Yaakoubi:

1) Will Bambu publicly commit to never requiring a subscription in order to control its printers and print from them over a home network?

For our current product line, yes. We will never require a subscription to control or print from our printers over a home network. However, there might be specific business scenarios in the future that require exceptions, i.e a 3DP vending machine, but these would apply to entirely different applications and customer needs. If such a product line is introduced, we will clearly communicate this before its launch.

1c) Will Bambu publicly commit to never putting any existing printer functionality behind a subscription?

2) Will Bambu publicly commit to never restricting the use of third-party filament in any way, shape, or form?

For our current product line, yes. We have no plans to restrict the use of third-party filament in any way.

3) Will Bambu publicly commit to never monitor files and prints transmitted between users and their printers over a home network?

Let’s be clear about how this works:

LAN mode: Nothing is transmitted through our servers.
Cloud mode: Users control their privacy through “incognito printing.” When enabled, no print history is recorded, and files are not stored in the cloud.
Cloud features: For features like re-printing, files are temporarily stored in the cloud to allow users to access their print history. Under no circumstances do we look into the print file/model without the explicit consent of our customers.

Bambu has additionally agreed to add a new Developer mode. Some users are concerned that this move is just temporary and that Bambu can simply remove the developer mode and claim that it was too much of a security risk or say that not enough users opted to use it to justify keeping it around.

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.

5) Will Bambu publicly commit to offering and keeping the local Developer mode available in any future printers it releases?

We cannot commit to features for non-existent future printers. However, we will clearly communicate all relevant details before customers make their purchase decisions.

6) Will Bambu publicly commit to its current and future printers permanently being remotely controllable over LAN without user account or Internet access?

For current models: Yes. For future products, while we aim to retain this functionality, we believe committing to a specific technical approach indefinitely is not responsible. However, we will clearly communicate all relevant details before customers make their purchase decisions.

Bambu has announced that Bambu Connect will integrate with third-party slicers like Orca, but some users are confused why an app like Bambu Connect is required at all when you could instead add more secure authentication to the printer itself, with industry standard practices like having the printer generate a secure token/API key instead of creating a proprietary middleman authentication app.

7) Did Bambu consider and reject interoperable ways of securing its printers, like tokens?

7b) Will Bambu commit to changing its authentication system to an interoperable one? If Bambu did reject interoperable secure authentication systems, why?

If software communicates and interacts with our cloud system, it is reasonable for us to have a say in how it operates. As highlighted in our blog post, unauthorized third-party software has created ongoing challenges to the stability of our cloud services and machines for a long time.

While we trust that most developers act with good intentions, users are often unaware of the hidden complexities within such software and the security requirements. This lack of transparency of all software makes interoperable secure authentication systems insufficient to fully resolve these issues. Our goal is to safeguard the entire Bambu Lab product ecosystem, providing every user with confidence that our products are secure and easy to use—free from concerns about complex network configurations. And with the changes done, we are one step closer to integrate third-party access in a secure way.

8) Is it true that the developer of Orca Slicer was not actually working with Bambu on the integration and that Bambu announced their involvement without approval?

We have been in ongoing discussions with SoftFever, the developer of Orca Slicer, since January 14 regarding the firmware update and potential integration into the new release. “Work with” might be ambiguous. To be more specific, messages were exchanged, files were sent, and their receipt was confirmed along with an indication that they would be reviewed.

9) Will Panda Touch and similar accessories continue to work under Developer Mode?

We guarantee keeping the port/channel open, but implementations are up to third-party developers.

9b) Is Bambu answering that company’s questions?

Since the release, we have received many inquiries from third-party software developers, including BigTreeTech, via devpartners@bambulab.com. We are currently in the process of finalizing our response. It’s worth noting that we warned third party developers in a blog post from March 2024: ”If you’re developing a device that controls the entire printer, including heating elements and motion systems, please do not expect long-term support unless it has been approved by us in advance. This is especially applicable to for-profit organizations.”

10) Will you allow users to roll back to the old firmware, for reasons like if they accidentally upgrade without understanding the limitations?

Yes. Firmware rollback was and always will be available.

11) Does the private key leaking change any of your plans?

No, this doesn’t change our plans, and we’ve taken immediate action.

Technology

Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound

Published

5 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound

We finally have an update to the Soundcore Space One that launched two and a half years ago. At MWC 2026, Soundcore has announced the Space 2, which will be available in the US on April 21st in three colors — linen white, jet black, and seafoam green — for $129.99. That’s $30 more than the Space One’s original price.

According to Soundcore, the Space 2 have had a full-band noise cancellation upgrade with the focus of those improvements on the low-frequency sounds we all generally use ANC headphones to block — things like airplane, train, and bus engine sounds while traveling. The Space 2 use the same number of microphones as the Space One for noise canceling, instead relying on optimized mic placement and structure and materials improvements for the boost in performance.

Redesigned 40mm drivers incorporate dual layers in their design. There’s a silk diaphragm with metal ceramic that supposedly results in faster transient response — the driver’s ability to respond to sudden sound quickly and accurately — with better balanced sound reproduction. The Space One had great sound performance for the price, but I’m all for any improvement to sound performance accuracy. Like the Space One, the Space 2 will support LDAC high-res audio.

The headphones connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 6.1, although they do not support Auracast transmissions — an unfortunate exclusion. There’s also a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection.

Battery life has been increased to up to 50 hours with ANC and 70 hours with ANC off. This is up from 40 hours with ANC and 55 hours without ANC with the Space One headphones. With a five-minute charge the Space 2 get an additional four hours of listening.

The Space 2 will include many of the features found on the Space One. You can use HearID 3.0 to go through a series of sound samples to tune the headphones’ sound to your preferences. It worked well for me on the Space One to get them closer to a sound I liked, with a bit of the edge taken off the higher frequencies. There’s also a sensor that detects when you remove the headphones and stops playback so you don’t miss any of your music or podcast. They once again come with a cloth bag that matches the color of the headphones instead of a case, which is one change I wish Soundcore had made, as the cloth bag doesn’t offer as much protection if you tend to throw your headphones into your backpack or bag.

The Soundcore Space One were among the best budget ANC headphones when they came out, and still hold up to more recent releases. But with the bump in price to over $100 for the Space 2, there’s a bit more expectation on them. ANC performance continues to improve — and products get cheaper — across manufacturers, so the Soundcore Space 2 has some competition from companies like Sony, EarFun, and JLab. If the ANC on the Space 2 stands up to current budget headphones and they still sound as good and are as comfortable as the Space One, you can expect to see the new Soundcore Space 2 on many recommendation lists.

Technology

Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that

Published

5 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

If you have ever turned on your VPN and suddenly could not log in to your bank, email, streaming service or work portal, you are not imagining things. In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations VPN users face today.

However, the issue is not that VPNs stopped working. Instead, websites have become far more aggressive about blocking traffic that looks suspicious.

As a result, the way your VPN is built now matters just as much as whether you use one at all.

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Shared VPN IPs often trigger red flags, which is why banks, email providers and streaming sites sometimes block access. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why websites block many VPN connections

Most VPNs give you a shared IP address. As a result, hundreds or even thousands of people can appear online from the same address at the same time. From a website’s perspective, that traffic pattern raises red flags. When platforms detect too many logins, rapid location changes or unusual activity tied to one IP, they step in quickly. In many cases, they respond by:

Blocking access
Triggering captchas
Requiring extra verification codes
Temporarily locking accounts

Meanwhile, you did nothing wrong. Instead, you end up dealing with restrictions caused by other users sharing that same IP address.

What a dedicated IP does differently

With a dedicated IP, you get an address that belongs only to you. Unlike shared VPN connections, no one else uses it.

Each time you connect, you use the same IP address. As a result, you avoid sharing traffic, rotating locations or competing with random users whose activity could trigger blocks.

Because of that consistency, your connection looks much more like a typical home or office internet setup. And that simple difference can dramatically reduce website suspicion and login headaches.

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A dedicated IP gives you a consistent address that looks more like a normal home connection, reducing captchas and login alerts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What a dedicated IP can do that shared VPN IPs usually can’t

That consistency does more than reduce suspicion; it improves how smoothly you access the sites and services you use every day.

Access more websites without blocks

Banks, government portals, healthcare sites, and streaming services are far less likely to block a dedicated IP because it does not show heavy or erratic traffic patterns.

Reduce captchas and security challenges

Those endless “prove you’re human” messages are usually triggered by shared IP abuse. A dedicated IP dramatically reduces them.

Make banking and email logins smoother

Financial institutions and email providers often flag constantly changing IP addresses as suspicious. A dedicated IP stays consistent, so login alerts and lockouts happen far less often.

Support remote work and secure systems

Some employers only allow access from approved IP addresses. Shared VPN IPs cannot be approved. Dedicated IPs can.

Improve streaming reliability

Shared VPN IPs are often the first to get blocked when streaming services crack down. Dedicated IPs are less likely to be flagged because traffic looks normal and predictable.

What a dedicated IP does not do

A dedicated IP:

Does not remove encryption
Does not expose your identity
Does not weaken your privacy

Your traffic remains encrypted, and your real location stays hidden. You simply get a connection that websites trust more.

Who benefits most from a dedicated IP

A dedicated IP is especially helpful if you:

Use online banking regularly
Travel and access sites from different locations
Work remotely
Stream often
Get tired of captchas and blocked pages
Want a VPN that feels normal to use

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With fewer blocks and smoother logins, a dedicated IP helps your VPN work quietly in the background instead of getting in your way. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to choose a VPN that offers a dedicated IP

If you want these benefits, look for a VPN provider that offers a dedicated IP option built directly into its service. Some providers include it in premium plans, while others offer it as an add-on. Either way, the process should be simple. You should be able to select your dedicated IP inside the app without advanced setup or manual configuration. Before signing up, check that the provider also offers strong speeds, reliable uptime and clear privacy policies. A dedicated IP improves access, but overall performance still matters.

What to look for beyond a dedicated IP

A dedicated IP reduces blocks. However, a quality VPN should also deliver strong security and smooth performance.

Fast, stable connections: Speed matters for streaming, video calls and everyday browsing. Look for providers known for consistent performance.

Wide server coverage: More server locations give you flexibility when traveling and help reduce location errors.

Clear privacy practices: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and independent audits when possible.

Secure server technology: Modern VPNs often use RAM-based servers that automatically wipe data on reboot.

Easy-to-use apps: Protection should feel simple, not technical. Clean apps across major devices make daily use effortless.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s key takeaway

If your VPN keeps getting blocked, the problem may not be the VPN itself. It may be the shared IP address behind it. Websites are increasingly aggressive about suspicious traffic. When hundreds of users share the same IP, banks, email providers and streaming platforms take notice. That is when the captchas, verification codes and account lockouts start. A dedicated IP changes that experience. You still get encryption. You still protect your real location. But your connection looks stable and predictable, which helps you avoid constant interruptions.

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Should protecting your privacy really mean fighting with your bank, email, and streaming apps? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’

Published

17 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’

It might be World War III, but at least I won $20. | Image: Polymarket / The Verge

Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:

…

Read the full story at The Verge.