Brother Firmly Stands by Firmware Practices Regarding Third-Party Toner and Ink Use
Brother has clarified its stance on the use of third-party toner and ink cartridges in its printers, denying that firmware updates restrict their usage. The company's statement suggests that user confusion may stem from misunderstandings or low-quality non-genuine supplies, but it also admits to performing a "Genuine check" during troubleshooting processes. However, Brother asserts that this check is not responsible for degrading print quality or removing printer features.
- It is possible that Brother's firmware practices may be more nuanced than initially reported, with the company's devices using a complex system of checks and balances to manage third-party supplies.
- What implications might arise if manufacturers like Brother begin to use proprietary firmware updates as a means of restricting the use of aftermarket supplies?