Famed RepairTuber Louis Rossmann is left stunned by Brother's sudden shift towards anti-consumer practices, as the company has begun disabling third-party toner via forced firmware updates and preventing color registration functionality on color devices. This move has led to widespread discontent among printer owners who rely on aftermarket ink cartridges, with Rossmann himself advising users to keep their printers offline to avoid potential issues. The repair community is now left to document and warn others about these changes, highlighting the erosion of property rights for individuals.
The rise of anti-consumer practices in the printer industry serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of advocating for right-to-repair policies that protect consumers' interests.
Will the growing awareness of these issues lead to increased pressure on manufacturers like Brother to reconsider their firmware update strategies and prioritize user convenience over profit?
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?
Brother has denied allegations that it locked down third-party printer ink cartridges via forced firmware updates, with the company stating that such claims are "false" and "misleading". The company argues that variations in third-party toner quality could be responsible for print quality issues. However, users have reported degraded print quality when using non-OEM toner, leading to concerns about the company's intentions.
This controversy highlights a broader issue of monopolistic practices in the printer industry, where companies are seen as prioritizing their own brand products over third-party alternatives.
How will regulatory bodies respond to these allegations and whether they will impose stricter guidelines on printer manufacturers regarding compatibility with third-party ink cartridges?
A recent wave of online claims suggests that Brother firmware updates intentionally brick printer functionality when using third-party toner or ink, sparking concerns about consumer protection and company transparency. However, the manufacturer denies these allegations, stating that firmware updates do not block the use of third-party cartridges and that the quality of printing remains unaffected by whether genuine or non-genuine supplies are used. Despite Brother's assurances, many online reports persist, leaving consumers questioning the company's motives.
The rise of online forums and social media platforms has created an environment where rumors and misinformation can spread quickly, making it difficult for companies to control their reputations and maintain trust with customers.
Can Brother's reputation as a reliable printer manufacturer be salvaged by addressing these concerns and providing clear, transparent information about its firmware updates and compatibility policies?
The Creality K2 Plus has emerged as a formidable contender in the 3D printing market, boasting impressive build quality, material versatility, and advanced printing capabilities, including multifilament support. While the printer excels in speed and quality, its large footprint and slower multifilament print speeds may pose challenges in space-constrained environments. Overall, this machine represents a significant leap forward, catering to professionals and educational institutions seeking high-performance 3D printing solutions.
The K2 Plus not only highlights advancements in 3D printing technology but also underscores the growing demand for multifunctional equipment that can adapt to various design and educational needs.
In a landscape increasingly filled with advanced 3D printers, what features will become essential for companies aiming to stay competitive in the evolving market?
Retroid has clarified ongoing display issues affecting the Pocket Mini by confirming that the problems with shaders rendering incorrectly is a 'behaviour of the screen', rather than a software issue, resulting in filters and scan lines appearing distorted and uneven. The company initially aimed to resolve this through collaboration with Qualcomm, but now acknowledges the hardware limitation, necessitating an adjustment to return policies for users dissatisfied with their devices. This development marks a shift from software-based solutions to acknowledging the underlying hardware capabilities of the Pocket Mini.
The announcement highlights the complexity of resolving display issues in portable devices, where the interplay between hardware and software can be intricate, often leading to challenges in identifying the root cause of problems.
Will Retroid's new return policy and acknowledgment of hardware limitations set a precedent for how companies handle similar product issues in the future?
Well-known hardware reviewers aren't immune to tech retail fakers, and to demonstrate this, Hardware Busters has shared images of a counterfeit AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and its packaging. Dealing with fakes seems to be part and parcel of being a tech enthusiast nowadays, but luckily Aris from Hardware Busters will very likely get his money back, via the returns process he has now begun on Amazon.de. The use of fake CPUs highlights the need for increased scrutiny when purchasing components online. Counterfeit parts can have serious consequences, including damage to motherboards and harm to consumers.
The proliferation of counterfeit chips underscores the importance of verifying component authenticity before making a purchase.
How will ongoing efforts to combat counterfeiting impact the overall health and trustworthiness of online tech retailers?
Best Buy is attempting to turn around a three-year decline in sales growth, but the Street is not convinced the results are coming just yet. Same-store sales is estimated to decrease 1.45% "as a result of macroeconomic stress on spending for discretionary goods, especially big-ticket items," according to Telsey Advisory Group's Joe Feldman. This would be the 13th consecutive quarter of negative same-store sales growth.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding AI innovation and tariffs could exacerbate challenges facing Best Buy, potentially affecting consumer confidence in purchasing big-ticket electronics.
As the replacement cycle kicks in around laptops, notebooks, and phones in 2025, will Best Buy's efforts to innovate and improve services be enough to propel the company towards long-term growth?
Meta Platforms said on Thursday it had resolved an error that flooded the personal Reels feeds of Instagram users with violent and graphic videos worldwide. Meta's moderation policies have come under scrutiny after it decided last month to scrap its U.S. fact-checking program on Facebook, Instagram and Threads, three of the world's biggest social media platforms with more than 3 billion users globally. The company has in recent years been leaning more on its automated moderation tools, a tactic that is expected to accelerate with the shift away from fact-checking in the United States.
The increased reliance on automation raises concerns about the ability of companies like Meta to effectively moderate content and ensure user safety, particularly when human oversight is removed from the process.
How will this move impact the development of more effective AI-powered moderation tools that can balance free speech with user protection, especially in high-stakes contexts such as conflict zones or genocide?
The Senate has voted to remove the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) authority to oversee digital platforms like X, coinciding with growing concerns over Elon Musk's potential conflicts of interest linked to his ownership of X and leadership at Tesla. This resolution, which awaits House approval, could undermine consumer protection efforts against fraud and privacy issues in digital payments, as it jeopardizes the CFPB's ability to monitor Musk's ventures. In response, Democratic senators are calling for an ethics investigation into Musk to ensure compliance with federal laws amid fears that his influence may lead to regulatory advantages for his businesses.
This legislative move highlights the intersection of technology, finance, and regulatory oversight, raising questions about the balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumer rights in an increasingly digital economy.
In what ways might the erosion of regulatory power over digital platforms affect consumer trust and safety in financial transactions moving forward?
HP has announced that 90% of its products for North America will be made outside of China by October, as the company shifts its production away from the country due to increased tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. This move is part of a broader trend among PC makers to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on China. The restructuring aims to mitigate the impact of tariffs on imports from China.
The ability of companies like HP to successfully diversify their supply chains highlights the adaptability and resilience required in today's complex global market, where trade policies can shift suddenly.
How will the ongoing diversification efforts by PC makers affect the long-term competitiveness and pricing strategies of these companies?
ASML, the computer chip equipment maker, reported that uncertainty over export controls had weakened customer demand in 2024, with macroeconomic uncertainty including technological sovereignty and export controls leading customers to remain cautious and control capital expenditure. The company faces ongoing risk from increasingly complex restrictions and possible countermeasures as it tries to navigate China's tightening export curbs. Despite this, ASML repeated its 2025 sales forecasts of 30-35 billion euros, which include the AI boom boosting demand for its EUV lithography systems.
The increasing reliance on Chinese entities subject to export restrictions highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains in the high-tech sector, where precision and predictability are crucial for innovation.
Will ASML's ability to adapt to these changing regulations, coupled with the growth of the AI market, be sufficient to offset the negative impact of export controls on its sales projections?
Mastercard has resolved an issue affecting some transactions after cardholders reported being unable to make online payments or purchases for a brief period Sunday morning. Hundreds of cardholders in the U.S., United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, and Australia were among those who began reporting issues early Sunday morning. The company stated that all systems are now working as normal.
This episode highlights the critical role of incident reporting platforms like DownDetector, which enable users to quickly alert authorities to disruptions in online services, potentially preventing widespread financial losses.
What measures will Mastercard take to strengthen its internal security protocols and prevent similar outages in the future?
Consumer Reports has released its list of the 10 best new cars to buy in 2025, highlighting vehicles with strong road test scores and safety features. The announcement comes as Eli Lilly & Co. is expanding its distribution of weight-loss drug Zepbound at lower prices, while Target is scaling back its DEI efforts amidst declining store visits. Meanwhile, Costco's luxury goods segment continues to grow, and Apple has secured President Trump's backing for its new investment plan.
The increasing prevalence of financial dilemmas faced by companies, particularly those in the weight loss and retail sectors, underscores the need for more nuanced approaches to addressing social and economic challenges.
As regulatory challenges and competitive pressures intensify, will businesses be able to adapt their strategies and investments to remain relevant in an increasingly complex marketplace?
Brown-Forman's CEO Lawson Whiting criticized Canadian provinces for removing American liquor from shelves, describing the action as "worse than a tariff" in response to U.S. trade policies. This retaliatory measure reflects growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada, with Canadians increasingly opting for local products in light of tariffs imposed by both countries. Despite the challenges, including a decline in sales and a broader slowdown in consumer demand, Whiting remains optimistic about the company's future trajectory.
Whiting's remarks highlight the intricate relationship between trade policies and consumer behavior, suggesting that retaliatory actions can have far-reaching impacts not only on sales but also on brand loyalty.
What long-term effects might this trade conflict have on the spirits industry in both the U.S. and Canada, especially regarding consumer preferences?
AT&T's decision to drop pronoun pins, cancel Pride programs, and alter its diversity initiatives has sparked concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates and allies. The company's actions may be seen as a response to the pressure from former President Donald Trump's administration, which has been critical of DEI practices in the private sector. As companies like AT&T continue to make changes to their diversity initiatives, it remains to be seen how these shifts will impact employee morale and organizational culture.
The subtle yet significant ways in which corporate America is rolling back its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity may have a profound impact on the lives of employees who feel marginalized or excluded from their own workplaces.
What role do policymakers play in regulating the DEI efforts of private companies, and how far can they go in setting standards for corporate social responsibility?
Ministers are expected to axe plans to give people a right to "switch off" outside work hours, reports have suggested. The policy was a central part of Sir Keir Starmer's manifesto promise of a "New Deal for Working People," aimed at strengthening employment rights. However, the plan has been dropped in a bid to boost business confidence.
The erosion of workers' autonomy is an alarming trend that highlights the need for stronger protections against overwork and exploitation in the gig economy.
Will this move signal a broader retreat from labor reforms, or will it galvanize opposition from trade unions and advocacy groups?
Coles and Woolworths are increasingly focusing on their own-brand products, which could lead to a significant reduction in the variety of goods available to consumers, raising concerns about customer loyalty and local brand support. Experts warn that while this strategy may offer cost savings for shoppers, it risks alienating those who prefer familiar national brands and could ultimately affect the supermarkets' market positions. As these grocery giants expand their home-brand offerings, shoppers may find their favorite products disappearing from shelves, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and a shift in shopping habits.
The trend highlights a crucial balancing act for supermarkets, where the allure of lower prices must not overshadow the importance of maintaining a diverse product range that meets consumer preferences.
What strategies could Coles and Woolworths implement to ensure customer satisfaction while still expanding their own-brand offerings?
Broadcom has released patches for three critical vulnerabilities in its VMware products, which are already being exploited in the wild. The bugs were described as VM escape flaws and affect all supported versions of VMware ESX, vSphere, Cloud Foundation, and Telco Cloud Platform. These issues were deemed severe enough to warrant immediate attention from users, who are urged to apply the fixes as soon as possible.
The emphasis on timely patching highlights the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, where vulnerabilities can be rapidly exploited before solutions are available.
How will this incident influence the broader discussion around vendor responsibility and the accountability of large corporations in addressing security concerns that affect their customers?
Cloudflare has slammed anti-piracy tactics in Europe, warning that network blocking is never going to be the solution. The leading DNS server provider suggests that any type of internet block should be viewed as censorship and calls for more transparency and accountability. Those who have been targeted by blocking orders and lawsuits, including French, Spanish, and Italian authorities, warn that such measures lead to disproportionate overblocking incidents while undermining people's internet freedom.
The use of network blocking as a means to curb online piracy highlights the tension between the need to regulate content and the importance of preserving net neutrality and free speech.
As the European Union considers further expansion of its anti-piracy efforts, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will adopt a more nuanced approach that balances the need to tackle online piracy with the need to protect users' rights and freedoms.
Microsoft has implemented a patch to its Windows Copilot, preventing the AI assistant from inadvertently facilitating the activation of unlicensed copies of its operating system. The update addresses previous concerns that Copilot was recommending third-party tools and methods to bypass Microsoft's licensing system, reinforcing the importance of using legitimate software. While this move showcases Microsoft's commitment to refining its AI capabilities, unauthorized activation methods for Windows 11 remain available online, albeit no longer promoted by Copilot.
This update highlights the ongoing challenges technology companies face in balancing innovation with the need to protect their intellectual property and combat piracy in an increasingly digital landscape.
What further measures could Microsoft take to ensure that its AI tools promote legal compliance while still providing effective support to users?
A retail boycott is hitting major US businesses Friday as an online campaign calls for Americans to spend nothing at places such as Walmart, Target, Amazon and McDonald’s. The motivation for the so-called "economic blackout" are varied, according to John Schwarz, founder of the grassroots organization The People’s Union, with Schwarz advocating for price reductions and tax avoidance by major corporations, while also condemning companies that have backed away from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. This movement reflects growing concerns about corporate accountability and the power of consumer activism in driving change.
By leveraging their collective spending power, consumers are holding corporations accountable for their actions on issues such as price gouging, tax avoidance, and DEI policies, forcing companies to confront the consequences of their decisions.
As the economic blackout gains momentum, it raises important questions about the role of government regulation in policing corporate behavior and ensuring that companies prioritize social responsibility alongside profit margins.
Hue review: the best foundation is the one you print. Unlike traditional foundations that rely on mass production, custom-printed foundations like BoldHue are revolutionizing the beauty industry by offering personalized shades tailored to individual skin tones. By utilizing advanced technology and a wide range of skincare ingredients, these innovative foundations promise to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience.
The rise of custom-printed foundations like BoldHue may signal a shift away from fast fashion and mass production in the beauty sector, as consumers increasingly prioritize unique experiences and personalized products.
What regulatory frameworks might exist to govern the use of advanced technology in personal care products, particularly when it comes to ensuring safety and efficacy?
Zapier, a popular automation tool, has suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the loss of sensitive customer information. The company's Head of Security sent a breach notification letter to affected customers, stating that an unnamed threat actor accessed some customer data "inadvertently copied to the repositories" for debugging purposes. Zapier assures that the incident was isolated and did not affect any databases, infrastructure, or production systems.
This breach highlights the importance of robust security measures in place, particularly with regards to two-factor authentication (2FA) configurations, which can be vulnerable to exploitation.
As more businesses move online, how will companies like Zapier prioritize transparency and accountability in responding to data breaches, ensuring trust with their customers?
Elon Musk's decision to publicly embrace right-wing politics has likely turned off potential customers in Europe, leading to a significant decline in Tesla sales. The company's annual report highlights the risks associated with costly lawsuits, battery fires, and war, but largely omits discussions of Musk's political views. As a result, analysts warn that Tesla's stock may suffer as a consequence.
By framing his politics as a potential risk factor, Musk is inadvertently acknowledging that his personal brand has become a liability for the company, and this perception could be difficult to shake.
How will Tesla manage to regain the trust of its customers, particularly in Europe, where there appears to be a significant shift away from the brand due to Musk's political views?
Seagate's ongoing issues with counterfeit hard drive sales have taken a new turn, as scammers have discovered methods to manipulate Field Accessible Reliability Metrics (FARM) values, making it difficult for consumers to detect tampered devices. This latest development presents a significant challenge for Seagate and its customers, who must now find alternative ways to verify the authenticity of their purchases. The company has advised resellers to buy drives only from certified distribution partners to ensure authenticity.
The growing sophistication of counterfeiters' tactics highlights the need for more robust anti-counterfeiting measures in the electronics industry, particularly when it comes to highly regulated components like hard drive parts.
As consumers become increasingly savvy about spotting fake products, will manufacturers and regulators be able to keep pace with the evolving landscape of counterfeiting and intellectual property theft?