[justinclift]

On one hand, sure. On the other hand, it seems Bambu Lab's intentions are to lock down their ecosystem and extract rent (ala HP and printer ink).

So, if the Vizio case works out for OSS licenses, then Bambu Lab's likely won't be able to lock things down in the way they're intending (unless they expend significant effort to rewrite code).

That'd "stop" them from winning in the way they'd like, to the benefit of the wider Community of Bambu Labs users.

[the_af]

Extract rent how? Mandatory paid subscription?

I cannot see the future but I believe this fear is unsubstantiated.

[justinclift]

From the article:

> Bambu might use its software to lock its printers to its own filament and accessories and start charging for subscription services, the way today’s inkjet printer companies do. Bambu did not deny those possibilities when we asked [...]

[the_af]

Today's inkjet printers charge mandatory subscriptions and lock you to their supplies? If so, much has changed since I owned one. I know they always scare you into buying their things, but never locked you into it. My HP laser (not inkjet) printer will happily accept third party toner cartridges.

[justinclift]

> Today's inkjet printers charge mandatory subscriptions and lock you to their supplies?

I guess you're not aware HP has been doing this for a few years now?

[the_af]

Obviously not. Wow, that sucks. Thankfully my HP laser printer doesn't.

[justinclift]

Yeah, hang on to that thing. Pass it down to your grandkids, etc. :D

I wish I was joking... ;)

[VorpalWay]

I could see them making working with third party filaments more and more inconvenient. They already do to some extent where the NFC tag system only works on first party filament, and they are not interested in opening it up, using encryption to prevent third party tags from working with their system.