The situation is a heavy machinery example of something that happens across most categories of electronics, from phones, laptops, health devices, and wearables to tractors and, apparently, trains. In this case, NEWAG, the manufacturer of the Impuls family of trains, put code in the train’s control systems that prevented them from running if a GPS tracker detected that it spent a certain number of days in an independent repair company’s maintenance center, and also prevented it from running if certain components had been replaced without a manufacturer-approved serial number.
I have two Beko washing machines, both “broken”. All components work fine - proven by hotwiring each component individually after some fixing. Yet the control panel wash LEDs just blink. The user manuals both conceal what the faults are, but leaked service manuals for similar models enabled me to expose the error codes, Beko tried to prevent me from seeing.
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will get one more year of free updates if they log in with a Microsoft account. This is a win worth celebrating. Our campaigning, writing and chanting forced one of the world’s tech giants to act. That’s no small feat and a clear sign that we have power!
(crossposted from !forced_obsolescence@slrpnk.net (https://slrpnk.net/post/26435334), which focuses on varieties of enshitification specifically related to artificial aging of tech. It doubles as an asshole design thus also crossposted to !asshole_crappy_design@slrpnk.net)
While iFixit's iOpener is a good tool and it was what I used replace the screen on my Pixel 7 Pro but I think a heat plate is a better option for any future project. I have two older phones that I want to fix up but this time I want to do things a little more 'professional.' There's a heat plate that Hugh Jeffreys uses (example here) but I haven't been able to find that exact one or even a similar product. During my search for a heat plate, I saw recommendations for a heat mat called CPB. While it looks like a good tool, it gives off the impression of a hobbyist project rather than a professional job. I will consider, though, if I can't find any good heat plates. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.
Software developer and open source proponent Jeff Geerling recently purchased a new Bosch 500 dishwasher, only to find it required an app to access certain features. This is his story.
Terumo Cardiovascular, a company that makes six-figure medical equipment used in heart surgeries, is apparently keen on attracting the ire of the “right to repair” movement. But given the Trump administration’s assault on state and federal consumer protection, it’s not clear they’ll face many meaningful repercussions for it.
There is now an ocean of protectionist user manual hoarders who fight to get to the top of search rankings that drown out the better sources. Then when you try to get a manual they put you through many JavaScript-proliferated obsticals, captchas, personal info disclosure, if you surrender your dignity and self-respect enough to successfully pawn yourself through all that enshitification and you’re lucky enough to reach the right manual in your language, then you often still cannot download the PDF beause the rotten parasites want you to repeat the process every time you need to re-read the manual (under the assumption that you are always online).
Hey, I've got a faulty oven here that won't heat up properly. The previous owner suspected a defective heating coil, but they are all functional.
I tested it with an oven thermometer: if only bottom heat is on, the thermostat switches correctly and the oven heats up as it should. However, as soon as top heat is (also) on, it only heats up to about 80°C (144°F) below the target temperature.
You've dropped your phone and the screen shattered. Now you're facing a costly repair until you can get a new phone. Swapping out one piece of glass or a button doesn't seem like it should be that expensive. Why does it cost so much to fix your stuff?
Today, we at SFC, along with our OpenWrt member project, announce the production release of the OpenWrt One. This is the first wireless Internet router designed and built with your software freedom and right to repair in mind. The OpenWrt One will never be locked down and is forever unbrickable. This device services your needs as its owner and user. Everyone deserves control of their computing. The OpenWrt One takes a great first step toward bringing software rights to your home: you can control your own network with the software of your choice, and ensure your right to change, modify, and repair it as you like.
I’m planning to buy my first car, but I’m seeing a lot of brands implementing policies that seem to take advantage of their customers. Things like requiring extra subscriptions for basic features, tracking driving habits, and forcing unnecessary data collection have me worried. Are there any car brands out there that don’t engage in these types of anti-consumer practices? I’m looking for a reliable company that respects its customers in the long run. Any advice would be appreciated!
Warren recently sent a letter to John Deere CEO John May, asserting that the company is "evading" its obligations to comply with federal laws and respect customers' rights. According to Warren, John Deere is failing to provide farmers with the necessary tools to properly repair their agricultural equipment and is allegedly violating the Clean Air Act in the process.
Does anyone know of a mouse that can be used wireless, with a replaceable battery and that can be connected to the PC via USB-C to recharge the battery? Obtainable in Europe.
Following today’s launch of the new iPhone 16 models, Apple has shared repair manuals for the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The repair manuals provide technical instructions on replacing genuine Apple parts in the iPhone 16 models, and Apple says the information is intended for “individual technicians” that have the “knowledge, experience, and tools” that are necessary to repair electronic devices.
Last March Oregon became the seventh state to pass “right to repair” legislation making it easier, cheaper, and more convenient to repair technology you own. The bill’s passage came on the heels of legislation passed in Massachusetts (in 2012 and 2020), Colorado (in 2022 and 2023), New York (2023), Minnesota, Maine and California. All told, 30 states are considering such bills in 2024.
PieFed
Otter Raft
LiamBox
eah
recursive_recursion
BrikoX
miguel
Novi Sad
ExtremeDullard
SpiceDealer
Nemeski
Cris
_haha_oh_wow_
cm0002
AnonomousWolf
Sunshine (she/her)
recursive_recursion they/them
lgsp@feddit.it
Binzy_Boi
captainkangaroo
