I’ve been noticing an unsettling trend in the 3D printing world: more and more printer manufacturers are locking down their devices with proprietary firmware, cloud-based software, and other anti-consumer restrictions. Despite this, they still receive glowing reviews, even from tech-savvy communities.

Back in the day, 3D printing was all about open-source hardware, modding, and user control. Now, it feels like we’re heading towards the same path as smartphones and other consumer tech—walled gardens, forced online accounts, and limited third-party compatibility. Some companies even prevent users from using alternative slicers or modifying firmware without jumping through hoops.

My question is: Has 3D printing gone too mainstream? Are newer users simply unaware (or uninterested) in the dangers of locked-down ecosystems? Have we lost the awareness of FOSS (Free and Open-Source Software) and user freedom that once defined this space?

I’d love to hear thoughts from the community. Do you think this is just a phase, or are we stuck on this trajectory? What can we do to push back against enshitification before it’s too late?

(Transparency Note: I wrote this text myself, but since English is not my first language, I used LLM to refine some formulations. The core content and ideas are entirely my own.)

  • spitfire@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    7 days ago

    Apple’s RAM/storage prices have been unhinged for a long time. I try to avoid any upgrades when I buy their products, it’s usually better to get the higher model - I.e. with better processor/better product line (which usually has a better starting RAM/storage), than to upgrade a base model

    • Ulrich@feddit.orgEnglish
      2·
      7 days ago

      yeah but it’s only relatively recently that other OEMs are adopting these pricing strategies.

      • spitfire@lemmy.worldEnglish
        21·
        6 days ago

        Do you mean having a lot higher margins on upgrades? I don’t think that’s true either, but maybe they’ve been getting more aggressive on that front over time.