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       Printer maker Brother denies tying users to its cartridges through a supposed firmware update.
       Previously, Louis Rossman, an electronics specialist and right-to-repair activist, accused the company of updating the printer’s firmware to block the use of third-party toner or reduce performance.
       Further posts online, including a Reddit thread, confirm that other users have experienced similar issues, noting reduced print quality when using third-party toner.
       Additionally, reverting to older firmware versions may be difficult or even impossible, meaning that a previously working printer may now be considered “broken.”
       The company said via Ars Technica: “We are aware of recent false claims that a Brother firmware update may restrict the use of third-party ink cartridges. Rest assured that Brother firmware updates do not prevent the use of third-party ink in our devices.”
       Brother states that print quality issues may be due to differences in the quality of third-party toner: “Brother printers will not intentionally reduce print quality due to the use of genuine or non-genuine Brother ink/toner cartridges. Brother cannot verify the print quality of third-party toner that is compatible with Brother printers.”
       HP, which has faced lawsuits and legal settlements over similar issues, defended its move to block third-party ink as a security improvement. As recently as late 2023, CFO Marie Myers also noted that Instant Ink subscribers had driven a 20% increase in profits for the company.
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       Brother added: “It is standard practice for us to verify genuine Brother products when troubleshooting Brother printers… We believe that the checks during this process may have led to confusion[,] but we have confirmed that the firmware update does not reduce the quality or remove functionality from the printer.”
       Craig has many years of experience as a freelancer in the technology and automotive industries, with a particular focus on technologies designed to improve our lives, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), productivity tools, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about decarbonizing cars and personal transportation. An avid bargain hunter, Craig believes that any deal is a good deal!
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