Multiple users of Epson hardware have registered complaints regarding one of the OEM’s recent firmware updates.
WCPO reports the story of one user, Carol Spaulding of North Kentucky, who agreed to what seemed like an innocuous update on her PC.
“I got a message on the screen, it said ‘Your Epson printer needs a firmware update,’ so I clicked and said yes,” explained Spaulding. “When it came back on it said ‘Ink cartridge not recognised, please replace the cartridge.'”
Epson’s latest update seems to restrict users from using cheaper, discounted ink cartridges in their printers (its official cartridges can cost as much as double the price), and WCPO state that “this is not just an issue with Epson,” pointing out that “people have been complaining for years about other printers doing this, where they agree to an update and can no longer use third party cartridges.”
HP is one such OEM that has also faced criticism over this tactic, and although it appears to have relented in the past, recent reports suggest an update last year may have resumed the practice of blocking non-OEM cartridges. A lawsuit surrounding the issue is ongoing.
The move has been termed ‘bricking-gate’ and ‘printerruption’.
Spaulding continued: “I can’t even get to the menu on the printer anymore. It won’t even go past the error message.” She pointed out that due to the cost of Epson cartridges, it might be cheaper to simply buy a new printer which comes with cartridges included – a situation that will have an obvious impact on the production of e-waste.
Although Spaulding accused the OEM of “holding you hostage, so you buy their printer cartridges,” a spokesman for Epson America defended the company’s update, arguing that other brands may not function properly, therefore the firmware updates are designed to ensure the printer operates as designed.
“Many Epson printers are designed for use with only genuine Epson-brand cartridges,” said the OEM. “Other brands of ink cartridges and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly or at all. This can be true regardless of firmware updates.”
Despite that, WCPO recommends to its readers that they “may want to avoid the update so you don’t waste your money.”
