Raspberry Pi has confirmed its firmware locks boards to their factory RAM configuration, preventing users from swapping in replacement memory chips even to fix failed components. The restriction surfaced after a user couldn't get a Compute Module 5 to recognize a new 4GB chip, with company engineer PhilE explaining the firmware checks additional memory attributes beyond just capacity. Raspberry Pi says the policy exists to stop resellers from installing unauthorized higher-capacity chips and passing modified boards off as factory models.
techspot.com
· 2026-09-23
Fairphone, known in Europe for building phones designed to be easily fixed rather than replaced, has finally brought a model to the U.S. market. The reviewer tested the device, which ships with its own screwdriver so users can swap parts like the battery and screen themselves, and spoke with the company's CTO about the design philosophy behind it.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-18
YouTuber and right-to-repair advocate Louis Rossmann is touring the US with his nonprofit Fulu, holding events that push to repeal Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which bans bypassing manufacturer-imposed digital locks on devices. The San Jose stop drew about 80 attendees and featured panels from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a university repair workshop, and Fisker vehicle owners fighting to keep their cars running. Fulu also pays bounties to people willing to break digital locks on hardware, even risking legal consequences.
wired.com
· 2026-09-17
Consumers are increasingly turning to AI chatbots to diagnose and fix malfunctioning appliances and electronics, from dishwashers to laptops, rather than calling manufacturer support or paying for professional repairs. These tools can walk users through troubleshooting steps and explain quirky device behaviors that once required a technician's visit.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-16
A WIRED reporter tested John Deere's Operations Center Pro Service software at the company's Santa Clara office, using it to diagnose and fix a disconnected water-in-fuel sensor on a 5130ML tractor in just a few minutes without a technician. The demonstration was led by John Deere's chief technology officer, Jahmy Hindman, who pitched the tool as evidence the company supports owner repairs.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-09-13
WIRED tested John Deere's Operations Center Pro Service, a self-repair tool built into the company's connected machines, and successfully used it to fix a tractor with guidance from company staff. Despite the demonstration, many farmers remain skeptical that Deere has genuinely opened up repair access, given the digital locks that still require dealer approval for many fixes.
wired.com
· 2026-09-11
Right to Repair Europe examined 2,334 smartphone model records in the EU's Product Registry for Energy Labelling and found that only about 18 percent link to a working page with spare-parts prices or repair instructions, a year after the rules took effect. Roughly half the entries leave the required URL blank, and 19 percent point to unrelated pages, while some manufacturers still award themselves top repairability grades despite the missing information.
theregister.com
· 2026-09-07
Sennheiser's new Momentum 5 Wireless headphones claim up to 57 hours of battery life with ANC on, nearly double rivals like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. The headphones also feature a battery that users can swap themselves by removing four screws under the ear pad, though the replacement battery isn't yet sold separately. They support a wide range of audio codecs including aptX Lossless and offer both wired and USB-C lossless playback.
wired.com
· 2026-09-01
New EU regulations now require manufacturers to repair certain household and electronic products, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, mobile phones and tablets, even after the standard warranty expires. The rules mandate reasonable pricing and timeframes for repairs, access to spare parts, and the creation of national repair directories like Ireland's RepairMyStuff.ie to help consumers find services.
rte.ie
· 2026-08-24
GoKawiil