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In a move that pretty much exemplifies everything wrong with modern smart device ownership, Echelon has effectively rendered thousands of its home gym machines useless without an internet connection and monthly subscription. This firmware update has stripped away offline functionality, forcing users into a $39.99/month subscription model just to use equipment they already own.
What Echelon's update means for you
Like with , Echelon has a always had “smart connect” platform that includes video classes for a subscription fee.
This news came to light earlier this week via blog post by Roberto Viola, developer of the popular QZ Fitness app that connects Echelon machines to third-party fitness platforms like Peloton, Strava, and Apple HealthKit. According to Viola, the firmware update fundamentally changed how Echelon devices operate, creating what amounts to a digital hostage situation. Users are rightfully annoyed.
The new system works like this: when users start up their Echelon equipment, the device must now log in to Echelon's servers before any functionality becomes available. The servers send back a temporary, rotating unlock key that grants access to the machine's features. Without this server back-and-forth, the device becomes completely bricked—no manual workouts, no Bluetooth pairing, no basic exercise metrics display.
The subscription trap
This new server-dependency conveniently funnels users toward Echelon's subscription service, which starts at $39.99 per month (with the first month free). This way, what was once a one-time equipment purchase with full functionality is now yet another source of subscription rot. And you know how I feel about that. It sure does feel like a scam when features that were once included with purchase are being carved out and sold as ongoing services.
If you ask me, this update is a collision of two of the most infuriating trends in modern technology: the unnecessary internet-dependency of basic appliances and the creeping subscription-ization of features that should be included outright. I shouldn't need to connect my dishwasher to the Cloud, you know? I find these “smart” features frequently make devices less reliable and more vulnerable to failure, as a simple network outage can render perfectly functional hardware unusable.
Now, Echelon users can no longer exercise during internet outages, a basic expectation for home gym equipment. More troubling, if Echelon were to go out of business or decide to discontinue server support, all updated machines would be useless, regardless of their physical condition.
What do you think so far?
The bottom line
Current Echelon users face limited options. You can pay the monthly subscription fee, attempt to avoid the firmware update (though this may become increasingly difficult), or consider their equipment partially bricked. New buyers should carefully consider whether they're willing to commit to ongoing subscription payments for basic functionality.
The situation also serves as a cautionary tale for all smart device purchases. Before buying any connected device, consumers should ask: What happens if the company goes out of business? What happens if my internet goes down? What happens if the company decides to change its business model? Sometimes you're better off with “dumb” devices that can't be remotely disabled.
Call me a Luddite, but I think your stationary bike should work even if your wifi is out. You know, like the pilgrims used to say.
