The hottest Manufacturers Substack posts right now

The Rider's Choice Awards winners have been announced
New electric bikes and scooters are being launched by various manufacturers
There is a growing trend in the market towards affordable and environmentally friendly electric mobility options

DIY pedal builders are making their own guitar effects pedals for a fraction of the cost of retail ones.
Some manufacturers 'goop' their pedals to protect their designs, which DIY enthusiasts see as a lack of consumer transparency.
The DIY pedal community has influenced big-name manufacturers, with popular pedals like the Klon Centaur being reverse-cloned for wider accessibility.

New Yorkers have the right to repair electronics starting today due to the Digital Fair Repair Act, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul last year.
The law necessitates manufacturers to provide repair information, tools, and parts for digital electronic equipment sold after July 1, 2023, but there are some exemptions like medical equipment and motor vehicles.
Enforcement and implications of the law, along with challenges from industry groups, are expected, but it's already encouraging manufacturers like Apple and Google to enhance repair options.

Activation locks on Macbooks are causing perfectly functional devices to be discarded due to the security feature preventing refurbishing or re-selling.
Harvard Business Review article suggests that right to repair laws might lead manufacturers to counterproductive actions, like adjusting prices or promoting device replacement over repair.
Advocates highlight the importance of right to repair laws in promoting refurbishing and reusing devices to reduce e-waste and keep toxic chemicals out of landfills.

Polish hackers faced legal pushback after repairing a train that a manufacturer attempted to render inoperable remotely, highlighting the risks of DRM and anti-competitive behavior.
DRM controls extend to various devices like farm equipment and cars, restricting repairs to authorized technicians and limiting consumer choice, highlighting the need for right to repair laws.
Companies use DRM and legal threats to control products, emphasizing profit over consumer rights, leading to the rise of the 'landlord economy' where users pay for ownership and usage rights.

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Tesla won an antitrust case on repair restrictions, but Deere's lawsuit is moving forward. Tesla uses practices inflating repair costs.
California is pushing for standardized EV diagnostic laws to make repairs more accessible and affordable.
John Deere faces an antitrust lawsuit alleging constraints on repair services. The plaintiffs have succeeded in pursuing their claims against the company.

Repair culture for old devices like radios involves accessible resources and manuals for DIY repairs, fostering sustainability and useful life extension.
Modern electronics like FitBits often lack repair options, leading to replacement rather than fixing and contributing to e-waste accumulation.
A right to repair law could empower consumers with access to schematics and parts to preserve electronics, but also necessitates a shift in manufacturer practices towards designing repairable products.

Over the years, access to repair information for farmers has shifted from comprehensive printed manuals to online manuals controlled by manufacturers, posing challenges like expensive subscriptions and limited access to tools for maintenance and diagnostics.
The lack of efficient repair options can have significant financial impact on farmers, with downtime due to equipment failure potentially causing substantial financial losses, especially during time-sensitive tasks like harvesting.
Despite strong support for right to repair bills within the farming community, the passage of such bills faces significant opposition from major manufacturers and lobbyists, highlighting the challenges in advocating for repair rights in the face of industry giants.

Deere faces over a dozen lawsuits in six states for anticompetitive practices
It takes time for big shifts to happen, like how the tobacco industry was held to account after almost 50 years of legal battles
Similar dynamics are seen now with lawsuits against big agricultural companies like John Deere

Manufacturers often stop supporting older devices to encourage people to upgrade, impacting the lifespan of tech products.
The EU is working on proposals to empower consumers by fighting against greenwashing and planned obsolescence, aiming for more durable goods and the right to repair.
India plans to ban inexpensive Chinese smartphones to boost domestic brands, potentially leading to reduced market variety and changes in consumer choices.

The EU is proposing new rules focusing on making products more durable and repairable, including requirements for information on repairs and updates.
Samsung is launching a repair program allowing owners of certain devices to repair them themselves, with iFixit's assistance to provide repair guides and parts.
Colorado passed a bill granting the right to repair powered wheelchairs, highlighting the importance of repair accessibility for various devices.