The hottest Repairability Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

National Association of Manufactured Consent: D.C. Group Floats Anti Right to Repair Tome

Fight to Repair • 118 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Environment Politics Digital Rights Legislation
  1. The National Association of Manufacturers released a report against the right to repair but it recycled industry talking points and presented weak arguments.
  2. The report falsely claims that right to repair harms the environment, but in reality, creating and shipping replacement parts are more environmentally friendly than replacing entire devices.
  3. Different state right to repair laws can be burdensome, but they are a step towards a federal law that grants repair rights to all Americans, while still allowing for state-level legislation.

Google Goes To Bat For Right To Repair In Oregon

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Repairability Privacy Environmental Impact Right-to-repair
  1. Google endorses the right to repair, changing its corporate position and supporting a legal right for users to repair their devices.
  2. Google is backing comprehensive right to repair legislation in Oregon and actively lobbying for its passage.
  3. Although Google's endorsement is a significant shift, their focus on parts assemblies over individual components has been critiqued by right to repair advocates.

Colorado Calls For Repair Scores

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Repairability Right-to-repair E-Waste Legislation Consumer behavior
  1. Colorado's legislature passed a resolution calling for a national scoring system for electronic device repairs, aiming to make repairability of products easy to understand when buying electronics.
  2. Repair scores, like the one adopted in France, have been shown to influence consumer behavior and create awareness about repairability options.
  3. Repair scores are part of a broader effort to reduce e-waste and empower consumers by making hidden costs of device purchases more apparent.

Maine Micdrop: Auto Right to Repair Wins 84% Support At Polls

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Ecosystem Sustainability Policy Data Privacy
  1. Maine voters strongly support the right to repair automotive vehicles, mirroring efforts in other states. Voting yes on Question 4 allows car owners to choose where they get their vehicles repaired.
  2. Denver's Waste No More initiative promotes deconstruction over demolition to recycle and reuse construction materials, reducing landfill waste and lowering carbon footprint. Transitioning to deconstruction on a large scale faces challenges.
  3. Recognizing the environmental impact of construction waste, Denver residents passed the Waste No More ballot initiative. The ordinance requires the separation and recycling of several materials in construction and demolition activities.

The Tricky Economics of Obsolescence

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Consumerism Legislation Sustainability
  1. Planned obsolescence is deeply rooted in our economic systems; addressing it requires a larger systemic approach rather than just focusing on eliminating it.
  2. Repair activities offer a practical way to understand broader economic issues of consumerism, waste, and sustainability by extending the lifespan of goods and reducing environmental impact.
  3. Some governments, like France, are taking action against planned obsolescence, but challenges remain in enforcing laws and shifting from a throw-away culture to a repair mindset.
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Activation locks send working Macbooks to the trash- Week in Repair

Fight to Repair • 138 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Devices Laws Repairability Recycling Manufacturers
  1. Activation locks on Macbooks are causing perfectly functional devices to be discarded due to the security feature preventing refurbishing or re-selling.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Tesla Hackers Are Fighting Digital Extortion

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Hacking IOT Repairability
  1. Security researchers hacked Tesla's seat-warmers to challenge paywalls for features, showcasing vehicle owners' tech skills
  2. Attempts to jailbreak devices demonstrate the growing demand to free devices from vendor constraints, empowering users to reclaim control
  3. Companies face backlash for using software to restrict features, leading to calls for legislation to prevent device disabling and the creation of repair barriers

Congress Introduces "Agricultural Right to Repair Act"

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Industry Repairability Environmental Impact
  1. The Agricultural Right to Repair Act aims to give farmers more flexibility in repairing their own equipment by requiring manufacturers to provide necessary tools and information.
  2. Corporations, including those in the agricultural industry, may publicly support repair efforts but use tactics behind closed doors to extract profit, highlighting the need for legislation like the Agricultural Right to Repair Act.
  3. While there is a history of right to repair bills failing at the federal level due to political divisions, there is potential for progress at the state level, where repair laws have started passing through legislatures and being signed into law.

You Can't Be "Green" and Restrict Repair

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability Repairability Corporate Responsibility E-Waste Tech industry
  1. Apple aims for sustainability but restricts repairability, showing a nuanced approach to environmental impact.
  2. Mounting public pressure is pushing companies towards repair-friendly policies despite initial resistance.
  3. Google faces criticism for lack of repair options for Pixel Watches, while offering repair parts for Pixel Fold, highlighting differing approaches to repairability.

Microsoft backed a repair bill in Washington State. It died anyway.

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Legislation Consumer Electronics Environmental Impact
  1. Microsoft supported a right-to-repair bill in Washington state, marking a shift in their stance, but the bill did not progress due to opposition from members, including a former Apple employee.
  2. Older phones are generally easier to repair than newer models, as research shows the most repairable phones have an average age of 7.8 years.
  3. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum globally, with political and corporate endorsements, such as the Biden Administration's support and the Council of Europe's official backing.

Repairable Devices Shift Focus To Software Support

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Right-to-repair Software updates Electronic Devices
  1. Repairable devices need software support to last longer, not just physical repairs.
  2. Software plays a crucial role in the obsolescence of devices, like limiting the lifespan of smartphones with discontinued software updates.
  3. Right to repair laws address physical repairs, but not the need for updated software as devices age, highlighting the importance of focusing on software longevity.

Lack of Repair Options Drives Great Video Game to Die Off

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Repairability Legislation Sustainability Consumer Rights
  1. There is an urgent need for video game repair and modification, as shown by the lack of available classic video games.
  2. The challenges of repairing and modifying video game consoles contribute to electronic waste and hinder the preservation of gaming history.
  3. Jailbreaking video game consoles can be complex and the lack of accessible repair and modding options limits the longevity of equipment.

BatteryGate: EV Edition? Tesla’s Battery Shenanigans Spark Lawsuit...and Bigger Questions

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🕹 Technology EVs Software updates Repairability Environmental Impact Infrastructure
  1. Tesla faces a class action lawsuit over using software updates to alter vehicle performance and battery life.
  2. Repairability of electric vehicles is critical for wider adoption; battery pack lifespan and replacement costs influence total ownership costs.
  3. The shift to EVs won't automatically lead to a carbon-free world; the right to repair EVs is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.

Apple Grants Self Repair for M2 Macs and iPhone 14

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Tech Companies Repairability Cybersecurity Data Access
  1. Apple is expanding self-repair options for M2 Macs and iPhone 14, but there are concerns about design and software support lacking, potentially leading to more waste and consumer frustration.
  2. Biden's Department of Transportation is facing criticism for challenging a Massachusetts repair law, with accusations of anti-competitive practices and concerns over consumer rights and data access.
  3. Pinball machines are highlighted as resilient examples defying planned obsolescence, emphasizing the importance of repair and longevity in modern technology design.

Fight to Repair Weekly: November, 28 2022

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Environment Legislation Electronics Advocacy
  1. EU is implementing new repair rules for electronics to reduce environmental impact, but advocates feel it falls short of a true "right to repair" needed to extend device lifespans.
  2. Upcoming EU policy changes will require access to parts, maintenance for devices after retiring, durability standards, and repair labeling, but critics push for stronger policies.
  3. Samsung is working on a new mobile app called 'Self Repair Assistant' to boost DIY repairs, while Apple seeks to restrict repair through patents. Advocacy efforts continue to push for right to repair laws.

Chromebook Churn could sink school budgets (and the planet)

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Environment Repairability IOT E-Waste
  1. Many school districts rushed to purchase Chromebooks for students during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a potential tsunami of e-waste as these devices near the end of their support life.
  2. Extending the lifespan of Chromebooks could save school districts billions of dollars and help reduce the environmental impact of replacing these devices.
  3. Manufacturers need to make Chromebooks more repairable by offering replacement parts and designing devices that support repairability, which could make repair more economical and sustainable.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday October 24, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Innovation Environmental Legislation Repairability Sustainability
  1. Fight to Repair newsletter is transitioning from daily to weekly emails starting next week, with a new podcast season for premium subscribers.
  2. Lobbyists, including big tech companies like Apple and Microsoft, have influenced the NY 'right to repair' bill to be limited to devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
  3. Issues like eco double standards in hardware manufacturing and anti-features on products highlight the importance of legislation and policies supporting right to repair and consumer rights.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday, October 7 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Copyright Consumer Rights Environmental Impact Regulations
  1. The iPhone 14 Plus is as repairable as the basic iPhone 14, following a more sustainable design approach.
  2. Canada is considering reforming digital lock rules to allow repair exceptions, benefitting consumers, farmers, and innovation.
  3. Academics are urging consumers to repair clothing to reduce environmental impact caused by the fast fashion cycle.

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Software Cloud Services
  1. Apple Watch Ultra may be more repairable now with an exposed screw, hinting towards a positive direction in design for repairability.
  2. FixFest 2022 in Brussels is a conference gathering supporters for the right to repair and discussing important topics like cybersecurity and repair.
  3. Independent auto shops advocate for the right to repair cars, pushing for legislation that would allow more options and control for car owners.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 17 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Right-to-repair Environmental Impact
  1. Maine is facing opposition from automakers in its efforts to pass a right-to-repair law, with arguments over state authority and consumer choice.
  2. Expensive laptops may lead to regrets later on; opting for a cheaper laptop and investing in a PC for upgradability is worth considering.
  3. The EU's proposed expansion of the Ecodesign Directive aims to ensure sustainable products through criteria like durability, reparability, energy use, and digital product passports.

Fight to Repair Daily: July 27, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Monopoly power Hacking Subscription Model
  1. Audible's dominant market position and DRM policies can significantly impact authors and readers, limiting choices and control over audiobooks.
  2. Planned obsolescence in products not only affects consumers financially but also has environmental consequences, highlighting the need for sustainable choices.
  3. The monopolistic role of middlemen in commerce, like Amazon or Google, can lead to unfair practices and the need for more equitable transactions.

The Week in Repair: March 6-12

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Legislation Consumer Rights Environmental Impact Electronic Devices
  1. Ownership of Tesla vehicle data is a complex issue that goes beyond just who owns it, including access, repurposing, and usage.
  2. Wheelchair users in Massachusetts face challenges with slow repairs and limited legal protections, highlighting the need for stronger state laws.
  3. Manufacturers employing tactics like limiting repair options restrict consumer choice and have economic consequences, spurring the need to protect the right to repair.

The Week in Repair: Jan 25-Feb 1

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Circular Economy Right-to-repair Sustainability Electronics
  1. Germany is introducing a repairability index to encourage companies to build products that are easier to repair, rather than replace.
  2. Legislation like House Bill 1810 and right to repair laws aim to make tech products more durable and repairable, reducing e-waste.
  3. A circular economy approach is needed for electric vehicles, emphasizing reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling to tackle environmental issues.

Tesla hit with anti-trust suit over repair restrictions. Also HP is still barring 3rd party ink

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Security Repairability Internet of Things Hardware
  1. Tesla is facing class action lawsuits for limiting third-party repair options for their electric vehicles, which can result in higher costs and longer wait times for repairs.
  2. HP continues to restrict third-party ink access despite facing anti-trust fines, using cybersecurity concerns as an excuse, but impacting customer choice and potentially inflating costs.
  3. Repairability contributes to less waste, longer device usage, and cost savings for consumers. Companies should balance security concerns with providing consumers with fair options for repairs.

D-Students: Microsoft, Apple Get Failing Grades on France’s Repair Index. (For Now.)

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Repairability Tech Companies Environmental Impact Consumer behavior
  1. France introduced a Repairability Index to rate products based on repair-ability, giving failing grades to Apple and Microsoft products.
  2. The scoring system considers factors like documentation availability, ease of disassembly, spare parts availability, and pricing of spare parts.
  3. The French Repairability Index has prompted companies to rethink product design and serviceability, setting a precedent for promoting repair-friendly products.

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Legislation Circular Economy Cybersecurity Right-to-repair
  1. A long-ignored federal law, the Robinson-Patman Act, could help protect small businesses from the market dominance of big players like Amazon and Walmart by prohibiting price discrimination.
  2. Framework Computer is introducing a Chromebook that is fully upgradeable, repairable, and customizable, addressing the right-to-repair movement's concerns over modern laptop design.
  3. NIST is awarding funding to universities to develop educational programs focused on establishing a circular economy for plastics, aiming to reduce plastic waste through reuse, repair, and recycling.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 12, 2022

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Cybersecurity E-Waste Legislation Manufacturers
  1. Manufacturers often stop supporting older devices to encourage people to upgrade, impacting the lifespan of tech products.
  2. 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.
  3. India plans to ban inexpensive Chinese smartphones to boost domestic brands, potentially leading to reduced market variety and changes in consumer choices.

Fight to Repair Daily: July 25, 2022

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Subscriptions Data Privacy
  1. Subscriptions are everywhere in our lives, from dinners to video games, and now micro-subscriptions are emerging with new payment models like consumption-based pricing.
  2. Google's Pixel 6a phone has good repair scores but quality issues, showing a gap between repairability and product quality.
  3. Initiatives like the Charlottesville Tool Library and the guilder exchange platform in the Netherlands promote repair, sustainability, and community involvement in reducing waste.

Fight to Repair Daily: July 20, 2022

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Right-to-repair Software Open Source Antitrust
  1. AirPods repair advocate modified AirPods with a USB-C port for increased repairability, offering free access to 3D printing and PCB files.
  2. iFixit is expanding its operations with a new service facility and warehouse in Chattanooga, TN, aiming to create over 200 jobs in the next five years.
  3. Actions are being taken to prevent copyright and software rules from hindering the right to repair by ensuring access to repair information and addressing limitations created by design rules.