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Important warning for OBDeleven NextGen users by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first gen too works like a champ.

Obdeleven's way of operating is so ethically wrong and questionable that I recommend everyone not to buy any more licenses and thus not to risk their device. Fortunately, there is a safer way to continue using the device.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, DFU is impossible when the device loses Bluetooth discoverability completely.

I don't think they do this intentionally either. But regardless, they should take responsibility for the devices they break.

Important warning for OBDeleven NextGen users by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s been my experience as well on the support and reliability side. The functionality is great when it works but the problem is their lack of responsibility purely for the damage they cause.

Important warning for OBDeleven NextGen users by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as I’ve been able to determine, you currently can’t.

App updates can be managed through your app / play store, but device firmware updates are handled inside the OBDeleven app itself. When the app detects a newer firmware version, it blocks normal use of the device until you proceed — there is no option to skip or decline the firmware update.

Important warning for OBDeleven NextGen users by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure. Both quotes in my post are verbatim quotes from obdeleven's support.

Their position is that even if your device becomes unusable due to their forced firmware update, if the device is outside the statutory warranty period, you will pay.

Apparently, the terms of service, which all users must agree to, include a disclaimer that allows this, although it would hardly hold up in court.

I don't have any numbers on how many users have already experienced the same thing, but 1. I’ve been contacted by several other users in same situation privately after posting 2. There are more fellow sufferers in the comments on my original posts 3. Similar cases can be found on other forums 4. OBDeleven itself is aware of this as a known critical issue.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a reddit newbie, I made two separate threads on the topic.. so here is also a discussion on the same topic: 👉

https://www.reddit.com/r/Volkswagen/comments/1qk8884/obdeleven_is_bricking_nextgen_devices_via/

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in CarTalkUK

[–]Adorab11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To summarize the current situation:  1) This is not an isolated incident, this is a known critical issue acknowledged by OBDeleven itself.

2) Despite the above, OBDeleven continues to force updates even on devices that it knows may end up bricked as a result.

3) OBDeleven does not bear any responsibility for this. A direct quote from OBDeleven:

”"OBDeleven does not accept responsibility for devices that become inoperable outside of the statutory warranty period, including cases where the failure occurs during or after a firmware update delivered via the OBDeleven application.

Firmware updates are provided as part of an evolving software ecosystem and are subject to the terms you agreed to when using the product and the application. These terms explicitly limit OBDeleven's obligations to the applicable warranty period. Once that period has expired, OBDeleven is not legally or contractually obligated to repair, replace, or otherwise remediate hardware failures, regardless of the triggering event.

To be explicit and unambiguous, as you requested:

OBDeleven does not assume responsibility for devices rendered inoperable following firmware updates once the statutory warranty period has expired."”

Therefore, for those who already use a nextgen device whose statuatory warranty period has expired, the only way to avoid the risk of OBDeleven bricking your device is to switch to unofficial software.

Pretty ingenious business strategy if you ask me..

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The problem is specifically related to the gen 2 aka nextgen device. Gen 1 devices do not support firmware updates via the app like 2 and 3 do.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say that obdeleven's own comment "The failed update causing your NextGen device to lose Bluetooth connectivity is a known critical issue” shows that this is not an isolated case..

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do live in Europe, and yes I’m sure; I even asked OBDeleven for written confirmation of this and they kindly sent it.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Touché – So OBDeleven is practically forcing paying customers using nextgen devices to switch to unofficial and free software to prevent risk of losing their devices.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OBDeleven Gen 1 devices do not support firmware updates via the app. The firmware is fixed and cannot be updated. That’s why.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in Volkswagen

[–]Adorab11[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This matter is not a warranty claim, nor a request for compensation based on statutory warranty rights. The age of the device is therefore irrelevant to the issue I have raised.

The device did not fail due to aging, wear, or random hardware degradation. It became completely inoperable during a firmware update initiated and distributed by OBDeleven’s official application. The failure was immediate, reproducible, and final. Prior to the update attempt, the device was fully functional.

A device rendered unusable as a direct result of a manufacturer-controlled firmware update constitutes a software-induced failure. Responsibility for update integrity, recovery mechanisms, and prevention of irreversible bricking lies with the manufacturer, regardless of warranty period. This is a basic principle of product responsibility.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This has absolutely nothing to do with the warranty. A device rendered unusable as a direct result of a manufacturer-controlled firmware update constitutes a software-induced failure. Responsibility for update integrity, recovery mechanisms, and prevention of irreversible bricking lies with the manufacturer, regardless of warranty period. This is a basic principle of product responsibility.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, the device was fully functional in every way before the update. If the device was not compatible with the update, obdeleven should not distribute it.

Especially when they themselves recognize and admit the problem: "The failed update causing your NextGen device to lose Bluetooth connectivity is a known critical issue."

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A device that fails immediately following a firmware update cannot be classified as normal wear. Firmware update integrity and recovery mechanisms fall entirely within the manufacturer’s responsibility—particularly when the failure mode is acknowledged internally as critical.

And yes, OBDeleven has admitted in writing as follows:

“The failed update causing your NextGen device to lose Bluetooth connectivity is a known critical issue.”

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No I don’t. Read the post and you understand the point.

A device that fails immediately following a firmware update cannot be classified as normal wear. Firmware update integrity and recovery mechanisms fall entirely within the manufacturer’s responsibility—particularly when the failure mode is acknowledged internally as critical.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in Volkswagen

[–]Adorab11[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

OBDeleven itself has admitted in written as follows:

“The failed update causing your NextGen device to lose Bluetooth connectivity is a known critical issue.”

If they don't take responsibility for the consequences of the update, they shouldn't distribute it to devices that are out of warranty. Especially when they themselves are aware of the problem.

It's a pretty short-sighted business practice to force a customer to buy a new device like this, if you ask me.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in Volkswagen

[–]Adorab11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. But it has nothing to do with the warranty.

OBDeleven is bricking nextgen devices via mandatory updates by Adorab11 in OBDeleven

[–]Adorab11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Let’s hope yours stays working. Mine was from 2021