Wireless memory card manufacturer Eye-Fi will soon end support for its X2 and older products, services and apps, according to a notice sent to customers.
In the notice, Eye-Fi cites security concerns for the company ending server support for the X2 products and related services on September 16, 2016.
Eye-Fi says its cards will still function at that point, and certain wireless transfer modes may still work, but their associated apps and services won't deliver full functionality. Eye-Fi is offering to move customer data to its newer Cloud service, and will sell affected customers new cards at a discount. Mobi, Mobi Pro and EyeFi Cloud are all unaffected.
Eye-Fi mentions that some functions that don't require contact with its servers may still work after September 16, but their function is not guaranteed. Eye-Fi Premium customers will be able to migrate to an Eye-Fi Cloud account, and owners of legacy cards can buy a limited number of Mobi cards at a discounted price.
Australian Photography reader and user of Eye-Fi products Andrew Lean is outraged by the manufacturer's actions. In an email sent to Eye-Fi and AP, Lean says he has been an owner and user of X2 products for about three years and "was appalled" to receive the company's message outlining its decision.
"Whilst I have enjoyed your X2 product for my three cameras and I would have happily upgraded in due course to your newer product, further to technically 'brick' your depreciated products (that were available until 24 months ago retail) shows an unacceptable customer service attitude," Lean wrote.
Products Eye-Fi will no longer support include:
All original pre-X2 products (Original, Home, Share, Explore, Video Share, Video Explore, Pro); 4GB Geo X2; 4GB Connect X2; 8GB Explore X2; 8GB Mobile X2; 8GB Pro X2; 16GB Pro X2; Visioneer X2; Sandisk X2; Eye-Fi Windows desktop software (Eye-Fi Center); Eye-Fi Mac desktop software (Eye-Fi Center); Eye-Fi app for iOS; Eye-Fi app for Android; Eye-Fi Center web app (center.eye.fi).
Eye-Fi began the process of retiring its older products in March 2015, citing vulnerable security mechanisms and technological obsolescence. Visit Eye-Fi's website for more information.
Read the Eye-Fi customer notice here.