As a valued user of OBD2 scanner technology, particularly Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, you might be eagerly anticipating updates for the latest 2023 vehicle models. You may have noticed some brands advertising immediate support for these new vehicles and are wondering about the status of updates for your trusted scanner. We understand your eagerness and want to provide clarity on why updates might take a little longer and why this is ultimately beneficial for you.
The reason behind any potential delay in 2023 vehicle support for your Bluetooth OBD2 scanner comes down to data sourcing and integrity. We operate as authentic data licensers of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) information, adhering strictly to legal and ethical guidelines. This commitment to lawful practices is what sets us apart from many other scanner businesses in the market. Unlike some companies, we do not take shortcuts or compromise on data legitimacy.
Many scanner companies that boast rapid updates for new vehicle models often achieve this through questionable means. These unethical businesses frequently bypass legal data acquisition channels. OEMs typically release updates for their own manufacturer-specific scan tools, which can cost upwards of $20,000, in advance of new vehicle releases. This initial data release is intended for their dealer networks and authorized service centers. Subsequently, sometimes months or even years later, they release data relevant for aftermarket businesses like ours.
Unscrupulous scanner companies resort to hacking OEM scanners to extract proprietary data. They then incorporate this illegally obtained information into their own products, selling these as subscription updates to consumers. This illicit approach allows them to appear to have faster update cycles. However, this practice is not only unethical but also carries significant risks. We encourage you to perform a quick online search for “scan tools sued by ford” to understand the legal ramifications of these actions.
While third-party sources might attempt to downplay these issues, examining the original lawsuit claims reveals a consistent pattern. Automakers like Ford often allege that certain companies “obtained access to Ford’s proprietary automobile-diagnostic software, hacked it, copied proprietary information, and pasted that information into their own diagnostic software.”
Choosing an unethical Bluetooth OBD2 scanner puts you at risk. These devices could become unusable or “bricked” at any time if legal action is taken or if manufacturers implement countermeasures.
In contrast, our commitment to ethical practices has resulted in a clean track record. Despite being a leading provider of scan tools in terms of volume and a long-standing company in the US diagnostic scanner market, we have never faced lawsuits from vehicle manufacturers.
As an aftermarket supplier, we patiently await the official release of manufacturer data intended for the aftermarket. Once available, our dedicated team meticulously processes this vast amount of new vehicle information. Our engineers then diligently engineer and rigorously verify the thousands of features and functions for each new vehicle model. To ensure a seamless update experience for you, we consolidate these updates into a comprehensive annual release covering all makes and models. This thorough process of data digestion, engineering, and testing across numerous vehicles naturally requires considerable time and effort.
This comprehensive update process is a substantial engineering undertaking, requiring a team of nearly a hundred dedicated engineers and field testers. The complexity and resources involved are why advanced scanners that offer functionalities beyond basic code reading and clearing often necessitate paid updates. However, it’s important to remember that your updates are provided to you free of charge as part of our commitment to your long-term satisfaction.
We deeply appreciate your understanding and patience as we work diligently to deliver reliable and legally sound updates for your Bluetooth OBD2 scanner. Our priority remains providing you with a high-quality, trustworthy product that you can depend on for accurate and safe vehicle diagnostics.
