Logitech CEO Introduces 'Forever Mouse' That Might Require Subscription
Logitech 'Forever Mouse' Part of Broader Subscription Trend, and Gamers Find It Ridiculous
In a recent interview with The Verge's Decoder podcast, Logitech's new CEO, Hanneke Faber, unveiled the concept of the "forever mouse." This premium, luxury mouse is designed to receive regular software updates, akin to a Rolex watch that remains valuable and functional indefinitely. Faber emphasized the idea's conceptual stage, stating, "Imagine it’s like your Rolex. You’re going to really love that." She highlighted that while technology evolves, the hardware of the forever mouse might not need frequent changes, suggesting a model where the mouse could be updated through software rather than replaced.
Faber acknowledged that the forever mouse is not yet a reality but expressed optimism about its potential, noting that Logitech is "not super far away" from bringing this concept to life. She mentioned the possibility of a subscription model to cover the costs of continuous software updates, drawing parallels to Logitech's existing video conferencing services. Additionally, Faber discussed alternative business models, such as a trade-in program similar to Apple's iPhone upgrade program, where users could exchange their mouse for a newer version.
Ongoing Subscription-Based Models Trend in Gaming
The forever mouse concept aligns with the growing trend of subscription-based models across various industries, including gaming. Faber pointed out the significant market opportunity in gaming peripherals, stating, "Obviously, on the gaming side, it’s a really important lifestyle product, and again, it’s a real growth opportunity for us for many years to come." This trend is evident in services like HP's printing subscription and the price increases for Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft+.
Fan Reactions
The idea of subscribing to a gaming mouse has sparked widespread skepticism among gamers online. Social media platforms and forums are buzzing with reactions, with one user humorously noting, "just surprised Ubisoft didn’t think of this first." The concept of paying a recurring fee for a common device like a mouse has left many gamers questioning the value and feasibility of such a model.
