Logitech CEO Introduces 'Forever Mouse' That Might Require SubscriptionLogitech 'Forever Mouse' Part of Broader Subscription Trend, and Gamers Find It Ludicrous
transcript of interview via The Verge
In a recent conversation with The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber introduced the "everlasting mouse" that she envisioned to be Logitech's all-new, high-end, exclusive mouse that comes with regular updates for a fee. Faber explained that the everlasting mouse is still in the conceptual stage. She envisions a mouse that, much like a Rolex watch, remains useful continuously through continuous software updates. "Imagine it’s like your Rolex. You’re going to really love that," Faber illustrated.
"Given that we know the technology that we attach to changes, it’s not going to be like your Rolex in that it doesn’t have to ever change." She further explained, "Our stuff will have to change, but does the hardware have to change? I’m not so sure. We’ll have to obviously fix it and figure out what that business model is. We’re not at the everlasting mouse today, but I’m intrigued by the thought."
The potential longevity and quality of the everlasting mouse, and its comparable qualities akin to premium items like Rolex watches, seemed to be Faber's selling point. "I’m not planning to throw that watch away ever," Faber explained. "So why would I be throwing my mouse or my keyboard away if it’s a fantastic quality, well-designed, software-enabled mouse?"
Logitech's Everlasting Mouse not 'super far away' from turning into reality
The "forever mouse" concept revolves around keeping the mouse updated and functional indefinitely through software updates. While the hardware might still need occasional updates, the primary goal is to avoid the frequent replacements that are common with current technology. Faber noted that Logitech isn't "super far away" from actualizing this concept but acknowledged that the high cost of creating such a product might necessitate a subscription model to make the forever mouse profitable.
When asked about the specifics of the subscription model, Faber confirmed that it would primarily be for software updates. "Yeah, and you never have to worry about it again, which is not unlike our video conferencing services today," she said. She also mentioned that Logitech is exploring other business models, such as allowing customers to trade in their mouse for a newer version, similar to Apple's iPhone upgrade program. "The forever mouse could be the mouse that you keep and we just send you software updates, but it could also be the mouse that you turn in at Best Buy and we get it back or Best Buy takes it back and refurbs and resells it," she explained.
Ongoing Subscription-Based Models Trend in Gaming
The "eternal mouse" is part of a broader vogue towards subscription-based business models in sundry industries such as gaming. From movie and music streaming to hardware services, companies are increasingly embracing subscription models. For instance, HP introduced a service in February that allows customers to print 20 pages per month for $6.99. And in gaming, both Xbox and Ubisoft have augmented the prices for their subscription offerings, Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft , this year alone.
Fan Responses
screenshots captured via Twitter (X) and arstechnica forum
Evidently and rather pervasively throughout the internet, coteries of gamers articulated their skepticism about the concept of a subscription for ordinary everyday objects such as a gaming/computer mouse. One social media user even facetiously remarked that they were "simply astonished Ubisoft didn’t conceive of this first," while others proffered their own suggestions.
