Logitech wants to make you pay a mouse “subscription”
Summary
TLDRLogitech's new CEO, Bracken Hanukkah Faber, has sparked controversy by suggesting a subscription model for a 'forever mouse' in an interview with the Verge. The concept involves a high-quality, software-enabled mouse that receives ongoing updates, drawing parallels with a Rolex watch. Critics argue this model is out of touch, given the rapidly evolving tech market and the importance of hardware innovation. The idea has been met with skepticism, with concerns about the necessity of constant software updates and the potential for a subscription service to render the mouse unusable without an active internet connection.
Takeaways
- 😮 Logitech CEO Hanukkah Faber discussed the concept of a 'forever mouse' in an interview with the Verge, which has sparked controversy.
- 🤔 The 'forever mouse' is compared to a watch that you don't plan to throw away, suggesting a product with long-term use and software updates.
- 💡 Faber believes in the possibility of a mouse that's a bit heavier, with great software and services that are constantly updated, and is aesthetically pleasing.
- 🛠️ Logitech's current business model revolves around innovation and upgrades, which is considered effective due to the company's strong innovators.
- 🔄 The idea of a subscription-based model for a mouse is presented, where consumers pay for ongoing software updates, similar to video conferencing services.
- 💎 The concept is likened to a diamond-encrusted mouse, highlighting the perceived luxury and value in a product that never needs replacing.
- 🤨 The speaker questions the practicality of a heavier mouse in a market that favors lighter, more agile devices, especially in gaming.
- 🛑 The speaker criticizes Logitech's recent history of releasing products that are behind the current standard, suggesting a disconnect with consumer needs.
- 🔧 The importance of hardware in a mouse is emphasized, arguing that software cannot replace the need for physical upgrades in performance and design.
- 💰 The potential issue of a subscription model is highlighted, questioning what happens if a user is offline or cannot afford the subscription.
- 🚫 The speaker concludes that the 'forever mouse' concept is out of touch and could be detrimental to Logitech's reputation and business.
Q & A
What is the concept of the 'forever mouse' mentioned by Logitech's CEO in the podcast?
-The 'forever mouse' is a concept where a mouse is designed to last indefinitely, similar to a watch that one would not plan to throw away. It would be a high-quality, well-designed device with software-enabled features that could be constantly updated.
What does Logitech's CEO, Hanukkah Faber, see as the main features of the 'forever mouse'?
-Hanukkah Faber describes the 'forever mouse' as being a bit heavier, having great software and services that are constantly updated, and being aesthetically pleasing.
What is the traditional business model for hardware that Logitech currently follows?
-The traditional business model that Logitech follows is innovation and upgrading. They create new products that customers can choose to upgrade to, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
How does the concept of a subscription-based mouse differ from the traditional model?
-A subscription-based mouse would involve customers paying for ongoing software updates to their hardware, rather than purchasing new hardware when they want to upgrade or when their current device becomes outdated.
What are some concerns raised about the 'forever mouse' concept in the script?
-Concerns include the potential for the mouse to become obsolete in terms of hardware despite software updates, the perceived value of a heavier mouse in a market that favors lighter devices, and the reliance on an active internet connection for software updates.
What is the comparison made between the 'forever mouse' and a Rolex watch?
-The comparison is made to illustrate the idea of a product that is designed to last and does not need to be replaced, much like a Rolex watch. However, the script points out that unlike a watch, technology products often require hardware changes to stay relevant.
What is the background of Logitech's new CEO, Hanukkah Faber, and how does it relate to her new role?
-Hanukkah Faber was previously the head of multi-billion dollar nutrition companies and has overseen projects for brands like Kate Spade and Pantene. Her background is in nutrition and beauty products, which may seem unrelated to the tech industry, but her role as CEO is to drive the company's direction and profitability.
What is the potential issue with a subscription model for a mouse in terms of consumer perception?
-Consumers might perceive a subscription model for a mouse as unnecessary or overpriced, especially when compared to the traditional model of buying a new mouse when they want to upgrade or when their current one fails.
How does the script suggest the market for mice has evolved in recent years?
-The script suggests that the market for mice has evolved towards lighter, faster, and more efficient devices with better battery life and sensor technology, making the idea of a 'forever mouse' seem outdated.
What are the implications of requiring a paid subscription for software updates to a mouse?
-Requiring a paid subscription for software updates could mean that if a user is not connected to the internet or cannot afford the subscription, their mouse could become unusable, effectively turning it into a 'brick'.
What is the overall sentiment expressed in the script towards the 'forever mouse' concept?
-The overall sentiment in the script is critical and skeptical of the 'forever mouse' concept, suggesting that it is out of touch with current market trends and consumer preferences.
Outlines
😲 Logitech's Subscription Mouse Controversy
The script discusses the controversial idea of a subscription-based 'forever mouse' introduced by Logitech's new CEO, Hanukkah Faber, during an interview with the Verge. The concept involves a mouse that receives ongoing software updates, similar to a watch that one wouldn't discard. Faber's background in nutrition and beauty products is highlighted as a contrast to her new role in tech, leading to skepticism about the direction Logitech might be taking under her leadership. The idea of a subscription for a physical product like a mouse, which traditionally has been sold as a one-time purchase, is met with incredulity and criticism.
🤔 The 'Forever Mouse' Concept and Market Realities
This paragraph delves into the practicality and market expectations of the 'forever mouse' concept. It questions the desire for a heavier mouse in a market that favors lighter, more agile devices, especially in gaming. The focus on aesthetics and software updates as the main selling points is critiqued, with the argument that hardware advancements are more critical for consumers looking to upgrade their mice. The paragraph also points out Logitech's history of releasing products that do not meet current market standards, suggesting that the 'forever mouse' could be another misstep. The potential downsides of a subscription model, such as the need for constant internet connectivity for software updates, are also highlighted.
📢 Public Reaction and the Future of Logitech
The final paragraph addresses the public's reaction to the 'forever mouse' idea, with the scriptwriter expressing a personal desire to see how consumers will respond to such a concept. There's a call to action for Logitech to proceed with the idea to gauge market acceptance, with a hint of sarcasm suggesting that the company might be risking its reputation. The script ends on a note that invites further discussion and speculation about the potential impact of this business model on Logitech's future.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Forever Mouse
💡Subscription Model
💡Logitech
💡Hanukkah Faber
💡Software Updates
💡Rolex Comparison
💡Consumer Reaction
💡Innovation
💡Hardware vs. Software
💡Market Trends
Highlights
Logitech's new CEO, Hanukkah Faber, proposes a subscription-based model for a 'forever mouse'.
The 'forever mouse' is compared to a watch, implying long-term use and ongoing updates rather than frequent replacements.
The concept suggests a mouse with great software and services, constantly updated to keep it functional and attractive.
Hanukkah Faber discusses the idea of making the mouse a bit heavier, with beautiful design, aligning it with high-end, durable products like a Rolex.
Two traditional ways to monetize hardware over time are mentioned: subscription fees and advertising.
Faber is intrigued by the idea of creating a business model around a 'forever mouse' with ongoing software updates.
There is skepticism about whether consumers would accept paying a subscription for software updates to a mouse.
Criticism is directed at the focus on making the mouse heavier and more beautiful rather than prioritizing other important features.
Concerns are raised about the practicality and appeal of a subscription-based mouse in the rapidly evolving tech market.
The idea of a 'forever mouse' is seen as contrary to current trends in the mouse market, which favor lighter, more efficient devices.
Discussion on how current hardware innovations in mice focus on weight reduction, higher sensors, and better battery life.
The importance of hardware in a mouse is emphasized, noting that software alone cannot improve key physical aspects like sensors, weight, and shape.
Concerns about the subscription model potentially rendering the mouse unusable if not connected to the internet.
Criticism of Logitech's recent product innovations and the perception that the company is behind current market standards.
Skepticism about the market and consumer reaction to a subscription-based 'forever mouse'.
Transcripts
I wasn't even going to bring it up I was
just going to let it go and laugh it off
but so many of you have reached out to
me about this that I figured I'd give
you all my two cents in a move so
mindboggling yet so empty-minded which
is Oso Logitech Logitech wants to charge
you a subscription to use your
mouse yeah let's talk about that so in a
interview with the Verge new Logitech
CEO Hanukkah Faber sat down with Nei
Patel to have a friendly chat on a
podcast and during that episode a
concept of the forever mouse was brought
up that now is getting a lot of
attention I'm going to read you guys a
little transcript from this podcast
during the conversation Hanukkah said
I'm very intrigued the other day in
Ireland our Innovation Center there one
of our team members showed me a forever
Mouse with the comparison into a watch
this is a nice watch not a super
expensive watch but I'm not planning to
throw that watch away ever so why would
I be throwing my mouse or keyboard away
if it's a fantastic quality
well-designed software enabled Mouse the
forever Mouse is one of the things that
we'd like to get to Nei asked what made
the mouse of forever Mouse Faber
responded it's a little heavier it had
great software and services that you'd
constantly update and it was beauti
beautiful so I don't think we're
necessarily super far away from that now
again I'm still reading this to you
we're going to do a breakdown of
reaction towards the end of
this but that was just the intro so
buckle up later on Nei said I'm still
stuck on you're going to sell me a mouse
once and it's going to have ongoing
software updates forever imagine it's
like your Rolex you're going to really
love that but Rolex has to employ
software Engineers to ship me over the
air updates forever but the AR fact is
like your Rolex and then given what we
know about technology that we attach to
changes it's not going to be like your
Rolex in that it doesn't have to ever
change our stuff will have to change but
does the hardware have to change I'm not
so sure well obviously have to fix it
and figure out what that business model
is we're not at the forever Mouse today
but I'm intrigued by that thought Nei
then said there are two ways people have
traditionally proposed monetizing
Hardware over time it's subscription
fees and it's advertising is there a
third way that I don't know about that
you're thinking of Hanukkah says no the
Third Way is the traditional model of we
innovate and we have you upgrade that's
the current model and we're pretty damn
good at that model because we have
pretty damn good innovators around the
company who do come up with fabulous
products that is definitely the model
today it's not a bad model at all
especially since we're continuing to
design for more sustainable products
we're continuing to recycle and
refurbish products all that is good but
that said I'm intrigued by a forever
mouse or forever video conferencing
solution that you just update with
software and create a business model
around that and the hard-hitting
questions from Nei I'm going to ask this
very directly can you envision a
subscription
Mouse possibly and that would be the
forever Mouse yeah so you pay a
subscription for software updates to
your mouse yeah and you never have to
worry about it again which is not unlike
our video conferencing services today
but it's a mouse but it's a mouse yeah I
think consumers might perceive those to
be very different yes but it's gorgeous
think about it like a diamond encrusted
Mouse there is so much to unpack
there what are you doing
Logitech now first up in the beginning I
mentioned this is logitech's new CEO
Hanukkah Faber recently she was head of
multi-billion dollar nutrition companies
overseeing projects there projects in
the past include things like Kate Spade
Pantene with the majority of her
business coming uh being at the head of
certain panels for nutrition and beauty
products now I'm not you know
discounting any of her work she's
probably very very intelligent which is
why she holds such high positions in
these multi-million and billion dollar
companies but the jump from nutrition
and Beauty to
Logitech seems kind of strange to me not
that the two necessarily have to be
directly related cuz the CEO is mainly
to just you know write the ship and make
some more money but this just seems very
strange and out of touch which follows
what logitech's been doing for the last
four to 5 years so maybe it's the
perfect pairing but I want to go back to
one of the first things you talked about
with this forever Mouse being compared
to a Rolex watch sure but when talking
about this forever Mouse she said you
know it's a little heavier as if that's
what the market in 2024 wants a mouse
that's a little heavier now could this
be something more so along the lines of
like a productivity Mouse like their MX
Master lineup possibly because that
would you know kind of be in line with a
heavier Mouse gaming mice you know
today's day and age we're like 55 Gams
and under for a modern lightweight
wireless mouse so the fact that right
off the bat she's already aiming for a
heavier Mouse just seems kind of odd but
if it had great software and services
that you would constantly update and it
would be
beautiful a mouse is in your hand we
don't need like the the physical IAL
appearance of a mouse is the least of
importance here so the fact that they're
so far just worrying about it being a
bit heavier and looking beautiful or Nic
looking and having to it constantly be
updated they're making it seem like as a
bonus when those are three of the worst
things that are the just the least
importance here and another thing that I
threw like 10 exclamations around this
quote was when they were talking about
their current business model of you know
just the production and innovating their
mice she said and we're pretty damn good
at that model because we have pretty
damn good innovators around the company
who come up with fabulous
products this is the same Logitech who's
making mice and keyboards that nobody
asks for and are four to five years
behind the current standard in the
gaming Market this same Logitech who and
releasing new versions of the super
light seemingly just used modeling clay
over where the right sided button used
to be instead of properly smoothing out
the mouse's contour and just called it a
finger groove and the last point to
touch on here is when Eli asks so you
pay a subscription for software updates
to your mouse and she replies yes and
you never have to worry about it again
now what I find very interesting about a
forever Mouse concept is again we're in
2024 and you look at where the mouse
Market was 3 to four years ago hell even
2 to three years ago the Innovations in
the mouse Market has drastically changed
weight reductions higher sensors higher
pulling rates one of the things that
people probably upgrade the most is a
mouse because like I said it's just
changing so drastically and only getting
better so the concept of a forever Mouse
that's a bit heavier seems like the
polar opposite of what a mouse is today
and not in a good Innovative way again
it when these new mice are coming out
you want to upgrade cuz it's lighter
it's faster it's more efficient it's got
better battery over time so why would
software be the main selling point
keeping a physical tangible mouse that
the hardware will never
change why is that a good thing guess
what it's not Hanukkah Hardware has and
will always be the most important part
of the mouse you can't upgrade sens with
software you can't reduce weight with
software you can't change shape and size
of the mouse with software how don't
they see that so the fact they're
requiring software to be a paid
subscription model that they will update
over time is lunacy and like one of the
things I always think of is like Adobe
and stuff like if you're not connected
to the internet I can't use any of my
photo or video editing software so if if
you have to pay to have this software
updates to your mouse an active
Subscription Service what happens if
you're not online does your mouse just
become a brick there are so many things
that I'm questioning and hating about
this that it is it's insane it is truly
insane and so out of touch that this
current concept of a forever Mouse seems
like a good idea to Hanukkah Faber and
again I know she's a newly appointed CEO
and this is one of the things that she
brought up that she's very excited about
which leads me to believe that the
wheels are already in motion just
reading this uh this podcast here and
what she's talked about and what they've
showed her and how it's if this ever
becomes a thing Logitech is as good as
dead in the water I mean I don't know
what else to say about that it is just
such a crazy crazy crazy concept that
like I said my initial my my initial
reaction was to laugh this off but a
bunch of you guys have been hitting me
up on Twitter and on YouTube to talk
about this that I wanted to bring it up
to see what you guys thought about it
and you know what I'm going to play the
sarcastic devil's advocate here and I'm
going to say you know what Logitech do
it I would love to see you do this and
uh see you see the the market reaction
and how the consumers react to this and
uh how that does for the the
company well guys that'll do it I'm
random Frank P hope you enjoyed have a
good day
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