Logitech decries subscription-based forever mouse that "is not an actual or planned product but a peek into provocative internal thinking on future possibilities"

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Logitech's CEO drew criticism by discussing the concept of a mouse that requires a paid subscription for software updates.

Logitech MX Master 2S
Logitech does not have plans to make a mouse that requires a subscription for software updates, despite recent comments made by the company's CEO. (Image credit: Jennifer Young - WIndows Central)

What you need to know

  • Logitech's CEO discussed the concept of a "forever mouse" that requires a paid subscription to receive software updates recently.
  • The comments drew heavy criticism from many across the web.
  • Logitech has since clarified that the forever mouse is "not an actual or planned product."
  • Criticism continues, as many were more upset at the concept of a subscription-based mouse than if Logitech had made one already.

Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber stirred up controversy lately by sharing the concept of a "forever mouse" that would require a subscription to receive software updates. When pressed about the subscription-based mouse, Faber compared the hypothetical mouse to a luxury watch, such as a Rolex. That clarification added fuel to the flames, as the CEO came off as out of touch with the Logitech customer base.

Since that interview with The Verge, Logitech has clarified its plans, or lack of a plan, for a forever mouse. “There are no plans for a subscription mouse,” said Logitech to The Verge and other outlets. The clarification went on to state that, "the mouse mentioned is not an actual or planned product but a peek into provocative internal thinking on future possibilities for more sustainable consumer electronics."

The idea certainly proved provocative when shared publicly. Many online have accused the Logitech CEO of "saying the quiet part out loud." The new statement also does not address the core issues presented by the concept of a subscription-based mouse.

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Missing the point

Logitech G502 Lightspeed

(Image credit: Windows Central)

I think it's safe to say that Logitech missed the point and failed to understand why people were upset about the concept of a subscription-based mouse. It's not a question of if Logitech made the mouse discussed. I don't think anyone assumed Logitech had actually made the mouse and had a warehouse full of them ready to ship. The problem is that Logitech considered the idea in the first place.

A mouse requiring a subscription for software updates is ludicrous at a base level. The best mice are some of the only accessories that last for years, if not decades. Designing a mouse to require software updates that cost money is at worst a perfect example of corporate greed and planned obsolescence. At best it's an executive grossly misunderstanding their company's customer base.

Logitech could have leaned into the idea of a forever mouse by highlighting the longevity of its products. It's relatively common to see high-end brands market products as lasting for life. I have a kitchen mixer that my wife and I often joke will be a family heirloom because of how robust it is.

I understand the temptation to find a new revenue stream, but Logitech missed the mark here by a wide margin. If Logitech cares about sustainability and e-waste, it could focus more on partnerships with iFixit to keep accessories in the hands of consumers. Replacing a scroll wheel or a wrist rest is a more sustainable way to keep Logitech accessories working forever, or at least for a very long time.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott brings nearly a decade of experience covering Microsoft and Windows news to Windows Central. He joined our team in 2017 as an app reviewer and now heads up our day-to-day news coverage. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com.

6 Comments Comment from the forums
  • eric peacock
    What a ridiculous notion, especially considering the inevitable button fatigue that every single Logitech mouse and trackball I have bought in the last 10 years gets.
    I have a whole fleet of Logitech pointing devices with worn out left button that either double clicks on its own or doesn't register clicks unless I slam my finger on the button.

    I kept telling myself "meh, it's $35, what are you gonna do?", and buy a replacement. One thing that irked me was the same problem carried over to the M575 refresh. What really peeved me off was two of the more expensive mouse models, on gaming and on "productivity", also had the left button wear out in 18 months or less.

    After so man years of literally every single Logitech device I bought going bad (and relatively soon), I finally have denounced Logitech entirely. I'm on my second year with a Kensington trackball, and a little over a year on the Razer mouse I'd bought on clearance just to have a backup mouse handy. The Kensington trackball already has outlasted all but one login device I've ever had. The Razer mouse has 8 months to go, and then it will also have outlasted all but one Logi device.

    Even if they do go off the deep end and make a subscription service, it's definitely won't be "forever" or "for life" because the hardware simply doesn't last long.
    Reply
  • nocturn9x
    eric peacock said:
    What a ridiculous notion, especially considering the inevitable button fatigue that every single Logitech mouse and trackball I have bought in the last 10 years gets.
    I have a whole fleet of Logitech pointing devices with worn out left button that either double clicks on its own or doesn't register clicks unless I slam my finger on the button.

    I kept telling myself "meh, it's $35, what are you gonna do?", and buy a replacement. One thing that irked me was the same problem carried over to the M575 refresh. What really peeved me off was two of the more expensive mouse models, on gaming and on "productivity", also had the left button wear out in 18 months or less.

    After so man years of literally every single Logitech device I bought going bad (and relatively soon), I finally have denounced Logitech entirely. I'm on my second year with a Kensington trackball, and a little over a year on the Razer mouse I'd bought on clearance just to have a backup mouse handy. The Kensington trackball already has outlasted all but one login device I've ever had. The Razer mouse has 8 months to go, and then it will also have outlasted all but one Logi device.

    Even if they do go off the deep end and make a subscription service, it's definitely won't be "forever" or "for life" because the hardware simply doesn't last long.
    I don't know why everyone seems to be having so many failures with Logitech products: the heck are y'all doing with your mice? My G305 is still going strong after over 2 years of daily use...
    Reply
  • It's a toaster
    nocturn9x said:
    I don't know why everyone seems to be having so many failures with Logitech products: the heck are y'all doing with your mice? My G305 is still going strong after over 2 years of daily use...
    I wonder if it's because of the way people hold their mouse, I haven't had any G series mice (used to have a M170 which lasted well, like 5 years I think?), maybe different types of gripping puts pressure on a weak spot or something
    Reply
  • nocturn9x
    It's a toaster said:
    I wonder if it's because of the way people hold their mouse, I haven't had any G series mice (used to have a M170 which lasted well, like 5 years I think?), maybe different types of gripping puts pressure on a weak spot or something
    That was my guess as well. Some people may be death gripping their mice without realizing it. User error? Ahh, the good ol PEBKAC...
    Reply
  • Walkop
    This whole article is inaccurate as it's based on a false premise.

    The "forever mouse" was never about software. It was about software AND hardware - being made up of hardware components that would be repaired or replaced for free under the subscription.

    You're literally paying for a subscription for a mouse that is designed to be kept and he usable forever. That's the concept. Not paying for the sake of paying for software. Logitech's CEO went into this concept a bit more in detail.

    Whether you like or agree with that is a different story, of course; but, a note to the writer, stop taking things out of context and running with it, please. It's lazy reporting.
    Reply
  • taynjack
    There are two ways to run a business.
    Think about what you want and how you will get it.
    Think about your clients needs and how you can support and improve what they already do.This mouse idea seems to fall in the first category. Apple used to feel strongly like the second category, at least, publicly. Microsoft often reveals itself to be the first category.
    Reply