Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber recently spoke about the possibility of selling a mouse in the future that customers can use “forever.” She said such a mouse is not “necessarily in the very distant future,” but would depend on software updates that could be delivered through a subscription model.
On the July 29 episode of The Verge decoder During the podcast, Faber, who Logitec named CEO in October, said that a member of “Logitec’s innovation center” showed her “a mouse that will last forever” and compared it to a nice, but not “super expensive” watch.
… I’m not going to throw away that watch. So if it’s a great quality, well designed, software enabled mouse, why throw away your mouse and keyboard? A permanent mouse is one of the things we want to achieve.
The concept mouse Faber tested was “a little bit heavier” than a typical mouse, but for Logitech, what’s driving the mouse’s longevity is the idea of constantly updating its software and services.
To be clear, Logitec hasn’t announced any specific plans to release such a product. But Faber was optimistic about the idea of a mouse that users don’t need to replace. He acknowledged that the challenge will be finding a business model that supports the idea without requiring exorbitant hardware prices. “Our product needs to change, but does the hardware need to change?” he asked. “I don’t know. Obviously we’ll have to revise that and figure out what that business model is. We’re not talking about a permanent mouse today, but the idea is intriguing.”
The price of the “Eternal Mouse”
Nilay Patel, host of Decoder and editor-in-chief of the Verge, spoke with Faber and suggested the “forever mouse” could cost $200. That’s expensive compared to a typical mouse, but it wouldn’t be the first software-heavy computer mouse to cost three figures. Still, a price tag around $200 would likely limit the target audience to professionals and enthusiasts.
Faber also said the average price of a mouse or keyboard is $26, but declined to cite sources. Logitec aims to grow by selling more expensive devices that appeal to the many people who don’t own both a mouse and a keyboard. A “forever mouse” might fall into the latter category. Or it could subsidize the price of the mouse hardware with a subscription fee.
Either way, to release a software update, Logitech needs to convince customers to use an app to control the mouse. Such software can offer a lot of programming features and macro support, but it can be a nuisance that drains computer resources because the peripheral software needs to be running all the time. Users complained when Logitech pushed users to use an app to control the mouse earlier this year. Added ChatGPT launcher For peripheral devices.
Mouse Subscription
Subscription models are gaining popularity Popular for business-to-business transactions Subscription mice are popular with B2B and B2C technology companies because they provide a more reliable and recurring revenue stream than hardware sales. When Patel asked Farber if he could imagine a subscription mouse, Farber replied, “Yes, it’s possible.”
Ferber said subscription software updates will allow users to never have to worry about their mouse. The business model is similar to what Logitech already does with its video conferencing service. (Logitech’s B2B business includes Logitech Selectis a subscription service that offers apps, 24/7 support, advanced RMA, and more.
But having to pay a flat fee to use a peripheral’s full functionality might put off customers. HP is trying a similar idea. Rental printer Printers require a monthly fee. Printers differ from the perpetual mouse idea in that the HP hardware is owned by HP, not you. However, the concerns about tracking and adding ongoing costs are similar.
How durable is the hardware?
Logitec’s CEO didn’t say what durability features would be built into the long-lasting mouse, but making it easy to repair and upgrade yourself would be a different approach to a longer-lasting computer mouse and one that would appeal more directly to users.
Logitec already Selling parts for self-repair Some of the company’s mice and other gadgets are sold through iFixit, a store that could expand to carry more parts, offer more guides, and support more products.
A “permanent mouse” would also benefit from designs that allow for self-healing. Features such as the ability to hot-swap mouse button switches would be a great help. upgradeRepairable, easily replaceable shells, wheels, feet, detachable cables and customization options (all with readily available parts and guides) go a long way in helping you create a mouse that suits your long-term needs.
During the interview, Faber also discussed Logitec’s goals of doubling its business and reducing its carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2031.
