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Hanneke Faber, CEO of Logitech, recently talked about the option of one day promoting a mouse that consumers can use “forever. ” The executive said such a mouse is not “necessarily far away” and would depend on software updates, likely delivered through a subscription model.
On a July 29 episode of The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Faber, who named CEO through Logitech in October, said members of a “Logitech innovation center” showed him “an eternal mouse” and compared it to a charming but not “super expensive” mouse. “one. ” Sample.
. . . I have no intention of throwing this watch away. So why throw away my mouse or keyboard if it’s a quality, well-designed mouse with software? The eternal mouse is one of the things we would like to achieve.
The concept mouse Faber tested was “a little heavier” than the typical mouse. But what drives Logitech’s longevity outlook is the concept of constantly updated software and services.
To be clear, Logitech hasn’t announced any concrete plans to launch such a product. But Faber seemed positive about the concept of a mouse that other people would never want to replace. The challenge, he admitted, is to find a style of business that supports this concept without charging an exorbitant price for the hardware. “Our products will have to change, but do the appliances have to change?”He asked. I’m not so sure. It is clear that we will have to solve this challenge and find out what this style of business is. We’re not in front of the mouse today, but this concept intrigues me. “
Speaking to Faber, Nilay Patel, host of Decoder and editor-in-chief of Verge, warned that a “forever mouse” can cost only $200. While it would be expensive for a traditional mouse, such a product wouldn’t be the first three-digit, software-heavy PC mouse. However, a value of around $200 would restrict the audience to professionals or enthusiasts.
Faber also said that the average value of a mouse or keyboard is $26, but did not cite his source. Logitech is trying to expand by attracting many other people who don’t own a mouse or keyboard and promoting more expensive devices. The “eternal mouse” can be included in the latter. Alternatively, the value of the mouse hardware may simply be subsidized by paying a subscription.
In any case, in order to offer software updates, Logitech would have to convince its consumers to use an app for their mouse. Such software would possibly offer a lot of programmability and macro support, but the need to run peripheral software consistently can also be a hassle that consumes computer resources. Earlier this year, users complained when Logitech added a ChatGPT launcher to its peripherals.
Subscription models are gaining popularity among business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-business (B2C) generation corporations because they offer a more reliable and recurring revenue stream than hardware sales. When Patel asked Faber if she could “imagine a subscription mouse,” she replied “maybe. “
Faber said subscription-based software updates would mean other people wouldn’t have to worry about their mouse. The business style is similar to what Logitech already does with video conferencing facilities (Logitech’s B2B business includes Logitech Select, a subscription service that offers 24/7 apps and a complex RMA).
However, having to pay normal fees for full use of a device may simply deter customers. HP is looking for a concept with laudable printers that require a monthly fee. Printers differ from the eternal mouse concept in that HP hardware is owned by HP. , not the user. However, considerations about tracking and adding ongoing expenses are
Logitech’s CEO didn’t talk about the durability features that a durable mouse could incorporate. But allowing for easier maintenance and updates would be another technique to achieve a more durable PC mouse that could appeal more directly to users.
Logitech already sells self-repair parts for some of its mice and other devices through iFixit. This store may expand to bring more portions, offer more guides, and more products.
A “forever mouse” would also gain advantages from a design focused on self-healing. Features such as hot-swappable mouse button switches for upgrades/repairs; easily replaceable housings, wheels and feet; removable cables; And customization options, all accompanied by readily available guides and parts, can go a long way toward creating a mouse that meets users’ needs in the long run.
During the interview, Faber also touched on Logitech’s goals to double its business and carbon footprint by 50% by 2031.
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