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Soon, your car's features will be subscription-based - NewtonsAdamsApple - 17-12-2021
Toyota and BMW are testing out features-as-a-service models, where you have to pay a monthly subscription fee to use features such as remote start, adaptive cruise and heated seats.
Quote:For 2018 to 2020 vehicles with a remote start function on the key fob, the feature will work for three years over a "trial period." Even though an owner's fob features the button, the function will be deactivated after that three-year timeframe. To regain the remote start feature, owners will need to shop the brand's Connected Services for Remote Connect. The price is $80 per year or $8 per month, which also includes a host of other digital functions available through the Toyota smartphone app.
From https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/toyota-kills-physical-remote-start-digital-function-will-be-pay-to-play/ar-AARSVFj?ocid=uxbndlbing
Quote:You may recall, BMW already demoed a program like this in 2018 by charging for limited-time access to Apple CarPlay. At the time I called this "next-level gouging" and I wasn't in the minority, the reaction being so negative that BMW eventually scrapped the program.
Yet this new move basically takes that approach and brings it to another level. Imagine pressing the seat heater button only to be prompted to renew your subscription, or having to pay extra to get an engine note on your new M4 that suits your sensibilities. All this is possible -- and likely. And, frankly, ugly.
From https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/bmw-vehicle-as-a-platform/#ftag=MSFf70f0e2
Paying an additional $8 a month or whatever is small change compared to the cost of the car, of course, but it's the principle that troubles me. Pay for the car AND COE not enough, still must pay monthly fees to enjoy the car to its potential? That's BS.
And what if Toyota or BMW doesn't just stop there? If their customers go along with this subscription model, what's stopping these companies from moving even more features or even the more essential features onto a pay-as-you-use model?
Automobile companies must have been looking at how other industries such as software, healthcare, and food delivery are raking in profits and felt inspired to do the same with their cars.
Your thoughts?
RE: Soon, your car's features will be subscription-based - totoro08 - 17-12-2021
I've been using Adobe software for quite a while. A few years ago, they moved to a subscription model and wow, we're really paying a lot more if you add everything up. And it's not like they improved their software either. If anything, Photoshop is now slower than ever with barely any new improvements worth paying extra for.
People who want to buy cars need to vote with their wallets before all car manufacturers do the same.
RE: Soon, your car's features will be subscription-based - ghettomotto - 18-12-2021
Wah this might be worse than microtransactions in video games.
In the video games industry, there are a lot of "free" games that let players buy additional features or unlock characters/costumes/weapons for a price. More recently, there are paid games that also include this microtransactions model so those companies can earn more money. It's a big problem.
And now, car manufacturers want to do the same? That's ridiculous. Like AdamsNewtonsApple wrote, car owners now have to pay for the car and COE and additional monthly prices to use features of the car??
RE: Soon, your car's features will be subscription-based - membrain - 22-12-2021
Huh I thought there are already subscription fees for owning a car (fuel, ERP, and maintenance)?
