Top of Mind: The Subscription is Optional My Ass!
Top of Mind: The Subscription is Optional My Ass!
Posted 08/05/2010 at 1:15pm
| by Michael Brown
19
Comments
Print
Welcome to the first edition of my new column, Top of Mind, in which I’ll discuss a variety of issues percolating at the top of my brain. Some topics will be from the news, others will spring from my life as a tech geek, and many will be related to my day-to-day work as reviews editor here at Maximum PC.
One trend that’s been bugging me lately is the proliferation of products that come with subscription plans attached. I’ve recently encountered three examples where subscriptions are ostensibly optional, but where much of the product’s value and appeal vaporizes if you don’t pony up for the subscription.
Schlage's new LiNK system is fabulous, but the annual subscription fee is as welcome as a case of herpes.
When I built a new home about three years ago I incorporated a lot of technology into its infrastructure: A home-run with CAT5e wiring to every room, Logitech’s Wi-Life surveillance cameras, about 40 of Intermatic’s Z-Wave lighting-control devices (dimmers, switches, and outlets), and more. Since I do so much product testing at home, we’ve taken to calling the place Maximum PC Lab North. You’ll find some information about it here, but since that story is now two years old, I’ll update it in a future column.
I’ve been looking for a good Z-Wave controller and an Ethernet bridge/gateway ever since we moved in, because Intermatic’s controller is riddled with bugs and the company never developed an bridge/gateway that would enable me to monitor or control the Z-Wave devices with my PC or via the Web. While attending an open house at Sigma Design a few months back (Sigma acquired Z-Wave developer Zensys in 2009), I saw an intriguing demo of Ingersoll-Rand’s Schlage LiNK system.
The wireless camera and the thermostat are purchased separately from the LiNK starter kit.
The $250 LiNK starter kit consists of a deadbolt lock with a numeric keypad and a Z-Wave lamp module; more importantly, it comes with a Z-Wave-to-Ethernet bridge/gateway. The LiNK ecosystem also includes a $180 wireless security camera and a $150 programmable Z-Wave thermostat manufactured by Ingersoll-Rand’s Trane HVAC division. I requested the whole kit and caboodle for a review that will appear online and in the debut issue of Maximum Tech in September.
The system works great. I never thought I’d care about having a deadbolt lock I could monitor—and unlock—from afar, but considering how much time I spend away from home, I’ve found it very reassuring to be able to check on it using Schlage’s smartphone app or my PC’s web browser. I dig the thermostat, too, which enables me to program—using my PC a—four heating and cooling events for each day of the week or any combination of days.
But after you’ve spent $580 to acquire the Schlage products described above, and paid between $50 and $75 for each Z-Wave dimmer, switch, and outlet, forking over an additional $13 $9 per month to access and control the devices over the Internet flat-out stinks. Remote access and
remote programmability are at least half the appeal and value of this hardware, and it’ll cost you more than $150 per year.
Schlage’s system includes an optional indoor wireless IP security camera, but the camera doesn’t have a motion sensor, so it can’t automatically snap pictures when it detects motion when the house is supposed to be empty, and it can’t send alerts to my smartphone. I recently bestowed a 9 Kick Ass verdict on Logitech’s new Alert video surveillance system. Logitech offers indoor and outdoor cameras—both of which have motion sensors—and the outdoor camera features built-in night vision. The cameras automatically record a video clip when they detect motion, a feature you can turn off when you’re scheduled to be home, and you can monitor the cameras in real time over the Internet for free.
But if you want the system to send alerts to your smartphone and/or email address, or remotely view previously recorded video clips—to see more details about what triggered an alert, for instance—you’ll have to cough up $80 per year for Logitech’s Alert Mobile Commander and Alert Web Commander services. What’s even more grating is that Logitech’s system doesn’t tie into your Z-Wave network, so if it’s dark and you want to see what’s happening inside your home, you’ll need Schlage’s service to turn on the lights. Now you’re paying $20 per month plus the cost of the equipment for your home-control system.
Now some home-server manufacturers want to get in on the act. I recently reviewed Verbatim’s DLNA-compliant MediaShare server (also for Maximum Tech), which boasts the ability to send emails to friends and family inviting them to share music, photo slideshows, videos, and other digital media stored on your home server. It’ll upload your digital photos to your Facebook account and back up your local PCs, too. But if you’d rather upload those snapshots to Flickr, or if you have more than three users who’d like to share the device, or if you want to access the server from your smartphone via the Internet, you’ll need to sign up for Verbatim’s “premium” service, which costs $20 per year.
Verbatim's MediaShare server is priced at $200, but it costs an extra $20 per year to unlock all its features.
The ability to control electronic devices over the Internet should not be this expensive. I understand these companies need to recoup their R&D expenses and must maintain servers to render these services, but give me a break. You can buy the OEM version of Microsoft’s Home Server operating system for less than $100 and access your home server remotely via the Internet for absolutely no additional cost.
I don't begrudge companies earning a profit on their products, but these subscription plans are getting out of hand. What do you think?
Editor's Note: This story was updated to reflect Schlage's new subscription fee.
More like this
fizbain32
August 15, 2010 at 9:31am
Have you checked out Vera @ micasaverde ? I have been leaning towards Vera for my enviroanment. BUt in answer to your orginal question, yes these monthly fees are getting out of hand!
MrMick
August 17, 2010 at 12:52pm
Yeah, I really like what Mi Casa Verde has to offer, and they claim to support Schlage's locks. I called and left a message and sent an email to them a couple of weeks ago. I haven't received a response to either query.
Smart Home Concepts
October 24, 2010 at 7:08am
The Mi Casa Verde Vera does link with the Schlage locks. Something I might recommend though is changing out the Schlage locks to Kwikset. I think they are better looking, and they offer advanced features such as bump guard (makes it harder to pick the lock) and a motorized deadbolt. The nice thing about the motorized deadbolt is that you can lock the door via the router or your cell phone and the door will actually lock itself. With the Schlage, someone has to be there to manually turn the lock. This is not very effective if you are driving to work and realized you forgot to lock the door. The MiCasaVerde is also open source and has many add-ons such as specialized programs for Android phones and iPhones.
If you are interested in reading my review of the Kwikset lock, check it out on my blog http://www.smarthomeconceptsshc.com/blog/
MrMick
October 28, 2010 at 3:08pm
Thanks for the heads-up on Kwikset. I never did hear back from MiCasaVerde. I really would like to check out their product.
Mike
Smart Home Concepts
October 29, 2010 at 5:39pm
Mike,
I am actually a MiCasaVerde Vera dealer. I would love the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. If you would prefer to talk to MiCasaVerde directly, I can have them contact you. Send me an e-mail at Nathan.Harmon@smarthomeconceptsshc.com and I will personally make sure your questions get answered.
Nathan
MrMick
November 10, 2010 at 2:26pm
Hi Nathan:
I wish our comment system sent alerts when new posts are made, but I've been periodically checking back on this one to see if there are any updates.
I did finally get in touch with MiCasaVerde and have received an eval unit. I also interviewed one of the principals there. I plan to check the controller out this Friday for a feature story I'm working on for the next issue of Maximum Tech. I'll email this message to you as well.
Mike
Erris
August 07, 2010 at 6:00am
There is one thing that bothers about all these monthly fees for equipment that is able to connect to the internet anyway.
The device manufacturer does not provide your internet right? So what is the charge for?
If the device can connect to the internet, then it can connect to your home network too. If it can connect to your home network, then you should be able to tell it to record any data on your home computers and you should be able to connect to watch its live feeds/adjust settings by simple internet connection to your homenetwork.
What I can see them charging for is if you want to use the manufacturer's servers for data storage/retrieval. However that should be avoidable by simply buying and setting up your own domain/site. Any of the BlueHost, GoDaddies out there sell near unlimited monthly transfer ( well more than you would need for any of your device communications) for something like $7 a month - including the domain name.
And that is $7 for ALL of your devices, not $7 per device/service. They still make a profit too.
So charging anything more than $1/mo for controlling your termostat or viewing some video recordings or whatever is too much, when you can do it all for free by using your own home network, or for $7 (maybe een less) if you set up your own site.
timmyw
August 06, 2010 at 4:01pm
I vote with my money, I refuse to buy any device that requires a subscription to be fully functional. I'm such a skinflint I won't even buy a game if I need to pay a subscription too (I'm looking at you WoW). Everyone wants to make money on what they sell AND charge you to use it too. I'm afraid its a trend that is here to stay because the sheeple put up with it. I just say NO.
I too looked into the Schlage system and liked what I saw, until I saw that subscription fee. I beat feet out of there so fast....
It is the only way to stop this, is to refuse to play the game their way.
iftegod
August 06, 2010 at 12:05pm
Oh yeah, it's Apples model for revenue. Spend more get less. If any of these could be tied into my home security system and monitored for little to no additional cost, that would be worth the premium. Otherwise this is just early adopters tax for little/no benefit. Adjusting my thermostat manually is free. Turning a dead-bolt is free. I can turn the thermostat down or up for the season prior to a long trip, and not have to look at it on my cell phone. No bang for the buck. How do these companies stay in business?
BluePhoton
August 06, 2010 at 6:07am
I was recently looking for items described in this article.
I also came to the same conclusion as Michael - that the market seems immature and pricing models are not designed for cost-conscious customers. There's not a compelling ROI to investing in these items, for example:
If I could remotely change my home thermometer, I may be able to save a % of my energy bills. However, the online fees eat into any of the cost savings. Combined with the higher initial price for the equipment, it's hard to justify.
While it's cool to be able to access and change remotely, I want some Retun on Investment (ROI) - SOMETHING - that I could use to justify to my wife.. They don't seem there yet..
BTW: It would be good if these services offered options: a hosted option with a monthly fee, or software that could be hosted on my own Windows Home Server.
MrMick
August 06, 2010 at 7:16am
For what it's worth, I think Logitech's Alert plan is fairly reasonable. You can view your cameras live for free, but if you want to view previously recorded material or control the system using your PC or smartphone, you pay an additional $6.66 per month. I think $5 or $6 per month is pretty reasonable. If Schlage's plan cost that much and they had outdoor cameras as good as Logitech's, they'd have a killer value proposition.
So I'm on the lookout for other good DIY home-control/home monitoring systems to review in Maximum PC (and perhaps Maximum Tech). If you know of any systems we haven't covered, please send an email to michael_AT_maximumpc.com
BluePhoton
August 06, 2010 at 6:16am
BTW, my KodakPulse picture frame and Sony Dash device both have web portals, but I don't have to pay a monthly fee. (and note how I bought them).
Vendors who charge for portals on top of premium priced hardware are really limiting themselves and their market.
Cache
August 05, 2010 at 2:55pm
If only these companies understood that real value comes not from benefits, but perceived benefits. Had Schlage managed to include a very general sort of alert function for free--that provides benefits. However, they can sell a lot of people on the idea that they can keep a database of the information, or automate functions that might otherwise need to be entered/maintained manually. They could also allow for number forwarding if you're going on vacation and may be in a spotty cellular area.
In an age of internet communications, it really feels as if everyone is charging us for the same thing until it loses any intrinsic value. Schalge charges you to remotely check on the products you already purchased, your cellular character wants to charge you for the information going back and forth, your ISP wants to charge you for data exceeding certain thresholds (dependant on region). Companies really would be far wiser in giving us the benefit of communications, charging more for 'elite services' that provide greater automation or take over the minute details for people who simply don't want to figure out how to set all of this up.
The market is there, but it will never grow if people feel they are not getting real value in their purchases without ridiculous add-ons. Charging me to talk to something that has that functionality built in, in my own home? There is no value for me in that, and without built-in value the interest in a prodct goes quickly from a maybe to a solid no. How many of us would gladly pay to use the thermostat on our air conditioner after already paying for the unit itself?? Subscriptions without any work done on the part of the vendor is simply a money sinkhole.
sojrner
August 05, 2010 at 2:38pm
THIS is the fallout of an app-centric, digital instead of physical copied world. As the likes of itunes and netflix continue to gobble up money that we are apparently thankful to give them this trend will not stop. Once companies taste of (or hear of others tasting) the "guarranteed" profits of the dedicated subscription base they will not relinquish those monies easily. As we happily fork over $5 a month here and $20 a month there for our movie and game access and then pay (what used to be) huge amounts for base hardware only to be pilfered for "accessories" we perpetuate the attitude.
The only way that this would stop is to let our money actually walk away. Not letting our hunger for these things be driven to override reality by the asthmatic sideshow barker trying to sell us his cure-all linement. All we are doing is fueling their desire for more of our cash.
Peanut Fox
August 05, 2010 at 9:31pm
You could go to McDonalds and spend $5 on a meal. In 20 minutes you will have eaten the most average tasting meal you can buy. Alternatively, you could drop a fiver for access to a huge backlog of movies and T.V. shows you're free to watch anywhere you've got web access, and do so across a multitude of platforms. It's all you can eat for a month. Looking at these two things, it's hard to say that Netflix isn't a value proposition.
No, everything doesn't work out that way. Xbox Live Gold is something that is paid for by many, and I feel it offers nothing. For $50 a year, you get access to things that were previously free. Voice chat, text, friends lists, playing a game online. Oh, and there's ads!
aviaggio
August 05, 2010 at 2:23pm
Yeah, it's all pretty stupid. Companies just expect us to pay and pay and pay and pay forever and ever. I won't do it. The days of offering a quality product at a fair price are long gone. Now it's provide a barely functional low quality product made in an Asian sweatshop and charge 3x or more what you should for it. Oh, and keep it as locked down as humanly possible so that all the suckers that were stupid enough to buy your crap are forced to keep coming back for more cause you're the only one selling compatible equipment.
I really want to get an Android smartphone. But it's so ridiculously expensive it's not even on the table. I can either buy the phone outright for $600 and then spend $60 a month for limited usage, or I can spend $200 up front and pay $80 a month for limited usage on a 2 year contract. For a PHONE. It's so utterly retarded.
If this is the way technology is heading I guess I'm going to be stuck waaaaay in the past.
Fecal Face
August 05, 2010 at 1:57pm
"but the annual subscription fee is as welcome as a case of herpes."
Nice one. LOL
WeMee
August 16, 2010 at 6:06am
And people wonder why people bootleg and copy stuff. Subscription fee what subscription fee?
I am with the guy that says stay clear of the people that charge fees. And the people that say the $2 a month is ok don't take into account that if you have 5 thngs that you have to pay $2 a month for thats $10 a month pluc all the other crap you have to subscribe to. I don't buy anything I have to subscribe to or have an internet connection to connect back to the company Cough cough starcraft cough.
Connect with MaximumPC
Featured Content
We introduce Intel's latest class of tablet killers and review 4 of the first Ultra...
Where have all the memorable videogame enemies gone?
This month's issue
Feature
11 Hardware Hacks
Feature
Overclock Your CPU
How-To
Supercharge Your Smartphone
Build It
A Powerful $830 Rig
Most Commented Articles
Latest Max PC Tweets
- maximumpc: Analysts: 9-Inch Kindle Fire This Summer http://t.co/QDYApwCZ1 day 2 hours ago
- maximumpc: Micron: DRAM Prices Likely as Low as They're Going to Get http://t.co/fFUWuFOm1 day 5 hours ago
- maximumpc: Yar, Mateys! All Of Pirate Bay Made Available As A Single 90MB Zip File http://t.co/j5LHlXEZ1 day 7 hours ago
