Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber recently discussed the possibility of one day launching a mouse that customers can use “forever.” The executive said such a mouse isn’t “definitely far off” and will likely rely on software updates delivered through a subscription model.
Speaking in The Verge’s July 29 issue Decoder podcast, Faber, whom Logitech named CEO in October, said members of the “Logitech innovation center” showed him the “eternal mouse” and compared it to a watch that was nice but “not too expensive.” He said:
… I don’t plan on ever dropping that watch. Why throw away my mouse or keyboard if it’s a fantastic quality, well designed, software packed mouse? An eternal mouse is one of the things we want to get.
The concept mouse Faber studied was “slightly heavier” than a typical mouse. But it’s his idea of constantly updating software and services that drives the potential for longevity for Logitech.
To be clear, Logitech has not announced specific plans to release such a product. But Faber seemed optimistic about the idea of a mouse that people would ever need to replace. The challenge, he acknowledged, is finding a business model that supports the idea without requiring exorbitant equipment costs. “Our stuff will have to change, but will the hardware?” he asked. “I’m not so sure. We’re going to have to obviously fix it and figure out what that business model is. We’re not forever mice today, but I’m intrigued by the idea.”
The price of “eternal mouse”.
Speaking with Faber, Decoder host and Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel suggested that the “eternal mouse” would cost $200. While it’s more expensive than a regular mouse, such a product won’t be the first software-loaded, triple-digit computer mouse. Still, the nearly $200 price tag will limit the audience to professionals or hobbyists.
Faber said the average price for a mouse or keyboard is $26, though he did not cite his source. Logitech is looking to grow by appealing to more people who don’t have both a mouse and a keyboard, and by selling more expensive devices. “Eternal Mouse” might fall under the latter. Alternatively, the cost of the mouse hardware can be subsidized by subscription fees.
Either way, implementing software updates will require Logitech to convince customers to use software to control their mice. Such software can offer a lot of programmability and macro support, but the need to constantly run peripheral software can be a nuisance that eats up computer resources. Earlier this year, users complained when Logitech added a ChatGPT launcher to their peripherals.
Mouse subscription
Subscription models are gaining popularity among business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) technology companies because they offer a more reliable, recurring source of revenue than hardware sales. When Patel asked Faber if he could “imagine a subscription mouse,” he replied, “maybe.”
Faber said subscription software updates will mean people don’t have to worry about their mice. The business model is similar to what Logitech already does with video conferencing services (included in Logitech’s B2B business Select Logitechsubscription service that offers things like apps, 24/7 support, and advanced RMA).
Having to pay regularly for full use of a peripheral can deter customers. HP is trying a similar idea with rentable printers that charge a monthly fee. Printers differ from the eternal mouse idea in that HP hardware is owned by HP, not the user. However, concerns about tracking and adding ongoing costs are similar.
What about hardware durability?
Logitech’s CEO did not discuss what durability features the long-lasting mouse might include. But allowing for easier self-repairs and upgrades would be a different approach to a longer-lasting computer mouse that could appeal more directly to users.
Logitech already sells parts for self-repair of some of its mice and other gadgets through iFixit. This store can be expanded to provide more parts, offer more guides, and support more products.
The “eternal mouse” will also benefit from a self-repairing design. Features like hot swapping for mouse buttons improvements/repair; easily replaceable shells, wheels and feet; removable cables; and customization options—all accompanied by readily available parts and guides—can go a long way toward making a mouse that meets users’ long-term needs.
During the interview, Faber also discussed Logitech’s goals to double its business and reduce its carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2031.