Consumer Rights Wiki

Futurehome Smarthub Mandatory Subscription Fee: Difference between revisions

← Older editNewer edit →
VisualWikitext
NinjaWeeb (talk | contribs)
confirmed
44 edits
revised
Line 1: Line 1:
[[File:Futurehome Smarthub.jpg|thumb|Futurehome’s Smarthub (left) and example compatible devices]]
Futurehome ransomed customer devices after bankruptcy, forcing them to pay a subscription fee or face disabled core functionality.
== Company info ==
[[File:Futurehome Smarthub.jpg|thumb|Futurehome’s Smarthub (left) and example compatible devices]]
[[File:Futurehome Smarthub.jpg|thumb|Futurehome’s Smarthub (left) and example compatible devices]]
'''Futurehome Smarthub'''<ref>https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/</ref> is a Norwegian smart-home gateway '''originally sold as a one-time purchase.''' The hub lets users pair Zigbee-, Z-Wave-, and Futurehome-branded devices and control them locally or remotely through a free mobile app and cloud service; it also exposes local APIs for third-party integrations such as Home Assistant. '''After the company’s 2025 bankruptcy and relaunch, ''any'' continued use now requires an annual subscription of 1,188 NOK (≈ $117); households that decline are locked out of the app, automations, and the local API interface, leaving only manual, on-device control.'''<ref name=":0">https://support.futurehome.no/hc/en-no/articles/28158944965277-FAQ-Subscription (Archived 13.07.2025 https://archive.ph/UBjdJ)</ref>
'''Futurehome Smarthub'''<ref>https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/</ref> is a Norwegian smart-home gateway '''originally sold as a one-time purchase.''' The hub lets users pair Zigbee-, Z-Wave-, and Futurehome-branded devices and control them locally or remotely through a free mobile app and cloud service; it also exposes local APIs for third-party integrations such as Home Assistant. '''After the company’s 2025 bankruptcy and relaunch, ''any'' continued use now requires an annual subscription of 1,188 NOK (≈ $117); households that decline are locked out of the app, automations, and the local API interface, leaving only manual, on-device control.'''<ref name=":0">https://support.futurehome.no/hc/en-no/articles/28158944965277-FAQ-Subscription (Archived 13.07.2025 https://archive.ph/UBjdJ)</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
'''Futurehome AS''', founded in Stavanger, Norway, in 2013, sold the  '''Futurehome Smarthub''' - a central hub that connects and controls various IoT devices using standards like Zigbee and Z-Wave. The Smarthub and Futurehome’s own product line ''(thermostats, smart plugs, relays, sensors, etc<ref>https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/products</ref>)'' allow users to automate lighting, heating, EV charging, and other home functions via a mobile app and cloud platform.  
'''Futurehome AS''', founded in Stavanger, Norway, in 2013, sold the  '''Futurehome Smarthub;''' a central hub that connects and controls various IoT devices using standards like Zigbee and Z-Wave. The Smarthub and Futurehome’s own product line ''(thermostats, smart plugs, relays, sensors, etc<ref>https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/products</ref>)'' allow users to automate lighting, heating, EV charging, and other home functions via a mobile app and cloud platform.


'''Prior to 2025, Futurehome operated on a one-time hardware purchase model''', with app and cloud services included at no extra cost. '''Users could remotely monitor and control their smart homes through the Futurehome app without any subscription fees'''.
'''Prior to 2025, Futurehome operated on a one-time hardware purchase model''', with app and cloud services included at no extra cost. '''Users could remotely monitor and control their smart homes through the Futurehome app without any subscription fees.'''


Futurehome AS was declared bankrupt on May 20th, 2025. The platform & its services were purchased with 50/50 ownership by Sikom Connect & the old Futurehome owners. The business now operates under FHSD Connect AS.<ref>{{Cite web |title=End user – Futurehome |url=https://support.futurehome.no/hc/en-no/categories/200177446-End-user |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=support.futurehome.no}}</ref>
Futurehome AS was declared bankrupt on May 20, 2025. The platform and its services were acquired in a 50/50 split by Sikom Connect AS and the former Futurehome owners. The business was relaunched under a new entity: '''FHSD Connect AS'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=End user – Futurehome |url=https://support.futurehome.no/hc/en-no/categories/200177446-End-user |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=support.futurehome.no}}</ref>


==June 2025 Subscription Rollout==
==June 2025 Subscription Rollout==
'''On 20 May 2025''' Futurehome AS was declared bankrupt. Shortly after, the Futurehome platform and services were acquired by a new joint venture, '''50% held by the original owners and 50% by Sikom Connect AS''', a Norwegian IoT company, and operations resumed under a new entity, called '''FHSD Connect AS'''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">https://www.elektro247.no/krever-abonnement-av-kundene.6722352-567787.html</ref>
Following the relaunch, FHSD Connect announced that a mandatory subscription would be required to continue using the Smarthub platform. On June 26, 2025, a four-week trial period ended and the new pricing model took effect. The fee: '''1,188 NOK per year (≈ $117 USD)'''.<ref name=":1">https://www.elektro247.no/krever-abonnement-av-kundene.6722352-567787.html</ref>


'''On 26 June 2025''' a mandatory subscription was activated in the app, with the existing households being granted a four-week free trial. After the trial, continued use of the hub requires '''1,188 NOK per year (≈ US $117)'''; non-subscribers are locked out of the app, automations, and local API.
Customers had until June 26, 2025 to activate this subscription. '''Failing to pay leads to the following restrictions''':<ref name=":0" />


Customers had until June 26, 2025 to activate this subscription. '''Failing to pay would lead to the following:'''<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-13 |title=FAQ Subscription – Futurehome |url=https://support.futurehome.no/hc/en-no/articles/28158944965277-FAQ-Subscription |website=FAQ Subscription – Futurehome}}</ref>
*App becomes inaccessible (both remote and LAN/local usage)
*Local API and MQTT interface are disabled after a short "grace period"
*Automations, modes, shortcuts, and energy services are locked
*Manual control of paired devices remains, but only via physical interaction


*Loss of application function: remote AND LAN app control disabled
These restrictions are enforced by a firmware update delivered through the app. A Futurehome software engineer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed this is a deliberate lockout mechanism designed to force users to subscribe.  
*Local API/MQTT(mosquitobroker) interface is disabled after a short ''"grace period"'' is up
*The '''app is locked''' and most paid features become unavailable.
*You lose access to controls, automations, modes, shortcuts, and energy services.
*Local devices still work manually, but without app control.


This is enforced via a forced firmware update that disables functionality if a subscription is not paid for, according to a software engineer
The hub is installed in over 38,000 Norwegian households.<ref>https://www.futurehome.io/no/ (Norwegian version lists 38,000 homes as of July 2025)</ref>


The hub is installed in over 38,000 households across Norway.<ref>https://www.futurehome.io/no/ (The updated figure of 38,000 is listed only on the Norwegian version of the site)</ref><gallery>
<gallery>
File:Futurehome Subscription App Info 1.PNG|Futurehome app home screen prompting the user to activate a subscription.
File:Futurehome Subscription App Info 1.PNG|Futurehome app home screen prompting the user to activate a subscription.
File:Futurehome Subscription App Info 2.PNG|Subscription-activation screen showing annual-payment terms; one link opens the subscription FAQ, the other opens a feedback form (https://us1.zonka.co/1pBYm3)
File:Futurehome Subscription App Info 2.PNG|Subscription-activation screen showing annual-payment terms; one link opens the subscription FAQ, the other opens a feedback form (https://us1.zonka.co/1pBYm3)
Line 31: Line 35:


==Futurehome's reply==
==Futurehome's reply==
Øyvind Fries, CEO of FHSD, commenting on Tek.no, a Norwegian technology guide, justified the fee as necessary to “secure stable operation, fund product development, and provide high-quality support”, according to FAQ.<ref name=":022">https://support.futurehome.no/hc/en-no/articles/28158944965277-FAQ-Subscription (Archived 13.07.2025 https://archive.ph/UBjdJ)</ref><ref name=":12">https://www.elektro247.no/krever-abonnement-av-kundene.6722352-567787.html</ref><ref>https://www.tek.no/nyheter/nyhet/i/alMe04/rasende-kunder-opplever-smarthjem-utpressing</ref>
FHSD CEO Øyvind Fries justified the subscription model as necessary to ''“secure stable operation, fund product development, and provide high-quality support,”'' according to statements given to [[Tek.no]] and reiterated in the FAQ.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>https://www.tek.no/nyheter/nyhet/i/alMe04/rasende-kunder-opplever-smarthjem-utpressing</ref>


==Consumer response==
==Consumer response==
The response from Futurehome’s user base in Norway was overwhelmingly negative. Many customers expressed shock, anger, and a sense of betrayal at what they saw as a '''sudden “paywall” imposed on equipment they had purchased''' in good faith. On the Norway discussion forum Reddit (r/norge), a thread about Futurehome’s new policy quickly filled with outraged comments.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/norge/comments/1lek0p7/futurehome_tvinger_eksisterende_kunder_over_til/</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/norge/comments/1lek0p7/futurehome_tvinger_eksisterende_kunder_over_til/?tl=en (Translated by Reddit)</ref>
The reaction from Futurehome’s user base was negative. Norwegian customers described the move as a betrayal, given that the original sale included full functionality with no indication that a subscription would be introduced later.


 Norwegian consumers questioned the legality of what FHSD Connect AS did under EU consumer protection law. Muffinmeistro commented the following:<blockquote>''I can't understand how what they're trying to do here is legal. I'd like to hear what u/thomasiversen thinks.''
On Reddit’s r/norge, there is an active discussion thread filled with outrage, legal concerns, and comparisons to ransomware tactics.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/norge/comments/1lek0p7/futurehome_tvinger_eksisterende_kunder_over_til/</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/norge/comments/1lek0p7/futurehome_tvinger_eksisterende_kunder_over_til/?tl=en</ref>


''They're removing functionality locally in a hub (computer) that I've paid for with an update.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-18 |title=Futurehome is forcing existing customers to switch to a subscription, what now? : r/norge |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/norge/comments/1lek0p7/comment/myhs0sm/?tl=en&utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button |url-status=dead |access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>''</blockquote>
One user, muffinmeistro, wrote:<blockquote>''I can't understand how what they're trying to do here is legal. I'd like to hear what u/thomasiversen thinks.''
 
''They're removing functionality locally in a hub (computer) that I've paid for with an update.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-18 |title=Futurehome is forcing existing customers to switch to a subscription, what now? : r/norge |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/norge/comments/1lek0p7/comment/myhs0sm/?tl=en&utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button |url-status=dead |access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref></blockquote>
 
Norway, though not an EU member, adheres to European Economic Area (EEA) consumer protections that bar unfair commercial practices. Whether this retroactive subscription violates those laws remains to be seen.<ref>{{Cite web |title=European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement {{!}} Access2Markets |url=https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/european-economic-area-eea-agreement#:~:text=links%20and%20documents-,At%20a%20glance,part%20of%20EEA%20countries'%20legislation. |access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>


==Impact on Third-Party Integrations==
==Impact on Third-Party Integrations==
One particularly painful aspect for advanced users is that '''the subscription lockout also breaks any third-party integrations.''' Futurehome’s ecosystem wasn’t completely closed – prior to this change, enthusiasts could integrate the Smarthub with systems like '''Home Assistant''' (an open source smart home platform)<ref>https://github.com/runelangseid/hassio-futurehome2mqtt</ref> or use '''Homebridge''' to link with Apple’s HomeKit<ref>https://www.npmjs.com/package/homebridge-futurehome</ref>. These integrations typically relied on Futurehome’s '''local API or MQTT''' interface to communicate with the hub. Once Futurehome disables the local API/MQTT (after the grace period), such solutions '''will stop functioning'''. The hub won’t respond to local requests or publish updates, effectively '''cutting off Home Assistant, Homebridge, or any other external smart home controller''' from accessing the devices.
One especially frustrating consequence for advanced users is that '''the subscription disables all third-party integrations'''. Futurehome previously allowed integration with:


The only path for unhappy customers is to '''migrate to a completely different smart home system''', re-using the devices but abandoning the Futurehome hub. Fortunately, because Futurehome devices use standard protocols, many of them can be directly enrolled into other hubs or services.
*[[Home Assistant]] via a custom MQTT bridge<ref>https://github.com/runelangseid/hassio-futurehome2mqtt</ref>
*[[Homebridge]] via NPM plugin for Apple HomeKit<ref>https://www.npmjs.com/package/homebridge-futurehome</ref>


Some hardware is harder to re-home. The Futurehome Charge EV-charger (connected via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth<ref>https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/shop/charge</ref>) relies on the Smarthub for smart-charging logic and may revert to basic, un-scheduled charging elsewhere. Likewise, the Futurehome HAN sensor (smart-meter reader) has no community driver listed on projects such as zigbee2mqtt.io<ref>https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/supported-devices/#v=Futurehome</ref>, so its data may be inaccessible without the original hub.
These relied on the hub’s local API and MQTT server. Once disabled, no data is sent or received, breaking compatibility with these platforms.
 
While some users may migrate to other smart home ecosystems using open protocols like Zigbee2MQTT<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zigbee2MQTT Supported Devices – Futurehome |url=https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/supported-devices/#v=Futurehome}}</ref>, some Futurehome-branded devices (e.g., the HAN-Sensor and Futurehome Charge EV charger) may lose core features or become inaccessible due to lack of open community drivers.


==Inadequate subscription notice==
==Inadequate subscription notice==
The fact that the products utilize a subscription based model is not clearly communicated to a visitor to the main website. The homepage only makes mention of a subscription based model on the 2nd page, in very small print font. Screenshots have been taken below of the site with Brave browser maximized on a 4k display, with the only mention of a subscription on the homepage enclosed in red with the arrow going to it.
Futurehome doesn't prominently disclose the new subscription requirement in product listings or on its homepage.


<gallery mode="slideshow">
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:Subscription.jpg|User must scroll to 2nd page of [https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ site homepage] <ref>{{Cite web |title=Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Futurehome}}</ref> and read very small text at the bottom to realize product is a subscription.
File:Subscription.jpg|The only mention of a subscription on [https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ site homepage] is in fine print on the second scroll page.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>
File:Homepage futurehome.jpg|No mention of subscription on [https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ site homepage] <ref>{{Cite web |title=Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Futurehome}}</ref> when you first land on the page.
File:Homepage futurehome.jpg|Landing view of homepage with no subscription mention.
</gallery>Further, the product pages only show the cost of the individual parts, without ever making mention of the subscription model. <gallery>
</gallery>
File:Applefree.jpg|Apple app store page for Futurehome app, makes no obvious mention that this will require subscription to work. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Futurehome on the App Store |url=https://apps.apple.com/tr/app/futurehome/id1470952171 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Futurehome on the App Store}}</ref>
 
File:Androidfree.jpg|Futurehome on Google Play store, makes no obvious mention that will require a subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Futurehome - Apps on Google Play |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=no.futurehome.futurehome_app&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Futurehome - Apps on Google Play}}</ref>
Further, product and app store pages list only hardware prices, creating the false impression of a one-time purchase.
File:Hansensor.jpg|The product page for the hansensor makes no obvious mention that this works within an ecosystem that now forces subscriptions on the user. It only makes mention of hardware price, giving incomplete impression of cost of ownership. Hansensor product page on Futurehome.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HAN-Sensor - Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/shop/han-sensor |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=HAN-Sensor - Futurehome}}</ref>
 
File:Modusbryter nosub.jpg|modusbryter page on futurehome site. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Modusbryter (Black) - Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/shop/modeswitch-black#tab-description |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Modusbryter (Black) - Futurehome}}</ref> It makes no obvious mention of the fact that this works within an ecosystem that now forces subscriptions on the user, only makes mention of hardware price, giving incomplete impression of cost of ownership.
<gallery>
File:Applefree.jpg|Apple App Store listing for Futurehome, no mention of required subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Futurehome on the App Store |url=https://apps.apple.com/tr/app/futurehome/id1470952171 |access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>
File:Androidfree.jpg|Google Play listing for Futurehome app, no mention of subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Futurehome - Apps on Google Play |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=no.futurehome.futurehome_app&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1 |access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>
File:Hansensor.jpg|HAN Sensor product page: no mention of subscription requirement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HAN-Sensor - Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/shop/han-sensor |access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>
File:Modusbryter nosub.jpg|Modusbryter page omits any disclosure of subscription lock-in.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Modusbryter (Black) - Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/shop/modeswitch-black#tab-description |access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 63: Line 78:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Placeholder box|[[mw:Help:VisualEditor/User_guide#Editing_categories|Add a category]] with the same name as the product, service, website, software, product line or company that this article is about.
[[Category:Futurehome]]
 
[[Category:Smart home device obsolescence]]
The "Incidents" category is not needed.}}
[[Category:Forced subscription activation]]
[[Category:Consumer rights]]
Retrieved from "https://consumerrights.wiki/Futurehome_Smarthub_Mandatory_Subscription_Fee"