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Futurehome Smarthub mandatory subscription fee: Difference between revisions

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==Company info and background==
==Company info and background==
'''Futurehome''' AS is a Norwegian smart-home technology company founded in 2013, known for the ''Futurehome Smarthub'', a central gateway device that connects and controls IoT devices. The Smarthub and Futurehome's own product line ''(thermostats, smart plugs, relays, sensors, etc<ref>{{Cite web |title=Products - Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/products |access-date=2025-07-14}}</ref>)'' allow users to automate lighting, heating, EV charging, and other home functions via a mobile app and cloud platform.  
'''Futurehome''' AS is a Norwegian smart-home technology company founded in 2013, known for the ''Futurehome Smarthub'', a central gateway device that connects and controls IoT devices. The Smarthub and Futurehome's own product line ''(thermostats, smart plugs, relays, sensors, etc<ref>{{Cite web |title=Products - Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/products |access-date=2025-07-14 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212152946/https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/products |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>)'' allow users to automate lighting, heating, EV charging, and other home functions via a mobile app and cloud platform.  


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.  
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.  


The '''Futurehome Smarthub'''<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ |access-date=2025-07-14}}</ref> was '''originally sold as a one-time purchase.''' '''Prior to 2025, Futurehome operated on a one-time hardware purchase model''', with app and cloud services included at no extra cost.
The '''Futurehome Smarthub'''<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Futurehome |url=https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251124155037/https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ |archive-date=24 Nov 2025}}</ref> was '''originally sold as a one-time purchase.''' '''Prior to 2025, Futurehome operated on a one-time hardware purchase model''', with app and cloud services included at no extra cost.


Futurehome AS was declared bankrupt on 20 May 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 name=":0" /> A press release by Sikom Connect AS on the same day clearly depicted their expectation of making every futurehome user into a paying customer for FHSD Connect AS by counting the entire user base of Futurehome into their customer base: "''With the purchase of futurehome, Sikom expands their services to private housing with a combined customer base of more than 70 000 customers''"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schieflow |first=Torfinn |date=2025-05-20 |title=Strategisk viktig samarbeid |url=https://www.sikom.no/2025/05/20/strategisk-viktig-samarbeid/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-25 |website=www.sikom.no}}</ref>(Translated from Norwegian)
Futurehome AS was declared bankrupt on 20 May 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 name=":0" /> A press release by Sikom Connect AS on the same day clearly depicted their expectation of making every futurehome user into a paying customer for FHSD Connect AS by counting the entire user base of Futurehome into their customer base: "''With the purchase of futurehome, Sikom expands their services to private housing with a combined customer base of more than 70 000 customers''"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schieflow |first=Torfinn |date=2025-05-20 |title=Strategisk viktig samarbeid |url=https://www.sikom.no/2025/05/20/strategisk-viktig-samarbeid/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-25 |website=www.sikom.no |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251126092218/https://sikom.no/2025/05/20/strategisk-viktig-samarbeid/ |archive-date=26 Nov 2025}}</ref>(Translated from Norwegian)


==June 2025 subscription rollout==
==June 2025 subscription rollout==
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*'''Support limited:''' Access to customer support channels (chat and phone support) is reserved for paying subscribers.
*'''Support limited:''' Access to customer support channels (chat and phone support) is reserved for paying subscribers.


These limitations were delivered via a firmware update to the hub's software, locking previously available features behind the paywall. One Futurehome software engineer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the firmware was designed to enforce this lockout mechanism and compel users to subscribe. As of the changeover, the Futurehome system was reportedly installed in over '''38,000 Norwegian households''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Futurehome Norge |trans-title=The updated figure of 38,000 is listed only on the Norwegian version of the site |url=https://www.futurehome.io/no/ |access-date=2025-07-13 |language=no}}</ref> all of which had to choose between paying the new fees or losing most "smart" functionality.
These limitations were delivered via a firmware update to the hub's software, locking previously available features behind the paywall. One Futurehome software engineer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the firmware was designed to enforce this lockout mechanism and compel users to subscribe. As of the changeover, the Futurehome system was reportedly installed in over '''38,000 Norwegian households''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Futurehome Norge |trans-title=The updated figure of 38,000 is listed only on the Norwegian version of the site |url=https://www.futurehome.io/no/ |access-date=2025-07-13 |language=no |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115081530/https://www.futurehome.io/no/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref> all of which had to choose between paying the new fees or losing most "smart" functionality.
[[File:Image(1).png|thumb|Indexed search results from the forum about disabling automatic hub and app updates]]
[[File:Image(1).png|thumb|Indexed search results from the forum about disabling automatic hub and app updates]]


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==Futurehome's reply==
==Futurehome's reply==
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 [https://www.tek.no/nyheter/nyhet/i/alMe04/rasende-kunder-opplever-smarthjem-utpressing Tek.no] and reiterated in the FAQ.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":1" /> Fries explained that the subscription was introduced to ensure the '''long-term viability''' of the platform after bankruptcy: without new revenue, they could not guarantee stable operation of the cloud servers or continued updates to the product.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Rasende kunder opplever smarthjem-utpressing |trans-title=Furious customers experience smart home blackmail |url=https://www.tek.no/nyheter/nyhet/i/alMe04/rasende-kunder-opplever-smarthjem-utpressing |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Tek.no |language=no}}</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 [https://www.tek.no/nyheter/nyhet/i/alMe04/rasende-kunder-opplever-smarthjem-utpressing Tek.no] and reiterated in the FAQ.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":1" /> Fries explained that the subscription was introduced to ensure the '''long-term viability''' of the platform after bankruptcy: without new revenue, they could not guarantee stable operation of the cloud servers or continued updates to the product.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Rasende kunder opplever smarthjem-utpressing |trans-title=Furious customers experience smart home blackmail |url=https://www.tek.no/nyheter/nyhet/i/alMe04/rasende-kunder-opplever-smarthjem-utpressing |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Tek.no |language=no |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208120232/https://www.tek.no/nyheter/nyhet/i/alMe04/rasende-kunder-opplever-smarthjem-utpressing |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>  


He stated that the annual fee would help fund ongoing development of new features and maintain a high level of support for customers.<ref name=":0" /> The company also emailed users saying the change would ultimately provide ''"better functionality, more security, and higher value in the solution you already have invested in",'' positioning the subscription as an improvement for the user base.<ref name=":13" />
He stated that the annual fee would help fund ongoing development of new features and maintain a high level of support for customers.<ref name=":0" /> The company also emailed users saying the change would ultimately provide ''"better functionality, more security, and higher value in the solution you already have invested in",'' positioning the subscription as an improvement for the user base.<ref name=":13" />
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==Similarity to Wink==
==Similarity to Wink==
In 2020, [[Wink]] suddenly introduced a $4.99 monthly fee for continued use of its previously free smart-home service, giving customers only a one-week ultimatum and warning that devices would stop working if they didn't pay.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wink smart hub users get one week's notice to pay up or lose access - Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/05/wink-smart-hub-users-get-one-weeks-notice-to-pay-up-or-lose-access/ |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Wink smart hub users get one week’s notice to pay up or lose access - Ars Technica}}</ref> That move led to a class-action lawsuit alleging deceptive business practices, breach of warranty, and even ''"trespass to chattels"'' on the grounds that Wink's remote deactivation scheme unlawfully interfered with consumers' owned property.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Greenwald Davidson Radbil PLLC {{!}} Greenwald Davidson Radbil PLLC files amended class action complaint against Wink Labs, Inc. over new monthly charge |url=https://www.gdrlawfirm.com/Wink-class-action |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313203733/https://www.gdrlawfirm.com/Wink-class-action |archive-date=2023-03-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Greenwald Davidson Radbil PLLC {{!}} Greenwald Davidson Radbil PLLC files amended class action complaint against Wink Labs, Inc. over new monthly charge}}</ref>  
In 2020, [[Wink]] suddenly introduced a $4.99 monthly fee for continued use of its previously free smart-home service, giving customers only a one-week ultimatum and warning that devices would stop working if they didn't pay.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wink smart hub users get one week's notice to pay up or lose access - Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/05/wink-smart-hub-users-get-one-weeks-notice-to-pay-up-or-lose-access/ |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Wink smart hub users get one week’s notice to pay up or lose access - Ars Technica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251126051826/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/05/wink-smart-hub-users-get-one-weeks-notice-to-pay-up-or-lose-access/ |archive-date=26 Nov 2025}}</ref> That move led to a class-action lawsuit alleging deceptive business practices, breach of warranty, and even ''"trespass to chattels"'' on the grounds that Wink's remote deactivation scheme unlawfully interfered with consumers' owned property.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Greenwald Davidson Radbil PLLC {{!}} Greenwald Davidson Radbil PLLC files amended class action complaint against Wink Labs, Inc. over new monthly charge |url=https://www.gdrlawfirm.com/Wink-class-action |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313203733/https://www.gdrlawfirm.com/Wink-class-action |archive-date=2023-03-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Greenwald Davidson Radbil PLLC {{!}} Greenwald Davidson Radbil PLLC files amended class action complaint against Wink Labs, Inc. over new monthly charge}}</ref>  


Futurehome's forced subscription draws parallels to the Wink case while demonstrating an industry pattern of undermining the '''[[right to own]]''' what one has bought. Critics argue that such practices erode consumers' sense of ownership, turning purchased devices into services that can be revoked or pay-walled at any time.
Futurehome's forced subscription draws parallels to the Wink case while demonstrating an industry pattern of undermining the '''[[right to own]]''' what one has bought. Critics argue that such practices erode consumers' sense of ownership, turning purchased devices into services that can be revoked or pay-walled at any time.
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Beyond the immediate loss of app functionality, the subscription requirement '''disables all third-party integrations'''. Futurehome previously allowed integration with:
Beyond the immediate loss of app functionality, the subscription requirement '''disables all third-party integrations'''. Futurehome previously allowed integration with:


*[[Home Assistant]] via a custom MQTT bridge<ref>{{Cite web |title=runelangseid/hassio-futurehome2mqtt |url=https://github.com/runelangseid/hassio-futurehome2mqtt |access-date=2025-07-14}}</ref>
*[[Home Assistant]] via a custom MQTT bridge<ref>{{Cite web |title=runelangseid/hassio-futurehome2mqtt |url=https://github.com/runelangseid/hassio-futurehome2mqtt |access-date=2025-07-14 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251128005923/https://github.com/runelangseid/hassio-futurehome2mqtt |archive-date=28 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*[[Homebridge]] via NPM plugin for Apple HomeKit<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=homebridge-futurehome - npm |url=https://www.npmjs.com/package/homebridge-futurehome |access-date=2025-07-14}}</ref> let Futurehome devices be controlled via Siri and the Apple Home app
*[[Homebridge]] via NPM plugin for Apple HomeKit<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=homebridge-futurehome - npm |url=https://www.npmjs.com/package/homebridge-futurehome |access-date=2025-07-14 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907045629/https://www.npmjs.com/package/homebridge-futurehome |archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref> let Futurehome devices be controlled via Siri and the Apple Home app


These relied on the hub's local API and MQTT server. Once disabled, no data is sent or received, breaking compatibility with these platforms. Once the subscription enforcement kicked in, the hub stopped publishing or accepting local MQTT messages and the API shut down, breaking compatibility.
These relied on the hub's local API and MQTT server. Once disabled, no data is sent or received, breaking compatibility with these platforms. Once the subscription enforcement kicked in, the hub stopped publishing or accepting local MQTT messages and the API shut down, breaking compatibility.


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 |access-date=2025-07-14}}</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.
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 |access-date=2025-07-14 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260127094607/https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/supported-devices/ |archive-date=27 Jan 2026}}</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==
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<gallery>
<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: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 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251128225016/https://apps.apple.com/tr/app/futurehome/id1470952171 |archive-date=28 Nov 2025}}</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: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 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251125155349/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?pli=1&id=no.futurehome.futurehome_app&hl=en_US&gl=US |archive-date=25 Nov 2025}}</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>
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 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251124155037/https://www.futurehome.io/en_no/ |archive-date=24 Nov 2025}}</ref>
</gallery>
</gallery>


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