Tado Thermostat Owners Concerned After Market Study Suggests Possible Subscription Fee.
A monthly fee could be implemented, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
Some owners of Tado smart thermostats have expressed their concerns after receiving a notification suggesting that the app might start costing a monthly fee of £1 (approximately $1.20 / AU$2). This message, which appeared in Tado's online store, was actually part of a market study and does not imply that users are being charged for the service.
A small group of users who accessed the Tado store encountered a notice indicating the imminent implementation of a monthly fee for using the app, aimed at providing "innovative features and high-quality service" while compensating for rising business costs. The announcement stated that the fee would take effect on May 1, although using Tado devices through Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit would remain free.
When contacted for clarification, a Tado spokesperson explained that the company regularly conducts studies and market analyses, taking customer feedback into account. They assured that participants in this study maintained full access to the app at no cost and that testing had already concluded.
Amidst the uncertainty about whether Tado will actually implement a monthly subscription, some users have expressed that they wouldn't mind paying, as long as the Auto Assist service was included. This feature allows for automation of home heating and cooling systems, unlocking additional features. It not only sends notifications if a window is left open but also automatically adjusts heating to prevent energy waste and can turn off heating when no one is home.
However, there is discontent among some consumers who purchased Tado hardware under the premise that the basic app would be free. Many users on support forums and Reddit have voiced their dissatisfaction with the discreet manner in which Tado conducted its market study.
The future regarding the implementation of a subscription fee remains uncertain, and it remains to be seen how the company decides to act on the information gathered and whether it opts to maintain the free model or integrate the payment option with Auto Assist as an optional add-on.