[DoodleBob]

Soon, a car will be a “service” you subscribe to (you will be nickled and dimed for every little thing) and not something you own.

Not soon, NOW.

BMW (in 2020) wants customers to pay a subscription fee to use features the car already has installed, like a heated steering wheel or adaptive cruise control

In July, BMW plans to launch a comprehensive software update on compatible cars that includes digital personalisation and on-demand functions. The way it works, the automaker explained via a press release, is that BMW will provide the car’s necessary hardware and software during assembly so that, later on, it can be activated according to the buyer’s preference. BMW envisions a situation where, for example, if one customer wanted a feature that wasn’t requested when they bought the car, it can be added afterward. And if that car came into new ownership with someone else, that new owner could also activate the features that they want.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

BMW (in 2020) wants customers to pay a subscription fee to use features the car already has installed, like a heated steering wheel or adaptive cruise control

If I'm leasing the car, I'd consider such charges to be part of the lease cost. If I buy the car, I'd jail-break the software and over-write the firmware controlling these features so they do whatever I want. I'll do whatever I please to property I own. The maker of the property will not.

[PlateOfShrimp]

This has become common with scientific equipment. Apparently it is cheaper to make all items top-of-the-line, rather than make different grades. It sounds like BMW only wants a one-time fee equal to what you would have paid initially.

But I agree, the X-as-service paradigm is awful.