Peloton getting into the ransomeware game.

[Allyance]

The maker of the $4,295 Tread+ treadmill alerted customers that, going forward, they'll need to start forking over $39.99 per month if they want to keep using the exercise equipment they already own. The company confirmed the move over email, after a message to customers announcing the plan.

Customers will be locked out of their machines that they own if they don't pay. They will no longer use the "just run" basic function.

 

[benshive]

That's ridiculous. Making people pay for the classes I get (although for $4300 some should definitely be included), but are we really talking about a monthly fee to just keep the belt moving? I guess the downside of everything being internet connected now is that companies can hold the hardware you purchase ransom until you give them more money and they're obviously willing to do it if not stopped by consumer law.

I think I'll stick with my old rusted hand-me-down treadmill that still works great

 

[casperes1996]

Entirely believable that another product that used to just be a product becomes some form of "live service" bollocks.
But do you have a citation or source for this?

 

[Allyance]

 

[poorcody]

Mashable article:
https://mashable.com/article/peloton-treadmill-monthly-subscription-required-just-run/

 

[Apple_Robert]

Not surprising. More than likely, there haven't been a lot of people signing up for the extra membership benefits and Peloton needs to try and save their overpriced product line.

 

[velocityg4]

That sucks. My $1,800 treadmill works great. It has no internet connection. Just a good, heavy duty treadmill. I can change speeds, angles and make programs. Not sure what else I'd need a treadmill to do.

To keep from going bonkers. I have a TV mounted at eye level in front of the treadmill. It all costs way less than the Peloton. To keep people from dying it has a little magnetic key on a string that kills the treadmill if you get too far away.

Will the Peloton magically make me burn more calories or something? Not sure why I'd pay a lot more plus a monthly fee for the same workout. I'd rather watch a TV show than some workout instructor. If I need some extra motivation. I just put on some Marine Corps running cadence songs.

 

[Allyance]

I wonder, does Tesla require a subscription or monthly fee? Imagine if they bricked your car if you didn't pay!

 

[pmiles]

Peloton has already responded to that post... they are working on getting it to allow the just run feature. It's in the works.

So fear not, you will still be able to just run...

Put the pitch forks down.

 

[hugodrax]

Peloton has already responded to that post... they are working on getting it to allow the just run feature. It's in the works.

So fear not, you will still be able to just run...

Put the pitch forks down.

pitchforks stay up until said feature is in customers hands. Not one person put any pitchfork held up, down otherwise features could be in the works like Duke Nukem 3D.