Tado tests payment model for basic app functions of smart heating thermostats
Info windows informed prospective buyers that normal app access to Tado controllers will soon cost money. This is just a test, says the smart home company.
Until now, manually adjusting the temperature of smart heating controllers using an app has been free of charge. Tado is apparently testing the extent to which customers would be willing to pay for this.
(Image: Tado)
Smart home users are used to being able to switch their devices on and off free of charge via an app. Manufacturers usually include smartphone access to the basic functions as a free extra with the hardware purchase. This practice may change if Tado implements a previously inconsequential marketing test in business practice. Apparently, the Munich-based provider of smart controllers for radiators, air conditioners and heat pumps is considering charging customers one euro per month for basic app operation.
Paid subscription due to high operating costs?
In the Tadocommunity forum, a customer reported that an information window at the checkout of the Tado online store informed him of subscription costs. According to this, Tado wants to charge a fee of one pound sterling per household for access to the Tado app from May 1, 2025. A Reddit user based in the Netherlands posted a smartphone screenshot in which he was offered a corresponding "Basic" subscription for one euro per month. The switch to a paid model should apply from February 19, 2025.
In both info windows, Tado cited increased company costs as the reason for the new fee. In the post from the UK, the manufacturer pointed out that operation of the thermostats via the Apple Home, Google Home and Amazon Alexa applications would remain free of charge, meaning that operation would remain possible without ongoing costs. But that would be little consolation. Because with the additional services mentioned, the temperature can only be changed manually and automated with detailed if-then rules. However, they do not offer a heating phase editor like the Tado app.
Only a test according to Tado
However, Tado does not appear to be taking the information seriously: a Tado forum admin responded to the post about the info window from the UK and emphasized that it was one of the regular marketing tests the manufacturer uses to research customer behaviour. The announcement of the info window had no consequences, and there were no subscriptions. All those who took part in the test run would have retained unrestricted access to the Tado app without the aforementioned surcharge.
Nevertheless, many Tado customers are concerned about this test run. They are questioning what costs they can safely expect for the smart technology. heise online contacted the Tado headquarters in Munich with a request for a statement. An answer is pending.
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Charging money for basic app functions would be an industry-wide innovation. Tado is already one of the very few smart home companies that charge optional fees for certain automatic extras. For the Auto Assist function, Tado charges 3.99 euros per month or 29.99 euros per year. It reduces the heating when a window is open for ventilation or when you have left the house. If you don't book Auto Assist, a push message will remind you to lower the temperature yourself via the app. With practically all other thermostat providers, these automatic functions are also free of charge.
(mack)
