from Hacker News

Wink Subscription

by antibland on 5/6/20, 8:14 PM with 6 comments

  • by makecheck on 5/8/20, 7:44 PM

    The fundamental problem is the way app stores operate: they are maximizing their ability to fleece developers and users. And worse, they’ve created a system where almost every issue causes users to blame only the developer (e.g. bad reviews).

    There was very little wrong with the traditional “free trial then buy”, and “buy next major version” model. Also, it crucially preserved the value of software, which is much larger than a few dollars. The only “flaw” was that it’s less money for gatekeepers so the stores have refused to support traditional buying models in any sensible way, over a decade later.

    As a developer, I refuse to participate in a subscription or in-app purchase model because it is never what I want as a user of software. It only makes sense for things that are constantly having major content added like TV shows.

    A subscription feels like a server asking you for another tip every time you lift your fork while eating. It’s not that I “couldn’t” pay you in this way, and it’s not that I don’t think you need to make money but isn’t this method a little ridiculous?

  • by joshstrange on 5/7/20, 5:17 PM

    So glad I got my dad to switch to SmartThings a little bit back when Wink was having a ton of uptime issues and the company looked like it was going under. This is a completely despicable bait-and-switch. This subscription is the last gasp of a dying company. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't last another year.

  • by graton on 5/6/20, 8:21 PM

    TL;DR

    In one week Wink requires a $4.99/month subscription. If you don't pay it then starting 13-May-2020 you lose all access to your Wink device.

    Seems a little ransom/blackmail-ey given how little time they are giving people to switch over :(

  • by graton on 5/6/20, 8:19 PM

    Makes me glad that I moved the last of my devices off of Wink about two weeks ago. Makes it easy for me to unplug it. I am considering throwing it in the trash, but maybe someone has a way to repurpose it.