Samsung is introducing a new program called the AI Subscription Club, which allows people to rent their latest AI gadgets for a monthly fee. Instead of getting a delivery by drone, you can enjoy tech like the new AI robot, Ballie, which was showcased at CES this year.
The idea of renting tech sounds appealing. You get the newest devices, Samsung gets steady income, and everyone benefits. However, whether this plan will be successful depends on a few factors.
For one, if the subscription price is too high compared to regular payment plans, it might not seem worth it. Additionally, some people prefer owning their devices rather than renting them, even if they are not the latest models.
Even though it’s called the “AI Subscription Club,” it’s not about paying for software features at this point. The subscription focuses on hardware, letting you rent devices like phones and robots.
Samsung believes this will make it easier for more people to access the latest technology while providing a reliable income for the company.
By paying a monthly fee, subscribers can use various Samsung devices. This model is similar to leasing a car, as it allows you to upgrade to newer models without needing to sell your old devices.
If you enjoy having the latest gadgets but don’t want to buy them outright every year, this could be a good option. Plus, there are maintenance services available, so if something happens to your device, Samsung can help fix it.
It’s interesting that Samsung is trying this rental model, especially after Google’s previous attempt with the Pixel Pass, which didn’t succeed.
Samsung might see this as a way to encourage people to try their more expensive products without the hefty price tag. If customers like what they rent, they may be more willing to buy it later.
Samsung isn’t completely new to this idea. The AI Subscription Club started last year in South Korea, where people could rent AI-powered home appliances like washing machines and refrigerators.
Now, expanding this model to mobile devices and gadgets seems like a logical next step, but it’s unclear if it will attract the same interest as home appliances.
This subscription approach raises a thought-provoking question: Are we moving toward a future where we don’t own our devices anymore?
With services like Google’s Chromebook rentals, it’s easy to picture a world where everything, from phones to refrigerators, is rented instead of owned. Some people find this exciting, while others find it concerning. Regardless, Samsung sees subscriptions as a key part of its future.
For now, the AI Subscription Club will launch in South Korea first. Samsung hasn’t announced plans for other countries yet, but it could expand if the program becomes popular. With the Galaxy S25 series set to be revealed soon, this subscription service could help keep interest high.
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