Logitech is reportedly working on a “Forever Mouse,” a high-end computer mouse that you only buy once. The company’s CEO, Hanneke Faber, recently gave an interview to TheVerge about what the brand has in store for the future.
He mentions how a member of the Logitech team showed him a prototype of a device of “fantastic quality.” [and] “A well-designed mouse.” It was a bit heavy, but had a system for receiving new features through software patches. Plus, you weren’t forced to buy a state-of-the-art model to see improvements.
It's not known what features the Forever Mouse will have, as Faber didn't give many details in the interview, although he did give a few hints. First, he believes the device will have some sort of subscription service associated with it, but he stopped short of saying how much the mouse or the service will cost.
However, judging by their responses, the product could be a bit pricey. Nilay Patel, the interviewer and editor-in-chief of TheVerge, mentioned $200 as a potential price. Faber doesn't acknowledge the possible price, but doesn't rule it out outright either.
Productivity and durability
Towards the end of the interview, Logitech's CEO weighs in on what the Forever Mouse might eventually include. Productivity may be an important aspect, and she says the device has the potential to help people by introducing “shortcuts to big language models and all sorts of other things.” She says she recently met someone who has 120 shortcuts programmed into their mouse.
Another potential benefit of this rugged accessory is that it could help Logitech meet its climate goals. The Forever Mouse has the potential to be quite rugged, allowing it to better withstand damage or drops. And the device will always look cutting-edge thanks to software patches. If someone no longer wants it, they can sell the Forever Mouse to, say, Best Buy for cash, and the retailer can then refurbish the device for resale.
That's pretty much all the pertinent information we can gather about this mysterious mouse. Much of the interview talks about Logitech's business practices and the changes that are coming. Faber wants the company to eventually exit the smart home industry, though they will continue to offer support for their video doorbell and security camera for the foreseeable future.
Analysis: Potential Features
Admittedly, it's hard to imagine what kind of improvements could come to the Forever Mouse via its supposed service. Given that generative AI is all the rage these days, we can see Logitech implementing shortcuts to a large language model like ChatGPT or Google Gemini.
But beyond that, what can you do with a computer's mouse software? There is already Options Plus, an application that allows you to automate tasks using macros.
If Bluetooth 6.0 is released, the subscription service could allow the Forever Mouse to support the standard. Perhaps users would be able to change the DPI sensor sensitivity in a similar way to the MX Master 3S. Or, if you want to get a little more fantastical, perhaps turbo clicking could be added, where a single press of the left button registers as multiple presses. That could be useful in video games.
We've asked Logitech to provide us with more information about Forever Mouse and its subscription service. If we hear back, we'll update this story.
In the meantime, check out TechRadar's list of the best mice for 2024.
