The Snoo, a popular smart bassinet, has faced backlash after announcing that some of its best app features will now require a $19.99 monthly premium subscription. This change, which took effect recently, has left many Snoo owners feeling frustrated as essential features are now behind a paywall. Threads on the Snoo subreddit have exploded with complaints, with users expressing their disappointment at having to pay for features that were previously free.
Sarah, a Snoo owner from Australia, likened the move to a mechanic intentionally breaking a car to sell repairs. The app features sleep tracking, weaning mode, and control settings, all of which are now part of the premium subscription. The Snoo itself is already a hefty investment, with prices starting at $1,695, making the additional subscription fee a bitter pill to swallow.
Happiest Baby, the company behind Snoo, has introduced incentives for new buyers, offering a free premium subscription for a certain period. Existing owners who purchased before a specific date also receive a premium subscription for all their babies. However, those who bought secondhand may need to pay for the subscription for access to support services.
Despite the backlash, Happiest Baby stands by its decision, stating that the subscription model is necessary to enhance accessibility. The move has left potential buyers like Jordan Leventhal contemplating if the Snoo is still worth it with the added cost. For many parents, the Snoo has been a game-changer in helping their babies sleep independently, making the new subscription model a bitter disappointment for those who rely on its features.
Vocabulary List:
- Backlash /ˈbæk.læʃ/ (noun): A strong or violent reaction to something.
- Subscription /səbˈskrɪp.ʃən/ (noun): An arrangement to receive something regularly by paying in advance.
- Frustrated /frʌsˈtreɪ.tɪd/ (adjective): Feeling or expressing distress and annoyance especially because of inability to change or achieve something.
- Investment /ɪnˈvɛs.tə.mənt/ (noun): The action or process of investing money for profit.
- Incentives /ɪnˈsɛn.tɪvz/ (noun): Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
- Contemplating /ˈkɒn.təm.plə.tɪŋ/ (verb): Thinking deeply or carefully about something.
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