Think about the last time you bought a gadget outright. Even when the hardware sits in your hands, the software, cloud features, and essential capabilities increasingly depend on monthly subscriptions, remote server access, and data tracking. In this edition of Tech TodayCyrus examines how tech companies are turning ownership into a perpetual rental model, tests Samsung’s high-end Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 alongside the Watch 9, and sets up a wireless modular home theatre with Sonos.
The shift away from classic ownership started with music and movies moving from physical discs to streaming platforms, but hardware manufacturers have now adopted the exact same playbook. From carmakers locking heated seats and acceleration behind paywalls to smart home brands charging recurring fees to save doorbell video clips, connected hardware is turning into a running monthly tab. When devices rely entirely on external cloud servers to function, consumers carry all the risk, as seen with smart home brands going dark overnight or products bricking when maintaining the backend no longer fits a corporate bottom line. As hardware is increasingly subsidized by unskippable home screen ads and constant user surveillance, we examine why government regulation and caps on software paywalls are becoming essential to keep everyday tech accessible.
In our tech review, we pit Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (₹64,999) against the slimmer, everyday Galaxy Watch 9 (starting at ₹37,999) to find out what buyers actually get when stepping up to a rugged smartwatch. The Ultra 2 packs a 47mm titanium body, a sapphire display reaching up to 5,000 nits, an 800mAh battery lasting three to four days, and new metrics like Vascular Load. However, its slow 2- to 3-hour recharge time and bulky frame contrast sharply with the Watch 9, which weighs just 34 grams, recharges in under 90 minutes, and keeps core wellness tracking intact at a much lower price point.
Finally, we test whether a modern home theatre still needs permanent wire runs and fixed speaker placements. Using the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, Sub 4, and a pair of portable, battery-powered Sonos Play speakers, we build a flexible 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos wireless surround system that can be dismantled after movie night so individual speakers can be moved to other rooms or taken outdoors.
Are you tired of paying monthly subscriptions for features on hardware you already bought? Would you pick the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 or the lighter Galaxy Watch 9 for daily wear? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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