Cardo Launches PackTalk Custom With Scalable Subscription Plans
Upgrade and/or scale back on the features needed at any time.
In a move that follows the trend of subscription plans seen for rider airbag vests and motorcycle electronics, Cardo has just announced the scalable PackTalk Custom. The new intercom headset offers a set of standard features out-of-the-box and upgradable capability through pay-per-feature subscription packages.
Cardo’s PackTalk Custom is the industry’s first wireless helmet communicator to allow riders to personalize their helmet comms experience by selecting from three subscription offerings on the Cardo Connect App. In its stock form (no subscription), the new helmet comm delivers several features, including Cardo’s second-generation Dynamic Mesh Communication, Bluetooth 5.2 Technology, over-the-air updates and a fully waterproof design, among other functionality.
Want to boost its capability? Upgraded features within each pay-per-feature package (Silver, Gold and Platinum) include music sharing, audio profiles, universal Bluetooth Intercom, voice commands, and more.
Cardo PackTalk Custom standard features (no subscription):
- Second-generation Dynamic Mesh Communication
- Waterproof IP67
- Connect with up to 15 riders with up to a 1.6K rider-to-rider range
- 40mm HD speakers
- Over-the-air software updates eliminates the need for cables or WiFi adapters
- Bluetooth 5.2 Technology
- 13 hrs talk time with fast charging (20-mins provides 2-hours of talk time)
- 2-Year Warranty
Upgradable Pay-Per-Feature subscription packages:
- SILVER, starting at $2.99 Monthly / $19.99 Yearly
- GOLD, starting at $4.99 Monthly / $29.99 Yearly
- PLATINUM, starting at $6.99 Monthly / $39.99 Yearly
The key features of the SILVER package include everything in the base package with the addition of music sharing, audio profiles and speed dial. Riders looking for more features can opt for the GOLD package which includes the base and silver features but also expands to include universal Bluetooth intercom and a 2nd channel connection. Riders looking to ride with all the bells and whistles can upgrade to the PLATINUM which includes all the previous features from the lower tiers but is elevated with voice commands and eco mode.
“PackTalk Custom is a direct result of our team listening to our riders from around the world, as the Want’s and Need’s are extremely diverse,” said Alon Lumbroso, chief executive officer, Cardo Systems.
Based on the PackTalk Edge, the PackTalk Custom utilizes the Cardo Connect app with Apple Pay and/or Google Pay to provide riders the ability to upgrade and/or scale back on the features needed at any time. Simply connect to the app, pick your package and enjoy the desired features. When switching from a higher subscription tier to a lower tier, the features from the higher tier will remain through the billing cycle and the downgrade will be implemented at the start of the new billing cycle. When upgrading from a lower subscription tier to a higher tier the features will automatically be applied to the PackTalk Custom and a credit will be issued for the unused lower-tiered subscription.
The new PackTalk Custom has an MSRP of $269.95 USD / 279.95 EUR and will be available from retailers in April or ordered directly from cardosystems.com on March 8th. The new helmet comm is also compatible with select PackTalk Neo accessories such as 2nd Hemet Kit 40mm HD and the 2nd Helmet Kit JBL.
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Voice commands only on the Platinum plan? What a joke. I’ve been using Sena for a while and was thinking of going to Cardo again. Looks like I’ll be sticking with Sena for a while longer.
haha – subscription modellers ‘road to riches’ – they fail to understand they are not alone. We have to Multiply subscriptions across all your tech products and apps to see the real total monthly user cost (scam) – oh it’s it’s unsustainable – I’m already dissatisfied with my first Cardo ‘group’ audio experience. No innovation here meh … the first factory with MicroSD audio B-Roll recorder and clear (noise cancelled) group chats, gets my next money. (and no i don’t want a camera in my intercom btw)
This is retarded. Lazy business managers taking all the same Ivey league MBA courses coming to the same conclusion for every product line.
I guess my first Cardo product will be my last. The base cost of the new unit is about what I gave for my Packtalk bold, which came with voice commands for zero extra dollars. I’m not sure what riders they were talking to, but life is complex enough without having to manage subscriptions for every device / vehicle / thing I own, not to mention it looks like a bold faced ripoff to me.
TOTALLY agree my first Cardo will be my last. Just bought one last summer, but I still have my Sena. I’ll chuck the cardo into the lake and move on.
I have had a Sena 30K for just over 5 years now and I was considering switching to packtalk Edge for a few reasons. Better audio quality, over the air updates, and a better control lay out just to name a few. Seeing that they are going to a subscription based service is very concerning and is making me heavily rethink going the Cardo route.
Nope…not giving in to this blood sucking business model…
Based on all the responses across forums online, Cardo has some damage control to deal with.
I just got second hand embarrassment. Phone scammers work harder than this. All they want is a debit/credit card to feed monthly corporate greed and their way of justifying this is by charging for “features”. Cardo just lost my business.
It is not about the product, it is about the principle.
They give literally zero additional functionality with the subscription, they are only removing functionality if we do not pay.
Had they offered, say, a GPS tracking service, or a “leasing deal” where customers would get an upgrade after two years. Or access to some network of users, so that we can get a VIP sticker, and easily talk to other users. Or premium support. Or anything that customers will benefit from the subscription, that would be fine for a subscription.
Nope, they are just removing functionality if we do not pay.
The features they are locking do not need any maintenance, they are built in on the device. The product is not cheap without a subscription, they have already made it, and all features are packed into it. Will they lose money if no one buys additional features? No, the product is there, done with all old functionality the already had in other products. So what is the benefit of having a subscription? Only their recurring revenue, nothing for the users.
In two years, they will not have any other products available without subscription.
Here is a hint, they will need to remove the usb port next “to make the product weatherproof” (not really, they will remove it because people will find a way to unlock “premium” features, because they are there on the device already remember).
I just bought a Cardo last season , but if I have to move to a subscription model to use it ( WITH THE FEATURES I PAID TO HAVE WITH IT) they can’t shove it! I’ll just get the Sena out of the camping bin and use it again.
I HOPE YOU ARE READING THESE COMMENTS CARDO- BECAUSE THIS WILL BE YOUR DOWNFALL
Very disappointing to read this. I’ve used Cardo for quite some time and I must say I’ve been happy with it. Now suddenly I shall pay for a product and then a subscription to use it! No way Cardo. My next Intercom will definitely not be a Cardo.
You don’t need a subscription if you are just using the standard features. That’s why it is cheaper. If you need all the bells and whistles get one of their other more expensive units.
Comparing the stats and features of the custom and Neo, the custom is a bad deal no matter which plan you pick. it’s essentially the Neo if you strip all it’s features into individual pieces, and repackage them as “upgrades”. With the platinum plan, It is a Neo, only with non JBL speakers. But you’d pay only $80 less upfront and after 24 months of monthly payments, you’d be in the red compared to the NEO. IF you paid for a year of platinum up front, your shopping cart cost would only be about $50 bucks cheaper than the Neo and you’d still be in the red after the second year.