This has been developing over the last few days, with some users of the Tado smart thermostat and heating system being locked out of the app that's used to control both heating and hot water in their homes unless they agree to pay a subscription fee for basic access to the app (something which is still marketed as being free) [1].

If users do agree to pay, only once they have complete the process they are told it is part of a "test", however they are shown legitimate looking Apple Pay screens [2] along the way which Tado appear to be faking. Since there's no warning that this is a test up front, many users are finding themselves effectively locked out of controlling their heating and hot water at one of the coldest times of the year unless they agree to a pay subscription.

I have a Tado system in my house, and haven't been shown the screen yet, however it's highlighted for me just how little control I actually have over my heating and hot water if a company can remotely lock users out, effectively extorting money to continue heating their homes using hardware they have already paid for. I'll be looking to switch to something that's doesn't require an internet connection just to work...

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/tado/comments/1it08yq/officially_lo...

[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/tado/comments/1it9hs7/fake_apple_pa...