Peloton threatens to brick customers' $4,295 treadmills unless they pay up

No, Peloton did not just get into the ransomware business — though you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise. 

The maker of the $4,295 Tread+ treadmill alerted customers that, going forward, they'll need to start forking over $39.99 per month if they want to keep using the exercise equipment they already own. The company confirmed the move over email, after a message to customers announcing the plan was shared by Peloton user Brianna Wu on Twitter.  

At issue is the recall of the Peloton Tread and Tread+, following disturbing incidents of children and pets being sucked under the machines resulting in injuries and even one death. According to the company, a new feature called Tread Lock will prevent "unauthorized access" to the Tread+.   Read more...