Why is the the "EOS Webcam Utility" a Subscription App?

[Enigma1562]

We spend 100's if not 1000's of dollars on a camera and we need to pay a monthly/ annual subscription to use it as a webcam?

I wouldn't mind paying a one time fee for the "pro" edition but come on... I can't be alone on this.

[davenoel]

For the "scenes" and cloud stuff, sure, but just getting native resolution (1080p) shouldn't be paywalled. Canon should write off the cost as marketing and good will to keep customers. The next camera I buy will be a pentax. 

[davenoel]

and paywalling 1080p native resolution? C'mon

[Enigma1562]

Clearly missing the entire purpose of the post. If I have already paid a large amount of cash for a product, why would I or should I have to go to a third party app to do what my product already offers but at an excessive price tag on top of what I already paid. Imagine buying a car and then the manufacture says you gotta pay a premium price tag to use your speakers... 

[Superhuman]

Car manufacturers are already doing this. The last one that I learned of is VW, that charges extra to access additional horsepower that the engine is readily capable of.

I stumbled on this thread looking for a promo code for the EOS Webcam software, but reading the comments and replies, I feel that the way Canon is treating our concerns is very short-sighted. It's 2025. Canon isn't a streaming company, but streaming video using cameras is simply a given today. If Canon maintains this short-sighted approach towards streaming, I'll remember that when I'm ready to make my next camera purchase.