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 Robots in the Home


Apple's old Home app is going away. Here's how to avoid being locked out

PCWorld

Well, it's official: Apple is finally nixing support for its old Home architecture, meaning those relying on the previous version of Apple's Home framework have some decisions to make. In a revision to a support article, Apple says that it will end support for the previous version of its Home app starting in fall 2025, right around the time when iOS 19 is expected to drop, MacRumors reports. If you don't update, you face "interruptions with your accessories and automations," Apple warns. In other words, you'll lose control of your Apple HomeKit-connected smart devices. Apple's move to ditch its old Home app has been a long time in coming.


Save 350 on a robot vacuum that tackles your cleaning routine for you

Mashable

If you need to call in some backup, the iRobot Roomba j8 is up for the task. This powerful, WiFi-connected robot vacuum tackles dirt and grime with minimal effort on your part, so you can focus on tasks that robots can't do yet. Want to take vacuuming off your to-do list? This WiFi-connected vacuum is equipped with the advanced iRobot OS. From avoiding objects to cleaning at set times to learning your home's exact layout with smart mapping technology, the iRobot Roomba j8 offers a cleaning routine personalized to your space. If you want to make any changes, you can control it through the companion app.


Piaggio turned its cute follow robot into a Star Wars droid

Engadget

Since 2017, the Vespa-maker Piaggio's Fast Forward division has been exploring a unique way to cut down on car trips: Building robots that can follow you around and carry your stuff. We called its original Gita (pronounced "jee-tah," Italian for "trip") robot an attractive rolling porter, but its size and initial 3,250 price made it more of a robo-curio than something you'd actually want to buy. The company followed that up with the Gitamini, a smaller and slightly cheaper 1,850 model, but even that remains niche. Most people just don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a cute follow bot -- but the calculation may be different for Star Wars fans. So it's not a huge surprise to see Piaggio Fast Forward debut a special Star Wars edition robot: the G1T4-M1N1. It's basically just a 2,875 version of the Gitamini (which now sells for 2,475) with Star Wars decals and sound effects.


Save over 100 on the iRobot Roomba Q0120 at Amazon

Mashable

SAVE 120: As of April 23, the iRobot Roomba Q0120 is on sale for 129 at Amazon. If you've been shopping around for a robot vacuum for a while, the name Roomba won't be new to you. And as of April 23, we've found you an incredible deal at Amazon on the iRobot Roomba Q0120, now down to just 129, so you're saving 120. And this low price doesn't mean a lack of quality, you're still getting a top-of-the-range vacuuming experience. This model has a three-stage cleaning system that delivers customizable suction for carpets and hard floors. It comes with smart navigation that vacuums in neat rows, dodges furniture, and steers clear of stairs or any other obstacles in your house.


This Roomba robot vacuum and mop is 46 percent off right now

Engadget

The Roomba Y0140 robot vacuum and mop combo unit is on sale for 149 via Amazon. This represents a discount of 46 percent, as it typically costs 250. It's rare we see robots that can vacuum and mop at this price point. The Y0140 is actually a combo version of the vacuum-only Q0120, which topped our list of the best robot vacuums on a budget. We loved the iconic design and the surprisingly-robust suction power.


iRobot's Roomba Combo 10 Max robot vacuum and mop is 47 percent off right now

Engadget

The high-end iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max Autowash Dock hybrid robot vacuum/mop is on sale for 741 right now via Woot. Just enter the discount code "ENGADGET47" at checkout. This is a discount of 47 percent, which is more than 650 off the regular price of 1,400. The Roomba Combo 10 Max is the company's most premium model and filled to the brim with high-tech advancements. This is a hybrid unit, so it vacuums and mops. However, the model goes even further and can actually wash and dry the mopping pad.


Get 300 off the iRobot Roomba j7 Robot Vacuum Right Now at Best Buy

Mashable

SAVE 300: As of April 4, the iRobot Roomba j7 Robot Vacuum is on sale at Best Buy for 499, 37% off its list price of 799. Looking to get some cleaning done as the springtime weather rolls in? The good news is you can still score some great deals on items like robot vacuums to help you out, even with many of the spring sales behind us now. One of our favorite discounts at the moment is on the iRobot Roomba j7 Robot Vacuum at Best Buy, which has received a 300 discount. This has dropped the price of the iRobot Roomba j7 Robot Vacuum from 799 to 499, which is a very nice deal to take advantage of especially considering many of the big spring sales and their deals on robot vacuums have come to an end by now. If you've been looking for a robot vacuum to help make your household cleaning just a little bit easier, the Roomba J7 is worth every cent.


Save 400 on the iRobot Roomba j9 and freshen up your floors

Mashable

That saves you 400 off of its 899 price tag for 44% off. Roombas, despite being a brand name, may as well be synonymous with robot vacuums. It's for good reason, iRobot's Roombas offer some of the most powerful suction on the market with exceptional object avoidance. As of April 3, the iRobot Roomba j9 is down to 499. That saves 400 off its standard 899. That provides 44% off and brings the robot vacuum down to its lowest price ever.


The priciest Roomba and Shark robot vacuum mop combos are both under 800 on the last day of Amazons spring sale

Mashable

The other top robot vacuum brands can release as many models as they want, but the "Shark vs. Roomba" debate isn't leaving the Google search bar anytime soon. There's always an even bigger spotlight on the feud when comparing their deals during various sale events, and the last day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale is seeing a big showdown between Shark and iRobot's two most expensive robot vacuum and mop combos: The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro and iRobot Roomba Combo Max AutoWash Dock are both down from their over- 1,000 prices to 799.99 ( 799 for the Roomba, so you'd technically be saving almost a dollar extra). Both can wash and dry their own mopping pads whereas the models right below each in the family tree, the Roomba Combo j9 and Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch (no Pro) only refill their water tanks, but need you to throw the pads in the washing machine. The self-washing situation is definitely worth the upgrade in my eyes. I've tested both of them, and have some intel as to who should pick the Shark and who should pick the Roomba.


Save 100 on the iRobot Roomba Q0120 in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable

SAVE 100: As of March 31, the iRobot Roomba Q0120 is on sale for 149.99 at Amazon. This is a 40% saving on the list price. Amazon's Big Spring Sale is almost over, so if you're on the hunt for a discount, you don't have much time left. If a robot vacuum is top of your to-buy list, we've found some great discounted models, including this latest deal on the iRobot Roomba Q0120. If you've been shopping around for something for a while, the name Roomba won't be new to you. And as of March 31, you can buy pick up the iRobot Roomba Q0120 for 40% less than list price, now just 149.99.