Roomba i3 Gets an Update
iRobot’s affordable Roomba i3 robotic vacuum received a firmware update earlier this month, adding smart maps to the device. Smart maps tell Roomba exactly where in the house to clean. Smart mapping was previously limited to Roomba’s top of the line models and allows users to tell Roomba to clean a specific room (or rooms) instead of instructing the vacuum to clean all the rooms it can reach. iRobot also allows enhancements such as Keep Out Zones and Clean Zones for the Roomba to avoid; for the time being these features are still limited to Roomba’s higher end models. This update follows a promise from iRobot to make the robot vacuum smarter at no extra cost.
The NPD Take:
- As the most widely owned robot in consumers’ homes, robotic vacuums continue to add features aimed at making the devices more efficient at home cleaning. Though smart mapping will make the i3 a more effective vacuum, advanced mapping can make the Roomba more effective at other tasks such as security or as a companion robot.
- With many of these devices now voice enabled via a digital assistant, robotic vacuums are inching closer to becoming general purpose companion robots for the household.
Smart Mosquito System Keeps Bugs at Bay
As the Spring weather turns warm, mosquitos will undoubtedly make their presence known. Thermacell, makers of traditional mosquito repellants has entered the smart device market with the Liv Smart Mosquito Repellant System. Liv comes with up to 5 liquid repellant-filled cartridges which warm up and activate the chemicals when directed to by the Liv app. While a smart hub (connected outside) helps to run the system, users of the Liv app can set schedules, monitor repellant levels, or turn the system on and off. Naturally, Liv works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allowing users to activate the system via voice.
The NPD Take:
- Home connectivity is set to impact a variety of activities around the home including pest management. The Liv system joins a few other systems using technology to eliminate unwanted pests from the house, including the Victor Smart Kill Electronic Mousetrap.
- As consumers adopt new types of connected home devices, especially personal robots and new sensors, look for pest management to emerge as a new usecase.
- Additionally, this could be a selling opportunity for professional pest management services in the same way professional security services have been able to sell home automation devices into the home.