Do you own an iRobot (one of those robot vacuums) ?

[tripplej]

If you own a robot vacuum you may want to check this out..

According to siliconangle,

"Some of the smarter Roomba models build maps of your home to make their cleaning paths more efficient. Over time, they learn the locations of walls, doorways, lamps, furniture and so on, which eventually allows them to clean your home without bumping into things over and over....

"iRobot could soon make a deal to sell Roomba’s mapping data to one or more of the big tech companies currently pushing smart devices, including Apple Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and Google Inc. parent Alphabet Inc."

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Would you want your personal map sold? Granted, the floor layout is available when ever your house is sold but here, it is more detailed since it knows where all your furniture is and everything else ..

Any thoughts?

 

[phillihp23]

I own an older Romba. It has gotten old and lazy though. Doesn't remember to vacuum unless I physically tell it too. It also never learns, always bumping into walls and furniture.

 

[tripplej]

lol. If you get one of the newer one's, It can map your house and that map can be sold to the highest bidder.

 

[Sonnie]

Never heard of such... really? A robot vacuum that actually works?

It's hard enough to find a real vacuum cleaner that works worth its price.

And to think... people actually pay $1500 for a Kirby!!!

 

[Tony V.]

Google already has "street view" and of course "earth" so in reality they already have alot of info on your house. Im not a big fan of the "big brother watching you" but its a fact of life and we just need to be wary of such things when we buy. Any device with a camera built in can potentially breach your privacy as hackers can gain access to it.

Re; a vacuum that works I was in the same boat but since buying a Dyson upright Ive changed my tune as they really do SUCK lol

 

[tripplej]

I agree Tony we live in a world where all eyes are on us. Just about every smart phone, tablet, TV, etc. has some type of motion detecting camera..

I never have luck with Vacuums. Dyson is good but very pricey.

 

[Todd Anderson]

We've owned several over the past 8 years. They are AWESOME. Our current one can be programmed to vacuum at specific times on specific days, and can navigate itself from its docking station and goes room to room.

Pretty incredible device.

As long as you keep it clean (and replace its rechargeable battery once every few years) it is reliable and does a great job cleaning.

I did add felt strips all around the edges of the robot, just because it was marking some of our furniture. But, that solved the problem (there are also aftermarket solutions you can buy).

So...the price to buy is steep, but thing totally is worth its weight in gold (IMO). I'd buy another without hesitation.

 

[JBrax]

Everyone that I know that owns one loves them. We almost bought one but my wife decided on a Miele instead.

 

[tripplej]

Just to update this thread.

According to zdnet,

"iRobot will never sell your data. Our mission is to help you keep a cleaner home and, in time, to help the smart home and the devices in it work better."

So, for now, your "data" is safe..

 

[Alan P]

Never heard of such... really? A robot vacuum that actually works?

It's hard enough to find a real vacuum cleaner that works worth its price.

And to think... people actually pay $1500 for a Kirby!!!

We bought a Kirby for $650 in 1988 or so...still use it to this day. Best vacuum ever.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Here's a deal:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322345872352?rmvSB=true

One of WireCutter's top models. Super cheap!