iRobot brings Siri support to its robot vacuums, updates j7 with new features

Following bringing smart mapping technology to its mid-range Roomba i3, iRobot is launching Siri support for its various robot vacuums as part of its 4.0 Genius Home Intelligence update.

Other new app features include ‘Room-Specific Cleaning Preferences’ like multiple passes over tough-to-clean areas, ‘Child & Pet Lock’ and the ability to set ‘Do Not Disturb’ time frames when you don’t want your robot vacuum to run. I’m interested in testing out the new cleaning preferences because in my basement, for example, I often run my i7 Roomba several times to clean up the unfortunately ample cat litter in the area.

Further, iRobot’s recently released j7 is now able to identify and avoid clothing and towels. In my experience, the j7 is already more than capable of avoiding objects on my floor thanks to its built-in camera, though the ability to directly identify specific objects should improve this feature.

On the other hand, Siri integration is tied to Apple’s Shortcuts and allows you to set custom phrases to get your supports Roomba cleaning. Unlike Alexa and Google Assistant integration, voice commands to clean individual rooms are not supported.

The robot maker has also slashed the price of its Roomba i3 Evo to $449 and $699 for the Roomba i3+ EVO. The Genius 4.0 update is rolling out globally now until the end of June 2022, though Do Not Disturb and Smart Mapping with the Roomba i3 and i3+ are available now.

Source: iRobot