iRobot Brings Smart-Mapping Features to Midrange i3, i3+ Roombas

pcmag.com:

Wi-Fi-connected iRobot Roomba robot vacuums and Braava jet robot mops are getting smarter. 

iRobot on Thursday released Genius 4.0, a software update that brings smart-mapping features to the midrange Roomba i3+ and i3, and new object-recognition abilities to the high-end Roomba j7+ and j7. The update also delivers room-specific cleaning preference options, Siri Shortcut integration, a child and pet lock, and a do-not-disturb feature to certain models. 

Launched in 2020 for $599.99, the Roomba i3+ is iRobot's most affordable robot vacuum that can empty its own dustbin. The more affordable i3, and other Roomba models without a plus sign in their name, come with a traditional, non-self-emptying base station. Following the Genius 4.0 update, the i3+ and i3 will generate a customizable map of your floor plan in the iRobot Home app. You'll be able to label each room on the map, then send your robot to specific rooms by phone or voice for targeted area cleanings. 

The i3 Series will also now offer cleaning time estimates, and support iRobot's smart charge and resume feature to juice up then pick up where it left off if it runs out of battery before completing a job.

These robots are also getting a name change. Going forward, the Roomba i3+ and the i3 will be sold as the Roomba i3+ EVO and i3 EVO, respectively, and automatically include the smart-mapping update currently rolling out to existing customers. iRobot is also dropping the price of these models to $549 for the Roomba i3+ EVO and $349 for the i3 EVO. 

Meanwhile, the premium Roomba j7+ and j7 robots already use a built-in camera and machine learning technology to detect and automatically avoid common obstacles, such as pet waste, phone cords, shoes, and headphones.