Skip to main content

Anker debuts robot vacuum and Alexa-friendly smart speaker at IFA 2018

IFA 2024
This story is part of our coverage of IFA Berlin 2024

Two of Anker’s sub-brands, Soundcore and Eufy, added to the barrage of new products launched at IFA 2018 in Berlin this week, according to Venture Beat. Soundcore’s Flare S+ smart speaker and the Eufy RoboVac 30C robot vacuum cleaner each add value through significant new features added to existing products.

Soundcore Flare S+

Anker SoundFlare S+
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Soundcore Flare S+ builds on the success of the original Soundcore Flare, a 360-degree speaker introduced this spring. The battery-operated portable Bluetooth speaker is rated to last 16 hours between charges.

Recommended Videos

Because Soundcore is part of the Anker commerce group, initially best-known for a line of device chargers, it’s no surprise that you can connect smartphones or other devices to the Flare S+ via USB cable to charge their batteries.

The Soundcore Flare line mini light shows with a multicolor LED light ring on its base. The Flare S+ is now a full-fledged smart speaker with Amazon Alexa compatibility. When you give Alexa a voice command, the light ring on the speaker glows blue and cyan.

Soundcore added Alexa to the Flare S+ in response to customer interest. “Our Flare Series has been an incredibly popular product for people looking to add ambiance to their social spaces. The most consistent request we’ve received for Flare has been to add a smart assistant,” Christie Chen, Soundcore brand director, told VentureBeat.

The Soundcore Flare S+ is scheduled to launch later this year in time for the holidays for $129.

Eufy RoboVac 30C

Anker Eufy RoboVac 30C
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Eufy’s Robovac 30C is the latest, beefed-up and somewhat smarter version of the Robovac 11S Boost IQ model, an affordable robot vacuum that isn’t long on extra features but gets the job done on carpeting and hardwood floors. The Robovac 11S received a favorable “Recommended Product” rating when Digital Trends reviewed it.

The Robovac 30C has beefed up to 1500 pascals of vacuum suction power, an increase from the Robovac 11S’ 1300. The new model also has a new version of BoostIQ, which automatically bumps up the power when required, such as when it moves from hardwood floors to carpeting.

Perhaps even more significant than the added suction power, the Robovac 30C adds Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, so it will fit in more than ever with other smart home products. The Robovac 30C is scheduled to launch in October for $299.

Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown Contributing Editor   As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce…
This robot vacuum is under $200 and you should buy it right now
amazon bissell eufy roomba robot vacuum deals robovac 15c max review 04369 768x479 c

Your home has the opportunity for some serious upgrades with Prime Day deals on everything from gear for the home theater and outdoors to Prime Day robot vacuum deals. In fact, there’s a Roomba deal that’s one of the best we’ve seen for the entire Prime Day event.

But right now, you can get the Eufy by Anker RoboVac 11S Max for under $200. It’s only $180, down from its regular price of $250. That’s $70 off
! You’ll have to move quick though; other shoppers are already sweeping up this deal.

Read more
Samsung Memorial Day sale: The best washer, dryer, and refrigerator deals
Samsung front-load washer and dryer set in chapagne finish in a laundry room.

The Samsung Memorial Day sale is finally online, so now's the perfect time to make some upgrades in your home. The brand, which is known for making some of the best phones and best TVs, is also a reliable name in the world of appliances, including washer, dryers, and refrigerators. No matter your budget and the amount of space you have, something will surely catch your eye in this year's Memorial Days deals for Samsung appliances.

You can take a look at all the home appliances that are on sale for Memorial Day from Samsung through the link below, but we've also highlighted our recommendations below if you want to finish your purchase quickly. That's actually a good idea, because we're not sure how much longer stocks will remain available. You shouldn't wait until the last minute of these Samsung Memorial Day deals before you proceed with your transaction, as you'll be in danger of missing out.

Read more
How to use the robotic arm of the Roborock Saros Z70
The Saros Z70 picking up a sock.

While the Roborock Saros Z70 didn’t exactly live up to the hype, there’s no denying its robotic arm is still a cool piece of technology. Capable of picking up small objects in its path, moving them to a new location, then continuing its cleaning process, the Saros Z70 and its robotic arm might be the coolest feature we’ve ever seen in a robot vacuum. But how exactly does it work? And what are the robotic arm’s limitations?

Here’s a closer look at how to use the robotic arm of the Roborock Saros Z70 and ways you can improve its performance.
Limitations of the Roborock Saros Z70’s robotic arm

Read more