Skip to main content

Google Assistant can now help you operate the Neato robotic vacuum

With the growing trend of smart appliances, the utopian future people dream of is getting closer. Devices like Google Home and Google Assistant have allowed these devices to connect to one another, making them appear more autonomous than ever. For anyone who owns one of Neato Robotics’ Botvac Connected series vacuum cleaners, the company has announced integration with Google Assistant. Now users will be able to control their robot vacuum with their voice.

“The explosion of artificial intelligence has enabled more sophisticated voice control and we are happy to bring this revolutionary technology to customers,” said Neat Robotics CEO Giacomo Marini. “At the heart of Neato’s brand is — and always has been — technology leadership through innovation — the Google Assistant integration further cements our commitment to innovation in the smart home.”

Neato Botvac D3 and D5 Connected Product Video - Dog and Cat

Setting up voice commands on Google Home is simple. Afterward, simply state, “OK Google, tell Neato robot to start cleaning,” to get things started. However, users can do more than just start the vacuum. They can also check the battery level, locate the Botvac with the FindMe function, and set up a cleaning schedule. Additionally, users can control their robot with the Neato App, Amazon Alexa, and Neato Chatbot for Facebook.

Recommended Videos

Every Neato robot uses the firm’s patented Neato LaserSmart technology. This combines laser scanning, room mapping, and object detection to create the most efficient course for cleaning the home. Essentially, the Botvac will alter its navigation in response to new obstacles. Whether it is light or dark, this robot can navigate from room to room and return to its base to recharge. With a full battery, the Botvac will resume right where it left off.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Integration with Google Assistant is now live with all Neato connected robot vacuums. This includes the Botvac D3 Connected, Botvac D5 Connected, and Botvac Connected.

Garrett Hulfish
Garrett is the kind of guy who tells you about all the tech you haven't heard of yet. He also knows too much about other…
Tapo launches two affordable robot vacuums with surprisingly premium specs
The Tapo RV30 Max Plus in its docking station

Tapo, a brand responsible for a wide range of smart gadgets, has just revealed two new robot vacuums -- the Tapo RV30 Max Series and Tapo RV20 Max Series. Both can be purchased as standalone robots or bundled with an auto-empty dock, and they offer some pretty impressive stats despite their entry-level price tags below $300.

The Tapo RV30 Max is the more expensive of the duo, clocking in at $220 ($300 when bundled with its auto-empty docking station). Its suction numbers are quite low at just 5,300 Pa, but it does offer a unique Mesh Grid feature that helps it accurately map and move about your home. It works in conjunction with lidar and IMU Dual Navigation, which should also make it great at avoiding obstacles.

Read more
Forget about fancy features, more robot vacuums should perfect the basics
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Robot vacuums come in all shapes and sizes, but after reviewing dozens of models over the years, one thing holds constant -- products that focus on improving performance instead of adding fancy new features are my favorite. More and more companies are loading their robots with abilities that have nothing to do with cleaning (or are only tangentially related to the task), and while these can be fun to use during the first few weeks with a device, the thrill quickly fades.

There’s little reason to spend $1,600 replacing your existing robot vacuum with the newest model when the only new feature you’ll get is the ability to take snapshots of your pets or climb tall thresholds. To me, there's nothing more exciting about a robot vacuum than re-engineered roller brushes, increased power, and skills that directly translate to cleaner floors.

Read more
Your Google TV can now control smart home devices
The Home Panel on Google TV Streamer.

In late September, Google announced a new feature for Google TV called the Home Panel that would make it easier to control all of your (compatible) smart home devices from a single location. The feature first appeared on the Google TV Streamer and then later on Chromecast, but it has now rolled out to Google TVs from other companies including Hisense, TCL, and others.

The Home Panel offers a lot of utility. It shows your lights' current brightness level, the volume level of speakers, and even live streams from security cameras. The demo video Google has on its blog shows that the user can even adjust the thermostat. All of this is done through the remote, so you don't even have to get up off the couch.

Read more