Skip to main content

Neato’s latest Botvac vacuum can be controlled with your smartphone

Compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones, the Neato Botvac Connected robot vacuum is a Wi-Fi enabled, cleaning gadget that can be started or stopped with a couple taps on your mobile device. In addition to activating the vacuum, the smartphone app can also setup a cleaning schedule as well as provide mobile notifications as the vacuum is progressing throughout the cleaning process.

Speaking about the addition of smartphone control, Neato vice president of marketing Nancy Nunziati said “Picture this:  you’re at work when you learn that unexpected company is on the way to your house. You grab your smartphone, access the Neato app and with a couple of taps your Neato robot immediately starts cleaning. Your floors – at least – are clean when your guests arrive.”

Recommended Videos

botvac-connected-appThere’s also a feature included with the new Botvac that allows users to control the vacuum manually using the smartphone app. This feature can’t be accessed remotely though. The user has to be directly connected to the same Wi-Fi network that’s connected to the Botvac. This feature could be useful when attempting to clean a particularly dirty part of the floors in your home.

Similar to previous versions of the Botvac, the connected version still uses laser-guided technology to navigate around your home and clean the floors. New to this model, Botvac has switched from nickel metal halide batteries to lithium ion batteries, ideally extending the battery life between charges. Regarding power conservation, Neato has added an Eco Mode to preserve battery life and extend running time to two hours. However, there’s also a Turbo mode that increases suction significantly, but reduces running time to 90 minutes.

Neato is also changing the filter design in this model. The company claims the filter captures more small particles than competitors. It includes a mesh screen to reduce the amount of dirt that collects on the filter and the filter can be popped out easily when the waste collection bin needs to be emptied. Neato plans to release the new vacuum during the holiday shopping season for a MSRP of $700.

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Save thousands on an Aiper robotic pool cleaner during the Aiper Day sale
Man relaxing by pool watching robot pool cleaner

Summer is here, time to rip the tarp off the pool and start enjoying the sunshine. But hold up – the pool has been sitting there for months now. It’s collected a film of algae along the bottom. Somehow there’s scum a few inches above the waterline. Have the tiles always been that color? Your pool needs rejuvenation.

If the idea of cleaning your pool to get ready for summer – and cleaning it regularly throughout the season – is holding you back from planning your pool party, maybe it’s time to phone a friend. Aiper is happy to answer the call.

Read more
If you have pets, but hate vacuuming, this Shark robot vacuum is 49% off
The Shark AV2501S vacuum bot.

Nobody really likes vacuuming. Even with manually washing dishes you get to hear the pleasant sounds of water running, but vacuuming is overall just loud and time consuming. That's why we love robot vacuums so much. What we don't like about robot vacuums, however, is the price, which is why scouring through robot vacuum deals is so critical. Take this one, an early Prime Day deal, that saves you $270 on the Shark AV2501S, dropping its price to $280 from $550. Putting this all into perspective, when we covered the Shark AV2501S's 2024 Prime Day deal, it was still $412—things are looking a lot better for you this time around. To lock in this great price, simply tap the button below and make your purchase. Otherwise, keep reading to see why we like this vacuum, and what made it special enough for us to recommend it in the past.

Buy Now

Read more
xTool’s F2 Ultra: A smarter take on creative production
xtool f2 ultra on display on a table

This July, xTool isn’t just opening a new office in Mountain View, California, it’s setting up shop with purpose. Their U.S. Brand Launch Experience, timed with the debut of xTool’s first American headquarters, is more than a launch party. It’s a look at how the company is thinking long-term about tools, creators, and community.

At the center of the event is the F2 Ultra, xTool’s new flagship dual-laser system designed for small businesses and serious makers. Why does this machine matter? It helps to zoom out first. xTool’s U.S. expansion is borne of the necessity to show up for the people who use their products every day.
A Local Anchor for a Growing Brand
Mountain View now hosts xTool’s first U.S. demo center and office. That means faster customer support, more hands-on service, and a clearer bridge to the U.S. creative scene. One standout piece of the rollout is the xTool Squad, a national support team offering real human help with setup, training, and troubleshooting.

Read more