I know, I know, life-changing is a bit over the top, but no less true, if you ask me! I was just lucky enough to get my hands on the latest iRobot Roomba 980 vacuum cleaner and this is one smart home gadget I can definitely a) appreciate, b) understand and c) get a LOT of use out of. You all know I’m a neatfreak, so I am so excited! While you could say I sometimes get a kick out of cleaning, I’m also thrilled to have one less job to do while maintaining a tidy home! And with a toddler around, there is always always something to be vacuumed up, be it crumbs, grass, mud or, my absolute favourite, sand!
iRobot have released two new Roomba models, 890 and 690, which are more affordable and are also Wi-Fi connected like the top of the range Roomba 980. “Expanding the benefits of connectivity from our top-of-the-line Roomba 900 series through our popular Roomba 800 and 600 Series robots gives more of our customers the opportunity to experience the added functionality and control our connected app gives our robots,” said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. “This is an important next step in making the benefits of smart home technology available to everyone.”
This is where it gets really impressive and useful if you ask me. Using the iRobot HOME App, the vacuuming robots are ready to clean on demand from anywhere, any time. Each model can be scheduled to clean up to seven times a week from the familiar mobile device interface, which is available for Android and iOS devices. The app also provides information about cleaning status, customised tips and direct access to customer support. I’ll highlight some of the important features of the two new products!
Got pets? The new Roomba® 890 features dual, counter-rotating Tangle-Free Extractors like my Roomba 980. These extractors are made of durable rubber tread that grabs dirt and hair from any floor type, while reducing hair tangles and brush maintenance (I feel like this could be useful in our non-pet household too, where there always seems to be way too much black and blonde hair on the bathroom floor!).
A full suite of sensors and low profile design enables the Roomba 890 to navigate under furniture and around clutter. A Gen 2 motor produces five times the air power over previous generation Roombas , while the patented AeroForce 3-Stage Cleaning System uses a combination of agitation, extraction and suction to efficiently move dirt and debris from the floor to the dustbin. I have to say, this robot isn’t quiet, which reassures me, because it sounds like it’s doing a proper job!
At the end of its cleaning job, Roomba 890 returns to its charging station to recharge. The Roomba® 690 allows customers to experience the luxury of automated cleaning at a more affordable price. Valued at $849, the Roomba 690 gets to work, seamlessly navigating around clutter and under furniture. As with the Roomba 800 and 900 Series, the Roomba 690 uses a patented 3-Stage Cleaning System to efficiently clean carpet, rugs and hard floors. At just 9.3cm tall, the Roomba 690 fits under most furniture and kickboards, so dirt has no place to hide.
Although you can of course set Roomba to clean while you’re out of the house (thank goodness, because Seb is terrified of it!), I work from home and am often here, but I’m actually loving hearing the robot doing the housework in the background! The best! Not to mention emptying all that dust out is so satisfying! Evidence!!
The Roomba® 690 is available for purchase immediately in major electrical retail stores ($849 RRP). The Roomba® 637 ($599 RRP) and Roomba® 890 ($1099 RRP) will be available soon in major electrical retail stores. My Roomba 980 is available for purchase at major electrical retail stores as well as online.
Can you believe iRobot created the home robot cleaning category with the introduction of its Roomba® Vacuuming Robot 15 years ago in 2002?!
Follow iRobot Australia on Instagram for the latest tips and inspiration.
Disclosure: I was gifted an iRobot Roomba to try it for myself. I have not been paid for this post and, as ever, my thoughts on this product are honest and my own.
