Neato Robovacs too Lose App Control in Late 2025
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Neato Robotics’ robovacs will soon become significantly less “smart.” The company has informed owners that cloud services supporting app control will be phased out during the fourth quarter of 2025, rendering features like scheduled cleaning and virtual boundaries unusable. This comes two years after the company ceased operations in 2023 due to declining sales.
Why is Neato Shutting Down Cloud Services?
Initially, Neato’s parent company, Vorwerk Group, stated cloud support would continue for at least five years following the company’s closure. Though, the recent email to customers cites evolving cybersecurity standards and compliance regulations as the reason for the change.According to The Verge, the company states it is “no longer possible to safely and sustainably operate these legacy systems.”
This decision highlights the challenges of maintaining software and infrastructure for products long after a company has stopped manufacturing them. Maintaining robust security for older systems becomes increasingly arduous and expensive as threats evolve.
What Does This Mean for Neato Owners?
While existing Neato robovacs won’t be wholly unusable – they can still be started manually with a button press – users will lose access to several key features. Specifically, owners will no longer be able to:
* Set cleaning schedules: Automated cleaning routines will be unavailable.
* Remotely start the vacuum: Control via the app will be lost.
* Utilize No-Go Zones: Virtual boundaries to prevent the robovac from entering certain areas will no longer function.
This loss of functionality significantly diminishes the value proposition for those who purchased Neato robovacs expecting a fully integrated smart home experience. Many Neato models cost several hundred dollars,and the app control was a major selling point.
What Alternatives Do Neato Owners Have?
Neato owners facing the loss of app functionality have several options:
* Continue using the robovac manually: The devices will still function as basic robotic vacuums.
* consider upgrading to a competitor: Brands like iRobot (Roomba), Shark, and Ecovacs offer current-generation robovacs with ongoing software support.
* Explore potential third-party integrations (unlikely): While currently unavailable, it’s theoretically possible that third-party developers could attempt to create choice control solutions, though this is not guaranteed.
Key Takeaways
* Neato robovac app control will cease in Q4 2025.
* The shutdown is due to evolving cybersecurity standards and compliance obligations.
* Robovacs will still function manually, but smart features will be lost.
* Owners may want to consider upgrading to a competitor with ongoing support.
The discontinuation of Neato’s cloud services serves as a cautionary tale for consumers investing in smart home devices. It underscores the importance of considering a company’s long-term viability and commitment to software support when making purchasing decisions. As technology advances, maintaining support for older “smart” devices can become unsustainable, leaving consumers with limited options.