The Vergecast Amazon buys Roomba, non-watch wearables, and the best cheap(er) phones
Aug 10, 2022
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, a smart home reviewer at The Verge, shares insights on Amazon's acquisition of iRobot and its implications for smart home technology and privacy concerns. Victoria Song, a wearables expert, discusses the rise of non-watch wearables, including sleep trackers and smart rings, exploring their potential and limitations. Mobile reviewer Allison Johnson analyzes mid-range smartphones, emphasizing the balance between features and affordability, and what trade-offs consumers might face when choosing budget-friendly options.
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Amazon's iRobot Acquisition
- Amazon likely acquired iRobot for its smart home data and mapping capabilities, not just to sell robot vacuums.
- iRobot's mapping technology offers valuable insights into homes, more so than existing smart home products.
Matter and Smart Home Platforms
- Matter's universal connectivity pushes smart home platforms to differentiate through innovation, not just device compatibility.
- iRobot's Robot OS could be key, offering contextual awareness within the smart home by mapping and identifying objects.
Value of iRobot's Mapping Data
- While Amazon gathers home data through Alexa, iRobot provides continuously updated maps.
- This dynamic data offers valuable sales insights into changing home layouts and potential purchases.