Gadgetory

we really liked iRobot Roomba 880 that we tested a couple of years ago so we were super psyched that the brand came out with its next version the 980 especially because this model has a secret its Wi-Fi enabled guys that's something we haven't seen on any other Roomba in the past I mean Dyson introduced the 360 I last year and Eva Nieto announced its own connected version at ISA this year and then just a week after boom a Wi-Fi enabled Roomba in addition to the Wi-Fi connectivity for Android and iOS users that lets you set schedules and start your device remotely on Wi-Fi or cellular networks this model also has sensors and a camera for better tracking around the room it also updated its battery so it now has a lithium ion battery designed to last longer and clean better overall iRobot also gave its virtual wall barriers a major makeover you know those giant clunky things that used massive batteries that no one would ever have sitting around in the drawer at home they've totally overhauled them so they're slimmer but had the same functionality and they're controllable with double-a batteries so that's way way simpler so you'd think that all of these fancy new options would translate to better performance but it didn't it was so disappointing it didn't even outperform I robots own $700 880 and this one costs $200 more in fact the only category where it actually outperformed the 880 was picking up pet hair and the differences we're pretty negligible really something that falls within the Mars of air during our testing so while it's still really good and the app works very well I'd hold off until we review the dyson 360 I and nito's new bot vac connected for more check out our full review on Sina comm from the CNET smart home I'm Megan Willerton for CN appliances