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Roombas Can Now Detect Christmas Trees and Loose Socks

Software update adds new features

By Cesar Cadenas Cesar Cadenas Writer California State University - Long Beach Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry since 2016 on a variety of topics like cryptocurrency, video games, the latest gadgets, and much more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on November 30, 2021 02:45PM EST Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Western Kentucky University Gulf Coast Community College Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart & Connected Life Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Thanks to a new update, Roomba J7 and J7+ models will be able to identify and clean around Christmas trees as well as loose socks and shoes. Roomba manufacturer iRobot stated the update was made possible via “advanced machine learning algorithms” that would allow the robot vacuums to detect fallen pine needles. In addition to this new spatial awareness, Roomba owners will be able to transfer an existing Smart Map from one robot to another. iRobot The update comes through the iRobot HOME App and the iRobot Genius feature. The Genius feature allows Roombas to learn and adapt to their surrounding home environment for a personalized map. With this feature, the Roomba will suggest a particular path it can take to clean around the tree and not bump into it. Detecting loose socks and shoes lying around on the floor are also additions to the list of objects that Roombas can see and avoid. This list includes recent additions like cords and pet waste. iRobot also says its vacuums will continue getting smarter and be able to identify more objects in future updates. James Leynse/Contributor/Getty Images One additional new feature is Smart Map support, which will allow owners to share a map layout between different compatible units. This also includes the Braava jet m6, the company’s robotic mop unit. This feature improves the transition to a new unit since the new Roomba unit won’t have to learn the floor layout again but instead can work from the knowledge of the previous unit. The update is currently being rolled out. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is a Roomba and How Does It Work? How to Make Trees in Photoshop The 10 Best Robot Vacuums of 2022 How to Fix it When Your PS4 Is Overheating How to Link Roomba to Google Home How to Store and Maintain Your Game Systems Expert Tested: The 10 Best Smart Home Products in 2022 Rise of the Home Robot 5 Ways AI Can Make Your Home Happy How to Fix It When Mac Is Not Detecting an External Display The 40 Best Hallmark Christmas Movies of 2022 Top Free Christmas Email Stationery Downloads How to Remove Smoke and Cigarette Smells From a Car How To Plant Trees in Animal Crossing How to Find a Hidden GPS Tracker on Your Car 15 Best Free Online Christmas Games Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies