Just got this update which renamed my app to "iRobot Home (Classic)" so I looked up what's "non-classic" and found this.
I bet it has more tracking and less features.
this post was submitted on 13 Mar 2025
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Gotta find something to sell to stay afloat. Why not user data? /s
It needs more cowbell
FWIW you can use a Roomba without an app. You... push the physical button on the robot, and voila. No app, no connection, still cleaning.
Sure you can't schedule cleaning but honestly unless you have a version that can empty it's own trash recipient and your house is always robot cleaning friendly (so... 0 cable on the way, chairs aside, etc) it's rarely a huge efficiency gain.
Honestly I feel like 10y/o there was a lot of hype around vacuuming robot but it didn't "explode" in popularity because it's not really such a big difference.
Do Roombas not have mapping and customizable routes?
I have a Roborock, and I wouldn't be able to use it well without the app. So many little settings like having it do extra passes by the entry way, or be quiet in certain rooms have been amazing
Based on https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1jb2uvt/roomba_accidentally_saw_outside_and_now_i_cant/ I'd bet some models surely do.
That being said, I am NOT promoting Roomba or any other brand, I'm only highlighting that apps aren't necessarily a requirement for the basic feature.
Finally, as others suggested if one genuinely does need such feature and is mindful about privacy, I'd check https://valetudo.cloud/ first then see what harder supports it, which sadly doesn't seem to support Roomba or ~~Roborock~~ AFAICT. It does, lucky you, check https://valetudo.cloud/pages/general/supported-robots.html#roborock
Edit: ~~apparently "Xiaomi V1 is made by Roborock" according to https://valetudo.cloud/pages/general/supported-robots.html so maybe there is way, worth investigating for you IMHO.~~
The Roomba® Home app is compatible with Roomba® 100, 200, and Plus 400 series robots sold after March 2025. For other models, please download the iRobot Home (Classic) app.
From the app description.
It's highly suspect since they just announced they don't know if they can continue operations, so idk if i'd trust it lol:
It's okay, all they have to do is get a bid from another Big Tech company that doesn't have home stuff like Amazon. Failing that, there's always private equity. 🥲
Valetudo anyone?
Is there a Murena/Volla of vacuuming robots? Namely can one buy a working robot (new or reconditioned) with Valetudo pre-installed?
Not that I know of unfortunately. Installing it isnt all that hard, depending on the model one just need a special USB adapter, courage and a Linux terminal :)
Unfortunately my model isn't supported. I might look for a 2nd hand supported one with the USB adapter and try, as I do use and work with Linux on a daily basis.