The mapping technology can store multiple maps, meaning you can set it down in your bedroom or kitchen, select the room and let it get to work. David Ludlow is a Freelance Journalist and Home Technology Editor. Starting life on the consumer PC press back in 1998, David has been writing about the forefront of technology for the past 20 years. David has edited Computer Shopper and launched Expert Reviews. He has written a number of books on PC building and maintenance.
Unlike most robot vacuums, Dyson’s vac provides suction across the full width of the machine and reportedly features the most advanced cleaner-head technology. Lastly, Dyson’s 360 Eye can be controlled by an app available on iOS and Android platforms, which allows the user to control and schedule how and when it cleans. When you think of the latest and greatest cleaning technology, you’re likely to immediately jump to robot vacuum cleaners – the gadgetry-filled discs of convenience. While robo-vacuums are pretty great, there’s still plenty of power and innovation to be had with traditional vacuums too – and Dyson is leading the way. We ran the 360 Eye through a series of tests on plush mid-pile carpet, thinner berber carpet, and hardwood floors. On each surface we scored its ability to pick up 2.5 ounces of rice, 0.2 ounces of pet hair, and 1.25 ounces of sand.
Like some other Dyson products, the 360 Eye’s value is also questionable. Sure, I like 360 Eye’s app and the way it navigates around a room, but the Neato Botvac Connected has similar features, performs better in every category and costs $300 less. That doesn’t mean you won’t like Dyson’s Wi-Fi model, just be sure to weigh it against the competition before you buy. Dyson’s last vacuum cleaner, the oddly-named 360 Heurist, skipped a US release, apparently because its design was ill-suited to the layout of American homes. But it looks like the company is planning to launch a new robovac in the US soon, after filing details of an unannounced product with the FCC.
If accurate, that’s pricey compared with iRobot’s Roomba and competing products. Dyson’s website says the 360 Eye has, “Twice the suction of any robot vacuum” with the caveat that, “Suction testing based on ASTM F558, dust-loaded shark cordless against robot market.” I was impressed with the 360 Eye’s tread-like wheels, though; they raise up when needed so the vacuum could travel over large power cords and transitions between hardwood floors and carpet.
Alternatively, command it ad hoc to pick up crumbs after mealtimes. Selecting a zone gives you a rough cleaning time and the estimated number of charges that it will bissell crosswave cordless take, with the 360 Heurist able to return to its dock and top up its battery if needed. In my house , there’s enough battery to clean every floor on Max if needed.
The Micro is as compact as Dyson gets but its diminutive size is deceptive as it gets the job done over the course of its 20-minute battery life. The 0.2-litre capacity isn’t all that sizeable but should carry you through in smaller living spaces or if used for single-room cleaning. The Roomba’s run time is 75 minutes, but charge time is only 90 minutes, so you can schedule it to clean up twice a day or more.
WIRED has taken the risk of a premature robot uprising and tested these smart vacuum cleaners, reaping the spotless benefits they bring. You might think all robot vacuums cleaners are pretty much the same, in both features and looks, but they differ quite a lot. You’ll find robovacs ideal for tackling pet hairs or mopping up your floors as well as cheaper options that focus on getting the job done with no frills. It’s also worth taking a peek at our top picks for the best cordless vacuums around, as a robot and a cordless can make for top cleaning pals. Dyson has top-of-the-range options and it has reasonably sized options but, if all you want is one vacuum cleaner that isn’t too high-priced and does everything you require of it, there’s a £300 all-rounder for you too. The Dyson V8 Animal (£300) offers up to 40 minutes of charge and uses Dyson’s Direct Drive technology to pick up dirt across both carpets and hard floors.
The 360 Eye came in last place on the rice test, picking up just 2.18 ounces on the plush carpet, 1.85 ounces on the berber-style carpet, and 2.13 ounces on the hardwood floor. At the same time, the Neato Botvac Connected picked up significantly more rice on each flooring surface. I doubly enjoyed the compact and foldable charging dock that comes with this bot, although I occasionally had to wiggle the vacuum around for its contact sensors to correctly line up with the dock so it would charge. Pricing on the potential robot vacuum isn’t certain, though the Heurist retails for £800 (~$1,088). The new filing doesn’t guarantee that Dyson will ever release the 360 Hyperdymium, much less in the states, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for a potential release date or new details. Dyson filed papers with the FCC that show a flatter and wider robot vacuum than those it released in other markets.
Keep up basic maintenance to make sure you’re not accused of mistreating the thing should something go wrong. Get the location of the dock wrong, or have a door at the wrong angle so that there’s only a small gap between it and furniture, and the 360 Heurist can miss out entire areas of your home. For me, the initial position of the dock meant that the 360 Heurist became confused and wouldn’t venture outside of the lounge. The live chat button will appear on the bottom right corner of your screen as soon as a Dyson Expert becomes available. You can also find helpful troubleshooting advice and get more information by clicking on the automated chat icon in the bottom right corner of your screen at any time.