Roborock supercharges smart home connectivity in its smart vacs

Roborock has announced that certain models will receive a firmware update by April 10 to enhance the user experience with upgraded Matter protocol. The timing of the update may vary across different timezones, so users are advised to be patient. The Roborock Saros, Roborock Qrevo, and Roborock S8 Max V Ultra models will all benefit from improved capabilities.

Apple has also introduced Matter integration with the Home App on various devices, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, and Mac. This integration allows users to control compatible Roborock robot vacuums through these Apple devices, enabling tasks like initiating cleaning cycles or setting specific cleaning zones through the Home app. It is important to note that these features require an iPhone running iOS 18.4 or later.

Furthermore, users can use Siri to start and stop cleanings, extending the control options to voice commands. Apple’s Matter integrations also extend to other brands like Ecovacs and iRobot, as long as the devices are compatible with Matter protocol.

It is important to keep in mind that the functionality of Roborock devices and their integration with different ecosystems may vary. While Matter integration is expanding across platforms, not all smart home platforms have implemented it to the same extent. Google Home, in particular, may lag behind in certain areas.

As Matter integration continues to evolve, more devices will be able to seamlessly connect and work together without the need for complex automations. This marks a significant advancement from the early days of smart home technology when integration between different platforms required intricate setups.