AllYouCanTech

Neato Cloud Closure Emphasizes Difficulties Encountered by Businesses in Backing Smart Devices

The Neato cloud server essential for operating the shuttered company’s robotic vacuum cleaners is set to be terminated three years ahead of the original schedule, effectively transforming the smart devices into non-functional ones.

The parent firm had originally assured that the MyNeato app would remain operational until 2028, but it has now reversed this commitment and will discontinue support before the end of this year. This serves as a further reminder of the significance of choosing smart products that feature either HomeKit or Matter compatibility.

## Smart products rendered useless or downgraded

Regrettably, it’s not unusual for a company’s demise to lead to smart products being entirely rendered unusable or, at best, downgraded to basic functionality. Numerous applications necessitate server access, so when a company collapses or halts operations and the server goes offline, the smart capabilities can be forfeited. In extreme scenarios, a product may become wholly inoperable.

We first drew attention to this problem back in 2023 when the electric bike manufacturer VanMoof went bankrupt, leaving users facing the possibility of being unable to unlock their bicycles.

> While unlocking is enabled via Bluetooth when the phone approaches the bike, it depends on a rolling key code – and that feature in turn depends on access to a VanMoof server. If the company fails, then with no server, there’s no key code generation, hence no unlock.

Fortunately, in that instance, a third-party entity stepped forward with a solution, and the company was eventually saved.

A similar situation arose last year with smart home firm Brilliant.

> If the company’s servers become unavailable, Brilliant light switches will continue to function, but you will be unable to modify existing scenes, create new ones, or incorporate additional devices. This would be a significant setback for customers who have invested heavily in devices marketed as semi-professional equipment, with each switch priced between $399 and $549.

## Neato robovacs will operate only manually

Neato Robotics ceased operations in 2023, but the parent company had vowed that the MyNeato app would stay functional for an additional five years. However, The Verge has reported today that the company has notified customers, retracting this assurance.

> Users are receiving messages informing them that their Neato robovacs will lose access to cloud services, meaning they can no longer be managed through the robots’ MyNeato app.

In a correspondence obtained by The Verge, Neato Robotics clarified the reasoning behind the decision, stating, “Since Neato ceased operations in 2023, Vorwerk has continued to support the Neato cloud platform to fulfill the original five-year service commitment. However, advancements in cybersecurity standards, compliance requirements, and regulations have made it impractical to securely and sustainably operate these legacy systems.”

As a result, the only method to utilize the vacuums will be by manually pressing the start button, and it will not be feasible to adjust the cleaning schedules or select options for targeted cleaning in specific rooms or areas.

## The significance of HomeKit or Matter compatibility

As previously mentioned, such occurrences emphasize the necessity of purchasing only smart home products that are compatible with either HomeKit or Matter.

> There isn’t a flawless solution since some features may be limited to the company’s proprietary app or require access to the company’s server. However, opting for devices that are either HomeKit or Matter compliant will at least guarantee that they cannot be rendered inoperable if a company ceases to exist. It will always be feasible to retain access to at least core functionalities – including modifying and creating new scenes – via Apple’s Home app.

Apple Pay VP Talks About New Wallet Capabilities, Digital Identifications, and Further Improvements

### Apple Pay and Apple Wallet: Innovations and Impact

At the recent Money20/20 USA conference, Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, provided important updates regarding the company’s payment solutions, emphasizing their progress in fraud mitigation and the increasing features of Apple Wallet.

#### Fraud Prevention Success

Bailey disclosed that Apple Pay has successfully thwarted over $1 billion in fraudulent activities in the previous year. This remarkable statistic highlights the efficiency of Apple Pay’s security protocols, which reportedly diminish fraud incidences by more than 60% when contrasted with traditional credit and debit card methods. In certain instances, this drop can soar to 90%, showcasing the formidable fraud prevention capabilities of Apple Pay.

#### Widespread Acceptance

The adoption of Apple Pay has surged dramatically since its inception in 2014. Presently, it is accepted by 90% of retailers across the United States, a substantial rise from a mere 3% at the start. Apple Pay is now operational in 89 markets worldwide, collaborating with 11,000 banks and payment networks, rendering it a broadly endorsed payment option.

#### Expanding Apple Wallet Features

Apple Wallet’s capabilities have progressed beyond merely Apple Pay. It now encompasses a range of functions such as transit cards, hotel keys, automobile keys, and digital IDs. Although these offerings have experienced slower uptake compared to Apple Pay, their utilization is gradually rising.

– **Transit Features**: Accessible in 250 regions and 800 cities globally.
– **Hotel Room Keys**: More than 2 million hotel room keys have been issued through Apple Wallet, backed by over 65,000 hotel rooms.
– **Car Keys**: Compatible with 29 automotive manufacturers, permitting users to unlock and start their vehicles with their iPhones.

One of the prominent features of Apple Wallet is its capability to store IDs and driver’s licenses. This feature, which commenced rollout in 2021, is presently supported in 12 states and Puerto Rico, as well as Japan’s My Number Card. Recently, West Virginia became the latest state to implement this feature.

#### Upcoming Features

Bailey also stated that Apple intends to introduce support for US passports in Apple Wallet by year’s end. This functionality will enable users to present their IDs at select TSA checkpoints during domestic flights, enhancing air travel convenience.

#### Tap to Pay Expansion

Another notable development is the broadening of the Tap to Pay on iPhone feature, permitting businesses to accept payments using solely an iPhone. This capability is presently available in 48 markets and employed by 15 million merchants, further reinforcing Apple’s standing in the payment processing arena.

#### Conclusion

The progress in Apple Pay and Apple Wallet signifies Apple’s dedication to improving user experience and security in digital transactions. With the increasing endorsement of Apple Pay and the growing features of Apple Wallet, users are progressively able to depend on their devices for a wide array of transactions and identification requirements. As these technologies continue to advance, they are set to transform the manner in which consumers engage with payment systems and digital identity.

Spotify Unveils Upgraded Apple TV 4K Application with Major Feature Enhancements

**Updated Spotify Application for Apple TV: An Enhanced Experience**

New Apple TV 4K hardware is anticipated to launch shortly, and today Spotify revealed an updated tvOS application that aims to enhance the Spotify experience for Apple TV users like never before.

### Spotify for Apple TV Offers Improvements in Many Aspects

Today, Spotify is introducing a completely new, redesigned Apple TV app. Accessible through the tvOS App Store, the revamped app has been “rebuilt from the ground up to provide a quicker, more intelligent, and visually appealing experience based on user insights,” according to a Spotify representative.

Key features of the new Spotify app consist of:

– Fresh, updated design tailored for tvOS
– Enhanced video options for viewing podcasts or music videos
– Remote control functionality through Connect
– Newly available lyrics
– Spotify DJ suggestions
– Management of the queue
– Ability to modify podcast or video playback speed

The disparity between Apple Music and Spotify’s tvOS applications has historically been quite large. However, with this new update, it is hoped that Apple TV users will no longer feel like they are missing out on a premium big-screen experience with Spotify.

The advancements in video are particularly noteworthy as video podcasts have emerged as a significant growth sector for Spotify. Recently, Spotify secured a deal for select podcasts to be streamed exclusively via Netflix, and today’s Apple TV update represents another vital move toward enhancing Spotify content in the living room.

Will you be utilizing the new Spotify application for Apple TV 4K? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Top Accessories for Apple TV 4K

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iPhone 18 Pro Could Introduce Variable Aperture Lens, Possibly Reserved for Pro Max Version, As per Leaker

A reputable leaker in the field of iPhone camera innovations has validated previous claims that the iPhone 18 Pro will incorporate a variable aperture lens, marking a first for the iPhone series. It’s still uncertain whether this feature will be present on both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max or if it will solely belong to the Pro Max model.

### Variable Aperture Lenses

Variable aperture lenses enable improved control over depth of field (DoF) in photography. This capability allows for different effects: a shallow DoF for subject isolation, a moderate DoF for some background context, and a deep DoF for ensuring everything remains in focus. Currently, iPhone models utilize portrait mode for simulating a shallow DoF and the telephoto lens for certain optical effects; however, a variable aperture lens would lend greater versatility across a range of shooting situations. Furthermore, reducing the aperture could assist filmmakers working in bright environments, allowing them to achieve cinematic effects.

### Latest Leak from Digital Chat Station

Ming-Chi Kuo was the first to disclose the addition of this feature in the iPhone 18, a statement backed by a recent supply chain report. The leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS) has confirmed these insights, indicating that the iPhone 18 series will elevate the Pro models, with expectations that the Pro Max will feature variable aperture technology alongside a wider aperture for its 48MP telephoto lens.

### Unclear Whether It’s One Model or Two

Kuo’s initial announcement was somewhat vague, referring to a premium iPhone 18 without clarifying which models would include the new technology. Nonetheless, a recent supply chain report indicates that both the Pro and Pro Max models will encompass the variable aperture feature, with DCS specifically highlighting the Pro Max.

### 9to5Mac’s Take

While the arrival of a variable aperture lens is encouraging, it is crucial to manage expectations. Current iPhone cameras already possess wide apertures, but the small sensor size limits DoF control in comparison to traditional DSLRs. The main benefit of a variable aperture lens may be in its capacity to narrow the aperture for increased focus throughout a scene, especially in landscape photography.

This advancement could also indicate future improvements, such as larger sensor sizes in coming iPhone models. Even though a variable aperture lens introduces complexity and expense, it may demonstrate Apple’s dedication to enhancing photographic capabilities. The Pro Max model, with more room for a bigger sensor, is expected to be the first to exhibit this technology.

In summary, the possible advent of variable aperture lenses in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max signifies a major advancement in mobile photography, offering users greater creative control and enhanced image quality.