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.

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.

X Reveals Retirement of Twitter.com Domain; Action Needed by November 10

The social networking site previously known as Twitter has revealed the discontinuation of the twitter.com domain, triggering major adjustments for its users. As part of this evolution, the platform mandates that users who use hardware security keys or passkeys for two-factor authentication (2FA) must re-enroll their devices within a two-week period. If this is not done, the keys will stop functioning.

Initially, X’s Safety account conveyed the necessity for re-enrollment without offering detailed explanations. However, the company subsequently clarified that this requirement is not a result of any security breach but rather a technical enhancement related to the domain transition. Security keys currently linked to the twitter.com domain need to be re-enrolled to associate them with the new x.com domain.

The re-enrollment deadline is established for November 10. Users who fail to comply will find their accounts locked until they either re-enroll their security key, choose an alternative 2FA method, or decide to opt out of 2FA entirely—although the latter option is not advised for safeguarding accounts.

The announcement has ignited speculation concerning possible security weaknesses, prompting the company to reassure users that the alteration is purely technical. The automatic substitution of twitter.com with x.com in tweets has also caused confusion, resulting in nonsensical content from even official accounts.

As the transition unfolds, users are encouraged to act swiftly to keep their accounts secure and accessible. The ramifications of retiring such a widely recognized domain are considerable, and while the company claims that comprehensive testing will minimize issues, the change is expected to disturb various functionalities throughout the platform.