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.
