A great robot mop can change the entire feel of your home. Having a robot vacuum sweep your home while you're gone is one thing, but coming home to a sparkling-clean, freshly mopped floor is a different ballgame. As a person who loves the feel of a clean floor but hates to drag out the mop and bucket to get it, I love my robot mop.Also: The best robot vacuum mops: Expert tested and reviewedSincetesting so many robot mops and robot vacuum and mops combinations has shifted my perspective, I've come to rely on them to keep my home clean. I run at least one robot daily, even when we have visitors at home, to keep my floors clean at all times. But so much competition on the market makes choosing the best one harder than ever. Thankfully, you can rely on ZDNET's expertise to help.What is the best robot mop right now?We tested many of the top robot mops on the market, evaluating factors like battery life, floor mapping features, price, and overall performance. Our pick for the best robot mop overall is the iRobot Braava Jet m6for its methodical cleaning and ability to detect hard floors vs. carpets. Sort by All The best robot mops of 2024 Show less View now at Best Buy iRobot's Braava Jet m6 is our top pick for the best robot mop overall. Thanks to its vSLAM navigation technology, this robot mop intelligently and methodically cleans in neat rows, ensuring it doesn't miss a spot on your floors. The same technology allows the Braava Jet m6 to recognize and avoid your rugs and carpets. I never had an issue with this robot mopping my rugs during my testing period. I could confidently leave my house and trust that I would return to a well-done job. One Amazon reviewer feels the same way: "The iRobot mop has been the best investment I made and is one less item I have to worry about on my to-do list."Review: Braava Jet m6 review: A must-have robot mopThe Precision Jet Spray technology always keeps a steady flow of cleaning solutions on your floors. The mop will move forward about 3 feet, go backward about half that distance, spray the cleaning solution, and repeat this throughout your home. The mop pad is detachable, so you'll take it off the robot and throw it in the washing machine once the job is done.Another perk: Since the Braava Jet m6 is an iRobot device, you can easily add it to your robot fleet if you already use a Roomba device. The iRobot app intelligently transfers your map layouts to multiple machines, and you can program an iRobot vacuum, and together, they will tag team for your home's cleaning. You can have the robot vacuum run, and then the Braava Jet m6 will immediately follow up to complete its mopping duties.iRobot Braava Jet m6 tech specs:Battery life:90 minutes |Wi-Fi:Yes |Dimensions:11 x 10 x 4 inches |Price:$299 Pros Methodical approach Carpet and rug recognition Straightforward app Cons Additional supplies required Slow to clean iRobot's Braava Jet m6 is our top pick for the best robot mop overall. Thanks to its vSLAM navigation technology, this robot mop intelligently and methodically cleans in neat rows, ensuring it doesn't miss a spot on your floors. The same technology allows the Braava Jet m6 to recognize and avoid your rugs and carpets. I never had an issue with this robot mopping my rugs during my testing period. I could confidently leave my house and trust that I would return to a well-done job. One Amazon reviewer feels the same way: "The iRobot mop has been the best investment I made and is one less item I have to worry about on my to-do list."Review: Braava Jet m6 review: A must-have robot mopThe Precision Jet Spray technology always keeps a steady flow of cleaning solutions on your floors. The mop will move forward about 3 feet, go backward about half that distance, spray the cleaning solution, and repeat this throughout your home. The mop pad is detachable, so you'll take it off the robot and throw it in the washing machine once the job is done.Another perk: Since the Braava Jet m6 is an iRobot device, you can easily add it to your robot fleet if you already use a Roomba device. The iRobot app intelligently transfers your map layouts to multiple machines, and you can program an iRobot vacuum, and together, they will tag team for your home's cleaning. You can have the robot vacuum run, and then the Braava Jet m6 will immediately follow up to complete its mopping duties.iRobot Braava Jet m6 tech specs:Battery life:90 minutes |Wi-Fi:Yes |Dimensions:11 x 10 x 4 inches |Price:$299 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Eufy S1 Pro uses a roller mop that is scrubbed clean inside the robot as it washes your floors. The robot does this to keep its mop clean and ensure that only clean water is used while mopping, so you never worry about dragging dirty mop pads all over your house.This results in the cleanest floors a robot vacuum and mop has ever left behind in my home. This mopping system is so advanced that it uses water ozonification to disinfect the clean water you put in the tank. Hence, it truly cleans with the cleanest water possible, though this feature can be turned off.Review:Eufy S1 ProThe only thing preventing the Eufy S1 Pro from taking the top spot as ZDNET's Best robot vacuum and mop overall is that the Dreame X40 Ultra outperforms its vacuum feature. The Eufy S1 Pro features obstacle avoidance but is less reliable than the Dreame X40 Ultra. It can occasionally vacuum up larger pieces of paper and debris and get its brush roller stuck, forcing you to rescue it or risk the cleaning task remaining incomplete.Despite these drawbacks, it outperforms most high-end robot vacuum and mop competitors on the market in both features. Reviewers agree, saying, "If you're like me and think mopping is a colossal waste of time and energy, then this gadget is worth every penny. It pays for itself with the time you save (or the money you don't have to shell out to someone else to do the dirty work)."Eufy S1 Pro features:Price:$1,300|Battery life:216 minutes |Wi-Fi:Yes |Dimensions:18.4 x 15 x 26.4 inches|Suction power:8,000Pa |Dustbin volume:250 ml |Water tank capacity:240 ml Battery life 7 Navigation 10 Object avoidance 9 Ease of maintenance 5 Suction power 9 Pros Roller mop system only cleans with fresh water 8,000Pa suction capability Great obstacle avoidance Cons Omni station is very tall Requires deep cleaning about every month Eufy S1 Pro Best robot mop to simulate actual mopping 4 / 5 Score The Eufy S1 Pro uses a roller mop that is scrubbed clean inside the robot as it washes your floors. The robot does this to keep its mop clean and ensure that only clean water is used while mopping, so you never worry about dragging dirty mop pads all over your house.This results in the cleanest floors a robot vacuum and mop has ever left behind in my home. This mopping system is so advanced that it uses water ozonification to disinfect the clean water you put in the tank. Hence, it truly cleans with the cleanest water possible, though this feature can be turned off.Review:Eufy S1 ProThe only thing preventing the Eufy S1 Pro from taking the top spot as ZDNET's Best robot vacuum and mop overall is that the Dreame X40 Ultra outperforms its vacuum feature. The Eufy S1 Pro features obstacle avoidance but is less reliable than the Dreame X40 Ultra. It can occasionally vacuum up larger pieces of paper and debris and get its brush roller stuck, forcing you to rescue it or risk the cleaning task remaining incomplete.Despite these drawbacks, it outperforms most high-end robot vacuum and mop competitors on the market in both features. Reviewers agree, saying, "If you're like me and think mopping is a colossal waste of time and energy, then this gadget is worth every penny. It pays for itself with the time you save (or the money you don't have to shell out to someone else to do the dirty work)."Eufy S1 Pro features:Price:$1,300|Battery life:216 minutes |Wi-Fi:Yes |Dimensions:18.4 x 15 x 26.4 inches|Suction power:8,000Pa |Dustbin volume:250 ml |Water tank capacity:240 ml Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Dreame X40 Ultra is hands-down the best two-in-one robot vacuum mop I've tested. One of its few downsides is that it's priced steeply at $1,900, so you'll need a good chunk of change to get it (or you can wait for a sale). However, for the price, the Dreame X40 features an industry-leading 12,000Pa of suction and dusts the competition. This robot vacuum and mop is so versatile that you can set it up to drop its mop pads at the base station, go off to vacuum rugs and carpets first, and then return to pick up its mop pads and vacuum and mop the remaining hard floors -- all with no intervention on your part.Review:Dreame X40 UltraIt features a self-emptying dustbin, self-washing mop pads with customizable water temperature, a side-reaching sweeper brush, and an extendable mop pad to reach tight corners. The app has many settings and customizations, from thorough carpet vacuuming to AI-guided cleaning. The Dreame X40 Ultra is so smart that it can detect wet messes and automatically lift its sweeper brush to keep it from getting wet or spreading germs.Other customers love the Dreame X40 Ultra too; one remarks, "As an everyday person, my carpets are looking like that fresh vacuum look as they definitely look very clean. Had glitter everywhere, now gone. Kitchen floor... I didn't think to take before and after, but before was a hot mess, now WOW."We've also tested this robot's predecessor, theDreame X30 Ultra, and it's almost as impressive as the X40, with slightly lower suction power at 8300Pa, a 180-minute run time, and Mop Extend technology.Dreame X40 Ultra specs: Price:$1,000 (limited-time deal) |Battery life:180 mins |Base station dimensions:13.4 x 17.9 x 23.2 inches |Suction power:12,000Pa |Dustbin volume:300 ml |Water tank capacity:80 ml Battery life 10 Navigation 8 Object avoidance 10 Ease of maintenance 9 Suction power 10 Pros Quiet self-emptying Dual oscillating mop heads MopExtend mop pads Cons App isn't as user-friendly as it could be Expensive Dreame X40 Ultra Best robot mop splurge 4.7 / 5 Score The Dreame X40 Ultra is hands-down the best two-in-one robot vacuum mop I've tested. One of its few downsides is that it's priced steeply at $1,900, so you'll need a good chunk of change to get it (or you can wait for a sale). However, for the price, the Dreame X40 features an industry-leading 12,000Pa of suction and dusts the competition. This robot vacuum and mop is so versatile that you can set it up to drop its mop pads at the base station, go off to vacuum rugs and carpets first, and then return to pick up its mop pads and vacuum and mop the remaining hard floors -- all with no intervention on your part.Review:Dreame X40 UltraIt features a self-emptying dustbin, self-washing mop pads with customizable water temperature, a side-reaching sweeper brush, and an extendable mop pad to reach tight corners. The app has many settings and customizations, from thorough carpet vacuuming to AI-guided cleaning. The Dreame X40 Ultra is so smart that it can detect wet messes and automatically lift its sweeper brush to keep it from getting wet or spreading germs.Other customers love the Dreame X40 Ultra too; one remarks, "As an everyday person, my carpets are looking like that fresh vacuum look as they definitely look very clean. Had glitter everywhere, now gone. Kitchen floor... I didn't think to take before and after, but before was a hot mess, now WOW."We've also tested this robot's predecessor, theDreame X30 Ultra, and it's almost as impressive as the X40, with slightly lower suction power at 8300Pa, a 180-minute run time, and Mop Extend technology.Dreame X40 Ultra specs: Price:$1,000 (limited-time deal) |Battery life:180 mins |Base station dimensions:13.4 x 17.9 x 23.2 inches |Suction power:12,000Pa |Dustbin volume:300 ml |Water tank capacity:80 ml Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon If you're looking to invest in a two-in-one machine that will surpass all of your expectations for what a robot vacuum and mop can do, you'll want to get your hands on the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The PreciSense LiDAR Navigation and Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance successfully navigates and maps your home, never going where it shouldn't or running over cords, shoes, or other everyday household objects.The Empty Wash Fill Dock is where so much of the magic happens. It allows this robot to be a self-washing, self-drying, self-emptying, self-refilling, and self-cleaning machine, meaning you barely lift a finger for your home to be sparkling clean.Review:Roborock S8 Pro UltraThe Roborock S8 Pro Ultra seamlessly goes from mopping to vacuuming effectively thanks to its VibraRise 2.0 Mopping System and 6,000Pa suction power. This machine successfully kept my home clean for a month despite a German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and indoor cat trying to terrorize every flooring surface possible. I know it's a hefty investment, but I promise you you won't be disappointed.When I tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, I didn't need to manually vacuum or mop my floors. This machine could keep up with my flooring needs, and I'm not the only one who felt this way. One Amazon customer noted, "We have essentially stopped vacuuming our house with our stick vacuum. We haven't mopped a floor since we got this vac in Jan 2024. The tech on this thing is impressive."Roborock S8 Pro Ultra tech specs:Battery life:180 minutes |Wi-Fi:Yes |Dimensions:16 x 16 x 19 inches |Price:$1,100 (limited-time deal) Pros 6,000 Pa suction Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance Stress-free, self-cleaning mop head Cons Expensive Only empties the dust bin at the end of a job If you're looking to invest in a two-in-one machine that will surpass all of your expectations for what a robot vacuum and mop can do, you'll want to get your hands on the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. The PreciSense LiDAR Navigation and Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance successfully navigates and maps your home, never going where it shouldn't or running over cords, shoes, or other everyday household objects.The Empty Wash Fill Dock is where so much of the magic happens. It allows this robot to be a self-washing, self-drying, self-emptying, self-refilling, and self-cleaning machine, meaning you barely lift a finger for your home to be sparkling clean.Review:Roborock S8 Pro UltraThe Roborock S8 Pro Ultra seamlessly goes from mopping to vacuuming effectively thanks to its VibraRise 2.0 Mopping System and 6,000Pa suction power. This machine successfully kept my home clean for a month despite a German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and indoor cat trying to terrorize every flooring surface possible. I know it's a hefty investment, but I promise you you won't be disappointed.When I tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, I didn't need to manually vacuum or mop my floors. This machine could keep up with my flooring needs, and I'm not the only one who felt this way. One Amazon customer noted, "We have essentially stopped vacuuming our house with our stick vacuum. We haven't mopped a floor since we got this vac in Jan 2024. The tech on this thing is impressive."Roborock S8 Pro Ultra tech specs:Battery life:180 minutes |Wi-Fi:Yes |Dimensions:16 x 16 x 19 inches |Price:$1,100 (limited-time deal) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon With Dual Spin technology, the Samsung Jetbot Mop uses two spinning pads, plus a smart sensor, to identify and clean various surfaces, including tile, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. The smart sensor can identify walls, furniture, and stairs for a more stress-free experience. The Jetbot Mop cleans in a random pattern, but Amazon customers say that doesn't keep the mop from cleaning your home efficiently. One customer said, "Its random pattern of just bumping off the walls and any furniture it comes in contact with makes you think it will be missing some spots, but it gets to every area multiple times and does a great job washing your floors."There are eight different cleaning modes, including Focus Mode, Random Mode, and Hand Mode, so you can customize cleaning to specific areas and cleaning methods. Because of this, there are two sets of pads: Mother Yarn for heavy jobs and microfiber for everyday needs. Thanks to the automatic water dispenser, the pads are kept moist, and there are up to 50 minutes of cleaning before requiring a refill and 100 minutes before needing a charge.While the Jetbot Mop lacks some of the fancier features that others on this list have, like mapping capabilities and automatic charging, it's a solid option if you're looking for a more affordable robot mop that can still do a fine job.Samsung Jetbot Mop tech specs:Battery life:100 minutes |Wi-Fi:No|Dimensions:16 x 6 x 5 inches |Price:$219 Pros Very affordable Extended runtime Dual Spin Technology Cons No mapping capabilities No auto charging With Dual Spin technology, the Samsung Jetbot Mop uses two spinning pads, plus a smart sensor, to identify and clean various surfaces, including tile, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. The smart sensor can identify walls, furniture, and stairs for a more stress-free experience. The Jetbot Mop cleans in a random pattern, but Amazon customers say that doesn't keep the mop from cleaning your home efficiently. One customer said, "Its random pattern of just bumping off the walls and any furniture it comes in contact with makes you think it will be missing some spots, but it gets to every area multiple times and does a great job washing your floors."There are eight different cleaning modes, including Focus Mode, Random Mode, and Hand Mode, so you can customize cleaning to specific areas and cleaning methods. Because of this, there are two sets of pads: Mother Yarn for heavy jobs and microfiber for everyday needs. Thanks to the automatic water dispenser, the pads are kept moist, and there are up to 50 minutes of cleaning before requiring a refill and 100 minutes before needing a charge.While the Jetbot Mop lacks some of the fancier features that others on this list have, like mapping capabilities and automatic charging, it's a solid option if you're looking for a more affordable robot mop that can still do a fine job.Samsung Jetbot Mop tech specs:Battery life:100 minutes |Wi-Fi:No|Dimensions:16 x 6 x 5 inches |Price:$219 Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best robot mop? The iRobot Braava Jet m6 is an approachable model that is competitively priced and comes with everything you need to get started. Its vSLAM navigation and Smart Maps feature make it a high-performing unit designed by a trusted name.To help differentiate, this is an overview of the best robot mops for home or work. Best robot mopCostBattery runtimeSurfacesiRobot Braava Jet m6$300150 minutesHardwood, Tile, StoneEufy S1 Pro$1,300240 minutesCarpet, HardwoodDreame X40 Ultra$1,000180 minutesCarpet, Marble, Hardwood, TileRoborock S8 Pro Ultra$1,100180 minutesCarpet, Hardwood, Marble, TileSamsung Jetbot Mop$40050 minutesHardwood, Vinly, Laminate, Tile*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts. Show more Which is the right robot mop for you? Features can vary significantly from one robot mop to the next, making it difficult to find the right one. Consider these expert recommendations to help you find the best robot mop for your home or office.Choose this best robot mop...If you...iRobot Braava Jet m6Already have a great robot vacuum and want to add a robot mop with smart features.Eufy S1 ProAre looking for that freshly mopped feeling when you come home that feels almost as good as if you used a mop and bucket.Dreame X40 UltraHave a little more to spend for a completely hands-free robot vacuum and mop with excellent obstacle avoidance.Roborock S8 Pro UltraWant a fantastic two-in-one machine without breaking the bank.Samsung Jetbot MopHave a robot vacuum and only need a robot mop but want to stick to a budget. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a robot mop There are several factors to consider when choosing a robot mop. Here are a few you'll want to keep in mind:Floor types: Some robot mops are equipped to work with certain floor types, like laminate or hardwood. Others work better for stone or marble. Before you buy, consider the floors in your home and which mop is most appropriate.Mapping: For full automation, your robot mop must have a mapping feature to navigate each room. An obstacle avoidance feature helps it avoid furniture, wires, and pet waste. This feature is a must-have in my home, filled with strewn-about toys. But this may not be an issue for everyone. You could save money on a robot without this feature, so determine which is the best for your home and go from there.Battery: A robot mop is hardly worth its price if it doesn't have the battery to keep it going. Consider the battery time before choosing the best robot mop to ensure it has enough power to clean your home. If you select a robot with the technical capability to pause its job, return to the charging base to refill its battery, and then resume the job where it left off, this may not be as big of a factor as others on this list.Connectivity: Many of the best robot mops offer voice control, some even with Alexa. Others may feature an app that allows you to control your robot from afar, setting schedules, tracking progress, and controlling the machine's efforts. If you're hoping for voice activation rather than using an app, check and see if the machine is compatible with the home assistant of your choice. Show more How did we test these robot mops? ZDNET has several robot vacuum reviewers that have tested over 50 units thus far. We conduct tests in real homes with real challenges and in a controlled lab environment for comparison.Also:How we test robot vacuums at ZDNET in 2024Here's what we consider when testing robot vacuums and mops at ZDNET:Determine evaluation criteria:For our key evaluation criteria, we consider how robots perform by assessing their suction power, navigation, mapping, and battery life. We also assess the user experience, the robot's versatility, longevity, and whether it delivers on its specifications.Unboxing:During this process, we assess the packaging and setup experience and note any accessories and unique features.Testing environments:We test the robot vacuums on different floor types (like carpet and hardwood) and see how they navigate various obstacles to test performance.Performance metrics:We test suction power with various debris types and assess obstacle navigation and mapping accuracy.Extra features: When testing robot vacuum and mop combinations, we evaluate their effectiveness at removing stains and overall cleaning quality. We also check how unique features work, like obstacle avoidance and recognition, extendable mop pads, etc.To top it all off, we gauge the device's longevity and long-term performance by using it over the course of a few months. Our review timelines vary, but we typically test robot vacuums for about a month before reviewing and keep our reviews updated while the device is available. Show more FAQs on robot mops How do robot mops work? Like a traditional mop, a vacuum mop uses a cleaning solution to scrub and clean dirt floors. The unit generally has brushes or pads attached to remove dirt and clean floors properly. These robot mops can use special mapping technology to navigate around corners and furniture to mop the available surface area. Show more How do you clean a robot mop? Every robot mop is different, so checking the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding is best. However, you can clean most robot mops by rinsing them with water and allowing them to dry. Some robot mops include brushes and other supplies to help when it comes time for cleaning. Show more How much does a robot mop cost? The cost of a robot mop can vary wildly, depending on your chosen model and features. For example, the best robot mops on our list range from $220 to $1,900 in price. To find the best cheap robot mop, be sure to research the market and compare pricing. Show more Other robot mops we've tested ZDNETs Robot Vacuum Guide Robot Vacuum Roundups Robot Vacuums Reviewed & Compared ZDNET Recommends

A robot vacuum is a worthwhile investment, but it can still be a lot of money to spend on a household product. Whatever the price, you want a quality device that can reliably tackle your floor's cleaning needs. Luckily, iRobot has been around the block for a while and has several reputable robot vacuums you can buy. Here at ZDNET, we've spent a lot of time testing and reviewing machinesmade by iRobot and other manufacturers to help you make the right purchase.Also: iRobot's latest flagship Roomba is on sale at 29% offWhat is the best Roomba vacuum right now?We've done hands-on testing with and reviewed several Roomba vacuums, evaluating each for design, mapping, self-emptying capabilities, pet waste avoidance skills, smart technology, and cost to help you find the best iRobot vacuum for your home. Based on our testing, the iRobot Roomba j7+ is our pick for the best iRobot vacuum overall, thanks to its smart navigation, self-emptying features, and great price. Read on for the rest of our picks for the best Roomba vacuums. Sort by All The best iRobot Roomba robot vacuums of 2024 Show less The iRobot Roomba j7+ is our pick for the best overall iRobot vacuum. With PrecisionVision Navigation, the j7+ beautifully navigates your home without vacuuming cords, shoes, and other common household objects. Its three-stage cleaning system is suitable for a dirty home, successfully cleaning up pet hair and everyday dirt and grime.Review:iRobot Roomba j7+The unsung hero of the j7+ is the Clean Base: The vacuum knows when its dustbin is full, pausing in the middle of a job to go self-empty into the Clean Base as often as it takes to get your house clean. Amazon customers also love this feature, maybe even as much as we do. One customer said in a review, "The self-emptying feature is revolutionary; it [also] demonstrates cutting-edge technology by detecting and avoiding obstructions such as cords and pet waste."The j7+ is one of the few robot vacuums you can trust to clean your home while away. It won't get stuck, will self-empty as needed, and will do a great job overall.iRobot Roomba j7+ features:Price: $350 |P.O.O.P - pet accident avoidance guarantee| PrecisionVision Navigation | 3-stage cleaning system |Clean Base automatic dirt disposal Battery life 8 Navigation 10 Object avoidance 9 Ease of maintenance 7 Suction power 8 Pros Self-emptying Intelligent Smart Mapping technology User-friendly app Cons Loud when it self-empties Unimpressive battery life iRobot Roomba j7+ Best iRobot vacuum overall 4.2 / 5 Score The iRobot Roomba j7+ is our pick for the best overall iRobot vacuum. With PrecisionVision Navigation, the j7+ beautifully navigates your home without vacuuming cords, shoes, and other common household objects. Its three-stage cleaning system is suitable for a dirty home, successfully cleaning up pet hair and everyday dirt and grime.Review:iRobot Roomba j7+The unsung hero of the j7+ is the Clean Base: The vacuum knows when its dustbin is full, pausing in the middle of a job to go self-empty into the Clean Base as often as it takes to get your house clean. Amazon customers also love this feature, maybe even as much as we do. One customer said in a review, "The self-emptying feature is revolutionary; it [also] demonstrates cutting-edge technology by detecting and avoiding obstructions such as cords and pet waste."The j7+ is one of the few robot vacuums you can trust to clean your home while away. It won't get stuck, will self-empty as needed, and will do a great job overall.iRobot Roomba j7+ features:Price: $350 |P.O.O.P - pet accident avoidance guarantee| PrecisionVision Navigation | 3-stage cleaning system |Clean Base automatic dirt disposal Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The iRobot Roomba Combo Essential is our pick for the best budget vacuum, thanks to its lower price and smart technology. Despite the $220 price tag, the Roomba Combo Essential still intelligently maps your home and cleans in neat, organized rows like high-end robot vacuums. It also has a removable microfiber mop pad to mop your floors as it cleans.Also: The best robot vacuum deals right now: Save on iRobot, Roborock, and moreIt's hard to emphasize how helpful a quality robot vacuum is. If you run it frequently enough, it will keep your floors clean and help eliminate some of the dust that scatters throughout your home.One Amazon customer raved about how beneficial the Roomba Combo Essential has been in their home, saying, "It's a compelling option for those seeking an affordable, efficient, and versatile robot vacuum and mop. Its combination of advanced cleaning technology, smart home integration, and user-friendly features make it a worthy consideration for simplification of a cleaning routine."iRobot Roomba Combo Essential features:Price: $160 (limited-time deal) |Cleans in rows | V-shaped brush roller| Up to 120 minutes runtime| Google Assistant and Alexa capable Pros Robot OS Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility Vacuum and mop combo Cons Doesn't self-empty The iRobot Roomba Combo Essential is our pick for the best budget vacuum, thanks to its lower price and smart technology. Despite the $220 price tag, the Roomba Combo Essential still intelligently maps your home and cleans in neat, organized rows like high-end robot vacuums. It also has a removable microfiber mop pad to mop your floors as it cleans.Also: The best robot vacuum deals right now: Save on iRobot, Roborock, and moreIt's hard to emphasize how helpful a quality robot vacuum is. If you run it frequently enough, it will keep your floors clean and help eliminate some of the dust that scatters throughout your home.One Amazon customer raved about how beneficial the Roomba Combo Essential has been in their home, saying, "It's a compelling option for those seeking an affordable, efficient, and versatile robot vacuum and mop. Its combination of advanced cleaning technology, smart home integration, and user-friendly features make it a worthy consideration for simplification of a cleaning routine."iRobot Roomba Combo Essential features:Price: $160 (limited-time deal) |Cleans in rows | V-shaped brush roller| Up to 120 minutes runtime| Google Assistant and Alexa capable Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Roomba s9+ is iRobot's most powerful robot vacuum. It has the highest suction power of all iRobot units and, thanks to its D-shaped design, is made to fit easily into tight corners. The design is one of my favorite features because it easily removes dust bunnies and dog hair clumps from their hiding places.Also: The best robot vacuums for 2024: Expert tested and reviewedThe Clean Base on the s9+ is smaller than the one on the j7+, featuring a skinny and tall design that can fit into your home well. The three-stage cleaning system navigates easily from tile to carpet without skipping a beat. As iRobot's most powerful robot vacuum, you can rest assured it will successfully tackle any mess you throw its way.Amazon customers appreciate how much time the s9+ saves them, with one saying, "All in all, we are very happy with ours and have had no issues after six months. It's saved us hours of vacuuming time and keeps the house naturally clean. In fact, we are considering a second one dedicated to the 2nd floor."iRobot Roomba s9+features: Price: $935 |D-shaped design| iRobot's most-powerful robot vacuum| 3-stage cleaning system | Clean Base automatic dirt disposal Pros High suction power Auto-emptying Easy-to-use app Cons Noisy when self-emptying Battery Life/Runtime 120 minWeight 8.2 poundsBin Capacity 0.38 litersAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) YesVacuum Type Robot The Roomba s9+ is iRobot's most powerful robot vacuum. It has the highest suction power of all iRobot units and, thanks to its D-shaped design, is made to fit easily into tight corners. The design is one of my favorite features because it easily removes dust bunnies and dog hair clumps from their hiding places.Also: The best robot vacuums for 2024: Expert tested and reviewedThe Clean Base on the s9+ is smaller than the one on the j7+, featuring a skinny and tall design that can fit into your home well. The three-stage cleaning system navigates easily from tile to carpet without skipping a beat. As iRobot's most powerful robot vacuum, you can rest assured it will successfully tackle any mess you throw its way.Amazon customers appreciate how much time the s9+ saves them, with one saying, "All in all, we are very happy with ours and have had no issues after six months. It's saved us hours of vacuuming time and keeps the house naturally clean. In fact, we are considering a second one dedicated to the 2nd floor."iRobot Roomba s9+features: Price: $935 |D-shaped design| iRobot's most-powerful robot vacuum| 3-stage cleaning system | Clean Base automatic dirt disposal Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a two-in-one vacuum and mop with a retractable mop head. It will vacuum and mop until it reaches a carpet or rug. At that point, it will lift its retractable mop head to sit on top of the robot and only vacuum on carpeted surfaces. Once it reaches a flooring surface that needs mopping, it'll drop its mop head back down behind it and begin the two-in-one cleaning once again.As the name implies, the Combo j9+ uses the same technology as the j9+, so you can rest assured you're getting an intelligent and capable robot. The retractable arm technology is impressive -- we ran this in the dark, during the day, in weird shadows, and all kinds of other scenarios, and it never mopped over carpet or rugs. It's truly an intelligent machine.Review:iRobot Roomba Combo j9+The improvements made to the Combo j9+ from its predecessor were major ones and ones that make this such a desirable robot. My absolute favorite feature is how quiet it is self-emptying. To date, it may be the quietest self-emptying robot we've tested. The next best feature is also related to Clean Base: the robot's ability to automatically refill the cleaning solution. These features make this Combo machine attractive if you need a reliable two-in-one robot vacuum from iRobot.A reliable, quality two-in-one machine will change your life, and the Combo j9+ falls into that category. One Amazon customer said, "This Roomba Combo has improved my life. I'm a happier, less stressed person because I have a Roomba Angel who whisks away dirt, dust, and paw prints so I can focus on other things."iRobot Roomba Combo j9+features:Price: $1,200 |Vacuums and mops simultaneously | Guarantees to avoid pet accidents| Auto-Retract mopping system | Four-stage cleaning system Battery life 6 Navigation 9 Object avoidance 10 Ease of maintenance 9 Suction power 8 Pros Reliable self-emptying Intelligently avoids items and obstacles Clean base refills the water tank Cons Mop pad can be bigger iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Best two-in-one iRobot vacuum mop 4.2 / 5 Score The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a two-in-one vacuum and mop with a retractable mop head. It will vacuum and mop until it reaches a carpet or rug. At that point, it will lift its retractable mop head to sit on top of the robot and only vacuum on carpeted surfaces. Once it reaches a flooring surface that needs mopping, it'll drop its mop head back down behind it and begin the two-in-one cleaning once again.As the name implies, the Combo j9+ uses the same technology as the j9+, so you can rest assured you're getting an intelligent and capable robot. The retractable arm technology is impressive -- we ran this in the dark, during the day, in weird shadows, and all kinds of other scenarios, and it never mopped over carpet or rugs. It's truly an intelligent machine.Review:iRobot Roomba Combo j9+The improvements made to the Combo j9+ from its predecessor were major ones and ones that make this such a desirable robot. My absolute favorite feature is how quiet it is self-emptying. To date, it may be the quietest self-emptying robot we've tested. The next best feature is also related to Clean Base: the robot's ability to automatically refill the cleaning solution. These features make this Combo machine attractive if you need a reliable two-in-one robot vacuum from iRobot.A reliable, quality two-in-one machine will change your life, and the Combo j9+ falls into that category. One Amazon customer said, "This Roomba Combo has improved my life. I'm a happier, less stressed person because I have a Roomba Angel who whisks away dirt, dust, and paw prints so I can focus on other things."iRobot Roomba Combo j9+features:Price: $1,200 |Vacuums and mops simultaneously | Guarantees to avoid pet accidents| Auto-Retract mopping system | Four-stage cleaning system Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best iRobot vacuum? Users and I love the Roomba j7+ -- and for good reason. It's intelligent, capable, and perhaps most importantly, self-emptying. What good is a robot vacuum if it doesn't understand when its dust bin is full in the middle of a job? No matter how much there is, I need a robot vacuum to suction up all of my dirt and debris. Several other iRobots have a self-emptying base as well.Best iRobot vacuumCostClean BaseiRobot Roomba j7+$430YesiRobot Roomba s9+$935YesiRobot Roomba Combo j9+$1,200YesiRobot Roomba Combo Essential$160No Show more Which is the best iRobot vacuum for you? Even the best iRobot vacuums begin to blend together after a while. These are our expert recommendations to help you find the best vacuum for your needs. Choose this best iRobot vacuum...If you need...iRobot Roomba j7+ iRobot's most intelligent robot vacuum on the market. It's perfect for people who have pets and don't always have time to pick up their home before they vacuum.iRobot Roomba s9+A premium iRobot vacuum that tackles pet hair. It also features automatic emptying so you never have to worry about the vacuum unit getting clogged.iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ A combination robot vacuum and mop. This 2-in-1 model is capable of cleaning up just about any mess from just about any surface. iRobot Roomba Combo EssentialA budget-friendly iRobot vacuum. It retails under $300 and still offers great features like Alexa voice controls and cleaning schedules. Show more Factors to consider when choosing an iRobot vacuum While trying to determine the best Roomba vacuum, we kept several factors at the forefront of our testing and research that can also aid in your search:Floor types:Some robot vacuums are equipped to work with certain floor types, like carpet or hardwood. Others may be able to accommodate other floor types, like stone or marble. Before you buy, consider the types of flooring in your home and which vacuum is most appropriate.Mapping:For full automation, your robot vacuum must have a mapping feature to navigate each room. You also want to consider an obstacle avoidance feature that can avoid things like furniture, wires, and even pet waste. This feature is a must-have in my home with strewn about.Battery:An iRobot vacuum is hardly worth it if it doesn't have the battery to keep it going. Consider the battery time before choosing the best robot vacuum to ensure it has enough power to clean your home. If you select a robot vacuum with the technical capability to pause its job, return to the charging base to refill its battery, and then resume the job where it left off, this may not be as big of a factor as others on this list. Most Roomba vacuums have this capability, but it's worth double-checking.Connectivity:Many of the best robot vacuums offer voice control, some even with Alexa. Others may feature an app that allows you to control your robot from afar, set schedules, track progress, and control the machine's efforts. If you're hoping for voice activation rather than using an app, check and see if the machine is compatible with the home assistant of your choice. Show more How did we test these iRobot vacuums? ZDNET has several robot vacuum reviewers who have tested over 50 units thus far. We conduct tests in real homes with real challenges, and in a controlled lab environment for comparison.Also:How we test robot vacuums at ZDNET in 2024Here's what we consider when testing robot vacuums and mops at ZDNET:Determine evaluation criteria:For our key evaluation criteria, we consider how robots perform by assessing their suction power, navigation, mapping, and battery life. We also assess the user experience, the robot's versatility, longevity, and whether it delivers on its specifications.Unboxing:During this process, we assess the packaging and setup experience and note any accessories and unique features.Testing environments:We test the robot vacuums on different floor types (like carpet and hardwood) and see how they navigate various obstacles to test performance.Performance metrics:We test suction power with various debris types and assess obstacle navigation and mapping accuracy.Extra features: When testing robot vacuum and mop combinations, we evaluate their effectiveness at removing stains and overall cleaning quality. We also check how unique features work, like obstacle avoidance and recognition, extendable mop pads, etc.To top it all off, we gauge the device's longevity and long-term performance by using it over the course of a few months. Our review timelines vary, but we typically test robot vacuums for about a month before reviewing and keep our reviews updated while the device is available. Show more FAQs on iRobot vacuums How long does an iRobot vacuum session last? iRobot vacuums vary in runtime, ranging anywhere from 90 minutes to 120 minutes on a single charge. iRobot vacuums are some of the few on the market that can recognize their dust bins are full in the middle of a job, pause, self-empty, and then return to their job without you ever having to lift a finger. All of this to say, I fully excuse the lack of runtime capabilities some of the iRobots offer thanks to this incredible feature. Show more Are iRobot vacuums worth it? Yes, especially for those busier households. iRobot vacuums require an upfront investment, but they are cost-effective machines that can save you a ton of labor and stress. These are self-sufficient machines you can turn on and forget about, greatly simplifying life and reducing cleaning costs. The ROI (return on investment) I've gained from having extra time with my family is worth the cost of even the priciest Roomba. Show more How much do the best iRobot vacuums cost? iRobot Roombas can range from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand. The best iRobot Roombas run between $200 and $1,400, depending on your chosen model. Show more Other iRobot vacuums worth considering ZDNETs Robot Vacuum Guide Robot Vacuum Roundups Robot Vacuums Reviewed & Compared ZDNET Recommends

Here's what not to do when you update your PCNurPhoto via Getty ImagesMicrosoft has confirmed an unusual warning for Windows users updating their PCs. If you make a simple mistake, your PC might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates. Bad news, especially as it will clearly be confusing if and when it happens.As Windows Latest reported on Christmas Day, if you use a USB or drive to install Windows 11 24H2 with the October 2024 or November 2024 security updates included, you might end up breaking Windows Update. By default, Windows 11 24H2 ships without October or November security patches.What Microsoft says in its documentation is that when using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates. This occurs only when the media is created to include the October 2024, or November 2024, security updates as part of the installation (these updates were released between October 8, 2024 and November 12, 2024)... This only occurs when utilizing media - such as CD and USB flash drives - to install Windows 11, version 24H2. This issue does not occur for devices where the October 2024 security update or the November 2024 security updates are installed via Windows Update.Still, a confusing way to spend Christmas Day catching up on belated security updates to find yourself in something of a frozen update state. Windows Latest puts the issue down too the way in which users might create their Windows 11 external media copy to install the OS with newer updates.Microsoft remains in a bind with Windows 11. The stats are refusing to budge in its favor, as hundreds of millions of users vote with their PCs to stick to Windows 10. And to add to the messy situation, conflicting media reports suggest the company either is or is not relaxing its hardware hurdle for taking. the leap from Windows 10 to Windows 11. It is not.Read More: Samsungs Android 15 LeakBad News For Nearly All Galaxy OwnersThere have been a raft of these type of update and upgrade issues in recent weeks. Certain brands of PC or PCs with certain software installed being taken off update lists as software conflicts cause crashes or worse. Its not been smooth running.At least this time its only relatively few users impacted. Microsoft told Windows Latest the company is aware of these reports and that they only affect a very small number of PCs... What can you do if youre unable to install new cumulative updates after installing Windows 11 24H2? Youll need to download the Media Creation tool, create a fresh media file, and reinstall the OS.

One of Tarkov's biggest issues has seemingly been solved. Credit: Battlestate GamesOne small change in the new Escape From Tarkov patch notes was skipped by a lot of players, but it could be one of the most impactful changes in Tarkov for a wile and has seemingly fixed one of the biggest issues the game has.The next Escape From Tarkov wipe is out now and the patch notes make for some very interesting reading. Theres all the things we expected, such as new weapons, the customs rework and the new type of extraction. But there was one line of text hidden away towards the bottom of the patch notes, and it looks like it could fix one of the oldest problems in Tarkov.Ever since I have started playing Tarkov, I can reasonably play for about a week or maybe 10 days before I start to feel very outmatched when it comes to power level against other PMCs. Put me in a fair fight with equal gear and I feel like I stand a decent chance of winning, but as someone who would rather spray up close and personal rather than sit 200 meters away and hit a headshot with precise aim, I can never compete once players start getting long range weapons that can one shot me with good aim. This has meant that I typically last a week or two actually playing Tarkov as most people do, and then I become a rat scurrying through the shadows trying to avoid fights and find loot.But, in the patch notes for Escape From Tarkov update 0.16.0.0 there is one change that could fix, or at least partially solve that issue. Now the flea market will not unlock in Tarkov for a couple of weeks after the wipe, this means that you will have to find all the gear and items you intend to use, and should slow down the progression that the best players can make in the opening days of the wipe.After the progression was criticised a lot in the last wipe, it seems that Battlestate Games is testing this no flea market option as a way to slow down the opening days of the wipe, and keep more players on a slightly more level playing field for longer.MORE FOR YOUIm hopeful this means that I can survive in the trenches for longer, as fewer players will get better gear within a few days of the wipe by being able to source it off the flea market. I doubt it will entirely solve the problem, but it should make the early wipe much more manageable for the average player.The response from Escape From Tarkov fans has certainly been mixed, but after multiple wipes where it felt like some players reached the end game within a couple of days of the wipe, this can only be a good thing in my books. Hopefully this will be a regular occurrence and the flea market will become a less integral part of the game going forward. Its fun to flip rare items to other players for a ton of cash, but it shouldnt come at the expense of making the early wipe worse for a lot of players.

In a nutshell: Serene Industries has introduced a keyboard that stands out from anything else on the market. The Icebreaker is a brutalist-style mechanical keyboard that is precision-crafted from a single solid block of aluminum using CNC machining. Its distinct wedge-shaped design is both functional and undeniably striking. The Icebreaker's design draws inspiration from New York's iconic Flatiron Building, according to Serene founder Denis Agarkov, who shared insights with Null Society. When unveiling the Icebreaker concept earlier this year, Agarkov explained that the goal was "to create a keyboard that goes against the prevailing trends, adopting a more distinctive and challenging design."Based on the images, it's clear they've succeeded in achieving that vision.The keycaps are machined from the same aluminum material as the shell, each featuring around 800 micro-perforations to allow RGB backlighting to shine through, making it ideal for night typing. While the specifications don't list the weight, the keyboard measures 450 x 44 x 24 mm.It's not just about aesthetics the Icebreaker also packs impressive functionality. For instance, it includes an integrated EC11 rotary encoder, which can be custom-bound for tasks like volume control or video editing. Additionally, silicone dampeners are embedded in the base to minimize noise and vibration, enhancing the typing experience. The keycaps boast a hot-swappable design, making it easy to customize the layout to your liking.On the connectivity front, the Icebreaker is available in both wired and Bluetooth wireless versions. The wireless model is powered by a substantial 4,000mAh battery, which Serene claims can last up to three months on a single charge.Now, let's address the elephant in the room the price. The Icebreaker starts at an eye-watering $1,500 for the basic wired model. Opting for the Bluetooth-enabled version will set you back an additional $1,600. And if you're eyeing the black color option, be prepared to shell out an extra $500 on top of that.It's clear this is a niche product aimed squarely at enthusiasts seeking the ultimate keyboard flex. // Related StoriesPre-orders are now open, with production scheduled to begin on January 28. However, there's no word yet on how long it will take to ship the product after production starts.

What just happened? Elon Musk-led AI startup xAI has raised $6 billion in Series C funding, valuing the company at around $40 billion, up from $24 billion earlier this year. Some of the notable investors who participated in this round include semiconductor giants Nvidia and AMD, as well as major VCs and asset management firms, such as BlackRock, Fidelity, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and more. In total, 97 investors were involved in this round of funding, with the minimum investment per participant pegged at $77,593. Investors were only allowed to participate if they had helped Musk raise funds for his Twitter acquisition in 2022. xAI is reportedly planning to raise additional funds next year as it strives to compete with Google and OpenAI, which have opened up a substantial lead in the high-stakes generative AI game.Since closing its Series B funding round in May 2024, xAI has built a high-power supercomputer called 'Colossus' and released its Grok-2 frontier language model with state-of-the-art reasoning capabilities. Colossus is expected to make it easier for xAI to build and test its AI models, including the aforementioned Grok LLMs that power a chatbot for X Premium users and the Flux image generator.Believed to be the world's largest supercomputer, Colossus is powered by 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs, each costing upwards of $30,000. xAI plans to use some of the new funds to double the size of Colossus to 200,000 Nvidia Hopper GPUs.Musk is an important player in the AI sector, having helped found OpenAI in 2015. However, he left the project in 2018 following disagreements with other co-founders, including Sam Altman, who is currently the company's CEO. Musk has also often sounded the alarm against AI, claiming it could destroy humanity without sufficient guardrails.As part of his continuing battle against OpenAI and its founders, Musk sued the company earlier this year, alleging "deceit of Shakespearean proportions." According to his lawsuit, Altman and another co-founder, Greg Brockman, violated the founding contract that envisioned OpenAI as a non-profit organization dedicated to public good. // Related StoriesAltman, however, rejected all charges, saying Musk was the one who originally wanted to establish OpenAI as a for-profit company. According to him, the founding members agreed in 2017 to convert OpenAI into a for-profit venture, but rejected Musk's demand for majority equity and the post of the company's CEO. He also alleged that the SpaceX and Tesla CEO is now trying to thwart OpenAI's progress to help his own fledgling AI startup.

ThrottleStop features a variety of options which can be used to bypass CPU throttling and a monitoring panel that shows you the current state of each thread on your CPU.Some laptops are using clock modulation and multiplier reductions to lower the performance and power consumption of your computer. This is done deliberately to either allow your computer to run cooler or to allow your laptop to operate with a power adapter that is not sufficient to fully power your laptop and recharge its battery at the same time.When using ThrottleStop, it is strongly recommended to monitor power consumption at the wall with a Kill-a-Watt meter or similar device and make sure that you don't exceed the power capabilities of your power adapter. Use of ThrottleStop to bypass these throttling schemes is at your own risk and can result in permanent damage to your power adapter or computer or both which may not be covered by your warranty.What's New9.7:Added per profile adjustment of the turbo power limits, Speed Shift Min Max and PROCHOT offset values.Added core and cache V/F tuning to the FIVR window for unlocked 10th Gen and newer HX and K series CPUs.Fixed the Notification Area icons for improved Windows 11 compatibility.Fixed the power plan selector and increased the number of selections from 8 to 12.BD PROCHOT is now automatically locked when it is disabled.Changed the DDR memory speed monitoring method.Added an option so the Safe Start feature can be toggled on or off.9.5:Alder Lake desktop and mobile support added.Improved performance when using Windows Defender Real-time Protection.Replaced the Disable and Lock Turbo Power Limits box with the MMIO Lock box.Added the ability to sync the MSR and MMIO power limits.Improved SpeedStep and Speed Shift compatibility with Windows.Updated FIVR and TPL window themes and added support for bigger logos up to 240x138 recommended.Combined Turbo Limits and Turbo Groups into the FIVR window.Added feature for K series CPUs to increase voltage at 800 MHz for improved stability when undervolting.Reduced the chance of a BSOD loop if voltage is set too low.Added automatic enabling of the PowerCut feature when resuming from sleep.Disabled Run Program After Profile Change feature for improved security.Retired Core 2 Duo automatic Dual IDA mode.9.4.6 Beta:replaced the Disable and Lock Turbo Power Limits box with the MMIO Lock box.updated FIVR and TPL window themes and added support for bigger logos up to 240x138 recommended.combined Turbo Limits and Turbo Groups into the FIVR window.added feature to increase CPU voltage at 800 MHz for improved stability when undervolting.improved SpeedStep and Speed Shift compatibility with Windows.reduced the chance of a BSOD loop if voltage is set too low.added automatic enabling of the PowerCut feature when resuming from sleep.retired Core 2 Duo automatic Dual IDA mode.9.4.3 Beta:Alder Lake desktop and mobile support added.9.4.2 Beta:Added ability to sync MSR and MMIO power limits.Disabled Log Folder dialog.Disabled Run Program After Profile Change feature.9.4 Stable:Fixed the FIVR - Disable and Lock MMIO feature for 11th Gen CPUs.Added separate reporting of the MSR and MMIO power limits.Added feature to disable all C states higher than C1.Added access to the Ring Down Bin setting.Enabled Limit Reasons for Skylake X.Updated driver for improved security.Fixed power plan list for languages other than English.Changed system monitoring timers being used.

If you wish to use an iPhone with virtually no bezels around the screen, you will need to wait a little longer than initially thought. A new industry report says the release of Apples long-rumored OLED display with zero bezels for the iPhone has slid further into an uncertain timeline.South Korean outlet The Elec, which was the first to report of the existence of a zero-bezel iPhone display, has now reported the launch date is unforeseeable because the technology is not yet developed enough.Recommended VideosThe publication did not outrightly dismiss the existence of the supposed iPhone display, stating that both Samsung and LG are known to be in the process of developing candidates. However, mass production has yet to begin, which indicates the all-screen iPhone display may not arrive on the scene and later be adopted for an actual iPhone model in 2025 or even 2026.Please enable Javascript to view this contentA bezel-less iPhone has been the exemplar many concept creators have dreamed of for almost a decade. In 2023, rumors emerged from the Korean supply chain that Apple was finally convinced it could be a good and practically achievable idea. A timeline of 2025-2026 was therefore set for the launch.Vivo Nex 3, a 2019 production-grade phone with no bezels on two sides. VivoUnlike certain Chinese brands that have attempted to exceedingly curve the displays for unrealistic screen-to-body ratio numbers, Apple is speculated to stick with flat edges with gentle curves similar to the Apple Watch Series 10. This is specifically to reduce any optical artifacts along the curvature when not looked at head-on.RelatedHowever, manufacturers, including Samsung, have been facing technical challenges with the zero-bezel iPhone display. Foremost, it requires tucking not just the front camera, but also the Face ID array under the usable parts of the display. Samsung is reportedly struggling with the transmittance or the front cameras ability to take photos despite being concealed under active pixels.Secondly, Apple has specifically demanded thin film encapsulation (TPE) a treatment that protects moisture from reaching the organic LEDs and optical clear adhesive (OCA) to achieve near-perfect colors and avoid any chromatic distortion along the gently curved edges.A third challenge with such displays is further erosion in durability, which Apple might need to fix before presenting it to iPhone users Until those issues are resolved, Apple is expected to hold off on the transition, no matter how exciting the concept may seem.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsAll data is good dataSpace is bad for the bodyA wider pool of peopleThe diversity of human experienceFor decades, scientists have been studying how the human body reacts to space and developing methods to counteract the worst of the effects.But if we want all of humanity to one day have access to space, then theres a problem. The only people who have traditionally been studied in space are space agency astronauts, who are only a small subset of the population. They are selected specifically to be physically fit, without underlying health conditions, and to be of working age. They are also, historically and to some extent, currently overwhelmingly white men.Recommended VideosThis means that we still have very little idea what the effects of space flight might be on people with diabetes, for example, or heart conditions. Thats not to mention how factors like previous training play into how the human body handles space conditions.RelatedThats why data from commercial crew members, or space tourists, could be valuable. Although space flights are enormously and prohibitively expensive for all except a lucky few, those who do go to space represent a potentially broader pool of space travelers who could reveal how space flight affects those from a range of backgrounds and with different health conditions.At Baylor College of Medicines Center for Space Medicine, an institute called TRISH (Translational Research Institute for Space Health) is aiming to make use of this broader pool, by collecting data from commercial space missions on the effects of space flight on human health.We spoke to Jimmy Wu, TRISH deputy director and chief engineer and assistant professor at Baylor, about the program and the potential for commercial missions to benefit humanity beyond the lucky few who can afford to travel to space.All data is good dataSpaceXWu helps run a program called EXPAND (Enhancing eXploration Platforms and ANalog Definition), which is building a database of health information collected from participants in missions like SpaceXs Polaris Dawn, Inspiration4, and the three Axiom Space missions. Just recently, they also started working with Blue Origin, collecting data from the NS-28 New Shepard mission.Even though New Shepard missions are suborbital, meaning that they travel to the boundary of space rather than going into orbit, and are short missions of just around 10 minutes or so, Wu and his colleagues saw the opportunity to get more scientifically valuable data.Even though its becoming more and more common, humans going into space, its still a fairly rare thing, said Wu. So, any opportunity that humans go into space, we dont want to forsake a chance to be able to do some science on them.The recent NS-28 mission participants were fitted with sensors that are attached to the chest, and that monitor vital signs like heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature. An important feature of these sensors was that they had to be unobtrusive and easy to operate, particularly because the crew got so little time to experience space flight.Were very intentional about the devices that we use to collect the data. We want it to be as low-burden, unobtrusive, and passive as possible, so that the crew doesnt have to interact with it. They can just enjoy the experience, Wu explained. If someone only has 10 minutes to experience weightlessness, for example, they arent going to want to mess around with cables and devices and performing complex operations.Weve finally hit that inflection point where the technology has caught up, Wu said. This allows them to collect high-quality data in a passive way that doesnt require a skilled or trained technician to operate the sensor device.Space is bad for the bodySpaceflight participant Anna Menon tests a portable ultrasound device as part of the TRISH-sponsored research complement for Polaris Dawn. Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH)This points to another aspect of this research: its all optional. TRISH invites commercial crew members to participate, but they are entirely free to say no, whether thats because of not wanting to deal with the hassle, or due to concerns about their medical privacy.Wu said that they have had people decline to participate in the studies, but for most crew members, the idea of being able to contribute to science is part of the appeal.Theres also a degree of personal risk involved in any space travel. Theres not just the danger of any launch or landing, but also the many unknowns that still exist around health in space.We have very limited data of understanding how the body changes in space flight, Wu said, so there is a degree of responsibility that the team feels in conveying those potential health risks to participants.We want them to be aware that going to space is bad for the body, Wu said. I think a good Earth-based analogy would be, you dont just go and summit Everest, right? Youve got to do the due diligence to make sure that youre safe and doing it right.The range ofhealth effects known from space flight include muscle atrophy and loss of bone mass (which must be mitigated with frequent exercise), cardiovascular effects, and worsening eyesight. These affect astronauts who stay on the International Space Station for months at a time, for example, and the effects tend to recede once they return to Earth.But even a short trip to space of a few hours or a few days, like typical space tourism flights, could have health effects. At this early stage of understanding, space travel isnt something that should be undertaken lightly.We dont want the misconception of going to space that its like you and I going on an airplane ride, Wu said.A wider pool of peopleSpaceXPart of the promise of this approach to research is that it can broaden the pool of people from whom we have data about health during spaceflight.The SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, for example, included Hayley Arceneaux, a physician assistant and survivor of childhood bone cancer who uses a prosthetic leg. Arceneaux was the youngest American to travel to space at age 29, and the first person in space to use a prosthetic limb. Another recent commercial mission from Blue Origin included crew member Ed Dwight, the first Black U.S. astronaut candidate, who at age 90 became the oldest person to travel to space.Age is an interesting factor in space health, as it is not always the risk factor you might assume. In most cases, after childhood, peoples health declines as they get older and they become more susceptible to health conditions. But there are some conditions in space health in which older age can be a protective factor.Exposure to radiation is amajor concern for deep space missions in particular, and there is evidence that being older can confer a protective benefit against its effects. Being older,actually might be of benefit, particularly for radiation exposure, Wu said. So if youre younger and you go into space, and youre exposed, that damage that your body takes o,n you carry for the rest of your life.This can include damage to the reproductive system, for example, which may be less of a concern for older adults who have already have a family and dont plan on having more children. So there could be benefits of going to space later, because you dont have to worry about these other lifestyle risks, Wu said.The diversity of human experienceThe point of this research isnt only to figure out how wealthy tourists manage in space, but also to bring real benefits to people on Earth. Developing portable, easy to use medical monitoring technology with minimal power requirements is important for making health care accessible in remote or underserved places on Earth as well as in space, and Wu said he personally is driven by a desire to improve health care equity for everyone, not just those with means.But with commercial missions still being so expensive, is the pool of commercial fliers really more diverse than that of space agency astronauts? I think its still too early to see that, Wu said, given the still small number of people who have flown on commercial missions in the last few years, but I think we can kind of eyeball and start seeing those trends that are going in the desirable direction.The Polaris Dawn mission, for example, included two men and two women, an unusual example of gender parity in space missions. And commercial missions have included historical firsts, such as when Sian Proctor became the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft in the Inspiration4 mission.As well as gender and racial diversity, and a wider range of ages, Wu pointed out that there is also interest in seeing how people from different career backgrounds fare in space. Most space agency astronauts are from military, science, or engineering backgrounds. But commercial crew members could be businesspeople, politicians, educators, or artists.Are we going to do more than just science and exploration that weve historically have done with human spaceflight? Wu wondered. Are we starting to create art in space? To create culture in space? These things that are very human.And before anyone can thrive in space, fundamentally, they have to be healthy. Health in space isnt just a research interest, but a basic requirement for all other activities there.We just need more and more people in space, Wu said, because weve got to understand the wide breadth of human existence and experience.Editors Recommendations

Robert EggersTable of ContentsTable of ContentsHansel and Gretel (2007)The Tell-Tale Heart (2008)Brothers (2014)The road to The Witch, Nosferatu, and beyondAfter directing modern cinema classics like The Witch,The Lighthouse, and The Northman, director Robert Eggers delivered another horror masterpiece with his remake of the 1922 silent vampire film Nosferatu. With the latter receiving incredible reviews, Eggers continues to present himself as one of the most distinctive film directors in modern Hollywood. Ironically, he has done so by presenting riveting, authentic stories set in the distant past that invoke folklore and mythology.Long before he started working as a Hollywood filmmaker, Eggers accomplished an amazing feat and directed his high schools stage production of Nosferatu. Even at this young age, Eggers displayed his prodigious skills as a storyteller and his great potential as a film director. Eggers claimed that it was only after directing this stage play that he was inspired to start making movies, bringing him back to Nosferatu and making the movie thats been scaring up audiences in theaters.Focus FeaturesPrior to his years directing feature-length movies, Eggers established himself as a more classical filmmaker with a handful of short films. Most of them are cinematic period pieces that were almost lost to time but have thankfully resurfaced online. While each of these short films is different, they each present Eggers distinct style of presenting stories in humanitys past that explore the terrors of personal and familial decay. Heres how Robert Eggers first three short films led him to direct Nosferatu.Recommended VideosPalehorse ProductionsLong before he directed 2015s folk horror film The Witch, the young Eggers worked as a production designer on several short films. One of those projects was his first short film as a director: Hansel and Gretel. As the name implies, this 2007 half-hour short adapts the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale of the same name, following the two titular kids as they are captured by a child-eating witch in the woods. Presented as a silent, black-and-white film, Hansel and Gretel introduces the Eggers style for making classical stories set in bygone eras.RelatedThis short films low budget is on full display with its grainy, hazy visuals. But even with the lack of sound from its cast, the films title cards provide poetic dialogue that makes the movie look like a visual storybook, which is especially fitting for the story it adapts.HANSEL AND GRETEL by Robert Eggers (2006)Hansel & Gretel is a bold and promising undertaking by the young director, featuring a chilling atmosphere and incredible set design, specifically with the evil witchs candy house. One can even see hints of The Witch in this project, setting the stage for Eggers rise to prominence as a film director.Robert EggersEggers next short film as director after Hansel and Gretel was an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poes classic short story of the same name, The Tell-Tale Heart. The horror director effectively builds a terrific and meticulous period piece with this film, which remains faithful to the source material with its creepy atmosphere, fantastic costumes and makeup, and top-tier set designs.The fact that Eggers accomplished all this with such minimal resources and dialogue makes this movie even more remarkable. However, this sophomore short features crisper, more eye-catching visuals, and considerably higher production values than Hansel and Gretel. As a result, this film displays Eggers growth as a filmmaker since his previous short and better shows his skills as a horror storyteller.The Tell-Tale Heart (2008) Robert EggersCoincidentally, Eggers second short film displays many strong parallels to his second feature-length movie, The Lighthouse. Though they present stories in very different settings, both films feature a young man whos sick of his demanding, mundane job and tries to kill his older employer and usurp control of their dwelling. Even though this was only his second short film as a director, Eggers established himself as a master of historical horror with slow-burning Gothic thriller.Robert EggersThe 2014 short film Brothers follows two quarreling young siblings living with their mother in a farmhouse in the woods. Though the two boys are frequently at odds with each other, their lives forever change during a heated game of target practice in the forest, in which one sibling shoots the other. Based on the sets and the attire on display, this film is Eggerss most modern-looking picture to date. It may even be the only one of his films actually set in the present day. Despite this, Brothers presents itself as another visual and thematic precursor to The Witch, which premiered roughly one year after this films release.Once again, Eggers presents a story with an isolated, naturalistic setting and a family unit that slowly falls apart. However, Brothers doesnt show any witches or any other supernatural creatures. It only shows two brothers who let their anger and hatred destroy each other. While its not a traditional horror story, it achieves the same horrific effects Eggers later attempts with success in The Witch and Nosferatu.BROTHERS a film by Robert EggersAt the same time, this short shows how Eggers skills and style as a filmmaker have evolved even further since he directed The Tell-Tale Heart. Similar to The Witch, Brothers boasts a high-quality production with its beautiful, natural imagery, tense narrative, and incredible performances from its young cast.Focus FeaturesIn the end, seven years after directing Hansel and Gretel, Eggers had proven that he was ready to transition into helming feature-length horror films with Brothers. With all the classical period short films that he made throughout his movie career, he displayed a creative, distinctive style of storytelling and passion for the past. All these qualities made him the perfect choice to helm a Nosferatu remake and reinvigorate the story for the present.Incredibly, TheWitchssuccess in theaters led him to be hired to direct such a film as his second feature. Though this was a dream come true, Eggers wisely chose not to make it so soon and decided to further perfect his skills as he made The Lighthouse and The Northman.Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu Focus FeaturesConsidering all the time and practice he put into his short films before making The Witch, Eggers knew the value of patience. Though the road to releasing Nosferatu was long, seeing how well Eggers remake has turned out in theaters, the film proved to be worth all those years of waiting.Editors Recommendations