Connected devices are growing in popularity, with things like connected smoke detectors, thermostats and even refrigerators now being commonplace. The latest of these inventions is the connected vacuum.

The vacuum is built by Neato Robotics, and it is called the Neato Botvac. Apart from the fact that the vacuum can clean your floor, it can also be controlled directly from the user's Android or iOS smartphone.

"Picture this: you're at work when you learn that unexpected company is on the way to your house," said Nancy Nunziati, vice president of marketing at Neato, in a statement. "You grab your smartphone, access the Neato app and with a couple of taps your Neato robot immediately starts cleaning. Your floors — at least — are clean when your guests arrive."

The device can work on either a carpet or hard wood floor and allows for up to 120 minutes of vacuuming on a single charge. It also has a turbo mode and can run through it for up to 90 minutes.

To set up the device, users simply need to pair it with a home Wi-Fi network and install the Neato smartphone app. Using the app, users can set up a regular cleaning schedule and start a full house cleaning or spot cleaning. Users will also get notifications about the status of their cleaning.

The robot uses laser scanning, continuous room mapping and real-time object detection to monitor the area and make sure it has cleaned everywhere in the apartment, house, office space or other area. Users can also use the app to direct the robot on where to go, making sure it doesn't miss a spot.

The Neato Botvac will be available later this year both online and from brick-and-mortar stores and has a retail price of $699. It ain't cheap, but for those who can afford it, it might add a well wanted layer of convenience.

Via: Neato Robotics