https://www.afterdawn.com/ Daily updated technology news en-us Thu, 28 May 2026 15:52:09 GMT Sun, 31 May 2026 16:36:11 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 15 https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/steam-deck-oled-back-in-stock-price-increased-by-over-200-euros https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/steam-deck-oled-back-in-stock-price-increased-by-over-200-euros Janne Yli-Korhonen <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Steam-Deck-OLED-lifestyle-hammock.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Steam Deck OLED back in stock - price increased by over 200 euros" /></p><b>Valve</b> has announced that the popular Steam Deck OLED handheld console is once again available in the company's own online store. <br/> <br/>However, with its return, the prices of the devices have experienced an exceptionally sharp increase, as the recommended prices for both models have had to be significantly updated upwards. Although Valve markets the device as being generally available again, according to the pages, the more affordable 512-gigabyte model has already sold out, and currently, only the larger one-terabyte version <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck" target="_blank">is available for order</a>. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>With the updated pricing, the 512-gigabyte model of the Steam Deck OLED now costs 779 euros in Europe. When the device was released about three years ago, its retail price was 569 euros, so the price increase amounts to a significant 210 euros. <br/> <br/>The new price for the larger one-terabyte model, on the other hand, is 919 euros, which means an increase of 240 euros compared to the original release price of 679 euros. <br/> <br/>The device itself or its technical specifications have not changed at all; rather, the fresh prices purely reflect the changed cost level. <br/> <br/>Valve <a href="https://steamcommunity.com/games/1675200/announcements/detail/672869045073085560" target="_blank">justifies</a> the price changes with the rise in memory component and storage costs, as well as other global logistical challenges in the industry. <br/> <br/>The rise in component prices does not only affect Valve; it is a broader phenomenon plaguing the gaming industry. Behind the increases is the rapid growth of AI companies and the massive construction pace of data centers built for their use, which has caused a global component shortage and particularly driven up the prices of RAM and storage on the market. <br/> <br/>For the same reason, other major console manufacturers have also had to reconsider their prices and raise them during the current year. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>Earlier this spring, Sony announced price increases for all its PlayStation 5 consoles, as a result of which, for example, the price of the PS5 Pro rose to 899.99 euros in Finland. Nintendo is also preparing to raise the price of its Nintendo Switch 2 console globally at the beginning of September, when the device's recommended price will rise to 499.99 euros in Europe.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/steam-deck-oled-back-in-stock-price-increased-by-over-200-euros" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/steam-deck-oled-back-in-stock-price-increased-by-over-200-euros#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Thu, 28 May 2026 15:52:09 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/steam-deck-oled-back-in-stock-price-increased-by-over-200-euros#comments 0 Steam Deck OLED back in stock - price increased by over 200 euros https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/eu-slaps-temu-with-a-giant-200-million-euro-fine https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/eu-slaps-temu-with-a-giant-200-million-euro-fine Janne Yli-Korhonen <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Temu-verkkokauppa-sovellus-taittuva-puhelin.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="EU Slaps Temu with a Giant 200 Million Euro Fine" /></p><b>The European Commission</b> <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_1178" target="_blank">has imposed</a> a 200 million euro fine on the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu for serious violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA). <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>The direct reason for the fine is the company's weak risk management, as Temu has neglected its obligation to identify, analyze, and assess systemic risks caused by illegal products sold on its platform, as well as harm to consumers. The decision published today concludes a long investigation process, which was launched by the Commission in October 2024 and whose preliminary results, warning of non-compliance, were received in July last year. <br/> <br/>The Commission's investigations revealed that Temu's risk assessment conducted in 2024 was insufficient and based merely on general industry knowledge, instead of the company collecting evidence of the actual risks of its own service. <br/> <br/>Mystery shopping conducted by authorities indeed showed that consumers in the EU area are very likely to encounter illegal and dangerous products on Temu. <br/> <br/>A very large proportion of the chargers among the tested products failed basic safety tests, and a significant number of baby toys contained chemicals exceeding permitted limits or posed a choking hazard due to easily detachable parts. The Commission also notes that Temu had not assessed at all how its own recommendation systems and influencer marketing programs amplify the spread of dangerous products. <br/> <br/><blockquote>"Risk assessments are not box&#8208;ticking exercises - they are the backbone of the DSA. Temu's risk assessment underestimates concrete risks, lacks specificity, is not grounded in solid evidence, and is not comprehensive. It leaves regulators, users, and the public in the dark about the true scale of potential harm posed by illegal products sold on Temu. Now it is time for Temu to comply with the law", commented <b>Henna Virkkunen</b>, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy.</blockquote> <br/> <br/>Following the fine, Temu now has until August 28, 2026, to submit an action plan to the Commission, in accordance with Article 75 of the Digital Services Act, outlining precise corrective measures to bring its risk assessment up to the level required by law. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>Should the company fail to comply with the upcoming non-compliance decision, it faces new periodic penalty payments.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/eu-slaps-temu-with-a-giant-200-million-euro-fine" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/eu-slaps-temu-with-a-giant-200-million-euro-fine#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Thu, 28 May 2026 11:33:29 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/28/eu-slaps-temu-with-a-giant-200-million-euro-fine#comments 0 EU Slaps Temu with a Giant 200 Million Euro Fine https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/ecovacs-x11-omnicyclone-review-no-more-dust-bags https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/ecovacs-x11-omnicyclone-review-no-more-dust-bags Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/ecovacs-x11-omnicyclone-arvostelu.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone review: No more buying dust bags" /></p>It's already been seven years since we reviewed the first robot vacuum that featured a separate dust container built into its charging dock. Since then, self-emptying robot vacuums have become the industry standard: practically every robot vacuum priced above �500 can now empty its own small internal dustbin into a larger dust bag located inside the charging dock. <br/> <br/>Back then, the solution felt ingenious - and it still does. The usability of robot vacuums drops dramatically if users constantly have to manually empty the robot's tiny onboard dustbin. <br/> <br/>But even then, we complained about one particularly silly design choice... Why on earth does the larger dock-mounted dust container rely on disposable dust bags, when traditional canister vacuum cleaners largely abandoned them sometime in the early 2010s? Buying dust bags is already irritating enough with conventional vacuums, but with robot vacuums it can eventually become nearly impossible as models age and compatible dust bags may only be available from questionable Chinese online stores. <br/> <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/> <br/>Now, that rather ridiculous problem finally has a solution. We got our hands on <strong>Ecovacs'</strong> new flagship robot vacuum, the <strong>Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone</strong>, launched around the turn of 2025/2026, where the dock's dust bag has been replaced by a fixed large-capacity dustbin. <br/> <br/>At the time of review, the Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone carries a fairly hefty $1,000/�1,200 price tag, but it also includes essentially everything you'd expect from a modern high-end robot vacuum: camera-based obstacle avoidance, mopping functionality, self-emptying, and automatic mop washing. <br/> <br/>But compared to most competitors, the robot also introduces two notable new features: the previously mentioned bagless dock dustbin and the latest trend in robot vacuums, the so-called aqua roller-style mopping system. <br/> <br/>We tested the Ecovacs for three months in a typical Nordic apartment to see how the robot would handle the challenges of a Northern Europe's winter and early spring, complete with gravel and sand dragged indoors from icy sidewalks. <br/> <br/><h2>Table of contents</h2> <ol type="1"> <li><a href="#rakenne">Design and features</a></li> <li><a href="#speksit">Technical specifications and pricing</a></li> <li><a href="#app">Mobile app</a></li> <li><a href="#kaytto">Usage</a></li><li><a href="#esteet">Obstacle avoidance</a></li><li><a href="#polysailio">Bagless dustbin</a></li><li><a href="#siivous">Cleaning performance</a></li><li><a href="#ongelmat">Issues</a></li> <li><a href="#yhteenveto">Summary</a></li> <li><a href="#vaihtoehdot">Alternatives</a></li> <li><a href="#plussat">Pros</a></li> <li><a href="#miinukset">Cons</a></li> <li><a href="#tahdet">Verdict</a></li> </ol> <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/><h2 id="rakenne">Design and features</h2> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-sivukulma.jpg' width='550' height='581' alt='Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone photographed from above at an angle' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>Visually, the Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone looks very much like any modern robot vacuum: a relatively low-profile circular disc with a couple of physical buttons on top. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-paalta.jpg' width='550' height='501' alt='Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone viewed from above' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>The robot itself features a dark gray matte finish and Ecovacs' familiar three-pronged logo, which also houses the robot's physical buttons. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-pohja-ilman-levya.jpg' width='550' height='518' alt='Ecovacs viewed from above without the top cover plate' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>However, the matte gray surface on top is actually a removable cover panel that reveals more of the robot's internal hardware underneath. In practice, there's rarely any need to remove the panel, but it does provide access to the robot's internal dustbin and physical power button. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-kamera.jpg' width='550' height='332' alt='Ecovacs front-facing camera' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>Like other premium obstacle-avoiding robot vacuums, the robot's front houses its cameras along with an auxiliary light that activates when needed. The camera system is used to identify and avoid obstacles on the floor. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-pohja.jpg' width='550' height='529' alt='Bottom of the Ecovacs X11' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>Things become more interesting once we flip the robot over. First, it's worth noting that Ecovacs stubbornly sticks to a single main brush design, even though our experience suggests that dual-brush systems generally provide better vacuuming results. <br/> <br/>The second surprising detail concerns Ecovacs' side brush. Whereas most robot vacuums use a side brush consisting of three short bristles pointing in different directions, Ecovacs opted for a single flexible rubber-like arm that splits into two at the tip. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-moppi.jpg' width='550' height='395' alt='Roller mop' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>And the third noteworthy feature underneath is naturally one of the Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone's signature selling points: the roller mop <i>(also known as an aqua roller)</i>, which has recently become increasingly common among the most expensive mopping robot vacuums. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-moppi-ulkona.jpg' width='550' height='405' alt='Mop extended sideways' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>The cylindrical mop roller rotates similarly to the robot's main cleaning brush. Additionally, on the Ecovacs, the mop roller can extend several centimeters beyond the robot's side, allowing it to reach corners and edges more effectively. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-telakka.jpg' width='550' height='626' alt='Ecovacs docking station' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>Then there's the docking station itself, which is - as expected in this price range - absolutely massive <i>(without the base plate, the dock measures 38 x 33.5 x 46.5 cm)</i>. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-pesutaso.jpg' width='550' height='309' alt='Robot docking area where the mop roller is cleaned' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>At the bottom of the dock sits the robot's parking bay, where it returns after every cleaning cycle. This compartment contains the mechanism used to wash the robot's mop roller, remove dirty water afterward, and dry the roller using warm air. <br/> <br/>The same area also houses the mechanism used to empty the robot's internal dustbin into the dock's larger dust container. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-telakka-paalta.jpg' width='550' height='388' alt='Ecovacs dock viewed from above, showing the water tank locations more clearly' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>On top of the dock are the clean and dirty water tanks. The clean water tank holds 3.2 liters, while the dirty water tank has a capacity of 2.7 liters. Water is heated to 75�C during mop cleaning. <br/> <br/>And then, of course, we arrive at the Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone's biggest selling point: the removable bagless dustbin. At the front of the dock sits a plastic 1.6-liter container that can simply be unclipped and emptied into regular household trash once full. <br/> <br/>The fixed dustbin built into the dock solves one of the biggest problems self-emptying robot vacuums have had: it eliminates the need to buy disposable dust bags. <br/> <br/>Especially in homes with pets, dust bags can become a significant ongoing expense over time - not to mention the fact that replacement dust bags for robot vacuums are nowhere near as widely available as those for traditional vacuum cleaners. <br/> <br/><h2 id="speksit">Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone specifications and pricing</h2> <br/><table> <tr> <td><b>Robot width:</b></td> <td>35.3 cm</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Robot height:</b></td> <td>9.8 cm</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Robot weight:</b></td> <td>5.3 kg</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Dock dimensions:</b></td> <td>38 x 33.5 x 46.5 cm<br/><i>(width, depth, height - without base plate)</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Dock weight:</b></td> <td>10.3 kg</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Clean water tank:</b></td> <td>3.2 liters</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Dirty water tank:</b></td> <td>2.7 liters</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Dock dustbin:</b></td> <td>1.6 liters</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Suction power:</b></td> <td>19,500 Pa</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Battery capacity:</b></td> <td>6400 mAh</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Battery type:</b></td> <td>Li-ion</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Battery life <i>(quiet mode, vacuuming only)</i>:</b></td> <td>254 minutes</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Charging time:</b></td> <td>3 h 10 min <i>(manufacturer claim)</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Noise level (vacuuming):</b></td> <td>61.8 dBA</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Noise level <i>(dustbin emptying)</i>:</b></td> <td>73.3�80 dBA</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Mop lift height:</b></td> <td>10 mm</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>Threshold climbing ability:</b></td> <td>24 mm (single threshold), 40 mm for split thresholds</td> </tr> </table> <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/><h2 id="app">Smartphone app</h2> <br/>Ecovacs' own smartphone app is available for both iPhone and Android <i>(we tested it ourselves on Android)</i>, and it is exactly the same on both platforms. The app has been translated into even smaller languages - but unfortunately mostly with the help of AI and not particularly well. <br/> <br/><center><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-choose-the-robot.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-choose-the-robot.png' width='450' height='920' alt='The start view of the Ecovacs app' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width: 48%; margin: 2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-main-screen.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-main-screen.png' width='450' height='920' alt='The main view of the Ecovacs X11 app' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width: 48%; margin: 2px; display:inline;'/></a></center> <br/> <br/>In general, Ecovacs' app follows very much the same logic as the apps used by virtually every other Chinese robot vacuum manufacturer: there is a dizzying amount of functionality and customization available, and various settings are hidden all over the place behind layers of menus. In other words, it will feel very familiar and comforting to anyone who once loved the user interface design philosophy of Nokia phones. <br/> <br/>Below is an overview of the settings that can be adjusted for both the robot and the dock: <br/> <br/><center><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-settings-1.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-settings-1.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs settings 1/2' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width: 48%; margin: 2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-settings-2.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-settings-2.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs settings 2/2' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width: 48%; margin: 2px; display:inline;'/></a></center> <br/> <br/>The main menu then contains settings specifically for the robot itself: <br/> <br/><center><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-1.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-1.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs X11 robot settings 1/5' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width: 32%; margin: 2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-2.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-2.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs X11 robot settings 2/5' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width: 32%; margin: 2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-3.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-3.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs X11 robot settings 3/5' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width: 32%; margin: 2px; display:inline;'/></a> <br/><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-4.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-4.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs X11 robot settings 4/5' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width: 48%; margin: 2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-5.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-advanced-settings-5.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs X11 robot settings 5/5' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width: 48%; margin: 2px; display:inline;'/></a></center> <br/> <br/>And here are the settings related specifically to carpets: <br/> <br/><center><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-carpet-settings-1.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-carpet-settings-1.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Carpet cleaning settings 1/3' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-carpet-settings-2.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-carpet-settings-2.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Carpet cleaning settings 2/3' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-carpet-settings-3.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-carpet-settings-3.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Carpet cleaning settings 3/3' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a></center> <br/> <br/>And then there are the dock settings... <br/> <br/><center><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-1.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-1.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs dock settings 1/6' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-2.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-2.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs dock settings 2/6' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-3.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-3.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs dock settings 3/6' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a> <br/><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-4.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-4.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs dock settings 4/6' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-5.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-5.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs dock settings 5/6' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-6.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-station-settings-6.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Ecovacs dock settings 6/6' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a></center> <br/> <br/>For ordinary mortals like us, using the Ecovacs app is nevertheless a somewhat heavy experience. Thankfully, the most important feature - sending the robot out to clean the home exactly the way you want - has been implemented in a relatively straightforward and clear manner. <br/> <br/><center><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-cleaning-mode-1.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-cleaning-mode-1.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Single cleaning session settings 1/2' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:48%; margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-cleaning-mode-2.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-cleaning-mode-2.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Single cleaning session settings 2/2' loading='lazy' style='height:auto; max-width:48%; margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a></center> <br/> <br/>And of course, the extremely detailed level of customization is itself a good thing: when starting a cleaning session, the user can fine-tune virtually every cleaning-related setting exactly the way they want. <br/> <br/><center><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-map-editor.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-map-editor.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Map editor' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-map-editing.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-map-editing.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Map editing' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a><a target='_blank' href='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/1920/ecovacs-x11-app-schedule.png'><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/450/ecovacs-x11-app-schedule.png' width='450' height='920' alt='Creating schedules' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;max-width:32%;margin:2px; display:inline;'/></a></center> <br/> <br/>Despite the menu labyrinth and somewhat clumsy translations, the Ecovacs app is actually a fairly capable piece of software - and it genuinely allows precise adjustment of virtually every setting imaginable. And in everyday use, you barely need to open the app at all: once the apartment's cleaning settings have been dialed in properly, the robot is best programmed to clean automatically on a schedule. <br/> <br/><h2 id="kaytto">Usage</h2> <br/>Like practically all modern robot vacuums, the Ecovacs can be controlled in three different ways: by pressing the physical buttons on top of the robot itself, through the app, or via scheduled cleaning routines. <br/> <br/>Because my own daily routine is not particularly regular, I did not use schedules very much during the test period. And pressing the robot's physical button does not offer a great deal of control over the cleaning mode <i>(it simply cleans the entire apartment using default settings)</i>, so I mostly launched cleaning sessions through the app. For users with a more predictable routine, I would absolutely recommend using schedules so that the robot cleans the home regularly - preferably several times a week. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>Cleaning can be customized in great detail. You can select specific rooms from the map and even assign each room its own cleaning profile if desired - or simply clean the entire home using the same settings throughout. The Ecovacs X11 is also relatively quick at cleaning, even when both mopping and the more thorough cleaning modes are enabled. <br/> <br/>During cleaning, the robot occasionally returns to the dock to clean its mop roller, after which it resumes cleaning exactly where it left off before the intermediate cleaning cycle. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-vesiastia-kadessa.jpg' width='550' height='767' alt='Water tank in hand' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>The robot's water usage can also be adjusted with pleasantly fine precision directly from the app settings, which is particularly important with laminate flooring <i>(since laminate floors should not be exposed to excessive moisture)</i>. Dirty water removed from the mop roller is collected into its own dedicated tank, as is typical with more premium modern robot vacuums. <br/> <br/>Naturally, the Ecovacs detects carpets using its camera system and automatically lifts the mop roller while switching to vacuum-only mode when moving onto carpets - preventing carpets from getting wet during cleaning. <br/> <br/>That said, it should be noted that the Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone cannot leave its mop roller behind at the dock when necessary, because the mop is a fixed part of the robot itself. Many competing models that use rotating mop pads instead of a roller-style mop can detach and leave the entire mopping module at the dock during vacuum-only cleaning sessions. <br/> <br/>Because the mop roller is always attached to the robot, <b>I would not recommend the Ecovacs for homes with thick, plush carpets</b>. Even though the robot can raise its chassis upward, the mop roller would still inevitably drag along the surface of thick carpets even when operating in vacuum-only mode. <br/> <br/><center><iframe width="333" height="591" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1oUcLC-O2Rc" title="Ecovacs X11 empties its own dustbin" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen loading="lazy"></iframe></center> <br/> <br/>Cleaning itself is carried out systematically, and in fact, the cleaning pattern used by the robot can also be selected manually. Once cleaning is finished, the robot returns to its dock and immediately empties its internal dustbin into the larger dust container located inside the dock. <br/> <br/>After emptying the dustbin, the robot begins washing its mop roller, a process that takes several minutes. This is followed by a drying cycle lasting several hours, during which a faint humming sound can be heard from the dock as airflow is used to dry the mop. The drying duration can also be adjusted, although for hygiene reasons - particularly to prevent bacteria and mold growth - it is naturally recommended to let the drying cycle run as long as possible. <br/> <br/><h2 id="obstacles">Obstacles</h2> <br/> <br/>For robot vacuums costing well over a thousand euros, the single biggest factor separating the good from the bad is naturally obstacle avoidance - and the robot's ability to stay out of trouble. <br/> <br/>We test this very simply: every robot vacuum we review gets used for several months in an ordinary Nordic home, with absolutely no effort made to clear obstacles from the floors or block off problematic areas. <br/> <br/>And this time was no different. <br/> <br/>And this is where the Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone genuinely <b>surprised us positively</b>. Previous Ecovacs models we've tested over the years have specifically struggled with obstacle avoidance and managed to get themselves stuck in all kinds of bizarre situations during the testing period. <br/> <br/><center><iframe width="333" height="591" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CHjlb4XQ4Ds" title="Ecovacs X11 avoids cables on the floor" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen loading="lazy"></iframe></center> <br/> <br/>But the Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone was from a completely different planet in this regard. During the entire lengthy test period, the robot only got stuck a couple of times - and even those incidents happened during the very beginning of testing. The robot received multiple firmware updates during the review period and while it's obviously impossible to say exactly what the updates changed, the Ecovacs X11 didn't get stuck even once during the final two months of our testing. <br/> <br/>In other words: it didn't eat floor cables, didn't crumple rugs, didn't get tangled in the legs of a clothes rack and didn't consume shoelaces. <br/> <br/>Practically a perfect performance. <br/> <br/><center><iframe width="333" height="591" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6qLM0VhF4RQ" title="Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone attempts to climb into the bathroom and fails" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen loading="lazy"></iframe></center> <br/> <br/>Really, the only even remotely noteworthy criticism regarding obstacles is that the Ecovacs can only climb over fairly low thresholds. It occasionally managed to enter the bathroom, which has a threshold about 2.8 cm high - but most of the time it failed. <br/> <br/><center><iframe width="333" height="591" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5zkMGj1lcjI" title="Ecovacs X11 successfully climbs over a threshold" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen loading="lazy"></iframe></center> <br/> <br/>As far as obstacle avoidance goes, the Ecovacs X11 was an excellent robot vacuum. <br/> <br/><h2 id="dustbin">Bagless dust container</h2> <br/> <br/>The Ecovacs X11's biggest innovation in the robot vacuum world is, of course, its bagless dust collection system in the docking station. While it may sound like a fairly minor detail, it actually matters quite a bit. <br/> <br/>Robot vacuums themselves have never used dust bags - only dust containers. But ever since robot vacuums gained <i>self-emptying technology</i>, their docking stations have almost universally relied on disposable dust bags. These bags look essentially identical to the dust bags used in traditional vacuum cleaners, and the robot simply empties its internal dustbin into them after cleaning. <br/> <br/>But that's where the problem lies. <br/> <br/>First of all, everyone knows how annoying it is to buy dust bags for traditional vacuum cleaners. You need to know the exact model and then hope your local store happens to stock compatible bags. Otherwise you end up ordering them online and paying shipping fees. <br/> <br/>And the problem becomes even worse with robot vacuums, since far fewer households own them compared to traditional vacuums - meaning lower demand for replacement bags and a much smaller chance that your local supermarket carries the correct ones for your specific self-emptying robot vacuum. <br/> <br/>And naturally there's also the environmental aspect: it's somewhat absurd to waste resources manufacturing disposable dust bags when the entire system can be implemented without single-use consumables in the first place. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-polysailio-irrotus-telakasta.jpg' width='550' height='733' alt='Removing the dock dust container' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>Ecovacs' solution works almost exactly like the system used by any bagless traditional vacuum cleaner: inside the docking station there's a cylindrical plastic container into which the robot empties its internal dustbin. The container has a capacity of 1.6 liters. Once it fills up, you simply remove it from the dock, carry it to the trash bin and empty it. Very simple. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-polysailio-kadessa.jpg' width='550' height='653' alt='Dock dust container in hand' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>One interesting side effect of the fixed dust container is that, for some reason, it feels like it fills up faster than a traditional dust bag, even though the nominal capacity is similar. In practice this wasn't really a problem, since during our several-month-long test we only had to empty the container exactly twice. <br/> <br/>Still, especially in households with pets, the bagless approach will almost certainly make long-term financial sense even with self-emptying robot vacuums. <br/> <br/><h2 id="cleaning">Cleaning performance</h2> <br/> <br/>For many readers whose experience mainly comes from old robot vacuums from the 2010s, it may come as quite a surprise that actual cleaning performance is no longer a major differentiating factor between high-end robot vacuums. That's because modern robot vacuums costing around a thousand euros are simply all extremely good at the core task of cleaning. <br/> <br/>And that was also true for the Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone. When used "properly" - meaning the robot was allowed to clean the apartment continuously, several times a week - the floors remained consistently very clean throughout the entire testing period. <br/> <br/><center><iframe width="333" height="591" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P6VAkVFG15w" title="Ecovacs X11 vacuums and mops a kitchen" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen loading="lazy"></iframe></center> <br/> <br/>Our testing period conveniently covered both winter and spring, meaning the biggest challenge came from mud and road grit carried indoors by shoes near the entrance. Even this proved no issue for the Ecovacs, and the entryway stayed impressively clean throughout the test. <br/> <br/>The robot's extendable mop roller and highly capable side brush ensured that even corners and edges along walls stayed clean during the entire review period. <br/> <br/>So as far as cleaning performance goes, there really wasn't anything to complain about with the Ecovacs. <br/> <br/><h2 id="issues">Issues</h2> <br/>Although Ecovacs performed excellently in obstacle avoidance and the cleaning performance was, as expected in this price range, outstanding, the robot was not entirely without flaws. <br/> <br/>During our test period, we encountered a strange bug in the robot's internal software: at one point, the Ecovacs started cleaning the apartment normally, carefully driving around every room and corner, but it simply did not vacuum anything. In other words, the robot's suction system had somehow become completely disabled and the robot merely drove around aimlessly, eventually returning to its dock and happily announcing that the cleaning had been completed. <br/> <br/>We tried to solve the issue through the settings, cleaning modes and various other tweaks. <br/> <br/>In the end, the old classic IT trick was the only thing that helped: we powered the Ecovacs X11 completely off for a couple of minutes and then turned it back on. After that, the issue disappeared - only to return again roughly a month and a half later. But when it reappeared, we already knew that a reboot fixed the problem. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-moppi-2.jpg' width='550' height='406' alt='The roller mop located underneath the robot' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>Another minor issue was related to the robot's roller-style mopping system. First of all, the roller mop clearly does not get cleaned quite as effectively by the dock's self-cleaning system as the more common rotating mop pads do. In other words, in our opinion the Ecovacs roller mop never felt quite as clean after washing as traditional mop pads typically do. This did not show in the actual cleaning performance - which we considered very good - but it was still a somewhat odd observation. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>A third small but annoying issue emerged right at the end of our test period: some component inside the robot started producing a mechanical squeaking noise during operation. We tried cleaning the robot and removing various parts, but our patience eventually ran out before we could determine exactly where the squealing noise - especially noticeable while mopping - was coming from. The issue may however be related to a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/ecovacs/comments/12krcbf/anyone_know_what_this_loud_squealing_noise_means/" target="_blank">motor gear problem</a> that has also been observed in some other Ecovacs robot vacuums. <br/> <br/><h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <br/>Overall, the Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone turned out to be a very positive surprise. In particular, the bagless dust container in the docking station was a genuinely welcome innovation - something we have been hoping to see in robot vacuums for quite some time already. Especially in households with pets, the cost and hassle of buying replacement dust bags has been a significant annoyance. <br/> <br/>Additionally, the X11's obstacle avoidance performance was absolutely excellent, clearly outperforming most competitors in the same price range in this area. We would feel perfectly comfortable leaving the robot cleaning the apartment even during a long vacation, without worrying that it would get tangled in a forgotten charging cable or shoelaces on the floor. <br/> <br/><center><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/550/ecovacs-x11-robotti-telakassa.jpg' width='550' height='732' alt='Ecovacs X11 in its docking station' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/></center> <br/> <br/>That said, the X11 Omnicyclone is not quite a perfect package. The currently trendy roller mop design used by several manufacturers did not fully convince us based on this first experience. In addition, Ecovacs cannot leave the mop roller behind in the docking station, which means we do not consider this robot suitable for homes with thick, high-pile carpets. <br/> <br/>The somewhat confusing smartphone app with its AI-generated translations, along with the strange firmware bug, were also unfortunate blemishes in an otherwise excellent overall package. <br/> <br/>So while the Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone came very close to being an outstanding robot vacuum in many ways, a couple of small issues do somewhat reduce its appeal. <br/> <br/><h2 id="alternatives">Alternatives</h2> <br/>In this price category - well above the $1000/�1000 mark - there are naturally plenty of excellent robot vacuum alternatives available, each with their own strengths. <br/> <br/>Personally, I would highlight a few other robot vacuums we have previously reviewed, all of which can also mop floors, avoid obstacles and empty their own dust containers automatically. <br/> <br/>First, I would mention the <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2025/05/14/roborock-saros-10-review-great-but-not-perfect"><i>Roborock Saros 10</i>, which performed excellently in our review</a> and whose price has already started to fall to a somewhat more attractive level. Comparing these two models, the Saros 10 beats the Ecovacs in software stability and usability. In addition, the Saros is better suited for homes with thick carpets because Roborock can leave its mop pads behind in the docking station when necessary. <br/> <br/>On the other hand, the Ecovacs offers the bagless docking station, which is absolutely a strong long-term selling point. Additionally, based on our lengthy testing periods, Ecovacs' obstacle avoidance felt just slightly more reliable and dependable than that of the Roborock Saros 10. <br/> <br/>Another comparison point would be the <i>Dreame X50 Ultra</i> whose price has also dropped noticeably below its launch pricing in recent months. The Dreame X50 Ultra surpasses the Ecovacs by being able to climb significantly taller thresholds and by being capable of leaving its mop pads behind in the dock, making thick carpets much less of an issue. Ecovacs, meanwhile, counters with its own trump card: the bagless docking station. <br/> <br/>Both models performed excellently in obstacle avoidance, but the software experience on both is clearly more chaotic than the one offered by the aforementioned Roborock. <br/> <br/>A third, noticeably cheaper alternative would be the <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/04/13/roomba-plus-505-combo-review"><i>Roomba 505 Combo</i>, which we reviewed earlier in 2026</a>. Both robots performed very well in obstacle avoidance, although I would still say the Ecovacs has a very slight edge in this area. Neither model can leave its mop system behind in the dock, meaning neither is particularly suitable for homes with thick carpets. Ecovacs also beats the Roomba with its bagless technology and significantly more versatile customization options. <br/> <br/>Despite their similarities, I personally consider the Ecovacs to be clearly the better robot vacuum of the two - but at the time of writing (05/2026), the Roomba was available for several hundred euros less than the Ecovacs. Whether the Ecovacs is actually worth several hundred euros more is ultimately something every buyer must decide for themselves. <br/><h2 id="pros">Pros</h2> <br/><ul><li>Excellent obstacle avoidance</li><li>Bagless self-emptying docking station</li><li>Excellent cleaning performance</li></ul> <br/> <br/><h2 id="cons">Cons</h2> <br/><ul><li>Software bugs</li><li>Cannot leave the mop in the docking station, making it unsuitable for thick carpets</li><li>Somewhat confusing smartphone app</li></ul> <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/><h2 id="rating">Rating</h2> <br/> <br/><center><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/press/ad_review/png/colored/ad_review_en_4_colored.png" alt="Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone in AfterDawn's review: 4/5 stars" width="200" height="200" border="0" loading="lazy" /></center> <br/> <br/>The Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone was a very convincing robot vacuum overall and quickly became one of my personal favorites. However, its small software bugs and somewhat confusing smartphone app inevitably hurt the overall experience - especially considering that the price still remains above one thousand euros <i>(05/2026)</i>. <br/> <br/>Additionally, the fact that the mop roller cannot be left behind in the docking station makes the Ecovacs poorly suited for homes filled with thick carpets. <br/> <br/>For these reasons, I ended up deducting one full star from the final score, because at this price level a robot vacuum should, in my opinion, feel highly polished and very close to perfect overall. And despite all its strengths, the Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone ultimately did not quite reach that level.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/ecovacs-x11-omnicyclone-review-no-more-dust-bags" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/ecovacs-x11-omnicyclone-review-no-more-dust-bags#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Fri, 22 May 2026 16:38:12 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/ecovacs-x11-omnicyclone-review-no-more-dust-bags#comments 0 Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone review: No more buying dust bags https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/facebook-forum-app https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/facebook-forum-app Janne Yli-Korhonen <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Facebook-forum-app-ios-Matt-Navarra.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Facebook released a new Forum app to challenge Reddit - A dedicated place for Facebook groups" /></p>Meta has released a new app called Forum, designed to give Facebook groups their own, clearer home outside the main app. <br/> <br/>Social media expert <b>Matt Navarra</b>'s <a href="https://www.threads.com/@mattnavarra/post/DYn6TwZipRT" target="_blank">revealed</a> <a href="https://www.threads.com/@mattnavarra/post/DYnoSuSCjXq" target="_blank">details</a> (links to Threads) show that the app strongly resembles Reddit in both functionality and goals, aiming to make information exchange between communities more accessible. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>The app is currently only available in a limited capacity, apparently only in the U.S. market, but its availability will likely expand with the official launch. <br/> <br/>Behind the Forum app is Meta's attempt to separate one of Facebook's most popular features - groups - into its own entity. <br/> <br/>Over the years, Facebook's main app has become heavy and filled with ads, algorithmically boosted content, and AI-generated content that is often referred to as AI junk. <br/> <br/>Forum, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the discussions and opinions between people that Facebook groups contain. <br/> <br/><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/800/Facebook-Forum-app-screenshot-Matt-Navarra.jpg' width='800' height='1000' alt='Information about Facebook Forum' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/> <br/><i><center>Information about Facebook Forum. Image: Matt Navarra / Threads</center></i> <br/> <br/>The app's core feature is Ask, which is currently in beta. It allows users to ask a question, and AI will search for answers and opinions directly from multiple different groups. <br/> <br/>Instead of the user having to manually browse through discussions, the AI summarizes the key points into an easily readable format. With this, Meta is responding to the growing trend where people increasingly seek recommendations - for example, for the best running shoes or travel destinations - directly from other users instead of traditional search engines. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>Users also get more precise control over their own feed. Forum allows fine-tuning of the algorithm directly in the settings, where you can choose which topics you want to see more of and which less. For example, travel tips or hobby topics can be brought to the forefront, while politics, for instance, can be given less weight. <br/> <br/>Group admins also get tools such as AI-based summaries of the group's status and data-driven suggestions for boosting engagement in discussions.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/facebook-forum-app" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/facebook-forum-app#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Fri, 22 May 2026 09:02:23 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/22/facebook-forum-app#comments 0 Facebook released a new Forum app to challenge Reddit - A dedicated place for Facebook groups https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/google-gemini-spark-agent https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/google-gemini-spark-agent Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Google-Gemini-3-logo.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Google Gemini transforms to an AI agent that understands user Needs and handles tasks for you" /></p><strong>Google</strong> is expanding the role of its Gemini AI assistant towards more independent, <i>agent-like</i> operations. <br/> <br/>At its I/O 2026 developer conference, the company introduced a series of updates aimed at transforming Gemini from a passive question-and-answer tool into a constantly working digital assistant in the background. New features include the <b>Daily Brief</b> agent, which provides daily summaries, and the 24/7 personal AI agent <b>Gemini Spark</b>. <br/> <br/>The task of Daily Brief is to serve as a kind of morning starting point, compiling a personalized status overview for the user. The agent automatically reads connected applications in the background, such as Gmail and Google Calendar, and based on these, quickly forms a scannable summary of urgent messages, upcoming events, and, for example, tracking information for incoming packages. Daily Brief is not limited to mere summarization but also aims to prioritize content according to the user's goals and suggest next steps. The user can guide the agent by providing feedback on the summaries it produces. Daily Brief will initially be available only in the United States and is limited to Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers. <br/> <br/>However, the most important of Gemini's updates is <strong>Gemini Spark</strong>, which Google describes as a 24/7 personal AI agent. According to Google, Spark signifies a significant change in Gemini's nature: it not only answers questions but acts as an active partner that performs concrete tasks on behalf of the user and within the rules defined by them. Spark is based on the new Gemini 3.5 model and can handle complex task chains even when all of the user's devices <i>(phone, computer, etc.)</i> are turned off. <br/> <br/>Spark is deeply integrated into the <strong>Google Workspace</strong> environment, including Gmail, Docs, and Slides applications. For example, a user can ask it to filter emails related to children's school from their inbox, highlight important deadlines, and compile a daily summary of them, which is sent to both themselves and their spouse. Recurring tasks can be set for the agent, such as a monthly review of credit card statements for hidden subscriptions, or longer workflows can be built where Spark combines information gathered from various sources, produces ready-made documents, and drafts related emails. The goal is for users to be able to outsource time-consuming but repetitive aspects of knowledge work to AI. <br/> <br/>Spark's operations are not limited to Google's own services, as the company is currently expanding so-called MCP connections to third-party applications. Thanks to these integrations, Spark will be able to not only retrieve information but also handle practical matters, such as making a restaurant reservation or creating shopping lists for groceries. In the coming weeks, more features have been promised for the agent, including the ability to send text messages and emails directly through Spark, and the option to use the user's browser as part of task execution. <br/> <br/>Since it is largely an independently operating agent, Google emphasizes the importance of control and security. Spark is opt-in by default: the user decides whether to enable it and to which applications it can connect. According to the company, the agent is designed to explicitly ask for permission before high-risk actions, such as making payments or sending messages. This aims to minimize situations where AI would make significant decisions for the user without clear approval. <br/> <br/>Gemini Spark will initially be released to a limited group of trusted testers, after which it will be rolled out as a beta version to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the United States. Broader availability and a more detailed country-specific distribution of features are currently open. For example, strict privacy laws in Europe may limit Spark's functionality in some respects.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/google-gemini-spark-agent" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/google-gemini-spark-agent#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Thu, 21 May 2026 09:29:10 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/google-gemini-spark-agent#comments 0 Google Gemini transforms to an AI agent that understands user Needs and handles tasks for you https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/tiobe-python-most-popular-programming-language https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/tiobe-python-most-popular-programming-language Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/programming-code-midjourney.png" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Python continues as the most popular programming language, R on the rise" /></p>The popularity of programming languages is measured by <strong>TIOBE</strong>, which has once again updated its listing. <br/> <br/>The latest May 2026 listing does not contain huge surprises, as <b>Python</b> continues as the completely dominant number one, as it has for a long time. <br/> <br/>Even after Python, the listing is very similar from month to month, meaning <b>C</b>, <b>C++</b>, and <b>Java</b> also remain firmly in the top four - although this time C++ has dropped a couple of places from a year ago, allowing C and Java to overtake it. <br/> <br/>The biggest change was seen in the rise of the <b>R language</b>, which climbed as many as four places from a year ago, to position 8. According to TIOBE's assessment, R and Python are capturing the statistical computing market, and other programming languages used in statistics are losing their positions. <br/> <br/>TIOBE's listing of the ten most popular programming languages in May 2026: <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/><ol type="1"><li>Python</li><li>C</li><li>Java</li><li>C++</li><li>C#</li><li>JavaScript</li><li>Visual Basic</li><li>R</li><li>SQL</li><li>Delphi/Object Pascal</li></ol> <br/> <br/>TIOBE's listing is based on publicly known skill distribution of people who program for a living, available courses, and third-party sources. The full <a href="https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/" target="_blank">TIOBE listing can be found here</a>. <br/> <br/>Also in another listing that measures popularity using different methods, namely <a href="https://pypl.github.io/PYPL.html" target="_blank">PYPL</a>, Python holds the dominant top spot, and its popularity has only strengthened in PYPL's statistics compared to a year ago.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/tiobe-python-most-popular-programming-language" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/tiobe-python-most-popular-programming-language#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Thu, 21 May 2026 09:27:18 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/21/tiobe-python-most-popular-programming-language#comments 0 Python continues as the most popular programming language, R on the rise https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-copilot-key-can-soon-be-changed https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-copilot-key-can-soon-be-changed Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Microsoft-Copilot-Pro-Hero-IconOnly.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Windows&apos; hated Copilot key can soon be changed" /></p>A couple of years ago, the first big change in 30 years occurred on PC keyboards. <br/> <br/>At the beginning of 2024, Microsoft mandated device manufacturers to add to the right side of the keyboard's spacebar a separate <strong>Copilot key</strong>. <br/> <br/>As the name suggests, the key automatically opens the Copilot AI assistant in Windows and most Microsoft applications. <br/> <br/>The key has been a quite universally hated change, because especially on laptops, manufacturers completely removed one of the previously used keys and slapped the Copilot key in its place. Most often, the right-hand Ctrl key was removed from the keyboard. <br/> <br/>Even if one doesn't use Copilot for anything, the key has still sat on the keyboard unnecessarily. <i>Linuxissa</i>, the key's function could easily be changed to one's liking, and even in Windows, it has been possible in some cases with Microsoft's own <i>PowerToys</i> tool. <br/> <br/>But now Microsoft has clearly listened to users, and <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows/copilot/understand-updates-to-the-copilot-key-on-windows-devices" target="_blank">the key's function can henceforth be changed</a> directly from Windows settings back to the right-hand Ctrl key or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menu_key" target="_blank">the so-called Menu key</a>, which has been the other option for several device manufacturers, in place of which the Copilot key was installed.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-copilot-key-can-soon-be-changed" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-copilot-key-can-soon-be-changed#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Wed, 20 May 2026 17:06:39 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-copilot-key-can-soon-be-changed#comments 0 Windows' hated Copilot key can soon be changed https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-low-latency-mode-app-launches https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-low-latency-mode-app-launches Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Windows-11-laptop-pc.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Windows is getting a feature that would dramatically speed up app launches" /></p><strong>Microsoft</strong> has recently started an ambitious project known as <i>K2</i>, in which the company aims to fix all of Windows' most annoying shortcomings and features. <br/> <br/>So, in practice, <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/04/28/microsoft-plans-to-stop-enshittification-of-windows-project-k2">the aim is to stop Windows' enshittification</a>. <br/> <br/>As part of the project, Microsoft is, among other things, revamping Windows' most important utility programs, which are intended to be <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/04/04/windows-11-major-overhaul-native-apps">completely recreated as so-called native applications</a>. <br/> <br/>But other things are happening too, as according to information, the company is currently testing a new change to Windows that would <b>significantly speed up program launches</b>. <br/> <br/>The feature, known as <i>"Low Latency Profile"</i>, would give a significantly larger amount of the user's computer's processor power than before to the program that is currently starting up, for about 1 - 3 seconds. <br/> <br/>According to <a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-is-working-on-major-performance-boost-for-windows-11-that-will-speed-up-app-launches-and-common-actions-by-automatically-maxing-out-cpu-in-short-bursts" target="_blank">preliminary information</a> obtained by <i>Windows Central</i>, the feature would speed up the launch of the heaviest applications by up to 40% compared to the current state. <br/> <br/>The same feature would not be limited only to programs being launched, but it would turn on automatically whenever the operating system determines that some "significant user-initiated action" is taking place. Another example of such an action, according to media sources, is opening Windows' <i>Start</i> menu, which would thus temporarily grab more computer power for itself in the new state - and open faster. <br/> <br/>The idea itself is not new, as, for example, all <i>Apple</i> operating systems <i>(macOS, iOS, etc.)</i> work in exactly the same way - meaning they temporarily give a larger portion of the device's power to an event that seems to need power at that very moment. <br/> <br/>The <i>Windows Latest</i> blog actually tested the feature <i>(which is already hidden in the latest Windows Insider preview versions)</i> on a deliberately underpowered Windows computer, and <a href="https://www.windowslatest.com/2026/05/08/i-tested-windows-11s-hidden-low-latency-profile-and-budget-pcs-are-about-to-feel-premium/" target="_blank">the results were very promising</a>. <br/> <br/>According to the blog, using Windows felt, especially on a slower computer, as if the computer had suddenly been replaced with one an order of magnitude more powerful, as things on the screen happened much more briskly.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-low-latency-mode-app-launches" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-low-latency-mode-app-launches#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Wed, 20 May 2026 05:39:00 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/20/windows-low-latency-mode-app-launches#comments 0 Windows is getting a feature that would dramatically speed up app launches https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/elon-musk-lost-his-court-case-openai https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/elon-musk-lost-his-court-case-openai Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/OpenAi-logo.png" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Elon Musk lost his lawsuit against AI company OpenAI" /></p><strong>Elon Musk</strong> has lost his high-profile lawsuit against AI company <strong>OpenAI</strong> and its leadership in California. <br/> <br/>The court jury found that Musk filed his lawsuit too late, causing all of the billionaire's claims to lapse due to statutes of limitations. The decision removes a significant legal threat to OpenAI's stock market listing, which is expected to happen as early as this year. <br/> <br/><a href="https://www.engadget.com/elon-musk-sues-openai-and-sam-altman-for-allegedly-ditching-non-profit-mission-160722736.html" target="_blank">In the lawsuit that began in 2024</a>, Musk demanded that OpenAI's transformation into a for-profit company be reversed and that its key leaders, including CEO <i>Sam Altman</i> and former chairman of the board <i>Greg Brockman</i>, be removed from the company's leadership. According to Musk, Altman and the other founders violated the company's original non-profit mission, which aimed to develop AI for the benefit of all humanity. Musk had donated a total of approximately 38 million dollars to OpenAI and claimed that his charitable funds had been practically "stolen" when operations were shifted to a for-profit structure. <br/> <br/>According to international media <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/14/what-the-jury-will-actually-decide-in-the-case-of-elon-musk-vs-sam-altman/" target="_blank">reports</a>, however, the jury focused primarily on a technical but crucial question when making its decision: when had Musk's alleged damages occurred, and had the lawsuit been filed within the legally required timeframe. OpenAI's lawyers largely built their defense on the statute of limitations argument, aiming to show that all damages claimed by Musk had arisen before 2021-2022, by which time the deadlines for Musk's claims would have already expired under California law. The jury found this interpretation credible and <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cewpyv79pw1o" target="_blank">reached a verdict</a> after only about two hours of deliberation. <br/> <br/>The decision also means the collapse of Musk's claims against <strong>Microsoft</strong>. Since the jury dismissed Musk's two central lawsuits against OpenAI as time-barred, the claims concerning Microsoft automatically lapsed. Microsoft currently owns a significant portion of OpenAI. <br/> <br/>Musk's camp does not intend to let the matter rest here. His lead attorney, Marc Toberoff, commented briefly after the trial that Musk intends to appeal the decision to a higher court <i>(in the United States, a local court of appeals)</i>.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/elon-musk-lost-his-court-case-openai" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/elon-musk-lost-his-court-case-openai#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Tue, 19 May 2026 18:29:25 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/elon-musk-lost-his-court-case-openai#comments 0 Elon Musk lost his lawsuit against AI company OpenAI https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/google-tightens-gemini-usage-with-limits https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/google-tightens-gemini-usage-with-limits Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Google-Gemini-3-logo.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Google changed Gemini&apos;s usage limits: heavy AI searches can block the service for five hours" /></p><b>Google </b> <a href="https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/17004136" target="_blank">has changed</a> Gemini's usage limits starting May 17, 2026. <br/> <br/>With the change, users are required to update the Gemini mobile app to the latest version on both Android and iOS devices to ensure the best user experience. Along with the update, Gemini's user interface has also been revamped, and personal usage limits can now be easily viewed directly in the app's settings. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/800/Gemini-kayttorajat.jpg' width='800' height='1051' alt='Geminin k�ytt�rajat sovelluksessa' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/> <br/><i>Your own usage can be easily seen in the settings</i> <br/> <br/>However, the new restrictions only apply to users over 18, meaning that for minors, the usage limits remain unchanged. <br/> <br/>The biggest change concerns how the consumption of the AI service is measured. Google is abandoning traditional fixed message limits and moving to compute-power-based usage restrictions that reset every five hours until a broader weekly limit is reached. <br/> <br/>When calculating usage consumption, the complexity of the prompt, the features used, and the overall length of the conversation are taken into account. For the consumer, this means that complex and long conversations can exhaust the five-hour quota significantly faster than before. <br/> <br/><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/800/Gemini-3-malli-ajattelutaso-saato.png' width='480' height='652' alt='Geminin malli ja ajattelutaso' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/> <br/><i><center>Gemini's model and thinking level can be more comprehensively adjusted in the settings.</center></i> <br/> <br/>Premium models and special features consume the quota most efficiently, which can lead to hitting limits very quickly. Such heavier functions include, for example, creating images, videos, and music, Deep Research searches, utilizing the Pro model, as well as an extended thought process and the Deep Think function. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>Paid users have higher limits than those without a Google AI subscription. Compared to the standard limits for free users, an AI Plus subscription offers a double quota, and an AI Pro subscription offers a quadruple quota. <br/> <br/>The biggest difference has been made to the most expensive AI Ultra tier, whose usage limit is as much as 20 times higher than for AI Pro subscribers. <br/> <br/>However, Ultra is much, much more expensive than AI Pro.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/google-tightens-gemini-usage-with-limits" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/google-tightens-gemini-usage-with-limits#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Tue, 19 May 2026 18:26:49 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/19/google-tightens-gemini-usage-with-limits#comments 0 Google changed Gemini's usage limits: heavy AI searches can block the service for five hours https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/unitree-unveiled-an-internally-controlled-mecha-robot-transforms-into-a-quadruped-and-costs-650-000 https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/unitree-unveiled-an-internally-controlled-mecha-robot-transforms-into-a-quadruped-and-costs-650-000 Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Unitree-GD01-Mecha-robot.png" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Unitree unveiled an internally controlled mecha-robot: transforms into a quadruped and costs $650,000" /></p>Chinese robotics company <b>Unitree Robotics</b> has taken a step into the world of science fiction films by presenting what it calls the world's first mass-produced human-controlled <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecha" target="_blank">mecha</a>-robot. <br/> <br/>The giant robot named GD01 takes the company's development work from previous robot dogs and humanoids towards heavier, human-transported machines. <br/> <br/>The device's price tag is as striking as its appearance, as the robot's prices start from over $650,000 <i>(appx. 600,000 euros)</i>. <br/> <br/>In a video released by Unitree, the company's founder and CEO <i>Wang Xingxing</i> climbs into the robot's cockpit himself. The video also shows the robot walking without a human. <br/> <br/>According to the company, the presented material is genuine and real-time without video accelerations. <br/> <br/><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oWOyUMJWptc?si=A8vVm5nLjugdfRSJ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen loading="lazy"></iframe></center> <br/> <br/>Weighing approximately 500 kilograms with its driver, the GD01 stands out with its transformability. The robot can move in urban environments and on streets walking on two legs, but if necessary, it can transform into a quadrupedal mode. <br/> <br/>Moving on four legs is specifically designed for more challenging environments, such as stairs and slopes. <br/> <br/>Unitree originally gained global recognition with its fast robot dogs and human-like humanoid robots. <br/> <br/>Unitree is <a href="https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202605/12/WS6a03101fa310d6866eb48321.html" target="_blank">currently preparing for an IPO</a> on the Shanghai STAR Market. If successful, the company could become the first publicly listed company focused on humanoid robotics in China's A-share market.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/unitree-unveiled-an-internally-controlled-mecha-robot-transforms-into-a-quadruped-and-costs-650-000" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/unitree-unveiled-an-internally-controlled-mecha-robot-transforms-into-a-quadruped-and-costs-650-000#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Fri, 15 May 2026 17:09:34 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/unitree-unveiled-an-internally-controlled-mecha-robot-transforms-into-a-quadruped-and-costs-650-000#comments 0 Unitree unveiled an internally controlled mecha-robot: transforms into a quadruped and costs $650,000 https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/google-reduces-cloud-storage-for-new-users https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/google-reduces-cloud-storage-for-new-users Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/google-drive-logo.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Google reduces cloud storage for new users: only 5 GB instead of 15 GB" /></p><strong>Google</strong> is currently testing a change that could significantly reduce the free cloud storage new users receive. <br/> <br/>The company has quietly moved to a model where a new Google account by default receives only 5 gigabytes of storage instead of the previous 15 gigabytes - the full 15 gigabytes can only be accessed if the user links their phone number to the account. The change first emerged through user observations. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/1tc0j0k/gmail_now_gives_5gb_free_if_you_sign_up_without/" target="_blank">A Reddit user shared a screenshot</a> of the account creation view, where Google offered a basic quota of 5 gigabytes and the option to increase it to 15 gigabytes if a phone number was linked to the account. Small text stated that the number is used to ensure that the additional storage is granted only once per person. <br/> <br/>Google's own help pages also indicate the policy change. Previously, the company's support pages unequivocally stated that a Google account includes 15 gigabytes of free cloud storage, shared between Gmail, Drive, and Photos services. After mid-March 2026, the text has been changed to promise "up to 15 GB" for free. The change in wording on the page is in line with the new account creation view, where the user is offered two clear options: accept the basic 5 gigabyte quota or link a phone number and get the full 15 gigabytes. <br/> <br/>A Google representative has <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-free-15gb-gmail-storage-ending-explanation-3667360/" target="_blank">told</a> technology website <i>Android Authority</i> that this is a regional test, which is why some new users still receive 15 gigabytes of storage without phone number verification. The mention of 15 gigabytes on the support pages also suggests that the new policy is not yet globally established, but rather a limited experiment or A/B test. <br/> <br/>Google officially justifies the change by stating that free storage is intended to be granted only once per person, not for each account created separately. A phone number serves as a tool to reduce duplicate and abuse-related accounts. Acquiring a new phone number is more cumbersome than opening a new Google account, so tying free storage to a number makes it harder to circumvent the system. <br/> <br/>The cloud storage linked to the account provided by Google is used as shared storage for <i>Google Photos</i>, <i>Gmail</i>, and <i>Google Drive</i>. This means that if one fills their cloud storage with, for example, photos, the space reserved for Gmail emails will also be filled simultaneously.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/google-reduces-cloud-storage-for-new-users" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/google-reduces-cloud-storage-for-new-users#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Fri, 15 May 2026 17:05:05 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/15/google-reduces-cloud-storage-for-new-users#comments 0 Google reduces cloud storage for new users: only 5 GB instead of 15 GB https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/14/irobot-released-nine-new-roomba-robot-vacuums https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/14/irobot-released-nine-new-roomba-robot-vacuums Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Roomba-Plus-415-Combo-AutoWash-Black.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="iRobot released 9 robot vacuums at once: up to 30,000 Pascal power, climbing over thresholds" /></p><b>iRobot</b> has simultaneously unveiled no less than nine new robot vacuums, covering the entire market spectrum from the most affordable to the premium end. <br/> <br/>The 2026 model range represents the company's most significant technological leap in years, as the size of the devices has been reduced by a quarter while suction power has been elevated to a new level. <br/> <br/>All models utilize LiDAR technology, which significantly speeds up home mapping and navigation compared to previous camera-based solutions. <br/> <br/><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/800/Roomba-115-Combo-Black-Charging-Dock.jpg' width='800' height='620' alt='Roomba 115 combo charging' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/> <br/><i><center>Roomba 115 Combo</center></i> <br/> <br/>The entry-level of the collection is the <b>Roomba 115 Combo</b> - and its biggest selling point is its exceptional low profile, as at only 7.89 centimeters tall, it is lower than, for example, the <i>Ecovacs T50 Pro model</i> and <i>Dreame's flagship X60 Ultra</i>. <br/> <br/>Despite its small size, the 115 offers a suction power of 15,000 Pascals, which is more than double that seen in iRobot's 2025 models, such as the 7,000 Pascals in the Roomba 505+ model. <br/> <br/>The mid-range <b>Roomba Plus 415</b> and <b>515</b> models introduce automatic mop maintenance. The AutoWash dock included with the 415 Combo washes and dries the mopping pads with 45-degree air, significantly reducing odor issues. <br/> <br/>The 20,000 Pascal suction power and SmartScrub scrubbing function of these models make them competitors to the <i>Roborock Qrevo S Pro</i>, compared to which iRobot offers a significantly lower profile and better access under furniture. <br/> <br/>The most interesting technical innovation in the collection is found in the <b>Roomba Plus 575</b>, <b>Roomba 615</b>, and <b>Roomba 675 Combo</b> models, which introduce a wheel-lifting function. This function allows the robots to overcome thresholds up to 35 millimeters high, which facilitates movement, especially in older apartments. <br/> <br/>Furthermore, the Plus 615 and 675 models transition from microfiber cloths to roller mops, which are washed in the dock with 60-degree hot water. <br/> <br/>This matches the hygiene offered by Roborock's and Dreame's flagship models, but iRobot has still managed to maintain a low profile for the devices. <br/> <br/>In the flagship category, iRobot introduces the <b>Roomba Max 715</b> and <b>775</b> models, whose 30,000 Pascal suction power is among the market leaders. <br/> <br/><img src='https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/800/Roomba-715-775-Combo-AutoWash-Docked-Black.jpg' width='800' height='800' alt='Roomba 715' loading='lazy' style='height:auto;'/> <br/><i><center>Roomba 715 / 775 model</center></i> <br/> <br/>The Max series combines all of iRobot's new innovations: a 8 cm low profile, intelligent threshold crossing, AI-based obstacle detection, and hot water washing for the roller mop. <br/> <br/>Whereas iRobot was previously criticized for weaker technical specifications compared to competitors, the 2026 model range brings the company back to the top of the spec competition by offering more suction power and a lower profile than most competitors at the same price point. <br/> <br/>iRobot has already priced some of the new products, but not all. According to the press release, the Roomba 115 Combo, Roomba 415 Combo, Roomba 515 Combo, Roomba Plus 575 Combo, and Roomba Max 715 Combo will go on sale at the beginning of Q3, essentially in the summer, while other models will become available later in the autumn at the beginning of Q4.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/14/irobot-released-nine-new-roomba-robot-vacuums" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/14/irobot-released-nine-new-roomba-robot-vacuums#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Thu, 14 May 2026 05:17:00 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/14/irobot-released-nine-new-roomba-robot-vacuums#comments 0 iRobot released 9 robot vacuums at once: up to 30,000 Pascal power, climbing over thresholds https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/instagram-instants-now-available-in-europe https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/instagram-instants-now-available-in-europe Petteri Pyyny <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Instants-logo-puhelin.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Instagram&apos;s Instants now available in most of Europe - Photos viewable only once, no editing" /></p><b>Instagram</b> has released a new <strong>Instants</strong> app to more countries, including most of Europe. <br/> <br/>The app's basic idea is to share everyday moments without the typical social media polishing or careful consideration. The app is designed to be fast, opening directly to camera mode so that a photo can be snapped and sent with a single tap. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>Photos taken through Instants cannot be edited at all before sending. The app has no filters or other editing tools. Another key feature is the disappearing nature of the content, as the recipient can view each photo only once, and they must be opened within 24 hours of sending, after which they disappear for good. <br/> <br/>It is a new, standalone app, but it is tightly tied to Instagram. <br/> <br/>Shared moments appear in Instagram messages. Photos sent by others can also be viewed through the Instants app, meaning the user can choose which app they use to view messages. <br/> <br/>Content can only be sent to followers who follow the user back. Before opening the photo, the recipient sees a small preview image of it. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>However, the user can manage their own sent content, as the app includes an archive function where their sent photos can be viewed later. <br/> <br/>The new app is very similar to <i>BeReal</i>.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/instagram-instants-now-available-in-europe" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/instagram-instants-now-available-in-europe#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Wed, 13 May 2026 21:25:05 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/instagram-instants-now-available-in-europe#comments 0 Instagram's Instants now available in most of Europe - Photos viewable only once, no editing https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/asus-open-laptops https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/asus-open-laptops Janne Yli-Korhonen <p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://cdn.afterdawn.fi/news/600x400/Asus-Open-ProArt-P16-H7606.jpg" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0 alt="Good news from Asus for power users and Linux fans: laptops sold without an operating system" /></p><b>Asus</b> has announced a new <b>ASUS Open</b> concept in the Nordics, bringing laptops completely without an operating system to the market. <br/> <br/>The reform gives users free rein to choose and install the operating system they want on their device, whether it's Windows or a Linux distribution like Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>According to the company, ASUS Open is a continuation of the ASUS PURE concept launched in 2016, which brought the first laptops free of unnecessary pre-installed software, or so-called bloatware, to the market. <br/> <br/>Now Asus takes the idea a step further by removing even the operating system from the devices. With this concept, computers are delivered completely clean, without resource-consuming trial versions. <br/> <br/>Asus' Nordic Country Manager <i>Karl Isaksson</i> says the company has noticed a strong group of knowledgeable users in the market who want to define their computer's user experience themselves. <br/> <br/>According to Isaksson, the new concept is designed precisely for power users who deeply understand operating systems and demand complete control over their device. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>The new sales model is not limited to just one device, but covers a range of Asus laptops, from more affordable basic models to high-end devices for heavy creative work and gaming. <br/> <br/>The most affordable device included in the concept is the ASUS Vivobook S14, with a recommended price of 849 euros. <br/> <br/>The lineup also includes the ASUS Zenbook 14 (�1,299), the ProArt P16 (�3,099) designed for creative professionals, and the ROG Zephyrus G14 (�3,499) and ROG Zephyrus G16 (�3,699) aimed at gamers. <br/> <br/>You can find more detailed information and the selection on <a href="https://www.asus.com/fi/content/asus-open/" target="_blank">Asus' website</a>. <br/> <br/>Pre-sales for ASUS Open devices began today, May 13, and the devices will be available to selected Nordic retailers on May 28. <br/><!-- inStream --> <br/>For pre-orderers, Asus offers discounts on the devices until May 27, which reduce the price of the Vivobook S14 model by one hundred euros, for example, and the prices of more expensive models by up to 200 euros.<p><a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/asus-open-laptops" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/asus-open-laptops#comments" title="View user comments on this article">Comments</a></p><hr /> Wed, 13 May 2026 15:03:45 GMT https://www.afterdawn.com/news/article.cfm/2026/05/13/asus-open-laptops#comments 0 Good news from Asus for power users and Linux fans: laptops sold without an operating system