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SuperOps review
6:16 pm | September 18, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

SuperOps is a diverse RMM and PSA tool that allows businesses and MSPs to manage endpoints, patch them, and also solve ticketing queries. It comes with several project management tools that help you streamline day-to-day work, and it has also recently introduced network monitoring and IT documentation functions.

Founded in 2020, SuperOps is relatively new in the industry. However, it has quickly caught everyone’s eye, owing to its unique technician-based pricing and intelligent AI alerting features. It's also quite easy to set up and has won 17 awards at the recently concluded G2’s Winter 2023 announcement, including badges such as Best Support (small business), High Performer, and Easiest Setup.

In this in-depth SuperOps review, we'll discuss some of its best features, support options, ease of use, security, and, of course, its value for money.

SuperOps: Plans and pricing

Superops pricing

(Image credit: Superops)

What we liked the most about SuperOps’ pricing is that there’s a plan for distinct needs – PSA and RMM. So, if you only need RMM functions, you can choose the Standard plan at $99/license/month. On the other hand, if you only need PSA functions, you can choose to pay for just that: $79/license/month.

Each license covers 150 endpoints. So, the RMM cost boils down to $0.66/endpoint/month, which is very affordable, making it ideal for large teams with lots of endpoints. Plus, if you have more than 150 endpoints, you can buy an additional endpoints pack at $75 for 150 endpoints per month. 

However, if you’re a small business and have only 20-30 systems, you’d still have to pay $99/month, since there’s no option to add an individual endpoint – you have to purchase the entire lot. So, SuperOps can quickly become expensive for startups and small businesses.

If you’re looking for both PSA and RMM functions, you can get SuperOps’ Pro or Super plan, costing $129/license/month and $159/license/month, respectively.

Even better, there’s also a 14-day free trial, which will allow you to test the tool's various features risk-free before committing.

SuperOps: Features

We'll now discuss the most notable SuperOps features.

Automation

One of the best features of SuperOps is the degree of automation you get with its policy management functions. This lets you set up policies that help you define a framework to monitor all the assets you manage. There are two types of policies: hierarchal and group-based.

A hierarchal policy allows you to create a policy set for an asset on the global level, which can be overridden at a client, site, or device level. You can configure both alerts and patch management for Windows and Mac assets. 

Alerts

SuperOps lets you set up rule-based alerts for events on the client’s device and even configure auto-remediation actions. For example, you can create an alert when the free disk space on a device goes below a specific level. 

SuperOps alert management feature

(Image credit: SuperOps)

What's more, you can also define the action that needs to be taken: deleting temp files, creating a ticket, or sending an email to a technician. Similarly, you can automate patch management by pre-defining approval configurations and deployment schedules with various conditions.

Schedule actions

We also liked the scheduled actions feature under SuperOps’ policy management. You can schedule scripts to be executed at specific times (once a day, week, or month). While SuperOps offers a handful of default scripts, you can also build a custom script from scratch, either for all your clients, a specific client, or even a particular asset.

Antivirus integrations

Taking security a notch higher, SuperOps lets you connect antivirus solutions with the platform. Currently, there are four antivirus integrations available: Webroot, Bitdefender, SentinelOne, and Emsisoft. 

Once you’ve successfully integrated the two platforms, you can create a policy to manage the antivirus software on the device. Each alert from the antivirus gets created as a ticket so that no security issues fall through the cracks.

Intelligent Alerting

Another feature that deserves special mention is Intelligent Alerting, which is an AI-powered alert mechanism that increases technicians’ efficiency and productivity. When toggled on, Intelligent Alerting deeply understands your client’s device – behaviors, schedules, and routines. 

It then builds patterns and identifies deviations from these patterns. These deviations or anomalies are then flagged as threats, based on their severity and priority. Intelligent Alerting goes a step ahead of traditional alert management. 

Here, you do not need to set up any conditions or criteria. All you have to do is toggle a button and choose the category where you want to enable AI alerts: CPU usage, memory usage, or disk usage. However, a caveat is that the system can take up to 25 days to fully analyze the target system and produce accurate alerts.

SuperOps: Interface and performance

SuperOps features a relatively clean, modern, and customizable home screen. It gives you a snapshot of various performance metrics, such as open alerts, patches, tickets due today, and all pending approvals. 

We also liked the ‘mentions’ widget, which lets you know if any client or team member has mentioned you in a ticket or internal note.

SuperOps interface snapshot

(Image credit: SuperOps)

The best part is that these widgets are completely customizable, and you can view the widget library from the top-right corner of the home screen and choose widgets that are of utmost importance to your role.

Since SuperOps is a multi-dimensional tool, there’s a separate ‘Modules’ tab on a sleek left panel. From here, you can select the function you want to work on: Asset management, client management, tickets, tasks, or projects.

Overall, it can admittedly take a bit of time to get a hang of SuperOps’ interface, especially if you haven’t worked with RMM software before. However, once you learn the ropes, the platform is fairly easy to use.

SuperOps: Security

SuperOps complies with SOC II Type 2, HIPAA, and GDPR to ensure that sensitive business data is handled as per set regulations. 

Plus, the platform is hosted on a dedicated Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which complies with several assurance programs, such as SOC 1/ISAE 3402, SOC 2, SOC 3, PCI DSS Level 1, FISMA, and DIACAP. 

Furthermore, all the data on the website is secured in private subnets and virtual firewalls that allow only pre-established transactions. Plus, SuperOps uses industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption to secure your data.

There are also a lot of security control options you get as a user. For instance, you can enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access. You can also set up role-based access rules to ensure users can access only those parts of SuperOps that are necessary for their respective functions.

SuperOps: Support

SuperOps has a very detailed ‘Help Center’ page with numerous articles on various topics, such as client management, policy management, automation, reporting, etc. You’ll also see a live chat option at the bottom of your screen, where you can connect to a human representative instead of a bot – super handy since live chat is often the most effective port of call for troubled users.

There are also a lot of blogs, pre-recorded webinars, guides, community hubs, and podcasts, which give you a comprehensive insight into SuperOps’ functions. 

Moreover, in the unlikely event that you do not find a solution to your queries, you can reach out to the customer support team through a phone call or email address. The customer service team is responsive and will promptly resolve any queries you might have.

SuperOps: Final verdict

SuperOps is an excellent RMM software with extensive automation capabilities at just $0.66/endpoint/month, making it one of the most affordable options out there, especially for medium-sized and large businesses with lots of endpoints. 

Its Intelligent Alerting feature sets it apart from the rest. This feature learns the behavior of the endpoints and sends alerts if it finds any deviation from patterned behaviors, saving a lot of time for technicians. You can also automate patch management, build custom alerts, and set up hierarchical and group policies for asset management.

If you’re looking for a multi-dimensional tool that goes beyond RMM, SuperOps is a perfect pick. You get a dedicated PSA module, where you can manage service tickets, invoicing, quotes, and even manage your ongoing projects. Alternatively, if you want both RMM and PSA features, there are specific plans for that too.

That said, SuperOps can be expensive for startups and small businesses with less than 30 endpoints due to its step-up pricing module – but you can leverage its 14-day risk-free trial to test it out for yourself.

SuperOps: FAQs

How much does SuperOps cost?

SuperOps offers dedicated plans for PSA and RMM functions, costing $79 and $99/license/month, respectively. You can manage up to 150 endpoints with each license and even purchase an additional 150 endpoints for $75/month. If you need both PSA and RMM functions, you can go for its Pro or Super plan, costing $129 and $159/license/month, respectively. 

For what purposes can I use SuperOps?

SuperOps is a multi-dimensional business tool that supports various functions such as remote asset management, project management, PSA services, and IT documentation. We liked the platform’s extensive automation function, using which you can streamline functions such as patching, ticketing, scheduling, and more.  

Atera review
6:02 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Atera is RMM and PSA software that allows businesses and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to manage endpoints for various clients. Unlike other RMM platforms, Atera charges you on the basis of the number of technicians you have, rather than the endpoints. 

It also offers an AI assistant that helps you automate tasks and solve tickets, setting it apart from others in the industry. At the time of writing, over 12,000 customers, including Domino’s, Sodexo, and Grant Thornton, use Atera to manage around 5 million devices.

In this in-depth Atera review, we'll discuss its primary features, pricing, and overall performance. We’ll also compare it with the competition to help you find out if it's the right choice for your business

Atera: Plans and pricing

Atera’s pricing structure is different from other RMM software on the market. It bills users on the basis of the number of technicians — instead of the number of endpoint systems managed. 

This is beneficial for small businesses or MSPs where only a few technicians handle the entire endpoint management. There are two types of plans with Atera: one for IT departments and the other for MSPs.

For instance, let's say you’re an MSP handling 50 systems. If you choose an endpoint-based pricing structure, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150-500 per month ($2-10 per endpoint). However, with Atera, you’d only pay $258 for 50 endpoints (considering two technicians).

Plus, Atera goes beyond traditional RMM functions and offers features like remote access, helpdesk and ticketing, network discovery, and patch management. This makes it a good value-for-money business tool for system monitoring.

There’s also a 30-day free trial, which you can avail of without entering your credit card details. This will allow you to try it out without risking a single penny.

A downside of Atera is that its Action AI doesn't come included with any of the subscriptions – you’ll have to contact the sales team to get a custom quote for this add-on.

Atera: Features

Atera features

(Image credit: Atera)

Atera lets you monitor system activities in real time and also offers automated alerts. You can get live data on metrics like system resources, logged-in users, network and IP health, and active directories, among others. 

Action AI

A feature that truly sets Atera apart from the competition is its Action AI, available for both technicians (Copilot) and end users (Autopilot). 

Let’s say you’re an end user and facing issues with your printer. All you have to do is open Autopilot on your device and describe your problem using a simple text. The AI assistant will then run a check and suggest solutions. Next, you can click on the solution option to fix the issue. 

This saves a lot of time for technicians and end users, saving them the ordeal of raising a ticket, establishing a remote connection, and then fixing the issue. With Atera, the entire problem can be solved by the end-point user himself.

The Copilot for technicians also works similarly. It can look for issues on the system and help you resolve the problem with just a click. However, since this is a paid add-on, it can increase the overall cost of system management. 

Automation

Besides this, you can also automate a lot of redundant tasks, so your team can focus on more critical functions. For instance, routine tasks like deleting temp files, rebooting systems, running full system scans, and checking new updates can be handled automatically by Atera with the help of Scripts.

Scripts are simple commands that help IT teams automate various processes. With Atera, you can either upload a custom script or choose one from its vast Shared Script Library. These readymade scripts can be further customized to suit your task. 

Even better, these are routinely checked for malware by Atera, making them safe to use. The platform supports formats such as MSI, Bash files, CMD files, and PowerShell.

All connected devices get their own Customer Portal, which can be used to raise service tickets. These tickets are automatically synced with the Atera UI. The platform has also introduced AI ticker tagging, which recognizes support tickets based on keywords and auto-assigns them to the right technician for quicker response.

You can even pull automated reports from Atera, which shows you metrics like total tickets resolved and average time taken to resolve issues. This helps gauge overall customer satisfaction and technician performance.

Patch management

Another area where Atera does an excellent job is patch management, which allows you to ensure that the software, hardware, and OS on your connected devices (Windows, MacOS, and Linux) are up to date. You can even automate patching and set schedules to regularly check for updates. Tasks such as disk defrag, scheduled reset, and cleanups can also be automated. 

The Patch Status Summary report shows you a summary of all patches and updates for servers as well as desktops. This way, you can quickly find out if any patches are missing.

Network Discovery

Atera also offers robust Network Discovery features that allow you to identify all the devices within a given network and simplify onboarding. This also gives you a detailed view of the network topology and efficient network management.

You can even set up custom alerts for unmonitored servers, workstations, and SNMPs, and keep an eye on new devices and IP address changes.

Integrations

Last but not least, we were also impressed by the sheer number of integration options Atera offers. You can connect with Splashtop, AnyDesk, or TeamViewer to access systems remotely. Several accounting integrations such as QuickBooks and Xero and Calendar integrations like Google Calendar and Microsoft 365 Calendar are also available.

Atera: Interface and performance

Atera’s dashboard serves as a single source of truth for technicians, with various widgets providing critical information on connected endpoints. For instance, you can check the live status of tickets: open, pending, due today, or overdue. 

Similarly, you can also see the number of alerts per customer, divided into three categories:  'Information', 'Warning', and 'Critical'. There’s a widget showing you the number of online and offline devices and a map widget with the exact location of all managed devices.

Atera interface

(Image credit: Atera)

We also found a couple of bar charts showing the number of tickets opened and resolved over the past 7 days. The best part is that you can fully customize your dashboard: add, delete, or resize widgets as per your preference.

Plus, there’s a panel on the left-hand side with detailed information on tickets, customers, devices, and alerts. Overall, the interface is clean and easy to navigate, with no performance lags.

Atera: Security

Atera is a secure RMM and PSA platform, as it complies with ISO/IEC 27001, 27017, 27018, and 27032, SOC 2 Type 2, GDPR, and HIPAA. Although Atera is not subject to PCI-DSS compliances, it still complies with them to protect its customers’ card details.

Additionally, the platform maintains detailed audit logs for account establishment and modifications, and you can also add multi-factor authentication to your accounts for increased security. What's more, managers can choose to impose role-based access control (RBAC) across devices. 

All your data on Atera is encrypted using industry-standard and rock-solid AES-256 encryption. It's also worth noting that although Atera uses third-party tech for its AI functions, it doesn’t share any customer data nor does it use that data for training its own systems.

Atera: Support

Atera has a rich collection of training videos and articles and its web knowledgebase has several FAQs on topics like RMM, ticketing, billing, and reporting. Plus, Atera’s YouTube channel has 50+ useful videos that will familiarize you with the product.  

Atera also offers 24/7 email and live chat support, and there’s also an online form you can fill out for pre-purchase queries. Overall, there’s no dearth of support options on Atera.

Atera: The competition

Atera is ideal for small businesses and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) since it offers a per-technician pricing model instead of a per-end point, which reduces the overall cost of management. However, large businesses involving complex infrastructures may find Atera expensive.

In that case, you can consider alternatives like NinjaOne. Although you’ll have to contact their sales team for an exact quote, you can expect to pay $2-4 per endpoint. You also get 100+ monitoring templates with NinjaOne, which is the number one patch management tool as of the G2 Spring 2024 report.

On the other hand, if you’re a small business looking for a really affordable RMM product, consider TeamViewer. It offers a free plan, where you can connect unlimited non-work devices. Plus, it’s easy to set up and use, making it ideal for beginners. 

Atera: Final verdict

Atera is certainly among the best RMM software out there, thanks to its AI assistant and easy-to-use and customizable dashboard. Atera’s Action AI (Copilot and Autopilot) helps solve redundant and frequent system queries quickly so that technicians can focus on the complex issues at hand. Its per-technician pricing model makes it affordable for small businesses and MSPs. 

The best part is that Atera extends its functions beyond just remote system management and allows full-fledged helpdesk, billing, and reporting functions, besides robust patch management, and network discovery. We also like that it also offers ample integrations with existing business tools. 

That said, Atera can quickly become expensive for large businesses, where specialized technicians handle only a few complex systems. In that case, an endpoint-based pricing structure would be ideal.

Atera: FAQs

How much does Atera RMM cost?

Atera’s offers two sets of plans: one for IT departments and the other for MSPs. The cheapest plan costs $129/technician/month. Instead of charging users on the basis of the number of endpoints managed, Atera charges them per technician managing endpoints. 

This means that even if you have 50 endpoints managed by a single technician, you only have to pay $129/month. This makes Atera affordable for small businesses and MSPs.

What sets Atera apart from other RMMs?

Atera incorporates AI assistants for technicians and endpoint users, which saves a lot of time for both parties. Users can use Autopilot to identify and solve regular queries at the system level itself, without raising any support ticket. 

Similarly, technicians can use Copilot to identify issues with a given ticket and resolve them with just a click of a button. Furthermore, the AI assistant can also help auto-assign tickets to the right agent based on keywords, which ensures faster resolutions.

What aspects can I monitor with Atera?

Some of the many metrics you can track with the Atera agent on your Windows, Mac, and Linux systems include RAM, motherboard and hard disk usage, overheating issues, current load on CPU and temperature, and Windows services, events, and processes. 

Samsung Galaxy M55s’ key specs, design, and launch date revealed
5:27 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy M55 in March, and next week, on September 23, it will follow up with an 's' version. The Samsung Galaxy M55s will flaunt Fusion Design and pack a 6.7" 120Hz FullHD+ Super AMOLED screen with Vision Booster tech and a punch-hole in the center for the 50MP selfie camera. On the back, it will sport a vertically aligned camera setup, headlined by a 50MP camera with OIS. Samsung says the Galaxy M55s will also come with Nightography and Dual Recording features. The smartphone will be 7.8mm thin and have two color options - Thunder Black and Coral...

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review
5:13 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Robot Vacuums Smart Home | Comments: Off

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus two-minute review

The Roomba Combo J5+ is a combination robot vacuum and mop launched in summer/fall 2023. It is cheaper than many of the best robot vacuums, officially priced around $650 / £479 / AU$1,299, but often found on sale. The packaging is mostly cardboard, making components easy to identify. Setting it up involves unboxing, downloading the iRobot app, and mapping your home.

Its sleek design measures 13.8 by 3.6 inches and includes additional parts such as mopping cloths. The unit has bright green rubber brushes and a single-side sweeper, and the dustbin can be swapped for a mopping unit. It features an integrated light and camera for navigation. It is user-friendly but noisy, and you can control it via the iRobot app and integrate it into a smart home system if you use one.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ in its docking station

(Image credit: Future)

Due to its single-brush design, it performs well on rugs but less so on hardwood floors. So, while it'll keep things generally clean on a day-to-day basis, you'll still need one of the best vacuum cleaners on hand to give your home a proper deep clean. 

The mopping function requires swapping the vacuum bin for the mopping one and, unfortunately, doesn't match traditional mopping in thoroughness. The vacuum also struggled with larger particles during our tests. While the vacuum navigates obstacles well, it may struggle with smaller objects and isn't flawless at obstacle avoidance. One helpful feature is its ability to return to its charging dock when the battery is low and resume cleaning afterward.

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review: price & availability

  • List price: US$649.99 / £479 / AU$1,299 
  • Launch date: September 2023
  • Availability: UK / US / AU / worldwide

The Roomba Combo J5+ is available from most online stores, including Amazon, Best Buy, and iRobot's site. It is also available in the United States, Australia, the UK, and other regions where iRobot products are available. 

Because it's no longer the most recent model in iRobot's Roomba range, you can grab it slightly cheaper than the most up-to-date products that would set you back. In the US, the vacuum is just under $650, but you'll find it on sale periodically and during large sales events like Black Friday.

The J5+'s relative age doesn't diminish its features, as it still boasts all of the pros inherent in the Roomba range. It sits in TechRadar's mid-range price bracket for the wider robot vacuum, and is decent value for a self-empty robot vacuum from a well-known and highly respected brand.

  •  Value for money score: 4 out of 5 

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus specs

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review: design

  • Not particularly lightweight
  • Easy to set up
  • Vacuum and mop bins need to be swapped for different functions

The Roomba Combo J5+'s packaging is mostly cardboard, with only the unit in a plastic bag. Smaller boxes neatly contain additional parts, including mopping cloths. This makes it easy to identify each component, which is particularly helpful for robot vacuum beginners. 

Setting up the Roomba Combo J5+ is a straightforward process that involves unboxing the vacuum, downloading the iRobot app, creating an account to link the device, and mapping your home for future navigation. The iRobot app controls the vacuum, letting you start cleaning sessions, view and edit your home map, and set specific room-based cleaning tasks. It can also be integrated with any smart home system, allowing automated routines.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ parts in boxes, accompanied by a cat

(Image credit: Future)

The Roomba Combo J5+ looks great, with a sleek, contemporary design that mirrors the signature shape and style of other vacuums from the brand. Measuring 13.8 inches across by 3.6 inches high, it's the right height to navigate under sofas and cabinets. The top panel features a single clear button to avoid confusion. The black finish with a stocky dustbin adds to the premium appeal, even if the unit is quite large.

The underside features bright green rubber brushes and a single-side sweeper. Whenever you need to change modes, you can swap the bin for the mopping unit (included in the box).

There's also an integrated light and camera that help the vacuum intelligently navigate and avoid obstacles. The overall setup is user-friendly and intuitive, though the relatively compact size of the vacuum unit does not automatically mean this is an ideal choice for small spaces. The dustbin accounts for much of the footprint, but the unit is also heavy. The weight contributes to noise levels as the vacuum moves across rooms, particularly in homes like mine. These homes have lots of furniture, corners, and raised wooden dividers between rooms.

If you plan to use the mop function, you must first swap out the vacuum bin for the mopping one. Fill the tank with your chosen solution and attach the mopping cloth. This is a key difference between the J5+ and Roomba Combo J7+, which can vacuum and mop simultaneously without swapping out any parts. If you don't want the hassle of switching bins during your cleaning routine, you may want to opt for the newer model.

The Roomba was tested in the household of a black cat who sheds hair absolutely everywhere. The vacuum doesn't disappoint in this regard, as it successfully picked up the abundance of pet hair from my floors. There was no issue with pet hair clogging the mechanisms, but I found that my longer human hair did wrap around the brushes, and they needed manual de-hairing after a while. I'd consider this one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5 

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review: performance

  • Good at picking up larger particles but struggles with dust
  • Obstacle avoidance feature only works for some items
  • Mopping functionality has limitations

The Roomba Combo J5+ performed well during general use and specific tests, living up to the promise of its feature set. Dual multi-surface rubber brushes adjust to maintain constant contact with carpets and hard floors, and it promises to pick up everything from tiny dust particles to large debris, courtesy of a 3-stage cleaning system.

The device features a navigation system that maps your home, allowing it to transition smoothly between different floor types and navigate obstacles. The Roomba also boasts cliff-detection sensors that prevent falls down stairs or ledges, though I couldn't test this in my ground-floor apartment. Notably, it can return to its charging dock automatically when its battery is low and resume cleaning afterward.

One useful feature of Roomba vacuums is the audio error messages. These messages suggest why your vacuum stopped operating in the middle of the hallway instead of leaving you to guess. So, if you find your vacuum stuck in a corner, you can hit the button and have it tell you what the problem is.

It's worth mentioning that the Roomba Combo J5+ can be noisy during operation, especially when emptying the bin. It operates at an average noise level of 48dB, which is not overly loud but becomes significantly noisier during docking and emptying its tank.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ picking up rice

(Image credit: Future)

Interestingly, the vacuum works more consistently on rugs than hardwood floors. This is mainly because robot vacuum brushes sometimes scatter loose dirt around the room, potentially missing some debris. However, rug cleaning performance remains stellar. Just note that the Combo J5+ might struggle with edges due to its single brush design, limiting its ability to reach corners and crevices.

Its obstacle avoidance feature is generally successful but not flawless. While it successfully avoids clothing, shoes, and pet droppings, it struggles with smaller objects like curtains and small toys. To be safe, you'll still need to pick up various items before letting the Roomba loose.

The Roomba Combo J5+'s mopping functionality is adequate for surface-level dirt cleaning of hard floors. However, it doesn't match traditional mopping thoroughness, especially for more stubborn or ingrained dirt.

Image 1 of 3

Flour on a kitchen floor to be cleaned by the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+

Flour and crushed biscuits on a kitchen floor to be cleaned by the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ cleaning flour off a kitchen floor

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ cleaning flour and crushed biscuits off a kitchen floor (Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3

Results of the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ cleaning up flour

Results of the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ cleaning up flour and crushed biscuits (Image credit: Future)

In testing, the Roomba Combo J5+ struggled with fine dust while performing well with larger debris. For instance, it picked up biscuit particles easily but struggled with finer particles like flour. It also needed to empty itself multiple times when dealing with large amounts of debris, like rice spread across the floor.

After extended use, though, the Roomba Combo J5+ needs minimal maintenance. This included removing the main rubber brushes to clear them of hair and ensuring the side brush was obstructed. Occasionally, it should also be wiped down to keep its sensors clean. 

  • Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus review: app

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Accurate and customizable mapping feature
  • Real-time updates on the vacuum's progress

The iRobot app, available on iOS and Android, significantly enhances the Roomba Combo J5+ user experience with its various controls and features. Users can schedule cleaning sessions, view their cleaning history, and customize cleaning preferences in one place. It also offers access to Clean Map reports, where you can track the areas cleaned after each session.

The J5+ is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering voice-activated control for hands-free operation. The mapping feature accurately rendered the layout of my home. I regularly played with features like customizable room dividers and real-time updates on the vacuum's progress. The app also allows for specific room cleaning and virtual barriers.

The app works remarkably well, providing an estimated time frame for task completion. Once everything is set up, you can select which rooms you want and don't want to be cleaned. For example, if you command it to clean the kitchen, it will complete the task swiftly. It will send a push notification to your device and then return to its charging base.

  • App score: 5 out of 5 

Should you buy the Roomba Combo J5 Plus?

 Buy it if… 

 You really want a robot mop with your vacuum

The vacuum is great for cleaning most dirt from carpets and hard floors with just a switch of a bin.

You appreciate a great app

Smart technology integration with the iRobot app and compatibility with smart home systems allow for convenient control and scheduling.

You have pets

I have a black cat that sheds everywhere, and the J5+ was great at removing this from both hard floors and carpet.

Don't buy it if…

You have mostly hard floors

The vacuum works perfectly on carpet, but can run into problems with fine dust and debris on hard floors.

You want the cleaning completely taken care of

If you're adamant you don't want to go over corners and edges after the vacuum has been round, then it might not be for you.

You want something quiet

General noise while cleaning is average, but the noisy operation during tank emptying could potentially cause disruption.

How I tested the iRobot Roomba Combo J5 Plus

I sprinkled crushed digestive biscuits and flour on my kitchen floor to test the Roomba Combo J5+ on different surfaces in my one-bedroom apartment. The vacuum successfully picked up the biscuit particles but struggled with the flour, leaving some behind. I also spread rice on hard floors and carpets to simulate larger debris.

I observed how the vacuum and its accompanying app performed over several weeks, and thankfully, it only required occasional major cleaning interventions at this time.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024

vivo V40e’s key specs and design teased ahead of launch
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Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

vivo's V40 series includes four smartphones - V40, V40 Pro, V40 Lite, and V40 SE. These will be joined by the vivo V40e, which is "coming soon" to India. vivo's Indian branch didn't reveal the V40e's launch date, but it has set up a promo page on its website that reveals the smartphone's design and key specs. The vivo V40e will pack a 6.77" 120Hz 1080p display with HDR10+ support and a centered punch-hole for the 50MP "Eye-AF Group Selfie Camera." Around the back, it will sport a dual camera setup comprising 50MP primary (Sony IMX882, OIS) and 8MP ultrawide cameras. The...

Google wins apppeal against EU’s €1.5B fine from 2019
3:36 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Google oveturned a €1.5 billion (about $1.7 billion at today's rate) penalty by the European Union, issued back in March 2019. The fine was originally handed down after the search engine was found brokering deals that violated competition rules between 2006 and 2016. Sources said the EU can appeal the General Court's decision to the bloc's highest court, the Court of Justice (CJEU), but it has yet to confirm whether it will do so. The original case against Google was the US company set too restrictive clauses for AdSense partners, “cementing its dominant position”. AdSense for...

Fourth beta of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 now rolling out with improved Type to Siri suggestions
2:42 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

iOS 18 started rolling out earlier this week, so now attention shifts to iOS 18.1 (and the related iPadOS 18.1). The main difference is Apple Intelligence, which wasn’t ready in time for the iPhone 16-series launch. The first batch of AI features should arrive in October, unless you are in the EU or China – then the timeline is unclear at best. Anyway, Apple has reached the fourth round of betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1. watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1 and visionOS 2.1 are now also starting the beta testing procedure. Apple Intelligence itself is still in active...

Fourth beta of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 now rolling out with improved Type to Siri suggestions
2:42 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

iOS 18 started rolling out earlier this week, so now attention shifts to iOS 18.1 (and the related iPadOS 18.1). The main difference is Apple Intelligence, which wasn’t ready in time for the iPhone 16-series launch. The first batch of AI features should arrive in October, unless you are in the EU or China – then the timeline is unclear at best. Anyway, Apple has reached the fourth round of betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1. watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1 and visionOS 2.1 are now also starting the beta testing procedure. Apple Intelligence itself is still in active...

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review
2:15 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones reviews | Tags: | Comments: Off

vivo teases X200’s new telephoto shooter with 10x zoom
1:47 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The vivo X200 series will arrive on October 14, and we expect at least two phones – vanilla and Pro versions. Today, the company shared the first camera sample from the telephoto shooter, revealing a brighter aperture than its predecessor. A product manager at Vivo shared the image, saying it was taken at 10x zoom without clarifying whether it was all optical or a hybrid magnifaction. Here's the photo, which looks impressive even after the heavy Weibo compression applied. The camera was previously tipped to sport a new 50 MP Sony IMX882 sensor and an f/2.57 lens in front. It...

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