'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
The iHome Nova robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $189
Walmart is offering a hefty discount on the iHome AutoVac Nova,a smart vacuum and mop combination now available for $189.
It's only been in the last decade that Internet of Things (IoT) devices -- including voice assistants, smart speakers, Wi-Fi-connected cameras, and more -- alongside smartphones started becoming common features of our daily lives. The shift from 'dumb' to smart and connected appliances, whether you're talking of a Wi-Fi-connected kettle, fridge, or washing machine, also created another distinct department: smart vacuums.
Smart vacuums can generally be controlled by mobile apps and once they have been connected to your home network, you can set up automatic cleaning schedules. In-built mapping technology creates pathways for the device to follow, although some vacuums may not perform well on rugs or uneven surfaces.
ZDNET Recommends
They can, however, take some of the daily maintenance out of running your home.
Over at Walmart, you can pick up the iHome AutoVac Nova, usually $599, with a discount of over $400. The $189 vacuum can be controlled via Google voice assistants or an app and is self-emptying. The robot has 2700pa suction power and uses Lidar mapping technology to navigate. When it comes to the mop features, the vacuum will perform single swipes which will be enough to remove smudges and some dirt, but it won't replace a deep clean.