iRobot Officially Cancels ConnectR
Writing by Evan Ackerman on Saturday, 10 of January , 2009 at 4:53 am
Just one day after we posted about iRobot’s current stance on the ConnectR, Engadget has linked to a brief FAQ from iRobot stating that their current ConnectR program has been canceled, and explaining why… It’s pretty much exactly what we reported on Thursday. Coincidence???
Yeah, probably. Anyway, here’s what they say:
Dear ConnectR Enthusiast,
Thank you for your support and patience while helping us explore virtual visiting robots and how they fit into our lives.
Over the last year, thousands of people like you signed up to participate in the iRobot ConnectR pilot program. After beta testing we discovered that ConnectR, in its current form, needed enhancements and modifications to meet customers’ expectations for virtual visiting. As such, iRobot has decided to cancel the current ConnectR program so that we can focus on developing new virtual visiting robots that incorporate your feedback.
We greatly appreciate the time and care you took in participating in the iRobot ConnectR pilot program.
- The ConnectR Team
Rest of the brief FAQ, after the jump.
Why didn’t ConnectR make it through the pilot test?
While ConnectR users enjoyed having the robot and experienced the many advantages of virtual visiting, it was found that the robot was not yet practical enough to meet their expectations. One of our main goals at iRobot is to provide our customers with practical, easy-to-use robots.
Is the ConnectR program discontinued?
No. While the ConnectR that we have come to know will not be sold commercially, iRobot will continue its work on developing practical virtual visiting robots for your home.
When will a new virtual visiting robot be released?
iRobot has no timetable as to when a virtual visiting robot will be available for purchase. We are currently looking at the ConnectR pilot program and are working to address the issues found there. iRobot will not put a virtual visiting robot up for sale until it is practical, easy to use and includes the necessary features that customers want.
[ iRobot ConnectR ] VIA [ Engadget ]
Comments (3)
Category: Consumer
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Comment by Ironman
Made Saturday, 10 of January , 2009 at 11:54 am
How do i get into this beta testing pool for cool iRobot stuff?
i would love to have all sorts of beta’s running around my room.
Comment by Evan Ackerman
Made Monday, 12 of January , 2009 at 2:11 am
You could apply for the beta on the iRobot website… I did. Never heard back from them, though :(
Comment by Twisted Uterus
Made Wednesday, 1 of July , 2009 at 4:39 pm
Too friggin bad… would have loved to have something better than a Rovio…. hope the program picks up again in the very near future