Topic: Irobot

Coverage of the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) included the announcement of a Roomba robot with arms designed to do dishes. One host recounts a personal grievance with iRobot after being removed from an event by their security. The company faces ongoing criticism for mapping user homes and potentially selling data to third parties.

Google is preparing to launch "click-to-buy" mobile search ads, which the hosts argue will further degrade the mobile user experience. The discussion transitions to "Roomba" vacuum cleaners, which are criticized for being ineffective and replacing human labor. One host recounts being thrown out of an iRobot booth at CES, leading to a personal "beef" with the company.

Brookstone is identified as a high-end utility retailer that survived the retail downturn that claimed Sharper Image. Discussion focuses on the functionality of the Roomba and other iRobot products, such as floor washers. While some view the devices as expensive rug sweepers, owners generally report high satisfaction with their automated cleaning performance.