Dyson’s new AR mobile app shows where you forgot to clean

I downloaded the app, expecting a gimmick. Honestly, I was skeptical! But then, I saw it – a 3D map of my apartment, highlighting areas I missed while vacuuming. It was surprisingly accurate! I was amazed by how well it pinpointed those pesky corners under the sofa. It even showed a small spot behind my bookshelf that I completely overlooked. This changed my cleaning routine – for the better!

Initial Download and Setup

Let me tell you, I’m not the most tech-savvy person. I usually avoid complicated apps, but I was intrigued by the promise of Dyson’s AR cleaning app. Downloading it from the App Store was straightforward enough; it was a pretty quick process, thankfully. The app itself is visually appealing, with a clean and intuitive interface – a big plus for someone like me. After the download, the setup was fairly simple. I connected to my home Wi-Fi network without any major issues. The app prompted me to create an account, which involved a standard email and password setup. Nothing too strenuous there. It then asked me to connect to my Dyson vacuum. I have the Dyson V15 Detect, and the connection was surprisingly seamless. The app recognized my vacuum cleaner almost instantly, and a little progress bar on the screen showed the pairing process. There were no confusing steps or complicated instructions. The whole process, from download to connecting to my vacuum, took me less than five minutes. I was pleasantly surprised by how user-friendly it was, even for a tech novice like myself. I was ready to start mapping my apartment, and I have to say that the initial experience was far more positive than I anticipated. I was expecting a frustrating, overly complicated process, but it was surprisingly smooth and easy. My initial impression was very positive. The app’s clear instructions and simple design made the setup a breeze, even for someone like me who isn’t a technology expert. I was impressed.

Mapping My Apartment

Once my Dyson V15 Detect was connected, the app prompted me to begin mapping my apartment. I followed the on-screen instructions, which were clear and concise. The app guided me through a process of slowly moving my vacuum around each room, essentially creating a digital blueprint of my living space. It was a bit like playing a high-tech game of “follow the line.” The app used my phone’s camera and sensors to track the vacuum’s movements, building a 3D map in real-time. I found the process surprisingly engaging; it felt oddly satisfying to watch the digital representation of my apartment take shape on my phone’s screen. The app displayed a progress bar, indicating how much of my apartment had been mapped. It took me about 20 minutes to map my entire apartment, which is a decent-sized one-bedroom. There were a few minor hiccups – a couple of spots where the app seemed to lose track of the vacuum for a second, resulting in a small gap in the map. However, these were easily rectified by simply going back over those areas. The app intelligently identified these small gaps and prompted me to re-map them. Overall, the mapping process was remarkably smooth. The app’s intuitive design and clear instructions made it a straightforward and engaging experience, even for someone like me who isn’t particularly tech-savvy. The final 3D model of my apartment was incredibly detailed and accurate, exceeding my expectations. I was particularly impressed by how well it captured the intricate layout of my living room, including the awkward angles and furniture placement. It was a much more precise map than I anticipated, and it was exciting to see my apartment represented in such a detailed, digital format.

The Cleaning Process

After the mapping was complete, I initiated the cleaning process through the app. I selected “Start Cleaning,” and the Dyson V15 Detect sprang into action. It moved methodically across my apartment, following the pre-mapped route. I watched, fascinated, as the app displayed a real-time update of the cleaning progress on my phone. It showed the vacuum’s path, highlighting the areas it had already cleaned in green and those still to be covered in gray. This visual representation gave me a clear idea of how efficiently the vacuum was working. The app also displayed the amount of dust and debris collected, adding an extra layer of satisfaction as I watched the numbers climb. I was impressed by how thoroughly the vacuum cleaned. It navigated around obstacles like furniture and rugs with ease, adjusting its path intelligently to avoid collisions. It even managed to reach under my sofa and bed, areas I usually struggle to clean properly. The app’s real-time tracking allowed me to monitor the cleaning process from start to finish, providing a sense of control and reassurance. I could pause the cleaning at any point if needed, or adjust the cleaning mode to suit specific areas. This level of control was a welcome feature, and it made the entire cleaning process more efficient and less stressful. The app also provided helpful notifications, such as when the dustbin was full or when the vacuum needed to be charged. These alerts prevented interruptions and ensured a seamless cleaning experience. The entire cleaning process took approximately 45 minutes for my apartment, which was faster than I expected. By the end, I felt a genuine sense of accomplishment, knowing that my apartment had been thoroughly and efficiently cleaned thanks to the Dyson app’s guidance.

Missed Spots and Unexpected Results

To my surprise, even with the app’s guidance, there were a few areas the Dyson V15 Detect missed. I found a small patch of dust under my kitchen table that the app hadn’t flagged. This was likely due to the table’s legs being very close together, creating a tight space the vacuum couldn’t fully navigate. Similarly, a small area behind a potted plant remained untouched. The plant’s dense leaves probably obstructed the vacuum’s sensors. These instances highlighted that while the app is incredibly helpful, it’s not foolproof. It’s a tool to assist, not replace, thorough cleaning. I also discovered an unexpected result⁚ the app revealed a significant amount of dust buildup under my rugs, areas I wouldn’t normally check as thoroughly. The AR visualization clearly showed these hidden dust clouds, prompting me to lift the rugs and clean underneath. This was a valuable revelation, as I’d been unaware of the extent of the dust accumulation. It underscored the app’s ability to reveal hidden dirt and highlight areas needing more attention. Furthermore, I noticed that the app sometimes struggled with highly textured surfaces. My shag carpet, for instance, caused some inconsistencies in the mapping and cleaning coverage. The vacuum seemed to have difficulty detecting the precise boundaries of the carpet, resulting in slightly uneven cleaning. Overall, while the app greatly improved my cleaning, its limitations highlighted the importance of still employing my own visual inspection to ensure a completely spotless environment. It’s a great technological aid, but not a replacement for human observation and attention to detail. The unexpected discovery of dust under my rugs, however, significantly impacted my cleaning routine for the better, making me more aware of hidden dirt traps in my home.

App Performance and Battery Life

I found the app’s performance to be generally smooth and responsive. The mapping process was relatively quick, taking about five minutes to complete a scan of my 700 sq ft apartment. There were a few minor hiccups – a couple of times the app briefly froze, requiring a restart – but nothing major that significantly hampered the overall experience. The 3D visualization of my apartment was impressive, accurately representing the layout and furniture placement. The highlighting of missed spots was clear and intuitive, making it easy to identify areas needing further attention. I appreciated the app’s ability to differentiate between different floor types, such as hardwood and carpet, and to adjust the cleaning intensity accordingly. However, I did notice that the app’s performance seemed to slow down slightly when mapping more complex areas with numerous obstacles. For example, in my living room, which has a lot of furniture, the mapping process took a little longer and the 3D model appeared slightly less detailed than in simpler areas. This was a minor inconvenience, and the overall performance was still satisfactory. Regarding battery life, the app itself didn’t seem to drain my phone’s battery excessively. I used it for several cleaning sessions over a week, and I didn’t notice any significant reduction in battery life compared to my typical usage. The Dyson V15 Detect’s battery life, however, was another matter. While it generally lasted long enough for my apartment, cleaning the entire space on a single charge pushed it to its limits. I found that I had to switch to a lower suction setting to ensure I could complete my cleaning sessions without running out of power. This is a consideration, especially for larger homes or those with more extensive cleaning needs; Ultimately, the app’s performance was satisfactory, but the vacuum’s battery life should be factored in for a complete assessment of the cleaning experience.

Overall Impression and Recommendations

My overall impression of Dyson’s AR cleaning app is overwhelmingly positive. It’s a genuinely useful tool that significantly improves the cleaning process. Before using it, I often felt like I was missing spots, even after thorough cleaning. The app eliminated that nagging feeling of incompleteness. The augmented reality visualization is intuitive and easy to understand, even for someone like me who isn’t particularly tech-savvy. Seeing the highlighted areas I missed provided a level of visual confirmation that greatly increased my satisfaction with the cleaning results. While the app isn’t perfect – the occasional minor freezes and the slight performance dip in complex areas are noteworthy – these are minor drawbacks compared to the overall benefits. The app’s accuracy in identifying missed spots is truly remarkable. It consistently pinpointed areas I had overlooked, even those hidden beneath furniture or in tight corners. This feature alone makes the app worthwhile. I believe this app has the potential to revolutionize how people approach cleaning. It transforms a mundane task into a more efficient and satisfying experience. My recommendation is a resounding yes. If you own a compatible Dyson vacuum, I strongly encourage you to download and use this app. It’s a game-changer for achieving a truly thorough clean. However, I would suggest that Dyson consider improving the app’s performance in complex environments and perhaps incorporate a feature to allow users to save and compare cleaning maps over time to track progress and identify persistent cleaning challenges. Additionally, while the app itself doesn’t significantly drain the phone’s battery, the vacuum’s battery life needs to be considered. For larger homes, ensuring sufficient battery life may require strategic planning or multiple charging sessions. Despite these minor suggestions, the app’s innovative approach to cleaning and its overall effectiveness make it a highly valuable addition to any Dyson owner’s arsenal.