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Nvidia and UK government announce new AI tiesJensen Huang joins UK PM Keir Starmer on stage at London Tech Week 2025New projects include AI for financial firms, and skills trainingNvidia has announced new partnerships with the UK government and financial regulators to expand the use of AI tools.The company has revealed new collaborations with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on using AI in workflows.Nvidia says the move, which also includes the establishment of the ‘U.K. Sovereign AI Industry Forum’ to accelerate the country's AI ecosystem, looks to further its ambition for Britain to be an “AI maker, not an AI taker.”UK AI and NvidiaThe news was announced by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at London Tech Week 2025, where he joined UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson on stage.Starmer and Huang both agreed the UK need to 'lean in' to AI, arguing it will make the country more secure, with cybersecurity protections and economic growth.To support this, a new UK Nvidia AI Technology Center will look to offer "hands-on" training in AI, data science and accelerated computing, focusing on foundation model builders, embodied AI, materials science and earth systems modeling.A new AI-powered digital sandbox powered by Nvidia and the FAC will offer financial services firms a "digital testing environment", allowing them the chance to try out new AI initatives and services.And the company will be working with DSIT to give UK universities access to AI tools, 6G research platforms and training resources to help boost research and development on AI-native wireless networks.“We have big plans when it comes to developing the next wave of AI innovations here in the U.K. — not only so we can deliver the economic growth needed for our Plan for Change, but maintain our position as a global leader,” UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle added.“Central to that is making sure we have the infrastructure to power AI, so I welcome NVIDIA setting up the U.K. Sovereign AI Industry Forum — bringing together leading British businesses to develop and deploy this across the U.K. so we can drive growth and opportunity.”You might also likeNvidia CEO Jensen Huang wants it to be so much more than a chip makerNvidia CEO Jensen Huang says it's time to get on board with AI now, or be left behindDell CEO tells us how AI can make us “more effective as a species”

iOS 19's rumored redesign could be called 'Liquid Glass'It might feature transparency, shine effects, and a glassy surfaceThis could set the stage for Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027, which will reportedly have a very glassy designWe’re now just hours away from WWDC 2025, where we’re expecting to hear all about iOS 19 (or iOS 26 as it now looks likely to be called) among other software. But ahead of that there are still new leaks rolling in, and you can follow along with these on our WWDC 2025 live blog. The latest leak though is a big one, as it sheds more light on how iOS 26 might look.We’ve been hearing for a while now that Apple might be set to revamp iOS, with a new glass-like design, and now we’re learning more about what this might entail.According to Apple tipster Mark Gurman, writing for Bloomberg, iOS 26 could have a new look dubbed ‘Liquid Glass’. This will apparently feature "sheen and see-through visuals of a glassy surface," with "transparency and shine effects" throughout.This is reportedly set to be the biggest visual change for iOS since iOS 7, so given that Apple might not have anything major to show on the AI front, this could be a highlight of WWDC.A new look for a new phone2027's iPhones could look very different to the iPhone 16 Pro (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)However, according to Gurman this iOS redesign could also be intended to pair well with the company’s 20th anniversary iPhone, set to launch in 2027.This we’ve also been hearing could be in for a redesign, and Gurman says it will have curved glass edges, tiny bezels, and no cut-out in the screen.It’s a design that could really emphasize the phone’s glass, and indeed this iPhone is apparently being internally referred to as ‘Glasswing’, referencing a type of butterfly that has transparent wings. So its glassy design would probably fit well with the ‘Liquid Glass’ software we’re hearing about.That’s still years away though, but if iOS 26 does have a Liquid Glass design then you’ll probably be able to get a look at the software side of things later today – and try it out for yourself soon.You might also likeiOS 19: the 5 upgrades I'm really hoping for at WWDC 2025How to watch WWDC 2025: get ready for new Apple Intelligence features, iOS 19, macOS 16 and moreBest iPhone: which Apple smartphone reigns supreme?

The SwitchBot Multitasking Household Robot K20+ Pro is now on saleIt comprises a robovac with a platform onto which various appliances can be attachedIt can operate as a mobile fan, air purifier, and moreMost robot vacuums are content just to take care of cleaning your floors. Not so the SwitchBot K20+ Pro. This new robovac can operate not only as a vacuum, but also a fan, air purifier, or delivery service.The setup comprises a compact robot vacuum, onto which clips the 'FusionPlatform'. The platform then becomes a base for various other appliances, and the robovac becomes the wheels that drive the whole setup around.It's compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, for seamless smart home integration, and some docked appliance functions can be automated as part of the SwitchBot ecosystem too. Because the whole thing sits on top of a robot vacuum, you'll get all the tech that comes with that, too: precise LiDAR navigation, mapping, and object avoidance (SwitchBot makes some of today's best robot vacuums for small homes – get a taster in our SwitchBot K10+ Pro Mini review).The K20+ Pro was first unveiled at CES 2025 back in January, and as of today, it's on sale across the US, UK and Europe. You can pick the kit that suits your needs, with prices starting from $699.99 / £599.99 / €599.99.Want your robovac to check up on your dog, while he gazes at the snowy landscape in your Alpine home? SwitchBot has you covered (Image credit: SwitchBot)For example, the K20+ Pro Air Flow Kit includes a the SwitchBot Battery Circulator Fan, enabling you to live out your Mariah Carey fantasies by following you around and acting as your own personal wind machine as you move from room to room.Alternatively, the Patrol Kit includes a SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam, and offers real-time monitoring and motion detection in your home, with instant notifications if there's any disruption.There's also the K20+ Pro Air Purifier Kit, whereby the bot dons an air purifier hat. You can then drive it from room to room to clear the air of any nasties – perhaps remotely, while you're out of the house.The K20+ Pro sees you when you're sleeping can follow you around with a fan (Image credit: SwitchBot)The simplest but perhaps the most useful integration is simply a table, which turns the bot into a 'Smart Delivery Assistant'. It can be used to deliver food, packages, or pretty much anything you'd like – provided it weighs less than 8kg. There's scope here for the K20+ to be useful for those with mobility limitations.If you're particularly tech-savvy, the setup also supports DIY customization and third-party devices, so you can hack the system to help it suit your own specific needs. SwitchBot suggests you might want to add things like speakers or UV sterilization lamps.You might also like...DJI's first robot vacuum is edging closer to launch, according to new leak – and it could clean up in the premium robovac spaceI spent two weeks with the world's first robovac with a mechanical arm, and unfortunately it's not that handy yetI've seen most of 2025’s flagship robot vacuums and let me tell you, things are starting to get weird

Finding the best budget robot vacuum has never been easier, especially now that features once reserved for pricey models are trickling down into more affordable machines. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a robot vacuum with strong suction, advanced navigation and even auto-empty capabilities — there are plenty of great choices out there that make cleaning your floors a lot less of a chore.In our top picks, you’ll find user-friendly models that can handle everything from pet hair to fine dust, with thoughtful designs that include things like tangle-free bristle brushes and the option for a self-empty station to make maintenance even easier. Some vacuums can even work with a voice assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, letting you start a cleaning session without lifting a finger, just like you would with a high-end robot.Whether you’re looking for something simple to keep daily dirt in check or a smarter model that maps your home for more efficient cleaning, there’s a budget-friendly robot vacuum that can fit right into your life (and your living room).

Table of contents

Best budget robot vacuums for 2025

Are robot vacuums worth it?

What to look for in a budget robot vacuum

How we test robot vacuums

Robot vacuum maintenance tips

Best budget robot vacuums for 2025

Are robot vacuums worth it?

Since I've tested dozens of robot vacuums, I'm often asked if these gadgets are "worth it" and I'd say the answer is yes. The biggest thing they offer is convenience: just turn on a robot vacuum and walk away. The machine will take care of the rest. If vacuuming is one of your least favorite chores, or you just want to spend less time keeping your home tidy, semi-autonomous robotic vacuum is a great investment. Many models, albeit more expensive ones, even come with features like a self-empty station to further reduce maintenance.

There are plenty of other good things about them, but before we dive in let’s consider the biggest trade-offs: less power, less capacity and less flexibility. Those first two go hand in hand; robot vacuum cleaners are much smaller than upright vacuums, which leads to less powerful suction. They also hold less dirt because their built-in bins are a fraction of the size of a standard vacuum canister or bag. Fortunately, some models include features like an auto-empty station, which helps with dirt capacity, especially in homes with pet hair.

When it comes to flexibility, robot vacuums do things differently than standard ones. You can control some with your smartphone, set cleaning schedules and more, but robo-vacs are primarily tasked with cleaning floors. On the flip side, their upright counterparts can come with various attachments that let you clean couches, stairs, light fixtures and other hard-to-reach places.

What to look for in a budget robot vacuum

When looking for the best cheap robot vacuum, one of the first things you should consider is the types of floors you have in your home. Do you have mostly carpet, tile, laminate, hardwood? Carpets demand vacuums with strong suction power that can pick up debris pushed down into nooks and crannies. Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal metric by which suction is measured. Some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels and generally the higher the Pa, the stronger. But other companies don’t rely on Pa levels and simply say their bots have X-times more suction power than other robot vacuums.

So how can you ensure you’re getting the best cheap robot vacuum to clean your floor type? Read the product description. Look for details about its ability to clean hard floors and carpets, and see if it has a “max” mode you can use to increase suction. If you are given a Pa measurement, look for around 2000Pa if you have mostly carpeted floors. Pay attention to the brush roll mechanism as well, especially if you're dealing with dog hair or other stubborn debris that can cause tangles. Many budget models use bristle brushes, while others offer tangle-free designs to minimize maintenance.

You may find some budget robot vacuums also offer vacuum/mop combo capabilities. These bots feature a water tank, which means they can offer mopping functionality, enhancing debris pickup, and resulting in shiny floors. However, these are less common when you’re shopping in the lower price range.

Size is also important for two reasons: clearance and dirt storage. Check the specs for the robot’s height to see if it can get underneath the furniture you have in your home. Most robo-vacs won’t be able to clean under a couch (unless it’s a very tall, very strange couch), but some can get under entryway tables, nightstands and the like. As for dirt storage, look out for the milliliter capacity of the robot’s dustbin — the bigger the capacity, the more dirt the vacuum cleaner can collect before you have to empty it.

You should also double check the Wi-Fi capabilities of the robo-vac you’re eyeing. While you may think that’s a given on all smart home devices, it’s not. Some of the most affordable models don’t have the option to connect to your home Wi-Fi network. If you choose a robot vac like this, you won’t be able to direct it with a smartphone app or with voice controls. Another feature that’s typically reserved for Wi-Fi-connected robots is scheduling because most of them use a mobile app to set cleaning schedules.

But Wi-Fi-incapable vacuums usually come with remote controls that have all the basic functions that companion mobile apps do, including start, stop and return to dock. And if you’re concerned about the possibility of hacking, a robot vac with no access to your Wi-Fi network is the best option.

Obstacle detection and cliff sensors are other key features to look out for. The former helps the robot vacuum navigate around furniture while it cleans, rather than mindlessly pushing its way into it. Many also offer no-go zones, letting you block off areas you don’t want the robot to enter. Meanwhile, cliff sensors prevent robot vacuums from tumbling down the stairs, making them the best vacuum for multi-level homes.

How we test robot vacuums

When we consider which robot vacuums to test, we look at each machine’s specs and feature list, as well as online reviews to get a general idea of its capabilities. With each robot vacuum we review, we set it up as per the instructions and use it for as long as possible — at minimum, we’ll use each for one week, running cleaning cycles daily. We make sure to try out any physical buttons the machine has on it, and any app-power features like scheduling, robot mapping and more.

Since we test robot vacuums in our own homes, there are obstacles already in the machine’s way like tables, chairs and other furniture — this helps us understand how capable the machine is at avoiding obstacles, and we’ll intentionally throw smaller items in their way like shoes, pet toys and more. With robot vacuums that include self-emptying bases, we assess how loud the machine is while emptying contents into the base and roughly how long it takes for us to fill up the bag (or bagless) base with debris.

Robot vacuum maintenance tips

First and foremost, always empty your robot vacuum’s dustbin after every cleaning job, or use a self-empty station if the model supports it. Simply detach and empty the dustbin as soon as the robot is done cleaning, and then reattach it so it's ready to go for the next time. It’s also a good idea to take a dry cloth to the inside of the dustbin every once in a while to remove any small dust and dirt particles clinging to its insides.

In addition, you’ll want to regularly examine the machine’s brushes to see if any human or pet hair has wrapped around them, or if any large debris is preventing them from working properly. Some brushes are better than others at not succumbing to tangled hair, but it’s a good idea to check your robot’s brushes regardless — both their main brush and any smaller, side brushes or corner brushes they have. These parts are often easy to pop off of the machine (because they do require replacements eventually) so we recommend removing each brush entirely, getting rid of any tangles or other debris attached to them and reinstalling them afterwards. If you have a robot vacuum with mopping capabilities, you’ll need to wash the bots’ mop pads too, to avoid any unpleasant smells or tracking mess around your home. Similarly, if your robot vacuum has a water tank, it’s worth washing this out regularly to keep it clean.

Robot vacuums also have filters that need replacing every couple of months. Check your machine’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website to see how long they recommend going in between filter replacements. Most of the time, these filters cannot be washed, so you will need to buy new ones either directly from the manufacturer or from other retailers like Amazon or Walmart.

Check out more from our spring cleaning guide.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-budget-robot-vacuums-133030847.html?src=rss

HP study claims workers are increasingly embracing AIAI is helping workers save time by taking away dull tasksIt's also apparently helping with work-life balanceSome workers are claiming AI tools are becoming increasingly helpful in not only doing their jobs, but improving their work-life balance, new research has claimed.A survey from HP found nearly three-quarters (72%) of employees using AI say it saves them time each week, with one in ten claiming they are saving more than five hours per week.Nearly a quarter (23%) also claim using AI has made their jobs more fulfilling, with workers able to spend less time on dull repetitive tasks, and focus instead on what they actually enjoy about their work.AI in the workplaceThe study also found AI might be able to help business owners with some of their most pressing issues.One in three business leaders say using AI has already delivered more than 11% in cost savings, with almost half saying it helps reduce time spent on admin tasks, and just over a third (34%) saying it has improved decision making and strategic planning.The benefits are perhaps becoming clearer for businesses, yet the survey added many firms are still working out their AI strategy, with over a quarter saying their business currently has no formal AI strategy in place.However the appetite does appear to be there, as nearly half (44%) expect AI to be fully embedded by 2027.Just over half (54%) of business leaders noted they would be more likely to adopt AI if it was built into devices such as AI PCs, with employees agreeing, with 29% saying they would use AI more if it was embedded in tools they already use or didn’t require an internet connection (10%)."AI is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a business imperative," said Neil Sawyer, HP’s Managing Director for Northwest Europe."Companies that fail to act now risk falling behind their competitors, losing productivity, and missing out on the efficiency gains AI is already delivering. By embedding AI directly into secure, familiar devices, organisations can overcome trust and usability challenges — and scale adoption with confidence."You might also likeNew Microsoft 365 AI offering means all your workers can use Copilot for freeThese are the best business laptop choices for work available todayAnd we've also rounded up the best mobile workstations around

Marvel has released the first full clip for its forthcoming Ironheart TV showThe Disney+ series' latest footage centers around Riri Williams meeting The HoodIronheart will launch with a three-episode premiere in late JuneThe first full clip for Ironheart has been released online – and, based on its latest footage, Marvel fans have largely given it their seal of approval ahead of the show's launch in late June.First revealed at IGN Live 2025 before being posted on Marvel Studios' various social channels, the near-60 second clip centers around Riri Williams' first encounter with The Hood.A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios)A photo posted by on Essentially, it's an extended look at a couple of clips that appeared in Ironheart's first trailer. Nonetheless, it's intriguing to see Anthony Ramos' charismatic villain and Dominique Thorne's skeptical hero verbally spare as they try to suss out the other. If this sequence is anything to go by, it could be one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) more fascinating frenemy-style dynamics we've seen.Marvel has taken its time to promote the forthcoming Disney+ show – indeed, fans have questioned why the comic giant hasn't been more proactive on the promotional campaign front.However, with the series' first trailer and clip landing online in recent weeks, fans are not only relieved that the final Marvel Phase 5 project is being marketed, but also that it could be better than some of them expected.Comment from r/MarvelStudiosSpoilersSince the clip's world reveal last Saturday (June 7), new threads posted on the r/MarvelStudios, r/MarvelStudiosSpoilers, and r/MarvelStudiosRumors Reddit pages are primarily filled with positive reactions to said footage. Many picked out Ramos' charming take on The Hood as a particular highlight, while others have suggested that the clip's aesthetic and tone has finally sold them on the appeal of this Thorne-led TV show.Understandably, there are some who aren't so enamored. The aforementioned Reddit threads also contain comments from MCU devotees saying they'll give Ironheart a "hard pass" and that Marvel projects "just don't hit like they used to".Additionally, a couple of Reddit users are even more worried that, in light of Marvel confirming Ironheart will launch with a three-episode premiere, the comic titan is rushing it out of the door. The Disney subsidiary hasn't yet said if the series' three remaining entries will be simultaneously released one week later. If they do, it'll look increasingly likely that Marvel has sent Ironheart out to die on Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services.In my view, that would be a baffling decision, especially given the involvement of Ryan Coogler. You know, the talented filmmaker behind Marvel's only Oscar nominee in Black Panther to date and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Oh, and the co-creative driving force behind Sinners, aka one of the best-rated new movies of 2025 so far.Ironheart will debut on Disney+ on June 24 (US) and June 25 (UK and Australia). Before it arrives, learn more about it via my Marvel's Ironheart hub.You might also likeNew The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer confirms two of the worst-kept secrets about the Marvel Phase 6 movieAvengers: Doomsday could spell the end for another original Avenger as Marvel actor's thank you video sparks MCU exit rumorsSpider-Man: Brand New Day reportedly set to feature one of the first Avengers in a big role, but I hope it's not true for two huge reasons

Hollow Knight: Silksong appeared in the recent Xbox Games ShowcaseIt will be available on the upcoming Xbox Asus ROG Ally and Xbox Asus ROG Ally X on day oneThe developers have since confirmed that it will be out by the winter holidayOne of the most surprising parts of the recent Xbox Games Showcase was the reveal of new Xbox handheld PCs, the Xbox Asus ROG Ally and Xbox Asus ROG Ally X, and the confirmation that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available on them at launch.Information regarding the highly anticipated metroidvania game, which was originally announced all the way back in 2019, has been extremely infrequent, with many fans speculating that it might not ever come out at all.In April 2025, we got our first good look at the title in years as part of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, which featured a few seconds of gameplay footage and confirmed a 2025 release window. Then, yesterday, we saw a little more again in the Xbox show, coupled with the news that it will be available on the upcoming Xbox handhelds at launch.The handhelds are expected to release later this year, around the holiday period. It follows that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be out by then, a fact that was recently reaffirmed by the development team.Speaking on the official Hollow Knight Discord server, publishing and marketing lead Matthew Griffin stated that the game will be out "before [the] holiday" and that "we are not tied to a console release."He soon followed up this message with a small clarification, confirming that the "holiday" he is referring to is "Christmas".This is yet more confirmation that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be out soon, giving us a release window between now and mid December. Hopefully we'll get more information, and maybe even an exact release date, in the weeks and months to come.Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to come to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC. It will be available as part of Xbox Game Pass on day one.You might also like...Nintendo Switch 2 review-in-progress live: my thoughts, reactions, and experience with the console and its gamesXbox Games Showcase 2025: everything revealed from Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Persona 4 remake to a new handheldCall of Duty: Black Ops 7 officially announced and it stars that one Gilmore Girls actor