Dyson's CleanTrace AR feature gamifies cleaning

Image: Dyson

Dyson recently introduced CleanTrace, a new feature that uses your iPhone's LiDAR scanner to track your vacuuming path in real-time virtually. Like a cleaning video game, it overlays cleaned areas on your phone screen, highlighting missed spots for a more methodical clean.

However, there are some limitations. CleanTrace currently only works with the high-end Dyson Gen5detect vacuum and LiDAR-equipped iPhones (iPhone 12 Pro and newer). The phone attaches to the vacuum via a separate clamp (price TBA), while the app update itself will be a free update coming in June 2024.

Dyson claims CleanTrace addresses our "haphazard" cleaning habits, based on data from their products. Ironically, the Gen5detect already has a built-in green LED headlight to illuminate dust. CleanTrace seems more like an extra layer of assurance than a necessity.

Furthermore, it's unclear if the app leverages the vacuum's sensors to confirm successful cleaning. Without that integration, it's not clear why CleanTrace wouldn't work with other Dyson models or even other brands' vacuums. And if there isn't, we are hoping it comes to more Dyson vacuums.

The provided illustrations hint at software that recognizes the vacuum head for better tracking. A savvy AR developer could likely create a similar third-party app with customizable guides. The bigger hurdle might be designing a secure, functional phone clamp. Here, 3D printing enthusiasts could potentially bridge the gap.

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