Roborock
Roborock is one of our favorite robot vacuum brands, as the team is responsible for some of the best robot vacuum and mop combos on the market. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is a prime example of this, as it offers heaps of suction, robust mopping skills, and an automated docking station that handles much of the regular maintenance. The new Roborock Qrevo Curv, revealed at IFA 2024, is following in those footsteps — but it makes a few big changes to the formula.
So, which robot vacuum and mop combo is better for your home? The old Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, or the fancy new Roborock Qrevo Curv? Here’s a look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and design
Roborock
Pricing for the Qrevo Curv in the U.S. is yet to be announced, though it’ll cost 1,300 euros in Europe. That roughly converts to $1,450. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra costs $1,800. No matter how you cut it, both of these robots are extremely expensive — though the S8 MaxV Ultra will likely be the pricier option in North America.
The Qrevo Curv looks unique among all robot vacuums, thanks to a domed docking station that houses its clean water, dirty water, and dustbag. The S8 MaxV Ultra is a bit more conventional with an angular design. They both look great, though the innovative curved appearance of the Qrevo Curv will probably appeal to more shoppers.
Winner: Roborock Qrevo Curv
Vacuuming
Jon Bitner / Digital Trends
With a staggering 18,500Pa of suction, the Qrevo Curv is much more powerful than the S8 MaxV Ultra, which only offers 10,000Pa of suction. This allows it to work well on all surfaces, including thick carpets. The Curv also employs a DuoDivide Brush design that better handles hair, pet fur, and other objects that could cause tangles. Both feature a FlexiArm side brush to help reach near baseboards and around furniture.
Once vacuuming is done, they’ll head back to their docks to automatically empty their dustbins. Both can go up to seven weeks before needing to replace their dustbag. Of course, this will vary based on the size of your home, how dirty it is, and how often you run the robot — but both are very hands-off when it comes to vacuuming maintenance.
Winner: Roborock Qrevo Curv
Mopping
Roborock
This is where the two robots start to diverge. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra uses a large mopping plate that rapidly vibrates to clean floors, along with a small mopping pad on its side to clean closer to baseboards. Our testing showed it to work well, and it can even be paired with a detergent that’s automatically dispensed at the base station for an enhanced clean.
As for the Qrevo Curv, it uses two spinning mopping pads — one of which can swing outward to reach closer to baseboards and around furniture. These work just as well as the vibrating plate of the S8 MaxV Ultra, and the swinging design allows the robot to clean tight areas that might otherwise be missed. The robot doesn’t, however, automatically dispense detergent like the S8 MaxV Ultra.
Both robots can also lift their brushes as needed to improve the overall mopping experience and keep their brushes dry.
Both docking stations wash and dry their mops. They can also detect if dirt is still present and will continue washing until the mops are completely clean.
Winner: Tie
Additional features
Roborock
You’ll find heaps of additional features on the S8 MaxV Ultra and Qrevo Curv, including the built-in Rocky voice assistant, support for the versatile Roborock app (where you can set schedules, update cleaning settings, and place restricted zones), retractable mops that help keep carpets dry, and impressive obstacle detection to prevent it from bumping into toys, shoes, cables, and other hazards.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra can lift its mop by 20 millimeters, while the Qrevo Curv can lift its entire chassis 10mm and its mops by 10mm. It can even cross thresholds 4cm tall — so if your rooms are separated by thick dividers, you won’t need to manually pick up the robot to continue your cleaning. Testing found this to be a mixed bag, however, as sometimes it would try to climb over obstacles that it really should have avoided (such as the stand for a stationary bike).
Winner: Tie
Which is the better robot vacuum and mop combo?
The Qrevo Curv is the better robot vacuum and mop combo for most shoppers. Not only is it cheaper than the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, but it offers more suction and an improved DuoDivide Roller design — not to mention a cool chassis-lifting feature. Its docking station is also more inspired, and it’ll likely fit in better with modern décor.
If you already own the S8 MaxV Ultra, the only reason you should consider upgrading is if you want the additional suction offered by the Curv. The extra 8,500Pa is nothing to scoff at, and our testing found it to do an excellent job tackling thick carpets. But if your home is largely comprised of hard floors, consider sticking with the S8 MaxV Ultra and making good use of its auto-dispensing detergent.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/roborock-qrevo-curv-vs-roborock-s8-maxv-ultra/
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum