Moxie Robot Owners Left High and Dry: Another Casualty in the Smart Gadget Arms Race
The news hit Moxie robot owners hard: Embodied, the company behind the beloved AI companion, is shutting down. Leaving behind a trail of broken promises, Moxie owners are grappling with the abrupt loss of functionality, limited refund options, and lingering questions about their data.
A Grim Reality for Moxie Families
Embodied’s announcement confirmed that Moxie robots are effectively bricked, meaning their software is permanently disabled, rendering them useless. Worse yet, warranties, repair services, the parent app, guides, and customer support are all gone.
Adding insult to injury, Embodied admits it’s unable to offer refunds to most Moxie owners due to financial difficulties. While customers who purchased within 30 days might receive refunds if Embodied’s assets are sold, this is far from guaranteed.
Data Concerns Amidst Dissolution
Adding another layer of complexity, Embodied’s Terms of Service states that if the company is acquired, the new owner will inherit customer data. Should Embodied dissolve, user data will be securely erased according to their privacy policy and applicable law. However, this raises concerns about data security and potential misuse before deletion.
A Familiar Story in the Smart Gadget World
Unfortunately, Moxie’s demise isn’t unique. We’ve seen this play out before with other smart devices, like Insteon smart home systems, which were abruptly bricked and left users stranded.
The open-source community sometimes steps in to revive these devices, as seen with Spotify’s Car Thing, but this isn’t always possible.
Calls for Regulation
Moxie’s downfall highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations surrounding smart devices. Right-to-repair activists and consumer advocates are pushing the FTC to mandate longer software support commitments and greater transparency from manufacturers.
Consumers deserve to know how long their devices will be supported and what happens to their data when companies shut down.
What Can Be Done?
The Moxie situation is a stark reminder of the risks associated with investing in smart devices. It’s crucial to:
- Research companies thoroughly: Look for companies with a proven track record and a commitment to long-term support.
- Read the fine print: Understand the terms of service, including data privacy policies and software support commitments.
- Support right-to-repair initiatives: Advocate for policies that give consumers more control over their devices and data.
Let’s demand better from the smart device industry. Share your thoughts and experiences with Moxie and other smart devices in the comments below.