Startup Embodied Will Brick Moxie Emotional Support Robot $800 for Kids – No Refunds

In addition to the robot crashing, Embodied noted that it will not be possible to access warranties, repair services, the original application, corresponding manuals and support staff.

“Unable to provide refunds”

Embodied said it was “unable” to provide refunds to most Moxie owners due to its “financial condition and impending dissolution.” A possible exception is for people who purchased Moxie within 30 days. For these customers, Embodied said that “if the company or its assets are sold, we will make every effort to prioritize refunds for purchases,” but stressed that this is not a guarantee.

The startup also acknowledged the complications faced by those who obtained the expensive robot through a third-party lender. Embodied advised those customers to contact their lender, but some will likely end up paying interest on a game that no longer works.

Embodied said it is looking for another company to buy Moxie. If that happens, the new company would receive Embodied’s customer data and determine how it will be used, according to Embodied. Terms of Service. Otherwise, Embodied said it “securely” erases user data “in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable law,” which includes deleting personally identifiable information from Embodied’s systems.

Another smart gadget that eliminates dust

Currently, there is some Hopefully Moxies will be revived. Things look bleak for Moxie owners, but we’ve seen failed smart device companies, e.g Insteondo it before. It is also possible that someone has released a Open source version For a product, such as the product it is made for Spotify is a car thingwhich Spotify officially launched Blessed today.

But the expensive and short-term nature of Moxie is exactly why some groups, such as right-to-repair activists, oppose it. Pay the Federal Trade Commission To regulate smart devices more strongly, especially when it comes to disclosure and software support obligations. As smart device makers try to figure out how to navigate the tough economic landscape, owners of different types of smart devices – from… Aero Garden Indoor gardening systems Snow family– They had to deal with the consequences, including broken devices and paywalled features. And last month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) noted that smart device manufacturers that don’t commit to software support may be as well Breaking the law.

For Moxie owners, disappointment comes not only from wasting money and creating electronic waste, but also from the pain of giving a child a technological “companion” to grow up with and then suddenly having it taken away from them.

This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.