Startup Embodied Brick $800 Moxie Emotional Support Robot for Kids-No refund

In addition to the robot being bricked, Embodied noted that warranties, repair services, the corresponding parental app and guides, and support staff will no longer be accessible.

“Unable to offer refunds”

Embodied said it is “unable” to offer most Moxie owners refunds due to its “financial situation and impending dissolution.” The potential exception is for people who bought a Moxie within 30 days. For those customers, Embodied said that “if the company or its assets are sold, we will do our best to prioritize refunds for purchases,” but emphasized that this is not a guarantee.

The startup also acknowledged complications for those who purchased the expensive robot through a third-party lender. Embodied advised such customers to contact their lender, but it is possible that some will end up paying interest on a toy that no longer works.

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

Another smart gadget bites the dust

Currently, there is certain I hope Moxies can be resurrected. Things look sad for the owners of Moxie, but we have seen failed smart device companies, such as Insteonbe raised first. It is also possible that someone will release one open-source version of the product, such as that made for Spotify Car Thingthat Spotify officially walled today.

But the short and expensive nature of Moxie is exactly why some groups, such as rights activists, are push the Federal Trade Commission to more strongly regulate smart devices, particularly when it comes to disclosure and commitments around software support. With smart gadget makers trying to determine how to navigate challenging economic landscapes, owners of various types of smart devices — from AeroGarden indoor gardening systems to Snoo bassinets-have to deal with the consequences, including broken devices and paywalled features. Last month, the FTC noted that smart device manufacturers that do not commit to software support may be break the law.

For Moxie owners, the disappointment comes not only from wasted money and the creation of e-waste, but also from the pain of giving a child a technological “companion” to grow and then suddenly taking it away.

This story originally appeared Ars Technica.