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Stairs are no obstacle for this robot vacuum and mop cleaner

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Stairs are no obstacle for this robot vacuum and mop cleaner

The Ascender robot vacuum and mop cleaner tackles stairs, edges and corners for marathon cleaning sessions. 

Are you tired of lugging heavy vacuums up and down the stairs? Do you wish a robot could help you clean every corner of your home, including those pesky stairs? Well, now there is. 

Meet Migo Robotics’ Ascender, the world’s first robot vacuum and mop cleaner with stair-climbing capability. You heard right – stairs.

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Ascender the robot (Migo Robotics)

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Stair climbing & stair cleaning

Ascender isn’t just another robot vacuum; it’s a game-changer. With the ability to climb stairs of different heights up to 8.7 inches, Ascender navigates over stairs, obstacles and floor levels to clean your entire house hands-free. Plus, it can clean various types of stairs, ensuring no nook or cranny is left untouched.

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Ascender can climb stairs. (Migo Robotics)

MORE: THIS ROBOT INVENTION CAN DO BACKFLIPS BETTER THAN A GYMNAST

Cleaning stairs, but also every edge and corner

Ascender’s square-shaped body with motorized omnidirectional wheels ensures optimal cleaning of every edge and corner. Equipped with ultra-strong suction power and versatile brushes, Ascender deeply cleans various surfaces, from floors to carpets, picking up even the tiniest particles.

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Ascender descending steps (Migo Robotics)

MORE: AI ROBOT THAT CAN TRIM, EDGE, BLOW YOUR LAWN FOR YOU

How does the moping aspect of Ascender perform?

Forget about manual mopping. Ascender will have you saying goodbye to your handheld mop. With 17N downward pressure and high-speed scrubbing, it surpasses handheld floor scrubbers. It automatically detects the ground material and adjusts the mop accordingly, ensuring a thorough cleaning every time.

Ascender sweeps, mops and climbs. (Migo Robotics)

MORE: THIS HUMANOID ROBOT IS NOW CAPABLE OF FULL CONVERSATIONS

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Large battery capacity for cleaning marathons

Featuring a 12000mAh battery, Ascender can sweep, mop and climb a grade slope of up to 5,380 square feet on a single charge. Say goodbye to interrupted cleaning sessions and hello to true hands-free cleaning.

Ascender runs on a 12000mAh battery. (Migo Robotics)

Top-tier hardware and software on board

At the core of Ascender lies advanced hardware and software, including an HD camera, LiDAR and ToF sensors, which ensure navigational accuracy. With its powerful Al algorithms seamlessly integrated, Ascender avoids obstacles and plans efficient cleaning routes.

Ascender is less than 4 inches tall. (Migo Robotics)

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MORE: FORGET HANDS. TOYOTA’S HUG-READY ROBOT PICKS UP WITH ITS ENTIRE BODY

Smart app for full control at your fingertips

With the Ascender app, you can control your robot vacuum from anywhere, set cleaning schedules and even designate no-go zones. Ascender seamlessly integrates into smart home systems, offering convenience and flexibility.

The Ascender app (Migo Robotics)

All-in-one robot dock

Experience truly hands-free cleaning with Ascender’s all-in-one dock. No more manual emptying or cleaning of the robot – Ascender takes care of everything.

Ascender and docking station (Migo Robotics)

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How do I buy an Ascender robot?

Currently, the Ascender is a Kickstarter project. The company tells us that it will start mass production very soon and aims to start shipping in June or July. You can choose from Ethereal White, Moon Grey or Titanium Black. At the time of publishing, the price per robot was $849.00. According to the Ascender’s Kickstarter site, this project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Ascender is available in multiple colors. (Migo Robotics)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Say goodbye to the hassle of multi-floor cleaning with the Ascender. With its revolutionary features, including stair-climbing capability, smart navigation and cleaning performance, Ascender is more than just a cleaner – it’s a lifestyle upgrade for your home. Say hello to effortless, hands-free cleaning and reclaim your time for the things that matter most.

Would you consider having one of these robots in your home? Are we becoming a lazy society where we let technology do everything for us? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Amazon’s smart shopping cart for Whole Foods gets bigger, lighter, and adds tap-to-pay

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Amazon’s smart shopping cart for Whole Foods gets bigger, lighter, and adds tap-to-pay

Amazon is launching a revamped version of its smart shopping cart, which it plans to bring to dozens of Whole Foods locations by the end of this year, according to an announcement on Wednesday. The new Dash Cart features a “more responsive” item scanner that’s now located next to the built-in display, along with a new NFC reader that lets you tap to pay with your credit card or phone.

Amazon’s previous Dash Cart design put scanners beneath and in front of the handle, potentially making them harder to spot. It also only let you pay with the credit card attached to your Amazon account.

With the upgraded Dash Cart, you’ll find a new scale alongside the cart’s handle, which Amazon says “works in tandem with on-cart cameras, weight sensors, and deep learning models to ensure accurate pricing for every item.” The upgraded Dash Cart eliminates the large sensors facing inside the cart as well, offering a 40 percent larger capacity and a 25 percent lighter weight.

The Dash Cart shows an interactive map of the store on its display, similar to Instacart’s smart Caper Cart. You can sync your shopping list created with Alexa, too, and see how much you’re spending as you add more items to your cart. The cart uses built-in sensors and computer vision to detect when you’ve removed an item, allowing it to automatically update your total. When you’re done shopping, you can skip the checkout line and leave the store in a designated Dash Cart lane.

Amazon is launching its new Dash Cart as the company shakes up its grocery business, which has tied Whole Foods more closely to the Amazon brand. The company has already brought its new Dash Cart to three Whole Foods stores in McKinney, Texas; Reston, Virginia; and Westford, Massachusetts, along with two Amazon Fresh stores.

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Fake error popups are spreading malware fast

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Fake error popups are spreading malware fast

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A dangerous cybercrime tool has surfaced in underground forums, making it far easier for attackers to spread malware. 

Instead of relying on hidden downloads, this tool pushes fake error messages that pressure you into fixing problems that never existed. Security researchers say this method is spreading quickly because it feels legitimate. The page looks broken. The warning feels urgent. The fix sounds simple. 

That combination is proving alarmingly effective for cybercriminals.

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How fake error malware attacks actually work

These attacks begin with a compromised website. When a visitor lands on the page, something looks wrong right away. Text appears broken. Fonts look scrambled. Visual elements seem corrupted. A pop-up then appears claiming the issue can be fixed with a browser update or a missing system font. A button offers to repair the problem instantly. 

Clicking that button copies a command to the clipboard and displays instructions to paste it into PowerShell or a system terminal. That single step launches the infection.

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Fake error popups make a website look broken by scrambling text or fonts to create urgency and panic. (Jens Büttner/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Why this new tool changes the threat landscape

The tool behind these attacks is called ErrTraffic. It automates the entire process and removes the technical barriers that once limited cybercrime operations. For about $800, attackers get a full package with a control panel and scripted payload delivery. Analysts at the Hudson Rock Threat Intelligence Team identified the tool after tracking its promotion on Russian-language forums in early December 2025. 

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ErrTraffic works through a simple JavaScript injection. A single line of code connects a hacked site to the attacker’s dashboard. From there, everything adapts automatically. The script detects the operating system and browser. It then displays a customized fake error message in the correct language. The attack works across Windows, Android, macOS and Linux.

MOST PARKED DOMAINS NOW PUSH SCAMS AND MALWARE

The popups often claim a browser update or missing system font is needed to fix the problem. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Why security software struggles to stop it

Traditional malware defenses look for suspicious downloads or unauthorized installations. ErrTraffic avoids both. Browsers see normal text copying. Security tools see a legitimate system utility being opened manually. Nothing appears out of place. That design allows the attack to slip through protections that would normally stop malware in its tracks.

The success rate is deeply concerning

Data pulled from active ErrTraffic campaigns shows conversion rates approaching 60%. That means more than half of the visitors who see the fake error message follow the instructions and install malware. Once active, the tool can deliver infostealers like Lumma or Vidar on Windows devices. Android targets often receive banking trojans instead. The control panel even includes geographic filtering, with built-in blocks for Russia and neighboring regions to avoid drawing attention from local authorities.

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What happens after infection?

Once malware is installed, credentials and session data are stolen. Those compromised logins are then used to breach additional websites. Each newly hacked site becomes another delivery vehicle for the same attack. That cycle allows the campaign to grow without direct involvement from the original operator.

FAKE WINDOWS UPDATE PUSHES MALWARE IN NEW CLICKFIX ATTACK

Following the on-screen instructions can quietly trigger malware that steals passwords and personal data. (Kurt Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from fake error malware

A few smart habits can significantly reduce risk when facing fake error pop-ups and browser-based traps.

1) Never run commands suggested by a website

Legitimate websites never ask you to copy and paste commands into PowerShell or a system terminal. Fake error malware relies on convincing messages that pressure you into doing exactly that. If a page instructs you to run code to fix a problem, close it immediately.

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2) Close pages that claim your system is corrupted

Fake error campaigns often use broken text, scrambled fonts or warnings about missing files to grab attention. As a result, these visuals create urgency and trigger fear. In reality, a real system problem never announces itself through a random website, so close the page right away.

3) Install updates only through official system settings

Real browser and operating system updates come from built-in update tools, not pop-ups on websites. If an update is needed, your device will notify you directly through system settings or trusted app stores.

4) Install strong antivirus software on every device

Strong antivirus software can help block malicious scripts, detect infostealers and stop suspicious behavior before damage spreads. This is especially important since fake error malware targets Windows, Android, macOS and Linux systems.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

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5) Use a data removal service to reduce exposure

Stolen credentials fuel the spread of fake error malware. Removing personal information from data broker sites can reduce the impact if login details are compromised and limit how far an attack can spread.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

6) Treat font and browser update pop-ups with suspicion

Claims about missing fonts or outdated browsers are a hallmark of these attacks. Modern systems manage fonts automatically, and browsers update themselves. A webpage has no reason to request manual fixes.

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If a real update is needed, the operating system will request it directly. A random webpage never should.

Kurt’s key takeaways 

Fake error malware works because it plays on a very human reaction. When something on a screen suddenly looks broken, most people want to fix it fast and move on. That split-second decision is exactly what attackers are counting on. Tools like ErrTraffic show how polished these scams have become. The messages look professional. The instructions feel routine. Nothing about the moment screams danger. But behind the scenes, one click can quietly hand over passwords, banking access and personal data. The good news is that slowing down makes a real difference. Closing a suspicious page and trusting built-in system updates can stop these attacks cold. When it comes to pop-ups claiming your device is broken, walking away is often the smartest fix.

Have you ever seen a pop-up or error message that made you stop and wonder if it was real? Tell us what it looked like and how you handled it by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Intel is planning a custom Panther Lake CPU for handheld PCs

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Intel is planning a custom Panther Lake CPU for handheld PCs

Intel announced yesterday that it’s developing an entire “handheld gaming platform” powered by its new Panther Lake chips, and joining an increasingly competitive field. Qualcomm is hinting about potential Windows gaming handhelds showing up at the Game Developers Conference in March, and AMD’s new Strix Halo chips could lead to more powerful handhelds.

According to IGN and TechCrunch, sources say Intel is going to compete by developing a custom Intel Core G3 “variant or variants” just for handhelds that could outperform the Arc B390 GPU on the chips it just announced. IGN reports that by using the new 18A process, Intel can cut different die slices, and “spec the chips to offer better performance on the GPU where you want it.”

As for concrete details about the gaming platform, we’re going to have to wait. According to Intel’s Dan Rogers yesterday, the company will have “more news to share on that from our hardware and software partners later this year.” The Intel-based MSI Claw saw a marked improvement when it jumped to Lunar Lake, and hopefully the new platform keeps up that positive trend.

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