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Amazon has decided to pull the plug on the business version of its Astro security robot.Amazon launched the Business version of the home robot in November of last year as a security guard for small and medium-sized businesses. Each unit was $2350, which came with four months free of Ring Protect Pro and Astro Security. Similar to the consumer version, Astro for Business had an HD periscope camera, night vision, 2/7 live view, and two-way talk.According to Geekwire, Amazon informed customers and employees Wednesday morning that it planned to dissolve the device’s Business program. The company says this move will allow it to focus on the more popular consumer version.”I am increasingly convinced the progress we’re making in home robotics is where we should focus our resources,” St. Angel wrote in the email to employees. “To do this, and accelerate our progress further, we’ve made the decision to wind down the Astro for Business program to focus our efforts entirely on building the best consumer robotics products for the home.”Businesses who purchased the device can use their Astro until September 25th, after which Amazon has said the robots will stop working. Business customers will receive a full refund for the original cost of the device as well as a $300 credit “to help support a replacement solution for your workplace.” Customers will also be refunded any unused pre-paid Astro fees.
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Employees who worked on Astro’s Business side will remain with the company and shift to the consumer team for the time being.The consumer version of Astro remains available on Amazon for a much lower $16000 price tag; however, purchasing the device currently requires an invitation.
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