I’m 100% ready to buy this when there is a version that doesn’t require a cloud to operate. As another poster said, too many small businesses in niche markets go under…being cloud based then renders the ReefBot useless in that scenarioIf enough people speak up and ask ReefKenetics to change it to where the Pi does more of the work and maintains a database, and the cloud only stores the same data and allows for remote control by interfacing with the Pi , then maybe they will. It seems they have been listening and adapting with each new product, and even with firmware updates. Especially, if people let them know that is what is holding them back. I'm not sure how AWS charges, but I would think it would lower the cost for them if it is for data only and not the processing of data. I could be wrong though and have no clue. I do understand they are probably trying to protect all the work they put into adding all the different regents to ensure accuracy. I do hope they go away from the cloud dependency eventually.
I think the new Lab could take over the market with enough advertising. From what I have seen and read they have the customer support and service that matches a successful business. Price is a little high for some people, but automated water testing is a luxury, necessity for some, but I don't think any of the other automated testers touch it. Mastertronic seems the closet, and I haven't researched it as much, but it doesn't seem to be able to used as many test kits, yet. Also I can't speak to their customer support and such or if the are cloud dependent. I have read people refusing to buy because of the cloud wall.
After what happened with Mindstream, consumers are gun shy to spend that much money on something that could stop being supported.