The home security industry is being revolutionized through the use of smartphones and tablets. As with many other industries in today’s marketplace, the development of new apps is allowing for innovation that hasn’t previously been seen. New apps becoming available are allowing users of mobile devices to transform them into home security equipment.
Presence was an app launched at the end of April, and the technology allows for a mobile device, such as an iPad, smartphone or even an iTouch, to be used as a video camera. The app captures real-time video through the mobile device, and includes capabilities such as audio streaming and motion detection.
According to the developers of Presence, the goal of the app is to give users the opportunity to do anything from watching a nanny or babysitter, to keeping an eye on pets during the day, inexpensively and easily. Traditional home security systems and security cameras require not only a substantial financial investment in many circumstances, but also technical know-how in order to install and maintain the systems. Presence, as opposed to these costly and complicated systems, is a free, DIY app. All that is required to utilize Presence is a spare mobile device and the downloaded and configured app.
The app does require the use of two devices, both of which have to have Presence downloaded and installed, in order for the DIY security system to work effectively. The camera will be utilized on one device, and the user can then monitor the video being captured on theother device.
The user can also configure the app to send alerts to their mobile device when motion is detected, and the app is designed to safeguard against false alarms. Presence avoids the risk of false alarms by sending a user video of the exact motion that triggered the alarm to be set-off.
The creator of the app points out that many mobile device users frequently update their tablets and smartphones, and the use of this unique security system could be a good way to avoid throwing away old devices.
Other apps with similar functionality include AirBeam, which is a home automation and monitoring app that lets users access videos from a web portal. Izon is a recently developed app that allows users to build their own DIY surveillance system.
These apps are similar to the capabilities of a home automation system, which is provided by a number of home security companies, and was most recently introduced by AT&T. Not only do home automation systems provide users with a high level of home security, but they’re also a great way to monitor the energy usage in a home, in order to increase efficiency and lower energy costs.
With the influx of devices providing capabilities for users to create DIY security systems, more and more companies are creating innovative technology that builds on this concept.
Tim Eveler
Author & Public Relations – Tim has been working in sales for the home security system industry over twelve years. He’s held positions at large home security companies and in charge of working with the team to create our security system reviews.