When Things Go Bump in the Night, New Device Alerts Your Phone

Nov 17, 2014 03:07 PM EST

A Swedish-based team of Apple alumni and former security professionals have created a device that monitors the ambient sound in a home to alert the owner of a break-in.

The device, called Point, keeps an ear on a home while its owners are away. It listens to the sounds in the house or apartment and senses what's in the air and lets the owners know if anything is wrong.

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"We found existing home security solutions too invasive," said the device's creator, Malmö, Sweden-based startup Form. "We wanted to know that everything was fine at home, but without having a camera in the living room. That's why we designed Point."

Form boasts a simple and small device that looks like a smoke detector and is about the size of a person's palm. Current security systems are complex, often requiring daily interaction, it's inventors claim. And it requires no attention except an annual change of batteries.

(Photo : Form) Point connects to the Internet through WiFi so users can stay in touch via their smartphone.

While the homeowner is gone, Point listens to the sounds in the home, while it senses the indoor environment and analyzes the air. The device then translates all data into actionable information, such as if it hears windows breaking, alarms ringing, or the presence of smoke.

Point also connects to the Internet through WiFi so users can stay in touch via their smartphone. It also comes with a speaker and lights to give immediate feedback to people in the house.

A user can set Point to light up if there is a loud noise in the middle of the night, or to glow yellow in the presence of smoke.

In addition to making sure a home is safe from fire or burglars, it can check on and control the climate in the house. It comes equipped with a temperature sensor, and can measure the humidity in the house. For example, a significant increase in humidity could indicate a major water leak from broken pipes or blocked ventilation systems. This can also help prevent physical damage to the house that can come with mold and moisture.

TagsWhen Things Go Bump in the Night New Device Alerts Your Phone, Point, Form, home security, home monitor