"Ninety-nine percent of alarms are false alarms. That becomes such an annoyance that people turn their security off," says Canary CEO Adam Sager. "To us that’s absolutely crazy."
THE SPY CAM-LIKE CANARY KEEPS A WATCHFUL EYE--TEXTING, LIVE-STREAMING--ON YOUR PLACE WHILE YOU’RE OUT.
Canary may be the self-described “first smart home security device,” but the gadget-and-app duo actually behaves more like an efficient and reassuring house sitter. Unusual movement in your living room? Canary shoots you a text: “Expecting anyone?” Feeling paranoid? “All is calm at home,” Canary can soothe.
Canary, a reassuringly intelligent home security system, launched this week on Indiegogo. (Click Image To Enlarge)
The hardware-and-app system consists of a wide-angle lens camera that stays rooted in the home and software that lets you keep in touch while you’re out. (Click Image To Enlarge)
With a launch on Indiegogo this week, Canary is a somewhat inevitable addition to the home automation market. Like the Nest Thermostat, and some even more recent revisions of lock-and-key hardware, it’s designed to replace the outdated user experience of the traditional home security setup.
Besides unusual activity, Canary can also track temperature, humidity, and air quality for full control over the environment at home. (Click Image To Enlarge)
Canary CEO Adam Sager says.
“Installed systems cost a few thousand dollars, they’re complicated to install, and they’re complicated for users. Ninety-nine percent of alarms are false alarms. That becomes such an annoyance that people turn their security off. To us that’s absolutely crazy.”
The technology gradually adapts to the user. After a learning curve of a week or two, Canary can predict what movements a user might dismiss (say, pets) and what events are cause for alarm. (Click Image To Enlarge)
Bad security systems mean homeowners simply opt out of protecting the house. With that in mind, the Canary team is intent on perfecting the gadget’s sensors for finely tuned pattern recognition. After a week or two of use, the Canary familiarizes itself with the nuances of its home’s sounds and activities. Each cylindrical piece of hardware (The shape calls to mind the Apple’s new Mac Pro--do we smell a trend? ) has a wide-angle lens, and syncs to an app that sends push notifications. It can also live-stream video and audio from the home. When events occur, the user can decide to sound the alarm, call the police, or dismiss the fuss. Each reaction is a learning cue for Canary.
The onslaught of the Internet of Things may bring with it some automated-home fatigue. But if Canary’s campaign succeeds, it brings a crucial feature to market: A renter-friendly way to protect apartments. The mobile system needs zero installation (keeping landlords at bay), and its rather narrow range of vision can still cover the average urban apartment.
Canary will cost $200. See more over at the Indiegogo campaign. (Click Image To Enlarge)
Over time, neighborhoods and streets will develop security profiles. Sager tells Co.Design.
"Once we detect patterns, we hope to inform people about how to stay safe in their surroundings. Then we’re able to empower individuals to control their whole home environment."
Canary will cost $200. See more over at the Indiegogo campaign.
COMMENTARY: I like the concept of the Canary smart home security device. It solves a problem that homeowners face every day: protecting their home from burglary. However, the Canary does nothing to prevent illegal entries or intrusions. Unlike home security systems which have sensors at vital entry points like doors and windows, the Canary can only detect intruders after they have entered the home. Another shortcoming of the Canary is coverage. It can only cover one room at a time. In order to cover the entire house, you would need a Canary device in each room. This would increase the overall cost considerably. For these reasons, I don't think that the Canary is a gamechanger. I do like that it is a "smart" internet-connected device, but it requires that you have your mobile device on at all times, and constant check your app. I find this very taxing and a nuisance. For an apartment in an upper floor or condo, with a main entry point, the Canary could be the ideal smart security device, and at $200.00 would beat an alarm system hands down.
Courtesy of an article dated July 28, 2013 appearing in Fast Company Design
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