Do you remember the mouse droids from Star Wars? You know, those small, boxy robots roving the corridors of the Death Star? According to Wookieepedia (that’s an actual thing), they are the MSE-6 series repair droids that perform basic maintenance and cleaning tasks. But we have another theory: they are actually surveillance drones in disguise, secretly spying on workers and looking for intruders while pretending to sweep the floor. Don’t believe us? Well, LG has already designed a room bot that does just the same. It’s a smart vacuum fitted with two cameras used for mapping the room and streaming live security video to your phone. We believe this little guy is the perfect second line fighter to catch burglars off guard. Read More…
Home Security Systems Articles
Lending Your Surveillance Camera to Police Investigators
In 2014, Hinsdale Police Department in Chicago considered launching an initiative where they mark houses with surveillance cameras in order to gather additional clues while solving crimes in the region. Their effort was carried over by Danville Police Department, who recently started their own program called ‘Community Camera Program’ where they essentially built a database featuring civilian surveillance systems. When a crime happens in the vicinity, the police will contact homeowners whose camera might have recorded something valuable. So if a burglary happened in your street, then the police could call you to review the surveillance footage looking for clues about the criminal’s identity, car license and general escape direction. Both programs depend on voluntarily registration. Read More…
Connecting Virtual Reality and Motion Sensors for Enhanced Home Privacy
VR technology is a real game changer in many aspects but there is still a long way to go before it becomes part of our everyday life. The most commonly debated issues include nausea from wearing the helmet for too long and getting tangled up in the wires. Banging your toe on the table while being absorbed in a virtual swordfight doesn’t help either. And while we’re talking about immersion, there is another latent problem that ruffles the feathers of many VR owners, namely having their privacy disturbed by others during an adult viewing session. Okay, let’s not beat around the bush: many people are afraid of being caught while watching VR porn. Read More…
Apple HomePod: Smart Speaker and Potential Home Protector
Apple has recently unveiled their latest innovation, HomePod, “the new sound of home”. It’s basically a smart speaker with some added flair, a la Apple. Working hand-in-hand with Siri and Apple Music, HomePod promises to bring the experience of listening to music in your own home to the next level. The unit is intended as the usurper of Sonos’ throne, as well as your main way to interact with the company’s voice control assistant. Its exact capabilities and full list of features are still shrouded in mystery, but we’ve already imagined how HomePod could also become a loyal home protector. Read More…
Preventing Smart Security Vulnerabilities
‘Who guards the guardians?’ goes the popular saying. The same could also be said for home automation systems: are smart devices truly immune to clever interferences? Sadly, the answer is no. The complex algorithms and advanced technology behind the security industry only hinder simple-minded thugs and thieves. Hackers and jammer-jockeys, on the other hand, can easily find backdoor access to your alarm system, effectively disabling it from a distance. There are also known cases of smart tech exploits where shadowy individuals messed with the lighting system and produced a horribly large energy bill. So how can alarm and home automation companies take up the gloves against them? Well, they call for the help of the modern Robin Hoods of the security industry. Read More…
Edifying Burglary Stories About the Use of Home Security Systems
There is something inherently gratifying on reporting about the success of a home security system. People purchase such devices as a pre-emptive move, as a means to arm themselves against a possible home invasion. In most cases they are just sitting there quietly catching dust, but when a robbery falls flat thanks to your alarm the proud feeling in your chest is indescribable. For educational purposes we’ll introduce three stories about burglaries and accidents in which home security systems played a key role, and show you the important takeaways of each of them. Read More…
Can Your Home Security System Learn Facial Recognition?
Artificial intelligence and face recognition are the hot new buzzwords of the smart home industry. There are already products hinting that this futuristic technology is in reach, where cameras can spot unfamiliar individuals lurking around the building, instantly triggering an alarm with the owner. Pairing up security systems with a learning algorithm is a long-standing goal of the industry because it would deliver the customer the convenience that they desire. Just imagine a system that arms and disarms itself automatically when the owners leave and grants temporary access to the cleaning lady if the facial scan checks out. But are we really making steps toward this future, or are we being misled by misinterpreted features? Read More…
Clever Hotel Room Security Systems and Products
Avid travelers are well aware of the dangers waiting for them in unprotected hotel rooms. Even though most resorts claim to have some sort of security, most of them seem to just add a few cameras and basic locks to the doors, which is barely enough to guarantee the safety of your valuables. No matter whether you are a savvy business traveler or vacationing with your family, you must take your personal security and the protection of your belongings into your own hands by packing in some useful alarm tools. Items that are small, lightweight, yet accurately sense when a thief tries to break in. So that you wouldn’t have to bring an extra suitcase along for your protective gear alone, we’ve made a selection of the most important security essentials you should consider packing. Read More…
Cautionary Tales About Home Security Scams
When asked in a conversation, most people tend to deny they accept anything from door-to-door salesmen. Yet many homeowners are tricked or exploited when facing an actual fraudster at their doorstep. This theory is backed up by two recent stories. In Lexington, a salesman of Alder Systems disguised himself as a representative of ADT, claiming to “upgrade their system” or “provide up-to-date equipment”. Read More…
Do or Don’t: Dummy Outdoor Security Cameras
In some regards, installing security cameras is like a game of poker. Having high-quality indoor and outdoor cameras set in key locations on your property, with the ability to remotely access the live footage from your smartphone, is the equivalent of holding a pair of aces: theoretically it can be beaten, but the chances are extremely low. However, some people like to bluff, and therefore install dummy cameras. These might be a good way to scare away inexperienced thieves from taking the pot, but playing against a cunning robber with zero valuable cards in your hands is a surefire way to lose all your valuables. Read More…
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