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Security system looks for "disturbances in the force"

Security system looks for "disturbances in the force"
The Aura hub (square thing at right), camouflaged among plant pots
The Aura hub (square thing at right), camouflaged among plant pots 
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The Aura sensor is plugged directly into a wall outlet
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The Aura sensor is plugged directly into a wall outlet
The Aura hub (left) and sensor
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The Aura hub (left) and sensor
The Aura hub (square thing at right), camouflaged among plant pots
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The Aura hub (square thing at right), camouflaged among plant pots 
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Home security systems may bring peace of mind when it comes to detecting intrusions, but not everyone likes the thought of video cameras watching over them 24 hours a day. That's why Cognitive Systems Corp created Aura. Instead of cameras, it uses a sensor to detect disruptions to wireless signals caused by movement.

Unveiled this week at CES, Aura actually consists of two pieces of equipment: a hub unit that's placed at one end of the main floor of the home, and a sensor unit that's placed at the other end. Once plugged in to wall outlets and set up using an iOS/Android app, those two devices create a 3D oval-shaped area of wireless coverage between them.

If anyone moves through that area, they will disrupt the wireless signal. Utilizing "patented spectrum analytics technology," Aura will detect that disruption and notify users via an app on their phone – the hub will also emit an audible alarm.

The Aura sensor is plugged directly into a wall outlet
The Aura sensor is plugged directly into a wall outlet

According to the company, the system will not be accidentally set off by things like drapes fluttering in the breeze, or other non-human movements. Because it's not visually-based, it's of course also not triggered by changes in lighting or shifting shadows.

Aura will be available for preorder starting on Jan. 5th, priced at US$499. Orders should ship by Feb. 28th.

Source: Aura

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1 comment
1 comment
ljaques
Yeah, let's find other RF thingies to bombard our bodies with. We're not bombarded enough by the remote electric and gas meters, wifi, cell phone, TV remotes, bluetooth, etc. Let's get more for under $500!